I was waiting near the gate. It had become a routine of sorts. Izuku would always arrive three minutes before school started. It was just enough time to get into the classroom. This time was a little different as Iida waited with me. Usually, he would already be in the classroom, but I found him waiting.

"Do you think he will show up?"

"It's very unbecoming of a hero to skip out on school. A hero-"

"But we're not heroes and he's understandably upset after sharing his secret."

He got quiet after that. I may not have known him long but he was also worried. It's weird to think that he's quirkless. He was so amazing in the hero class that I kinda want to deny that, but that's only because it makes me feel insignificant. But he really is incredible.

"I would like to wait more, but I cannot be late for class. I'll be going."

I let out a sigh, "I'll come too."

The walk was quiet. I feel that was my fault as I felt sad he wasn't coming. To liven up the mood and end the silence I asked, "Are you excited about the USJ trip this Friday? I know I am."

"Yes, I look forward to it. I've practiced fireman carry while using my quirk to quickly evacuate injured civilians."

I never thought about training for the trip. Thinking it is more of a course. We soon arrived at the classroom, however, it was strangely quiet. Not in the silence quiet, but it wasn't nearly as lively as I have gotten used to.

I carefully peeked into my class and saw that indeed everyone was in and I do mean everyone as Izuku was sitting in his seat already. I would have said hello to him, but he was weirdly hostile to me or rather everyone. He had that look that usually was reserved for Bakugoe, but it persisted now constantly on him.

Still, I will greet him as always, "H-hello."

He spared me a glance and I would swear that his expression was even harsher as he ignored me. I pressed my fingers together in a habit and quietly sat down on my seat.

Our teacher strode in and would demand silence if it wasn't already present. "Good, let's not waste time. We selected a president and vice president yesterday. Midoriya was selected as president and Yaoyorozu is the vice president."

I sneaked a glance and saw him frown in confusion. He rose from his seat, "I would like to decline the position."

"Then you shouldn't have skipped school last week Friday." Aizawa sharply replied and if it was me I would have just accepted it, but Izuku wasn't me.

"Please, reconsider. I skipped that day as you said and while I'm attentive during class, I've already failed to complete my homework on a few occasions. Surely someone like that shouldn't be president."

"Declined. Now that will be all for homeroom."

Normal classes began as they would at any other high school. It was rather uneventful. I tried to invite Izuku to go eat with me and Iida, but he wasn't budging. It wasn't anything completely new as he never once agreed to hang out after school with some of our classmates.

He kept to himself and used the breaks to do homework. He never slept any more in class which usually would be a good thing, but I can't help but feel it was out of wariness. The next two days were the same. On the third day, I would have reached my limit.

The clock rang and it was finally time for launch. "Will you join us for lunch?" Mina stood in front of me.

"Just go on ahead, I'll properly join you later, " I said giving her a smile. It wasn't unusual for her to invite me. I often ate with her and her group when Izuku was too tired to bother getting food. Well, the past two days he was simply moody, but it would resolve in the same. Mina had a mischievous smile but didn't say anything and left.

Izuku didn't seem to leave as he pulled a premade lunch from his backpack. That was a first. "Did your mom make it?"

He eyed me. It would be very awkward if it wasn't just him, Iida, me, and our teacher who just left.

"No I made it, so leave my mother out of your mouth," that was clearly a warning and I was utterly confused. Did he think I would insult his mother?

"Midoriya, that's no way to talk to your classmates." He chopped the empty air to emphasize his words, not that Izuku seemed to care.

"Just leave me alone," he ate a spoonful of rice with rice seasonings. My nose immediately picked up the familiar smell. It's that cheap prepacked that you simply dress over white rice. He might as well eat white rice. It adds flavor but it got almost zero calories. Ah, it made sense why he was defensive. If someone thought my mother made that I would take it as an insult too.

"If you want I can get something for you." He immediately zeroed in on me. It's the gaze of a predator that sizes a potential threat. "You know, right now you make Bakugoe seem friendly in comparison to you."

"You really want me to go with you that much?" I smiled that my little joke worked. We have finally gotten it to him.

" I really underestimated how soon this would happen," he sounded annoyed and he then looked at us in disappointment, " and I thought you two would just be on the sidelines. Let's just get this over with."

I shared a confused look with Iida. He was as clueless as me. But if we can get him to join us that would be a step in the right direction. He was walking behind us and refused to catch up even if we slowed our pace. I sigh in annoyance.

"Izuku, I'm sorry that we eavesdropped on you, but can you at least just stop glaring at me? It's uncomfortable." That certainly backfired as the feeling got more intense.

The feeling vanished, "This is the way to the cafeteria."

He sounded confused and I asked just as confused, "Where else would we take you?"

"Somewhere to beat me up," We were frozen in time with how stiff we were.

Iida thawed, "I would never- maybe in self-defense, but I would never seek to harm you otherwise."

I was impressed he could answer so properly. I was still reeling from the shock. He seems so serious, well, he is always serious. But why would he ever suspect not just us, but anybody to go beat him up?

"What if I turned criminal?"

"Alright, self-defense, and if you lost your way, but otherwise I wouldn't hurt you... Maliciously hurt you."

" If you say so. But then why the fuck would you eat in the cafeteria with me?"

I joked before that Bakugoe was friendlier, but maybe it wasn't that big of an exaggeration. "Well... It's because we are friends... or at the very least classmates."

He scoffed at my words, "We may be classmates, but I don't care and I don't trust you. Any of you."

With the harsh words he left. Iida patted my back, "Let's get something to eat."

"Yeah."

We wait in line and I can't help but ask the question in my mind, " Why is he like this?"

As if the world wanted to give me the answer Bakugoe cut in front of Iida and me. Bakugoe who went to middle school with him could definitely answer my burning question.


It is quite hard to imagine that people can be so cruel when they are so young. I can now finally understand why Uraraka is so determined to get through to him.

I still believe that time would have allowed him to open up, but if being persistent could speed that process by even a day it is worthwhile.

Looking ahead I see Uraraka. She really has a big heart. "Good morning, but I imagine Midoriya is already in class."

"I know. I actually waited for you."

"Me? Not that I mind, but why?"

"I was just curious if you have any idea of what to do."

"Just be honest. That is the-"

"I get it. And you are right."

He is a great hero student, but I should really lecture him on his crass attitude. I fear it is influencing Uraraka. No that isn't right. She had been less respectful recently but I never got the feeling she was annoyed by me or want me gone.

I lead the way to our classroom. In there is Izuku and a few others who also usually came early. The only odd one was Kaminari.

"Good morning Midoriya." He didn't respond but that was an improvement. I quietly sat down in my seat. I dared not look behind me. Bakugoe was no doubt resting his feet on the table meant for learning. I mustn't get irritated at the level of disrespect to the school he-

"Dude! Stop being such an ass."

I had been too absorbed in my thoughts that hadn't noticed my surroundings. Perhaps, that is what he meant when he said I was too- no, that's not important right now.

I watched as Kaminari addressed Midoriya. While he could rephrase it better, he essentially wanted Midoriya to stop being so hostile to Uraraka.

"The hell the matter with you?" Midoriya looked rather nasty with his piercing eyes, but Kaminari didn't back off. "Gonna play the shining knight or something?"

Kaminari wanted to go forth but Kirishima grabbed his shoulder, "Man, let it go. He's being unmanly but it isn't for us to interfere with their friendship."

"It's alright. You don't need to worry about me." She smiled at Kaminari. She at the moment seemed very pure. It was perhaps that was what angered Kaminari the most after Midoriya scoffed at her.

"I don't get it. I can understand this angry bomb here as he can be like Mirko, but you? You are quirkless and can't be anything but a shitty hero."

I looked at the few in the room. Uraraka was shocked and frozen. Bakugoe couldn't care less even if he tried. Momo was in disbelief with her eyes on Midoriya. Kirishima looked uncomfortable, but he was the first one to move.

"Dude. That was seriously unmanly."

Kaminari turned around and he didn't look angry. He turned his gaze down in shame. "Yeah, it was really uncool."

Footsteps were heard heading towards him. Kaminari turned yet again and was slapped across his cheek. Uraraka looked angry. I had never seen her angry I even thought it wasn't possible for her.

I had been mostly watching Midoriya and he was as indifferent as Bakugoe. He rolled his eyes at Kaminari's insult, but it changed after seeing what Uraraka did. He was struck by surprise after Uraraka took one glance at him and then quietly sat down in her seat.

Kaminari approached Midoriya first thing during the launch break. "What's with him today?"

He had been strangely quiet to the confusion of most. "I'm really sorry about what I said."

He had the full attention of everyone in the class. The teacher Midnight who hadn't had the time to leave yet was also intrigued.

"Why? It's true." He took a quick glance around the room and saw how everyone was curious. "I'm quirkless and won't amount to anything worthwhile. I will die a dog's death, unknown in some random alleyway."

I was shocked at his words. He told them confident and casual just like he spoke a universal common fact, like the ocean is blue and the earth is round.

"But I won't tolerate being treated as a dog and I will FUCK anyone up who tries." He turned his gaze to our teacher Midnight and lightly pat Kaminari on his shoulder, "But I accept your apology."

Having a front-row seat near the door I heard Midnight mumble " I better inform Shota."


Grabbing my shit I head out of the classroom. I would need to quickly get into the cafeteria. Having rushed I didn't have to stand in line for long. A bowl of katsudon was steaming in my hands.

I picked a table that was the most secluded. It would be safer to pick one who was closer to the launch staff, but at least this way I don't have to watch my back. My delicious meal was interrupted as Uraraka and Iida came closer to my table.

They sat in silence. I didn't curse them out or react to them. I've realized that they don't wanna fuck with me a few days ago. Still, I don't want or need their pity. I was okay with them eating with me, however, I wasn't about to act all buddy-buddy with them.

"Do you mean what you said?"

"Yes." It was even proven that day my secret got out. I had the villain completely outclassed and because of his quirk I still nearly meet my end.

"Well, I for one believe that you will be an amazing hero. You have the dedication if a bit crude... and vulgar and-"

"Shut up, I get it. But you are wrong."

"Problem child, come with me."

"Aizawa," He was standing in front of our table and I hadn't noticed him before he talked. Had I really been that absorbed in their questions? "Will we continue our conversation?"

"Yes."

Dry as ever. I fish the last of my Katsudon and give back my half-eaten rice to the launch staff, "Thank you, it was delicious."

Following Aizawa was a silent affair. We reach an area of the school I hadn't been to before. It was the teachers' area. He leads me to a lounge area.

"Sit."

The couch is of great quality. It's soft on my ass and firm for my back letting it naturally be in a proper posture.

I locked eyes with Aizawa to let him know I was ready to start the conversation. Either he didn't care or he just didn't know.

"So what with the "problem child" nickname?"

"You are a handful and create extra work for me."

"Sorry?"

"Don't, it's just part of being a hero teacher."

It's quiet again. He sighs, "We are waiting for someone."

"Who?"

"You'll see." That was so fucking helpful.

We hear a knock and I assume it's the one we are waiting for. The one who comes in is All Might in his skeleton form. Lovely, now I can get a lecture from a bigot like him.

"Oh, don't worry. Aizawa knows about my condition, and so do the hero teachers."

Fuck your secret, I just don't need another lecturing me in my free time. "I don't doubt that. Would be annoying to hide such a condition since you only got three hours a day."

I turn to Aizawa, "I don't understand what he has to do with our previous conversation."

"He's here for what happened today."

"Today? C'mon, is it seriously a problem when I curse? Even about myself?"

All Might cut in, "Actually, I'm just here to apologize for what I said that day on the rooftop. I don't think you will die a dog's death, but I stand by what I said about it being dangerous, especially for a quirkless."

I properly gave him a deadpan stare that I followed up with mocking laughter. "Get off your high horse already. I told you before that you are one among many. Do you believe you affect my life that much?"

His awkward posture and sweaty forehead were all I need to confirm. He didn't even try to play inconspicuously.

"I admit I used to look up to you. That ended years ago." I stared at All Might into his eyes to let it sink in and show it was 100% the truth I told him, " You are just another one. The only effect you have is as my hero teacher."

All Might closed his eyes and nodded to himself, " And I promised you that I am a fair teacher and will judge you fairly. Thank you that was a weight off my back."

He turned to Aizawa, "Sorry, it would seem I was unneeded here."

All Might or perhaps I should say Small Might for once actually seemed normal and decent as he left the room.

"Last time, we talked about how seriously you take UA."

I nodded to him.

"I've been in contact with the detective who's mainly been assigned to you."

Ah, great wonder what he now had sung.

"It's clearly what to expect of an amateur without any training, but considering that, it's decent if messily done."

"Any improvements?"

"The most apparent part is that you lack the ability to contain all. You need to sabotage their escape routes and if it's impossible at least place any form of tracker on their most valuables as they will prioritize that when scurrying away."

I stare at him for a bit, "I think that's the most you have ever said at once."

"We can skip to the next topic." He said sending me an annoyed glare.

"No! I mean sorry. Please, what can I do if I don't have access to any expensive gadgets such as trackers?"

"Hmm, from the reports, you usually use a phone of one of the guys you take down to call the cops. There are free apps on the net that allow a parent to know the location of their child's phone."

"Wow, I can't believe I never thought of that."

He actually smirks. I've never seen him smile before that gotta be rare. "It's what I had to come up with when I first started out as an underground hero. As you said gadgets are expensive."

"Any more wisdom of gold?"

"Hmmm, nothing you can learn without experiencing it. You clearly know the fine line walking the law is. You can't learn how to cooperate with the police just yet, but."

He hands me an old phone if I remember correctly it's that indestructible small brick-like phone.

"What does this mean?"

He sighs tiredly, " I can't control what you do in your free time. And since you insist on doing work you aren't qualified for I'll at least try to keep you as safe as possible."

"This got a tracker?"

"Yes, and it got a single contact for me. I can't control you, but I can expel you. I want you to report all you learn to me in writing after school and I have to be notified if you try to operate a bust in advance at least three days or if less it better be because you just discovered it."

"And if I don't follow those conditions I get expelled?"

"Yes."

I'm not gonna comment on how that's blackmail, but it isn't bad. I just got a little extra work to do and I got a lifeline in return. It is uncomfortable that I get tracked, but it's only when I got it on me... Yeah, I should always have it on me when I go out at night. I never know when it will end at the police station.

"That will be all."

"Thank you very much, Aizawa."

He rubbed his eyes with one hand and motioned for me to go with the other. The rest of the day I was in a good mood. Tomorrow it will be the USJ trip. I hope I can do something else since I don't have a quirk.