After the Sports Festival, the students were given two days off from school to recuperate. Tenya took the time to visit his brother in Hosu with Jotaro and Fluttershy joining him.
"Jotaro, have your parents told you how my brother is doing?" Tenya asked as the three entered the lobby.
"Tensei is doing well. I was able to help mother and father heal most of his injuries. His muscles suffered from some sort of paralysis during the fight, not to mention I needed to use my Quirk to replace almost 16% of his body's volume of blood."
"It was that bad?" Fluttershy worriedly asked.
"Well, he's doing much better now in spite of himself. I think it's best if you see him."
When the three arrived in Tensei's room, he did indeed seem cheerful enough, in a somber sort of way. He did lighten up upon seeing his younger brother come in.
"Hey Little Bro, sorry you have to see me like this..."
Tenya sighed. "I'm just glad to see you up and about."
Tensei frowned. "Up maybe... But I don't think I'll be about anytime soon. The Narukamis were able to heal the worst of my injuries but... My legs are gone. They can't move anymore."
"Oh no!" Fluttershy gasped, looking to be on the verge of tears.
"My family have some of the best Healing Quirks in the world besides Recovery Girls'." Jotaro clarified. "We could easily restore Tensei's legs to normal but something about the person who assaulted him made him reconsider."
"Who was it?" Tenya asked.
Tensei frowned. "The Hero Killer, Stain. I managed to confront him just as he had butchered another Pro Hero. He ended up getting the best of me and before I lost consciousness, I heard him mention something about heroes in this society being corrupt, only caring about fame and money over helping others."
Upon hearing this, Tenya clenched his fists tightly and snarled, disgusted at this. Sure there were some heroes who became heroes because it paid well but they still took their jobs seriously enough.
"That...that's rubbish! If money is all they cared about, they could just as easily get another job. Those men and women he's butchering are fighting villains and risking their lives because they care about it."
Tensei nodded. "That's why I decided to go into early retirement. To send a message to Stain. He deliberately left me alive because he considers me one of the few exceptions to his rule, but he still injured me to send a message that he never lets a target escape, alive or dead. He likely didn't realize that he could have crippled me for life, ending my career."
Tensei put a hand over Tenya's, giving him a gentle yet serious look.
"Tenya, this is why I want you to take up my mantle."
This momentarily shocked Tenya while Fluttershy gasped. Jotaro, for his part, just gave a solemn nod of acknowledgement. Despite his shock, Tenya managed to recover and gave a somber nod.
"I promise, Tensei...but I must become my own Hero as well. I'll honor your sacrifice this day by becoming my own Hero...and whatever happens, I'm sure the Hero Killer will be brought to justice very soon."
After the break was over, Izuku, Marco, and the Mane 6 were heading back to UA. They had to contend with people who recognized them from the Sports Festival and the embarrassment of constant praising but they managed to make it to school without much incident.
It was raining and Rarity had used her Quirk to create an umbrella made of shimmering magenta crystals that was also large enough to shield herself and her friends. They soon saw Tenya and went to greet him.
"Hey Iida, what's up? You seem a little late today." Izuku noted.
"Is Tensei doing okay?" Fluttershy asked.
Tenya nodded. "He's brighter than ever. But he's decided to pull out of hero work. For now his agency is being transferred to his top sidekick, who's now being promoted to full-fledged hero status. But said sidekick has made it clear that this is only to maintain the agency until my graduation."
"We heard he was attacked by the Hero Killer from Fluttershy." Rainbow said.
"Yes, and Tensei was able to get a good grip of his motivations as well. He's on a mad crusade to remove so-called 'false heroes' from the world. He did think highly of Tensei, but it's clear Stain is willing to attack anyone who tries to get in the way of what he believes are righteous actions."
"That's a load of hooey!" Applejack said. "Ingenium was tryin' to do the right thing!"
"I know. Tensei could easily get himself fixed by Narukami's parents, but he wants to send Stain a clear message." Tenya said. "Still, we should make our way to class now. Don't want to be too late, after all!"
Class 1-A was in a buzz all around. Shoto seemed much more content than anybody had ever seen him before, despite getting his ass violently handed to him by Ghidorah back in the Sports Festival.
Aizawa soon entered the room, causing everyone to quickly get into their seats.
"Today's going to be a big class, and a joint lesson with Class 1-B. To that end, I have a small announcement. This normally wouldn't be brought up since it doesn't involve our class, but Vlad King, the homeroom teacher for Class 1-B, had Monoma Neito shunted down to General Ed due to his poor performance in the Sports Festival, and overall bad sportsmanship."
"Good, that guy was a pain in the ass!" Tony scoffed.
"And he tried to assault Tempest too." Sunset added. "I don't know why he wasn't arrested for that."
"Like he could even hope to hurt me." Tempest smirked. "I let him off easy either way."
Aizawa rolled his eyes before continuing. "Anyway, Hitoshi Shinsho has been opted to take his place due to his exceptional performance and reaching the final tournament."
"Yeah! I knew he'd get in!" Pinkie cheered.
"Today's lesson sounds boring, but trust me when I say you're going to enjoy it. It's called 'Hero Informatics'. Or, to put in layman's terms..." Aizawa smirked. "It's time to choose your hero code names."
He made sure to plug his ears as the whole class erupted in excitement. Eventually, he used his Quirk to give them all a death glare that forced them back into their seats.
"This is related to the Pro Hero draft picks that were mentioned shortly after the Sports Festival. Normally drafting is only done for second or third-year students. But the Hero Course is an exception. In fact, by drafting students like you, heroes are essentially investing in your future. Any offers for you may be rescinded, however, if their interest in you dies down. You'll still have to prove yourself after getting recruited."
"Man, adults have so many high expectations!" Minoru complained.
"Well, that's life..." Starlight sighed.
"Please remember that after you successfully obtain a provisional hero license later down the line," Aizawa continued. "You may swap between any agencies that have drafted you until you find one suited to your needs. Being a hero is important work, but it's still another job at the end of the day, no different from police or rescue work."
"That does make sense. Heroes here are basically glorified police officers, fire fighters, and rescue workers." Twilight admitted.
"Not that it's a BAD thing, of course." Momo added.
"Everyone here proved themselves enough to get offers in the double digits. In previous years it was more spread out, but this year there's a pretty big gap." Aizawa said as he showed a monitor screen showcasing the list of offers everybody got.
True to the teacher's words, Izuku and Twilight were tied at around 5,000 offers with Shoto, Ghidorah, Tony, and Katsuki all tied for 4,000, the rest of the Mane 6 having around 3,500, and Marco having 3,000.
"Damn, Todoroki only made the top eight, but he got the second most offers, just behind Midoriya and Twilight." Kyouka whistled.
"Ugh! Why didn't Trixie get as many as Twilight!" Trixie huffed. "Her showing was just as Great and Powerful as everyone else's!"
"A lot of those offers are probably just because of me being related to Endeavor." Shoto sighed bitterly. "Though he did tell me he'd make some personal recommendations."
"Gotta say, you and Twilight are really turning into the next All-Might and Celestia, Midoriya." Flash smiled. "Guess everyone wants to invest in training the Symbol of Peace."
"I'm honestly surprised I tied with Izuku for the most offers." Twilight admitted. "I got second place."
"Well, so much for second place being for losers." Katsuki smirked. "And I didn't even make it to the Semi-Finals and I still got as many offers as Icy-Hot, Ghidorah, and Tony."
"Now, you'll all be doing internships," Aizawa said. "You were able to get some impromptu experience fighting villains during the attack on the USJ. But it'll still be helpful to get to see a pro at work. Some might even give you permission to fight against a villain if they think you can handle it. The names you'll be getting will likely be temporary, but you should still take them seriously. If you're only remembered for an embarrassing name, it tends to stick with you for life."
"So why did you pick the name Eraserhead?" Sero asked.
"To be perfectly honest, I didn't. Present Mic was just throwing names around and I just rolled with it." Aizawa admitted.
"Hey, it's run well with you this long, hasn't it, Shota?" Midnight teased as she sauntered in, along with Vlad King and the students of Class 1-B. Pinkie smiled when she recognized Hitoshi and waved him over, making him turn to her with a smile before waving back.
"Students of 1-A and 1-B, you must keep in mind that a code name is meant to represent the sort of hero you want to be. Whether you wish to inspire the masses, or terrify foes. Whether you want to stand in the spotlight, or strike from the shadows." Vlad King said.
"Hey, that rhymed!" Elleanor giggled. "Just like Ms. Zecora!"
"Take some time to think out your code names, sweeties!" Midnight winked. "Otherwise, there'll be hell to pay if you pick something that doesn't fly with you later!"
The students were all handed white boards and black markers. Everyone got to work coming up with their best names. Some of them were displeased with what they saw and quickly rubbed them out before writing in a new one that worked better for them.
Soon, Yosetsu Awase of Class 1-B went first, stepping onto the podium to present his name.
"Okay, here it is; The Construction Hero: Welder!"
"Hmmm, a little on the nose, but it's good!" Midnight approved.
Yuuga was next, holding his white board up high.
"Gaze upon my magnifique name! The Shining Hero: I CANNOT STOP TWINKLING!"
"Darling, PLEASE!" Rarity gagged. "There's no need to have a full SENTENCE as your codename!"
"I dunno, my mentor was named His Royal Purple Highness!" Midnight giggled.
"Still, I think it would be better if you used your ancestry as part of your title." Rarity suggested as Yuuga hummed before rubbing out his hero name and writing his new one.
"How about this, Madame Rarity? The Shining Hero: Lueur! That is French for 'Glimmer'!"
"Oh, that's good. MUCH better!" Rarity said, nodding with approval.
Mina was next and had an excited smile on her face.
"Hands off, boys! My name is Alien Queen!"
"Ashido, sweetie..." Midnight winced. "I don't think people want to hear the name 'Alien Queen' and think of the Xenomorph Queen from Aliens..."
"True..." Mina pouted before changing her name a little. "How about this then? The Glamorous Hero: Queen!"
"Much better!"
Tsuyu came up with her board next. "I've actually had this name in mind since grade school. The Rainy Season Hero: Froppy!"
"Oh, that's just adorable!" Fluttershy gushed, Elleanor giggling in agreement.
Kuroiro Shihai went next. "This next one might sound sinister, but I feel it fits with my theme. The Scheming Hero: Vantablack!"
"Why would you think it's sinister? That sounds AWESOME!" Rainbow said.
"And besides, there's nothing wrong with a sinister-sounding name." Vlad King added. "My name can clearly bring to mind Vlad the Impaler yet I'm still a hero through and through."
Tenya sighed as he came up next. "This was decided between my brother and I in light of his early retirement. However, I strive to be seen as my own hero, not just my brother's successor. Therefore...I am the Gearshift Hero: Reciprium!"
"Not bad, Iida!" Itsuka said with a smile as she went next. "As for me, I'm going with the Kung-Fu Hero: Battle Fist!"
Ibara then put her white board up. "The Faithful Hero: Vineyard."
"That sounds very lovely." Fluttershy smiled.
"Definetly fits her style." Itsuka said in agreement.
"Alright, my turn!" Eijirou grinned. "The Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!"
"Oh, like the Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot?" Midnight smiled.
"Yeah, he's my grandpa!" Eijirou clarified proudly. "He's retired now but he's always been my inspiration, even more so than All-Might!"
Shoto finished his name and nodded in satisfaction before coming up.
"A year ago I would have just stuck with my own name to showcase who I am. But now I'm confident enough to have a hero identity all my own." He then showed his white board. "The Icy-Hot Hero: Celsius."
"Guess he took that name I gave him and used it for something productive..." Katsuki sneered as he went next. "Here's my super wicked name that will sow terror in all those shitty villains; The Great Explosion God: Dynamight!"
"Still rather full of yourself, Bakugou?" Twilight smirked.
"Bite me, Nerd Girl!"
"To be honest, for all that I wanted to join this course, I honestly didn't think it would happen. But now that I am here, I'm happy to say I know the sort of hero I want to be." Hitoshi admitted as he showed his whiteboard next. "The Deceitful Hero: Mindjacker!"
"Oooooh! Spooky!" Pinkie giggled, clapping her hands in approval.
"Guess it's our turn, you guys." Izuku said as the Mane 6 all nodded and each of them went one by one, Izuku going last.
"Here's my awesome name; The Pegasus Hero: Sonic Rainboom!" Rainbow grinned.
"I'm sure you'll like mine; The Glittering Hero: Radiance." Rarity smiled.
"Figured I'd go for something a little more subtle." Applejack said. "The Rodeo Hero: Apple Core!"
"The Party Hero: Fiesta!" Pinkie Pie cheered.
"Um...The Nurturing Hero: Saddle Ranger." Fluttershy whispered, hiding behind her white board awkwardly.
"The Archmage Hero: Alicornia." Twilight said proudly.
"This is a name that Twilight gave me when we were younger." Izuku smiled. "She said I was loyal and protective of my friends, like a dragon guarding his hoard. Therefore...I am the Guardian Hero: Spike!"
"What do you think, Click?" Marco asked his companion, who chirped in approval as he nodded and presented his white board next. "The Elemental Hero: Toa Nui!"
"Well, guess this is my time to shine." Sunset smiled. "The Daydream Hero: Seraphim."
"Behold, the Great and Powerful Trixie's majestic and glorious name!" Trixie boasted. "The Illusion Hero: Magician!"
"I hope I can live up to this name..." Starlight muttered nervously. "The Alchemical Hero: Equinox!"
"You guys are gonna like this one!" Flash smiled. "The Tech Hero: Nano!"
"Oh boy, is it my turn!" Derpy beamed as she showed her white board, which was upside-down before she quickly corrected it. "The Lucky Hero: Ditzy Doo!"
"Very well..." Tempest sighed. "The Forsaken Hero: Stormwalker."
"Alright, guess it's time for me to show you all up." Ghidorah chuckled as he went next. "The Calamity Hero: Berserker!"
"The Hard-To-Destroy Hero: Regenizard." Tony smirked. "Figured it fit."
"The Friendly Hero: Elle-Atte!" Elleanor beamed. "Because I'm gonna be the kind of hero who makes people smile!"
"Me too!" Pinkie cheered.
"The Plague Doctor Hero: Depestilous." Jotaro said with a firm tone. "My ancestors were doctors who did their best to treat and contain the Bubonic Plague, I aim to follow their legacy by treating and containing those with evil hearts."
"The Vicious Hero: Vigorshy." Terumi said. "All villains who see my face will have a reason to sleep with one eye open as long as I'm around."
"The Prowling Hero: Endo Hound." Junko grinned. "I may be blind, but my nose never lies!"
"My name represents my faith and duty to protect others." Kira said. "The Shepard Hero: Mechacain."
Everybody else's hero names were as follows:
Sen Kaibara: Driller Hero: Spiral
Togaru Kamakiri: Sharp Hero: Jack Mantis.
Ochako: High-Fly Hero: Uravity
Yui Kodai: Grow/Shrink Hero: Rule
Oujiro: Martial Arts Hero: Tailspin
Kinoko Komori: Fungi Hero: Shemage
Denki: Stun Gun Hero: Chargebolt.
Jurota Shishida: Beastly Hero: Gevaudan
Kouji: Petting Hero: Anima
Shouda Nirengeki: Rebound Hero: Mines
Rikidou: Sweets Hero: Sugar Man
Pony Tsunotori: Horsepower Hero: Rocketti
Shouji: Tentacle Hero: Tentacole
Kosei Tsuburaba: Breathing Hero: Pane Blower
Kyouka: Hearing Hero: Heartjack
Tetsutetsu: Heavy Metal Hero: Real Steel
Sero: Taping Hero: Cellophane
Setsuna Tokage: Dividing Hero: Lizardy
Fumikage: Jet-Black Hero: Tsukuyomi
Manga Fukidashi: SFX Hero: Comic Man.
Juuzo Honenuki: Sinkhole Hero: Mud Man
Tooru: Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl
Bondo Kojiro: Adhesive Hero: Plamo
Reiko Yanagi: Phantasmal Hero: Emily
Minoru: Freshly Picked Hero: Grape Juice
Rin Hiryu: Oriental Hero: Dragon Shroud
Momo: Everything Hero: Creati
"Alright, these are all good names!" Midnight approved. "Be sure to stick to them and make them all your own, kiddies!"
"Yes, Midnight-Sensei!" The two classes all said in unision.
Toshinori was going through the offers that all the students had received and was shocked to see that one of them was someone he both remembered and feared all too well.
"Gran Torino?! But why would he take an interest in Young Panelle? Young Midoriya, I could understand, since he could help in mastering the bits of [One For All] he hasn't learned yet...but with how Young Midoriya is going now, I don't think that'll be necessary."
"He also sent an offer to Ghidorah as well." Celestia said. "Strange...why does he want those two in particular?"
"Perhaps it would be best if I accompanied the two boys to Sorahiko's place." Starswirl said. "After all, he and I go way back ourselves."
Celestia hummed and nodded. "Perhaps that is for the best. Some of the students have even received offers from the S-Rankers."
"That's not surprising." Toshinori noted. "I recognized Blast, Tatsumaki, and Bang Silverfang attending the Sports Festival. No doubt they relayed what they saw to the rest of their team."
"Your internships will last for one week, and some of you will get the chance to intern with teachers." Aizawa said to his class.
"Wait, really?" Flash asked.
"We may be your teachers, but we are still heroes, and still do hero work when classes are finished." Vlad King said. "Our agencies are still active as well, run by our sidekicks while we're here teaching the next generation."
"Somehow I doubt Aizawa-Sensei has many sidekicks going for him..." Rainbow whispered to Junko, who giggled.
"You'll each have a list based on the offers you received," Aizawa said. "Make sure to give each some consideration based on the hero you want to be. Each agency has its own specialty. For example someone wanting to be a Rescue-type hero wouldn't want to join an agency focused on fighting. Turn in your choices before the weekend."
Everyone was given their handouts and looked through the choices they had. Tony and Ghidorah were both confused when they saw the name Gran Torino already highlighted for them.
"Huh, who is this Gran Torino guy?"
"A part of me wants to choose Mt. Lady..." Minoru said, struggling with his choices. "But I need a strong female hero who can keep me in check...Dammit, I choose Tatsumaki of the S-Rankers!"
"Oh, cool! A joint internship under Drive Knight and Demon Cyborg!" Flash said excitedly. "That's a must!"
"Heh, the Rabbit Hero: Miruko?" Katsuki grinned. "Sounds right up my alley!"
"The Normal Hero: Manual sounds like a nice guy to work under." Elleanor smiled.
"Hey, Iida, who are you going with?" Terumi asked as he loomed over Tenya.
"I think I'd like to go with the Statuesque Hero: Swift Sculpt."
"Huh, I was planning on interning under him as well. He's an old experienced Pro."
"The Lion Hero: Shishido sent me an offer, you guys!" Junko said excitedly, showing her chosen internship to Kouji and Shouji.
Twilight was looking through her own list before her eyes widened on a joint internship. She quickly showed the list to Izuku, whose own eyes widened in recognition as well.
"No way..."
The Stalwart Hero: Crystal Guard and the Loving Hero: Mi Amore Cadenza.
"That's..."
Twilight nodded. "My older brother, Rusty Yugure AKA Shining Armor...and my sister-in-law, Cadence."
Izuku and Twilight looked at each other, both of them automatically knowing exactly who they were interning with...
SURPRISE! IZUKU AND SPIKE ARE THE SAME CHARACTER IN THIS STORY! I HAVE FUSED THEM TOGETHER, MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!