Comments:

Dsman: Yep. In world full of dangerous quirks AFO could just be called Disarming, and I am not talking about amputation.

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Proofread by 3DPhantom

Chapter 20: Evaluation

After giving his instructions Aizawa left the sports field without further discussion. He thought about looking back to see how the students were reacting to the day, especially one white haired one, but didn't want to seem too interested. He had definitely gotten reactions out of the boy for sure, but probably had not made his job easier. Aizawa stepped around the corner of the sports hall and stopped, sighing as he came face to face with the number one hero.

"That was quite the dirty trick. Are you trying to turn him against us?"

"If today was enough to do that he would already be a lost cause," Aizawa responded. "I needed to see what he is really like. Some pressure tends to make people expose more of themselves than they otherwise would."

"So, what do you think about the boy?"

"He could be a great hero. He has plenty of power and showed signs of the capability to care and sacrifice for others. Although he has only show that with his friends so far and he did react to my challenges with more hostility than I expected. He also has no problem making his opinion clear when he thinks something is wrong. I may need to be more careful with my usual teaching approaches. We can't rely on any respect for authority or trust unless we earn it by his standards."

All Might opened his mouth to say something.

"If you want to talk about this matter, we should head to principal Nezu's office first. I don't want to repeat everything twice."

They walked to the principal's office where Nezu invited them in right away.

"So how did the new students do in your test?"

"They have potential, but that isn't what you are really interested in is it."

"True. Tell me everything that happened with Midoriya."

"Are you trying to tell me you weren't watching?" Aizawa said.

"It is the first day and I am the principal. There is a lot of ceremony I need to attend," Nezu responded.

Aizawa kept staring at him without flinching.

"I only saw some parts," Nezu added, holding up a phone, "and the cameras don't record sound, something about privacy regulations. I did see he utilized his quirk and would like to hear more."

"Fine," Aizawa agreed and explained the day's events.

"I didn't expect him to use his quirk so soon at school," Nezu said, "but that only shows it can be used heroically despite what the All For One we've known might have used it for in the past. That is good for us to remember."

He glanced at All Might.

"The problem is guiding him in the right direction. Sounds like he is not the most receptive to your teaching."

"It is nothing we didn't expect," Aizawa said. "The most surprising part was how vocal and open he is about his views. I can respect being the only one with the guts to talk back, no one else in the class dared to do so, but it might also become a problem if his views contradict with the law. He could be a vigilante just as easily as a hero or a villain, especially since he seems to be more interested in his friends becoming heroes than himself."

"That would still be a possible path towards becoming a second All For One," All Might added. "Especially if his experiences make him feel the society should change as he wants."

"Have you considered that maybe it should?" Aizawa said. "Just because things being as they are let you become famous and successful doesn't mean it is good for everyone."

All Might fell silent, looking at Aizawa who rubbed his neck and sighed.

"You should spend more time in dark alleys, poor parts of town, with people who aren't pro heroes or just away from cameras."

"Even if that was the case, you don't seem to understand the threat he could pose with that quirk if he went down the wrong path, whatever his reasons were," All Might said. "The kid is a walking national crisis one wrong choice away from happening."

Aizawa tilted his head to look at All Might, his eyes glowing red.

"If he or any student ever hears you talking like that about a student as a teacher of this school, I will erase your quirk in front of the class and drag you out of this school myself."

"Now now," Nezu said. "Let's not start a fight between teachers. Aizawa is right though. We need to teach and treat him like any other student and try to address anything that might make him veer off the right path. Speaking of which, there seemed to be some conflict. Let's talk about Katsuki Bakugo, shall we?"

"Frankly speaking, I expected Midoriya to be the problem child I would need to worry about the most, but Bakugo has me concerned, by his actions, not his quirk" Aizawa said, glancing at All Might. "There is clearly a history between him and Midoriya so I don't yet know the full background of his behaviour, but if it doesn't change for the better there is a high chance I have to expel him. As things are, teaching him combat skills and especially allowing him to have a license to use his quirk freely would be irresponsible."

"I am concerned at how you described his interactions with Midoriya and saw what he almost did to Shinso," Nezu said. "Even considering Shinso's previous actions I have to consider the expulsion option."

"Not yet," Aizawa said, getting surprised looks from both Nezu and All Might. "He does not have the attitude to become a hero. If anything, his personality could lead him down a dark path which would be especially dangerous considering his quirk's capacity for violence, but if no one has corrected his behaviour before I doubt anyone will if UA cannot. We should at least try to correct his behaviour first. Even if he gets expelled, at the bare minimum he should understand his own fault in that. If we expel him now, he certainly won't change."

"If you of all people are talking against expelling a problem student then I have to agree, if you think you can guide both of them."

"I didn't become hero, or a teacher, to have an easy job," Aizawa responded. "I still need to learn more about them though. Knowing their quirks and physical ability won't help with dealing with these issues, especially since Midoriya seems to have a chip on his shoulder about that."

"I am sure you'll learn what needs to be learned. All Might's lesson tomorrow might prove to be informative."

"Or counterproductive," Aizawa added.

"Like today?" Nezu asked. "I don't think Midoriya at least is any more trusting now than in the morning."

"Perhaps, but putting people under pressure is the best way to see who they really are. Midoriya said and did a lot that he would not have otherwise. Also, I still have a whole class to teach, not just him. My teaching style is a demanding one and I cannot give differential treatment," Aizawa answered. He turned around, meeting All Might's eyes. "Remember that."

Izuku stepped out of the black mist into the training room. Father was already there.

"Izuku, how did your first day of school go?" He asked.

"The teacher though it was a good idea to start the year with lies and threats. At least our classmates aren't, don't seem to be, all bad, just some, and they put Bakugo on the same class. That…" Izuku squeezed his hands into fists. "He tried to attack Toshi."

"And what did the teacher do?" His father asked.

"He stopped Bakugo from using his quirk. I guess I was lucky to get Eraserhead as a teacher… but he did nothing else, just continued the stupid fitness test, I mean 'quirk apprehension test.' I know Bakugo's explosions, and he was really angry. He might have seriously injured Toshi if not worse."

"Stealing his quirk and letting Tomura dust the body is still an option."

"Dad… no, I mean… people at UA are already suspicious of me, if something happens to Bakugo…"

"True, good thinking. Always thinking a step ahead."

"And you already knew I was going to say that."

"True, but I wanted to see how you would say it."

"At least some people in the class seem decent, definitely better than my old class at Aldera so far. No one was as bad as Bakugo at least, except Bakugo. I can deal with them as long as Tenya and Toshi are there."

"Just do not let your guard down. You have been careless with your words too many times before already. Some of them might be decent to you when they think you are just another kid wanting to be a hero, but if they found out about who you really are they will come after you, no matter what you do."

"I know," Izuku sighed.

They stood there in silence for a moment.

"So," his father spoke first, "you mentioned your teacher is Eraserhead. What do you think about him?"

Izuku looked to the side, thinking what to say.

"I thought he might understand at least some of the problems of this society since his quirk isn't physical or flashy. He also works mainly underground so he isn't a hero for the fame, but he's far from a good teacher and… well, it is hard to say since most of what I thought about him was because of the tests that he lied about."

"Lied you say?" His father asked.

Izuku explained to him what had happened during the school day. It was impossible to say what his father was thinking behind the black helmet. Izuku was just finishing when his father raised his hand and launched an air blast at Izuku who barely avoided it.

"Dad," he whined and jumped to the side to dodge another blast.

"You need to keep your guard up at all times. That does not only apply for physical attacks but also to what people say or do. Always assume people might be lying, consider the situation and what you need to do if what is told to you turns out to be a lie."

"I know, but I had to assume it was true."

"Right. Did you learn anything other than the unreliability of heroes? Was All Might around perhaps?"

"No, I didn't see him all day, but the actual hero training begins tomorrow, and he is listed as our teacher in hero studies."

Izuku waved papers in his hand with a syllabus and other school related papers.

"So, it is only a matter of time. How about the quirk copier?"

"If he got in, I don't think he is in my class. I didn't see anyone doing something like that. It should have come up the latest when I used my All For One."

"Perhaps, but there are still other classes he might be in. Keep your ears open. Did any of your other classmates have interesting quirks?"

Izuku pulled a notebook from under the other papers and held it open. Every one of his classmates had a full two-page opening reserved for them, though Izuku had only scribbled down some observation for most of them.

"Creation can be unbelievably useful almost anywhere. Hardening is simple but very practical for physical battle, especially since it seems to enhance strength too, and Kirishima seemed to be a pretty decent person. Also, I think one of my classmates is Endeavor's son with an ice quirk, and I have heard he is supposed to have fire too. Those seem the most interesting so far."

"Yes, most certainly."

"Dad, if you steal any of their quirks the heroes are going to come after me."

Father didn't actually respond to that and his face was still covered, but somehow Izuku still felt like the man was pouting like a kid who didn't get the toy he wanted. A moment later his father got back from his thoughts.

"Well, it was only the first day. This kind of operation takes time. Keep your eyes open and try to learn something while you are there. Some of the teachers have to be competent at teaching at least to get the school such a reputation. As for your usual training, there is something new I want to show you. The doctor has completed his newest creation. Kurogiri, bring it in."

A dark portal appeared in front of them and a few seconds later something large stepped through. From the black-ish skin colour Izuku realized it was another Nomu even before its head came through, revealing the beak-like mouth and exposed brain. The creature was much larger than the previous Nomu and muscular in the same massive way as All Might.

"It's… not low tier," he concluded, remembering how his father had described the previous Nomus.

"Quite the opposite, Tomura calls it the Anti-Symbol of Peace."

"It's meant to fight All Might?" Izuku blurted out. His father chuckled.

"You catch on quick as ever. Given the right opportunity this Nomu should be able to defeat All Might."

"I'll believe it when I see it," Izuku said, his hand squeezed into a fist, trying to control his emotions from the thought of something defeating All Might.

"In time, but until then, want to take a shot at it?"

"Are you kidding? If that thing is meant to be as strong as All Might, what chance do I have?"

"About as much as you had against the low tiers when we began your training," his father said, "maybe a bit less, but there is only one way to find out. There will be pain, but you need to push your limits to expand them. I don't quite trust UA enough to leave your training to them. Now put your things aside and prepare yourself. Today you will experience the power needed to change the world."

"Okay," Izuku said and gulped.

"It will be challenging but your growth has been impressive," Kurogiri commented. "One day even this Nomu will not pose a problem as long as you continue your training."

Izuku smiled and stepped in front of the new Nomu. He breathed in deep and lit his Dragon Blades.

"Nomu," his father said, "attack."

Izuku wasn't planning on just taking the attack and charged forward. Next thing he realized, the Nomu was already right in front of him. He jumped to the side, avoiding the Nomu's attempt to grapple him. It turned at incredible speed to try with its other hand. Izuku's blades flashed and turned blue as he slashed off the Nomu's fingers. That was as far as he got.

The Nomu rushed forward almost too quickly to see and a massive hand grabbed Izuku's arm. In an instant he was slammed to the floor with cracks from his breaking ribs and nose. Izuku would have screamed but the monster used his other hand to press his face against the floor. The arm the Nomu was holding cracked and broke. Izuku was gasping for air, barely able to breathe against the floor.

"Good first try," his father said but Izuku barely paid it any attention. He could sense death hovering over him, but was unable to move under its hold, except for the still free unbroken arm. He screamed, muffled by the floor, and swung the blade hotter than ever over his head. Most of the pressure on his skull disappeared and warm liquid fell on the back of his neck. Izuku raised his head and twisted around, screaming at the pain this caused in his broken arm still held down by the Nomu. Izuku pointed his hand at the monster's chest and with a blue flash there was an explosion that left him temporarily blind and deaf. His broken arm was briefly pulled back agonizingly and then released.

"Izuku?" His father's voice came right next to him. Izuku blinked as his sight started returning, but mostly his eyes squeezed shut as he bit his teeth together to not scream as his bones reformed themselves. Something touched his reforming arm and the pain there eased somewhat. Izuku rolled to his back to ease pressure on his healing ribs. Slowly his breath eased, and he could focus on his father's form in front of him.

"That might have been a little much," his father said. "Do you feel anything broken still?"

"I… I think no. The pain is starting to go away. It was too fast. I couldn't react fast enough."

"Were you using the calm mind?"

"No, I haven't really used it yet."

"It was your idea to use the quirk to focus in battle. You should try it. At least use the quirk next time you are healing broken bones."

"I'll try to remember that."

Izuku drew a deep breath and let his father help him back up.

"At least you did quite a bit of damage on the Nomu," his father said and gestured at the creature standing nearby. It had a large red mark across its chest, as if the skin was peeled away, showing the muscle tissue underneath.

"It regenerated the worst of the damage but seems to have some difficulty fully healing back to normal. Look at the fingers you cut off.

Izuku looked down. The Nomu really had regrown the fingers but there was a red line going through all of them where they had been cut.

"I have to ask the doctor to investigate this. See if it has weakness in the regeneration or if it's something with your quirks. Very interesting either way. Good thing you didn't hit the brain. I would appreciate if you do not kill this Nomu in training. Then again, if you can, it isn't as strong as I thought."

"You are great at motivational speeches dad."

"You avoided its first two attacks and inflicted injury. That is more than most pro heroes should be able to do. You might lack a speed quirk, but your reaction speed has improved greatly. Now, want to go again?"

Izuku hesitated for a moment, shaking his formerly broken arm.

"Maybe I should tell it to use a bit less force," his father added.

"That would be nice," Izuku said and stepped in front of the Nomu, his hand shaking a bit. After activating his blades, he concentrated on adding the Calm Mind at the same time. His hand stopped shaking and the previous ordeal disappeared from his mind. Details of the room disappeared except for their tactical value as the terrain of the battle. The only really important thing was the Nomu in front of him and he was acutely aware of every little twitch and movement of the creature.

"Nomu, attack, but don't break bones," a voice commanded. The creature's posture started changing, it was going to…

The Nomu was right in front of him, already throwing a punch. There was no use or time to form a shield. This Nomu would destroy him even with a shield.

There was no fear in that thought, just an observation.

Izuku bolted to the side and slashed halfway through the Nomu's arm. It shifted its balance to turn around, but Izuku didn't have time to land and change direction. The Nomu spun around and brought its other hand to backhand him. That slap alone threw Izuku several meters. Izuku adjusted his position mid-air and almost landed on his feet. He briefly dropped to his knee and used one arm to support himself. He didn't have time to get up as the Nomu attacked again and could only dive away once before being caught and pressed against the floor again.

"Enough," his father announced. The Nomu let Izuku go and thinking he was okay, Izuku stopped the Calm Mind.

"Ouch," he hissed, feeling the full pain from the impacts although his bones seemed to be okay.

"Congratulations son. If you were fighting a non-regenerating enemy, you would have effectively maimed them."

"How about this regenerating enemy?" Izuku asked while getting up.

"The wound healed like the last ones. Started as it should but slowed towards the end. The arm seems to work normally but still has that scar. I'll have the doctor analyse them. More important right now is that I could see a clear difference in you compared to the first fight. Did you use the Calm Mind?"

"Yes," Izuku responded. "It helped more than I expected. I could focus on the Nomu and think clearly. It was like everything else barely existed, just me and it."

"That is good, but also concerning. Can you think of the reason why?"

"Why…" Izuku repeated and brushed his chin, thinking for a few seconds. "I was totally focused on it. If anyone else tried to attack me…"

"Game over, as Tomura would say," his father finished. "Be very careful with that quirk, especially if you are fighting alone."

"I will."

"Now using it to do homework on the other hand..."

"Right."