Bakugo stood alongside Jirou, Tokoyami and Tokage, all three of them in the principal's office opposite to their homeroom teachers and the principal; the rat/bear/dog thing that was their principal was pacing on his desk, his genial smile not falling a single bit as he spoke.

"So let me make sure I have all the facts." he said jovially, turning on his heel and pointing at Bakugo, "you had a potential tip on a missing person and chose not to tell your teacher and instead you alerted a fellow HIT student, and then you-" he pointed at Jirou, "-also decided not to tell your mentor until you were in danger; during which you lost your phone and stole a civilian truck."

"Midoriya was the one who stole it sir." Jirou mumbled half heartedly, "under the circumstances I decided to back it as we were in danger."

"Granted." he hummed, "but then, instead of calling your mentor right back, you contacted Tokoyami and Setsuna, only one of whom actually called the people he was supposed to."

Tokage groaned as Tokoyami nodded.

"-though he still wasn't given permission to join and even went against eraserheads order to stay back."

Tokoyami nodded again, not at all sorry.

"And then you hijacked a train-"

"We followed proper procedure-" Tokage defended.

"-AND THEN YOU HIJACKED A TRAIN!" Vlad snapped, making her jump as the man slammed his fist into the desk to cut her off, "proper procedure or not, you hijacked a train! Not only that but you allowed a civilian to tag along under the guise of being a reporter!"

"She was a reporter," Tokoyami confirmed, "she's already sold many of the photos she took, others she's created a website with."

"Didn't see the website." Jirou muttered.

"Hmph, it's all centered around what she got of Deku."

"Enough." Aizawa ordered, immediately the children went quiet, "Bakugo, why didn't you tell authorities about Midoriya."

Bakugo scoffed, "The only reason he was mentioned on the news is because the Hag-my mother threatened to burn the station down. No precinct would have given two shits if I knew where a missing quirkless kid might be…they never cared."

"Did you know the danger he was in at the time?" Nezu asked curiously.

Bakugo shook his head, "I just figured the idiot got stuck somewhere during the storm. That's why I thought he'd be at Old Mick's."

Nezu nodded, "in the future, please let the teachers know of any situation, no matter how small, and no matter who it includes; , why didn't you alert Gang Orca of your classmates request?"

"Didn't seem like something I needed to call in." She said honestly, "I thought it was just gonna be showing up at Mick's, confirming Midoriya was there, and heading home; how was to know he was in that much danger? I called as soon as the situation changed."

"And your reasoning for including Tokoyami and Tokage?" Aizawa prodded.

"I needed back up from someone I trusted." She said firmly, "we already had confirmation there were local heroes working with the Yakuza, I knew Tokoyami had my back."

"And Izuku was the one that called me." Setsuna added, "he's uh…my ex."

"That explains it." Jirou scoffed.

"Indeed." Tokoyami grunted.

"Explain's what?" Tokage snapped a bit.

"You treated him like he was a particularly slow child who needed someone to hold his hand." Tokoyami retorted. Jirou nodded at his side.

"That's because he is." Bakugo sneered.

"I did not!" Tokage shouted, "I was worried about his well being! Which Is more than I can say for you Jirou! You made us leave him behind!"

"Hey don't put that on me!" Jirou snapped hotly, turning fully to Setsuna as she did the same.

"We could have figured something else out instead of leaving him!"

"Then maybe you should have stayed with him instead of resorting to your go-to and abandoning him."

Both Bakugo and Tokoyami stepped back as Setsuna turned red with rage, under Tokoyami's shirt Dark Shadow began to quietly chant "fight, fight, fight, fight."

Aizawas eyes flashed, his hand already reaching for his scarf to pull the two feuding girls apart, but Vlad beat him to it.

The blood stained hero strode forward, grabbing the two young heroes by the back of their necks, hauling , and slamming their heads together painfully, "WILL YOU BOTH CUT IT OUT." He yelled down at them, "neither of you are to blame for THAT particular misstep, SO STOP PICKING FIGHTS!"

"Yes sir." the two girls said together, rubbing their heads in pain.

"Now." Nezu continued, acting like the interruption hadn't happened, "it is clear that both Tokoyami and Jirou followed procedure as closely as they could, however, I do have to wonder why you didn't call anyone Tokage?"

"I honestly didn't think about it." Tokage admitted as she straightened back up, "my brother's friend and my ex calls, sounding like he's running from something attacking him, and a little girl yelling in the background; so yeah I just rushed to Takoba beach as fast as I could."

"Well I believe that's understandable-" Nezu began.

"-but you'll be grounded for the next week, all of you will be." Aizawa took over, "apart from Tokoyami, who will be getting three days; the fact of the matter is, none of you had permission to look into disappearances or act on any information you were given, and any information you had on it should have immediately been brought to your mentors or the teachers of UA. So for the next week, All of you will be responsible for cleaning your respective dorms. And you will come to the school after class to sit through a lecture on proper reporting procedures and provisional License Laws with Midnight."

"Yes sir." they all chorused, none wanting to raise the man's ire any more than they had to.

"For now, you may go back to the dorms, your homework will be brought to you by your classmates." Vlad growled.

"Would it be alright if we went to check on Midoriya first?" Jirou asked, stepping forward, "we haven't seen him since they brought him in."

"He looked rough." Setsuna mumbled softly.

"Indeed." Tokoyami agreed, bowing his head a bit while Bakugo shifted uncomfortably.

"That would be fine." Nezu reassured them, "last I heard he was up and walking. I'm sure he would be thrilled to see some familiar faces while he's here."

"Thank you sir." Jirou said as they left.

As soon as the door closed Vlad turned to Nezu and Eraserhead, "despite not having permission, they still did admirable."

"They were able to get a VIP through some of the most hostile opposition I've seen since the dark times." Eraserhead grunted begrudgingly, "but they still did so without authorization, and without notifying us immediately, biased police or not, we would have followed up on the tip."

"Indeed, and that night was but a small glimpse at what Izuku Midoriya dealt with for the past week." Nezu said solemnly.

"By all accounts he should be dead." Vlad King nodded gruffly, "especially those last 24 hours."

"All Might and Naomasa should have some Insight on Midoriya's powers." Aizawa said, "they finished his interview fifteen minutes ago, they're probably on their way now."

As if brought by his words, the door opened and in strode Toshinori and Detective Tsukauchi.

"We were just wondering when you'd get here." Nezu said jovially, "sit, please, fix yourself a cup of tea!"

"No thank you," Tsukauchi said, while Toshinori poured himself a cup.

"Now, what became of those two detectives?" Nezu asked, frowning a bit as he looked at Aizawa.

"Uniformed officers from the local precinct picked them up." Aizawa said, "they're looking at a few counts of menacing, as well as interfering with a police investigation."

"I want extra charges thrown in for aggravated assault and mistreatment of a witness." Toshinori added, frowning deeply, "the hero commission won't be saving these two."

"You're quite right about that." Nezu agreed, "they'd be in steeper trouble if I thought Young Midoriya was capable of sustaining a lawsuit against the Hero Commission."

"To think they were trying to change the narrative to put those Heroes in a good light." Vlad growled, snorting a bit in anger, "disgusting."

"Higari is still in the hospital from Smile Man's surprise attack." Eraserhead muttered, "Kamui woods might be out longer."

"He was saved by Young Yorobi." Toshinori said, "that young Man has made leaps and bounds in the hero industry."

"Very interesting for one without a quirk." Nezu hummed, "but we're getting off topic, what did you find out about Young Midoriya?"

"Kid didn't lie at all during his interview," Tsukauchi began, "including the fact that he had no idea how he accessed the super strength he showcased in his fight with the Shie Hessaikai."

"You're kidding." Vlad scoffed.

"Unfortunately not," Toshinori sighed, running a hand down his gaunt face, "by all accounts the boy is quirkless; recovery girl confirmed it herself, X-rays, quirk factor test, hell we even had an independent support company look over the baseball bat. Other then it being dented and pitted beyond saving, it was just a regular bat."

"It appeared when he went to protect his young ward, Eri." Tsukauchi continued, "he was able to send Granit of the Stone Brothers through two buildings, he then buried Marbl in a crater in what's left of the laundromat, he states from then on he was able to access the strength; having more trouble holding back over anything else."

"How many were killed again?" Vlad asked.

Twelve." Tsukauchi answered, glancing at All Might winced, "most of the kills coming from when he destroyed two trucks."

"Eight," Nezu clarified, "Eight in the truck explosions, four by his hand directly. Severe blunt trauma to the chest or head, as well as dozens of accounts of broken bones and concussions."

"He's been cleared of all of them?" Aizawa questioned.

"Yes, he's also accredited the bounties for Rappa, Tengai, the Devil's Trio, and Overhaul, partial credit going to Kirishima and Melissa shield for their parts in apprehending their respective villains."

"Quite a war chest." Vlad Huffed, "but why is he being credited? He doesn't have a hero license."

"These Yakuza thugs have been wanted for awhile ever since the Eight Precepts ran into Sir Nighteye and his protege, after injuring Nighteye they'd gone underground; no one had seen a hair of them before Eri appeared."

"So what now?" Aizawa asked, "has the Hero Association taken custody of the girl? Or have you intervened?" the last question was aimed at Nezu, who smiled genially.

"Oh I've definitely intervened, but I was waiting for Tsukauchi's report before making any official moves," he looked at the detective. "What did young Midoriya say about Little Eri?"

"...He is adamant that he be allowed to take guardianship." he said hesitantly, "i'm not sure how smart-"

"-absolutely not!" Vlad king interrupted him, "he's a child! Barely sixteen! He can't possibly take care of a five year old!"

"He did a pretty good job the past week." Toshinori rebutted, making Vlad grumble and Aizawa sigh.

"Running from Yakuza hitmen while starving isn't exactly a proving ground for regular parents." Aizawa pointed out, "and like Vlad said, he's a child, legally, underage."

"And yet he's had more jobs then most twenty year olds." Nezu countered, "he dropped out of middle school and didn't even attempt to go into highschool, instead devoting his entire time to working to help his mother with bills, he knows responsibility, and he is possibly the only adult figure in Young Eri's life that she will truly be comfortable with."

"You can't seriously be thinking-" Tsukauchi tried to argue, but Nezu cut him off.

" I am, not only do we know she'll be comfortable with him, we know he'll protect her no matter what."

"He doesn't have a license, he's a teenager!" Vlad snapped.

"All technicality he doesn't need a license, as he doesn't have a quirk, however, I can see others not liking that logic, so I'll be extending an invitation to join UA-"

"-he flunked out of middle school, you really think he can handle UA?" Aizawa asked.

"Oh we'll be sure to do some placement tests to see what can be helped, but i believe this young man's heroic spirit must be nurtured, and your worries about him being underage and taking care of a child can be reassured when he's living on campus."

"I don't like it." Aizawa stated, "but I doubt that'll stop you."

"Oh you know me too well Aizawa." Nezu cackled.

WVWVW

Izuku sighedi n relief as Recovery girl healed the last of his injuries, the nurse giving him a smile as she jumped off her stool, "now, you'll still be sore for the next few days; so I want you to take it easy as much as you can okay?"

"Yes ma'am." Izuku saluted lazily as Eri climbed into his lap, settling with a small stuffed bear that Recovery girl had found for her.

Izuku gently put an arm around her, giving her a comforting squeeze as Recovery Girl offered them some gummies, "They'll help with your energy." she reassured him as he took some, Eri following his lead shortly after.

"Thanks recovery girl…have they said what happens next?" he asked.

"Nothing yet dearie, but i'm sure Nezu will call you up soon, just relax until then." she reassured, patting his arm before she jumped off and went to her office for some paperwork.

Izuku sat quietly for a moment, absentmindedly holding his hand palm up as Eri began tracing the scars he'd gotten from his multiple breaks in the last few weeks, "we match now." she mumbled, looking up at him.

"We do," he agreed, ruffling her hair, being mindful of her horn, "you okay with that?"

Her eyes fell, "you shouldn't have gotten hurt…it's because of me…" she sniffled, fat tears collecting in her eyes, "it's all my fault.

"It's definitely not your fault." Izuku objected "you had no control in this situation, you're a kid, and you shouldn't have had to worry about any of this; Overhaul is responsible for everything, he's at fault for everything that's happened. Don't help him by trying to take the blame."

She sniffled again, and Izuku gently brought her in for a hug, holding her against his chest as she started crying, "it's alright Eri," he mumbled gently, closing his eyes as he let his head rest against the pillows behind him, "it's not your fault, it will never be your fault. And I will never blame you for what happened."

After a few moments of crying Eri fell asleep against his chest, clutching her newly acquired teddy bear as she burrowed into Izuku's side.

"Midoriya, are you awake?"

Izuku opened his eyes, turning his head lazily to the group of students now standing by his bed. "Rockstar," he greeted quietly, "Tokoyami, Setsuna, glad to see you're all alright."

"Thanks to you," Tokoyami said with a nod of his head, "we heard what you did for Kirishima."

"Rockhead saved my ass too." Izuku chuckled, looking at Setsuna, "you good set?" he asked.

"Y-yeah, just wanted to make sure you're fine." she said, giving him a tired smile, "I know Aki will be relieved."

"They make it back from Hawaii yet?" he questioned.

"You didn't hear?" Set asked, shocked.

"Hear what?" and he was in such a good mood too.

"John Henry got ambushed by Vent and Quill," Bakugo spoke up for the first time, staring at the wall with his arms crossed, "Kamui woods warned him just in time, but both got injured."

"Yorobi's got second degree burns and a few stab wounds from those quills." Setsuna took over, "but he should be released today, if he'sn ot already."

Izuku shook his head in disgust, "more traitors," he muttered, "that makes four that I know of."

"Twelve in all," Jirou said, "four of them were found out earlier today in a surprise internal investigation."

"Better count two Hero Association grunts as well." Izuku grumbled, fist clenching unconsciously, "assholes tried to pin everything on me. Was lucky Detective Tsukauchi was there with Erasurehead."

"They tried to do what?" Setsuna asked angrily, "what the hell-"

"Hmm?" Eri yawned as she suddenly startled awake, slowly sitting up as she rubbed her eyes.

"Crap." Setsuna whispered, covering her mouth.

"How you doin' half-pint." Jirou greeted the slowly waking girl, who turned her sleepy red eyes to them.

"Oh, kyo." Eri said, her eyes brightening considerably when she realized who was there, "i'm fine! And hello! Toko and Set."

Izuku hummed in question as he looked between the four.

"Easiest way for her to remember our names." Jirou explained as Tokoyami produced an apple from somewhere and held it out to Eri.

"Thank you!" Eri breathed excitedly as she gently took the apple, waves of contentment flowing off her as she bit into the apple.

"I figured you'd be hungry." Tokoyami said as he handed Izuku an apple as well, the tired teen thankfully bit into it, mumbling a 'thanks' between bites.

"So what happens now?" setsuna asked.

"Now, I wait until Nezu calls me to tell me the plan moving forward," Izuku said, cleaning his hands on a napkin and throwing it in the wastebasket, "no matter what, Eri's staying with me, I won't accept any other deal."

"Are you sure you're ready for that?" Setsuna asked carefully.

"I've dealt with worse." he said firmly, "and now I have the strength to take on any lingering Yakuza bastards who think they can come snoopin' around.'

"And just how are you that strong?" Bakugo growled, fists unconsciously clenching as Izuku looked at him for the first time that meeting, his gaze was cold, so far removed from the dejected sadness he was used to that he unconsciously took a step back.

"...beats me." Izuku finally said with a shrug, "I already told you I have no idea how it came around, and it hasn't gone away yet so I'm optimistic."

"Is it a quirk?" Jirou asked, "Maybe you're a medical marvel, late bloomer at 15."

"16 thank you very much." Izuku grumbled, "and according to Recovery girl and who knows how many tests; i'm still biologically quirkless, so whatever this is, it's not a quirk."

"An interesting conundrum if there ever were one." Tokoyami said sagely. Making Jirou roll her eyes.

"Well, quirk or no, you really came in clutch when we needed you." Jirou said, "you should think about applying to UA, you'd make a great hero."

"Papa already is a hero." Eri chirped, making everyone smile at the girl.

"That he is," Tokoyami agreed, "however, a hero must complete tasks to show the world he is one, your papa has already completed one, UA would help him complete the others."

"I doubt UA is in the cards," Izuku muttered, "besides, I got a good job at the gas station."

"Oh yes, because Bagging groceries pays so much better than being a hero." Bakugo scoffed.

"What are you even doing here Katsuki?" Izuku asked, "I Doubt you're here asking after my health."

Setsuna looked between the two worriedly, Jirou and Tokoyami both took a slight step back as the two glared at each other.

"...hmph, mom would want to know you're at least up and talking." he muttered, "and it's better than going to the dorms to start my probation early."

"Probation?" Izuku questioned.

"Yeah, technically none of us had permission to go looking for you, or help get you to UA." Jirou said sheepishly, "and we weren't able to contact everyone we were supposed to, I failed to contact Aizawa, Bakugo failed to contact anyone, and Tokoyami ignored orders to stay put."

"Awe, you broke the law for me." Izuku said, smiling at the bird headed boy.

"The darkness cannot be contained." Tokoyami said, head bowed, eyes closed.

Then Dark shadow peaked out from under his sweater, "he was worried about the kid." he sniggered, "Yami's a big softy."

"Dark shadow." Tokoyami growled, the feathers on his cheeks puffing up in a blush while Jirou snickered.

"Who knew you had this many friends, Izu!"

Izuku immediately perked up, "Yorobi," he greeted as the large man came lumbering over, his arms and part of his neck wrapped in gauze, Aki by his side, the large man wasted no time in pulling Izuku into a big hug, Eri being pulled along for the ride, "I'm glad you're safe little brother!" He boomed, fat tears of relief rolling down his cheeks as he swung his friend around like a ragdoll, "when we heard you were missing we couldn't get a flight back fast enough! Then Set called Aki and found out you were fighting Yakuza! How in the-oh! Sorry!" he said sheepishly, dropping Izuku back onto the bed, the boy gasping for breath as Eri collapsed onto the mattress, swirly eyed.

"It's alright," Izuku wheezed, slowly standing and giving the man a proper hug, "I heard what happened with Vent and Quill, I'm glad you're okay."

Yorobi smiled, "ah, that was nothing," He said as he pulled out of the hug, letting Aki replace him in giving Izuku a bone crushing hug. " Word around the block is you took down the majority of the eight precepts in one night."

"I'm sure that's an exaggeration," Izuku said, absentmindedly scratching at the side of his nose as Aki stepped back, "I had a lot of help."

"Yeah right," Jirou scoffed, "Princess here took out two trucks within five minutes of me meeting him."

"Yorobi burst out laughing, quickly reining himself in when he saw Eri flinch from where she was sitting up on the bed, "sorry," he said to her, squatting down so he was closer to eye level with her, "i didn't mean to be so loud, I'm Yorobi Shirahama, I'm Izuku's brother!"

"Brother?" she questioned, looking at Izuku, who nodded his confirmation, "U-Uncle Yoro?"

Yorobi felt his heart clench as he gave her a soft hug, "yes, I'm your Uncle Yoro, and this is your Uncle Aki."

"Yorobi, if she's not comfortable calling me that-" Aki began.

"Uncle Aki."

"...*Sniff*..."

"Aki are you crying!?" Setsuna asked in shock, staring at her brother who now had a stream of tears gushing down his cheeks, joining Yorobi in the hug.

"No i'm not," he cried, "shut up!"

Bakugo sneered, "I'm out of here, this lovey-dovey crap is making me sick." with that he began walking away.

Izuku watched him go, then sighed and got up, "I'll be right back Eri," he said, giving her a reassuring smile when she looked a little worried, that worry was soon washed away by Jirou and her newly dubbed uncles.

Izuku gave a painful jog to catch up with Bakugo, "hey!" he called, making Katsuki pause in his gait, "I know i was a bit of an ass, but seriously, thanks for sending someone." he said sincerely, "really saved my ass out there, Kacchan."

Bakugo huffed a laugh out, "don't make a habit of it." he muttered, resuming his walk, "shitty nerd."

Izuku rolled his eyes, "still an asshole," he said, just loud enough that he knew Bakugo heard him. "At least that'll never change." With that he walked back into the infirmary, smiling when he saw Eri looking up at Yorobi in wonder as he told everyone still there the story of how he bested Stain.