Hello everybody! Welcome back for another chapter of Legion! I'm so very thankful for all your support so far, we've hit over 60k views, over 700 followers and favorites each, and even another community! I admit I planned to release this the 4th of July weekend, but ended up losing my charger only to find it in my dresser. Whoops.
The poll has been going well, I admit I'm surprised at the results so far!
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Legion: Aftermath
"For everything you gain, you lose something else."
"AND BAKUGO STARTS WITH A HUGE EXPLOSION, BUT LOOK AT THIS! MIDORIYA POWERS ON RIGHT THROUGH AND KNOCKS BAKUGO OUT OF THE ARENA, HE'S OUT OF BREATH AND MIDORIYA ALMOST CRASHES RIGHT ON TOP OF HIM!"
Cody held his hands together, his chin resting on top of them as he observed the two fight, he knew that Vod needed this more than ever, but he was worried.
He could tell that the Aruetti was getting under Izuku's skin.
"AND BAKUGO'S JUST WAILING ON MIDORIYA, WILL THE CHAMP BE ABLE TO GET OUT!?"
He was becoming more savage, more brutal.
"AND MIDORIYA DISLOCATES BAKUGO'S ARM! HE'S DEFINITELY NOT PULLING ANY PUNCHES!"
Like that.
However, it had its drawbacks. He could see Izuku coughing into his fist.
He hoped that it was just coughing.
"BAKUGO UNLEASHES AN ENORMOUS EXPLOSION, MIDORIYA IS SENT FLYING BACK TOWARDS THE STAGE! HE'S GETTING BACK UP!"
The two then met and began attacking each other in earnest, trading crushing blows.
"MIDORIYA'S BEING ABSOLUTELY BRUTAL AND- OH! BAKUGO'S MANAGED TO COUNTER AND THROW HIM AWAY! THEY'RE BOTH SHAKY BUT THEY'RE WILLING TO GO BEYOND!"
Izuku stumbled but stood tall.
Cody blinked, confused. One moment, Izuku's expression was furious, borderline hateful…now he was calm, serene.
At peace.
"Cody?" He heard Aizawa ask.
"Yeah…I see it too. I don't think it's something bad though."
"IT LOOKS LIKE THEY'RE REARING UP FOR THEIR FINAL ATTACKS! IT'S TIME TO END THIS FESTIVAL WITH A MOMENTOUS FINISH!"
Then the world turned white.
The explosion was deafening, and the shockwave was devastating, Cody was so glad that Nezu had explained to him some of the precautions they'd installed each year after the injury complaints.
Primarily, the security measures to prevent debris and other dangers from truly impacting the crowd.
The wind was still there though, apparently, Nezu found people being blown away funny.
Cody didn't know why he expected anything different.
"IT'S THE FINAL ATTACK OF THE AGES, MIDORIYA AND BAKUGO WENT FOR ONE FINAL BLOW, THE SMOKES CLEARING OUT OF THE ARENA, WHO'S STILL STANDING?"
Bakugo's body was the first to appear, still conscious and trying to get up.
Izuku's body stood tall, fist raised high much to everyone's surprise. The crowd started to roar, Present Mic was jumping up and down in his spot, blown out of his mind.
"MIDORIYA'S STILL STANDING, IT'S UNBELIEVABLE! HE'S STILL STANDING! AND LOOK, BAKUGO'S STILL CONSCIOUS TOO! ACHING TO GET BACK UP WHILE MIDORIYA IS…still standing?"
"Vod?" Cody whispered as he leaned forward trying to get a closer look. His head actually poked out of the announcer's box.
He felt a single drop of water fall on his head.
Drip. Drop. Plop.
Then it started to rain.
"What in the world?" Cody asked as he held his hand out to the sky, seeing the new clouds that definitely weren't there before.
"It's raining? But today was supposed to be clear skies?" Mic muttered, his voice carrying over the stadium.
Murmurs rose through the crowd as they began to realize that the weather had changed. Many who lived in Mustufasu and had been at the Sludge incident in person remembered the last time that had happened, and who had caused it.
"Don't tell me…"
"...he changed the weather…"
"...with his punch!"
More comments rose, and while Bakugo yelled incoherently from below, Midnight tentatively approached Izuku's still body.
"I-Izuku Midoriya is unconscious! Bakugo Katsuki wins!"
A few seconds of silence, before the crowd absolutely lost it.
Cody sat back in his chair, leaning a bit back as he sighed.
"UNBELIEVABLE, MIDORIYA'S LITERALLY STANDING UNCONSCIOUS, HELD UP BY HIS PURE CONVICTION TO THE END, FIST RAISED HIGH! IT'S A SHOCK FOR THE AGES! BAKUGO KATSUKI WINS THE FINALS!"
Cody watched as Bakugo started to yell, infuriated even, making it only a few feet before falling in front of Izuku and finally falling unconscious himself.
'Ah, a symbolic victory then. Vod may have lost the actual fight, but anybody can see where the victory truly lies.'
As the crowd continued to cheer, Cody watched as Bakugo was taken away on a stretcher by a pair of robots, while a pair of clones gently set Izuku on his own and took him away.
He hoped, however, that whatever change Izuku had gone through during the fight, it would be for the better.
Another break was being taken by the crowd as they prepared everything for the awards ceremony.
The students of 1-A were excitedly talking about the fight they'd just witnessed and were waiting on the main stage, the concrete already removed.
Ochako was slightly worried however, she'd seen how angry Izuku had been, although for some reason his demeanor had changed during the middle of the fight.
She was worried for Tenya too, his sudden departure had been frantic.
"Ochako, I'm sorry but I have to go. My brother's been attacked by a villain."
"I'm so sorry, is there anything we can do?"
"No…don't let Izuku know yet. Let him enjoy the end of the Festival. I'll speak with him later."
"Okay."
She hoped that his brother was alright.
"Hey look, they're bringing them up!"
"All of the first-year events have been finished for this year's Sports Festival! It's time for the awards ceremony!"
Fireworks exploded in the air as the crowd began to applaud the victors, and a large smoke screen spawned behind Midnight as pillars began to rise.
Various students gave out groans and other noises of disbelief as they saw Bakugo chained up and muzzled, thrashing wildly.
"You've got to be kidding me…"
"Apparently he's been like that since he woke up…"
"Turns out the clones were the ones who strapped him in."
"Wow, those clones really do have it against him."
One pillar was empty, however.
"Unfortunately, Midoriya Izuku suffered extreme injuries and exhaustion and is currently under Recovery Girl's care. Everybody, please give him a round of applause for his hard work! He definitely deserved that silver medal!" Midnight announced, the crowd applauding, whistling, and in general cheering for their fan favorite. The disappointment was there, however.
"Shame that Izuku couldn't be here."
"His fights were crazy."
Kamakiri waved from his third-place pillar while Todoroki stood there in silent contemplation.
"And presenting the medals-"
"HAHAHAHA!"
"Our very own ALL MIGHT!"
"I AM HERE WITH THE MEDALS!"
A pause as he then turned to her slightly indignant.
"I talked over you…"
The crowd still cheered for their Number One Hero, many of them commenting on how lucky the First-Years were.
"If you could present the medals? Starting from first place." A sheepish Midnight said as she handed them to him.
All Might merely nodded before heading to Kamakiri. Said boy was extremely giddy, which was honestly a bit amusing to see. He'd tended to have a more robust exterior during classes, yet it seemed like his time in 1B was doing him well.
"Young Kamakiri, you've certainly done your class proud. You've proven your great tenacity and were so close to making it to the finals themselves! You've done good work, young man. I hope to see great things from you in the future! Remember to always pay attention to your surroundings, and that sometimes you need to think outside the box." He said while hugging him.
"You bet, All Might!"
Moving on to Todoroki, he addressed as he put on his medal.
"Young Todoroki, I assume there is a reason you've started using your fire?"
"Let's just say that I see now what you see in Midoriya. I wanted to become a hero like you, All Might…he just showed me that there's a lot more to being a hero than just being Number One. I still have some things to settle." Todoroki finished as he looked at the taller man with a calmness that wasn't there before.
"It is a hard lesson for many to learn, that sometimes we can't do things alone. But I feel that you've taken the first steps, just remember, it's also important for you to be a hero not just for others, but for yourself. I wish you well for your future." All Might replied as he hugged the boy.
"Thank you, All Might."
Heading off to the last he was admittedly, a bit put off by the restraints.
'Honestly, was the muzzle really necessary?'
"Ah, young Bakugo, congratulations on your-" He was cut off as Bakugo growled.
"All Might, this victory means nothing! It was cheap! Even if the world acknowledges it, I refuse to! I refuse to accept a victory where Deku's not at my feet!"
'Sheesh, this kid really needs to chill out.'
"Ah, I understand. In a world where there are people constantly being compared publicly, there aren't many who keep aiming for the top of an unchanging scale, it seems like you're one of them." All Might said while Bakugo continued to growl.
'Look at that face, certainly ferocious…'
Still, Bakugo's vitriol for Izuku did seem very unwarranted, although that involved a history that he hadn't really asked about. Even Jango didn't really talk about their relationship with the blonde boy, but they did have some history.
Still, he had to be fair, and although he wished Izuku was up here, he was glad that his successor had made his mark.
Lifting the medal, All Might continued. "Take this medal. Think of it as a 'wound'! That way you can remember and become better!"
"I said I don't want it!"
Trying to force it over the boy's head, who stubbornly refused and moved his head, All Might was finally able to force the lanyard into the boy's jaw.
Turning to the crowd, All Might gestured toward the camera as he continued his speech.
"Well, they were the winners this time! But listen up, everyone! Any one of these fine young men and women could have made it onto these podiums!"
The students and those from beyond the screen paid rapt attention to All Might's words as he continued his speech. Up in the announcer's box, Hizashi made a gesture that made both Aizawa and Cody slap the back of his head.
"As you all saw! Pushing each other, competing with and against each other, striving beyond your limits, and going beyond! That's what it means to be a hero! And as far as I see it, the next generation of heroes has a lot to offer!"
Pointing his finger to the sky, he readied to rally the crowd.
"NOW, THERE'S JUST ONE LAST THING TO SAY! EVERYBODY SAY IT WITH ME!"
He took a deep breath…
"HOLD IT!"
All Might coughed in surprise as the crowd turned towards the field, many students gasping in surprise and parting as Izuku hobbled through the crowd, his friends gleefully surrounding him.
"Y-young Midoriya!"
Izuku smiled softly at his master, the crowd already cheering at seeing him on his feet.
"All Might, I think I made a promise that I'd make it to the end of this Festival, right? Show the world that I'm here?"
All Might paused in surprise but smiled even brighter.
"That you did, young Midoriya."
Izuku hobbled forward, standing tall even though his right arm was in a cast and a sling, and his left was almost completely wrapped up, other bandages on his body limited his movement and he was most definitely in pain.
Yet he still smiled.
"Can you guys help me up?" He asked his friends.
Ochako swiftly removed his gravity and Yuga helped steady him up the pillar where All Might set him down after Ochako released him.
"Young Midoriya, you have no idea how proud I am of you, my boy. You may not have won the Festival, but I can certainly tell you that you've won the hearts and minds of the people. Inspiring your friends, and if I'm not mistaken…releasing your anger." He gently said while resting his hands on Izuku's shoulder, being careful not to hurt him after placing his medal on his neck.
Izuku nodded, a small, gentle smile adorning his face.
"Let's just say I had some help."
"I'm proud of you, ad." [Son.]
"Thank you, buir."
Izuku grimaced before turning to All Might.
"Uh, I can't move much, can you help me raise my fist?" Izuku asked. All Might paused, his eyebrows slightly raised in surprise but he nodded and gently took Izuku's wrist.
"One last Plus Ultra? All Might?"
"Heh, yes, I suppose that would be appropriate." He said with a chuckle before turning to the crowd.
"EVERYBODY TOGETHER NOW! ONE, TWO-"
As one they all roared, Izuku's fist rising with All Might's.
"PLUS ULTRA!"
The crowds were slowly making their way out of the stadium, clones helping guide the families along.
Already there'd been a few near incidents with some lost children, but they were fortunately quickly reunited with their parents.
Izuku had returned to the medic room, utterly exhausted. He'd defied Recovery Girl's orders of rest to head out to the awards ceremony.
His eyes growing heavy, he soon fell asleep.
"Good job, Nine…"
Meanwhile, the students were back in their classroom, just about ready to be dismissed for the day.
"Good job, all of you. There won't be any school tomorrow or the day after. I'm sure that plenty of pros will want to recruit you, but we'll consolidate everything and announce it when you get back. Rest up, and be ready."
"Yes, sir!"
As they all got up and went home, Izuku's friends gathered around as Ochako related to them why Tenya was gone. All of them were worried for their friend, and could only hope that his family was fine.
It seemed that a lot of things were changing.
Hosu General Hospital
Tenya quickly bowed to the receptionist before speeding down the halls, disregarding the receptionist calling after him.
"MOTHER!" He yelled as he found her by the door.
"Tenya!" She exclaimed as she rose to meet him.
"How is Tensei doing?" He asked before she motioned to a door.
Practically bursting it open he quickly called out for his brother, his mother trying to calm him down and remind him about keeping a mask.
He shuddered in shock as he stared at his hospitalized brother.
The doctor quickly rose and delivered the news as simply as possible, warning them that he was still hazy since the anesthetic had only recently worn off.
How close of a call it'd been.
Tensei wearily opened his eyes upon hearing them.
"Tenya…Mother…"
Their mother couldn't even stand anymore, falling to her knees.
Tenya shakily walked over to his brother's bedside.
"Tensei! It's gonna be alright!"
"Even though…such an accomplished younger brother…like you…looks up to me…"
Tenya couldn't believe it, this couldn't be happening!
"I'm sorry…Tenya…your big brother…lost…"
Tenya choked as he fell to his knees.
"TENSEI!"
Elsewhere, a dark figure walked through alleyways. His crusade would continue as he cut down one false hero after another.
He'd recently succeeded against Ingenium, but there was still more work to be done.
Still, he could feel it.
A change in the air, and whispers among the common people.
A new hero student, someone that was making waves and he wasn't even out of school.
Someone that even All Might was rumored to favor.
Stain would have to look deeper into this, to see if the child was worthy of the title of Hero, or if he would have to be culled before his roots could grow deep.
Who knows? Perhaps the child may prove himself fruitful and could even be worthy of killing him.
The Next Day
It was a beautiful day, and Todoroki Shoto was preparing to do something long overdue.
"Shoto, where are you going?" His sister asked as he headed out the door.
"The hospital."
"What? All of a sudden? Why?"
"Wait!" She yelled as she got closer. "Is it okay to not tell Dad?"
"Yeah."
"Why do you want to see Mom now? After all this time?"
'Because I need to.'
"I'll be back." He replied as he shut the door.
Walking down the road, even passing by a mother and her child, Todoroki was left to his memories.
"Mom, I'm going crazy…I can't take it anymore. Every day, the children seem to be more and more like him…"
With each step, he became closer to facing her.
"Shoto's…That child's left side sometimes looks very unsightly to me…I can't raise him anymore…I feel like I shouldn't…
Soon enough, he found himself in front of the hospital.
For so long, he'd thought that his mere presence would hurt her, which is why he'd stayed away.
'I wonder…is she still shackled by me and the old man?'
Either way, if he wanted to become a hero, a true hero, one that would give his all…
"I want to bring you hope, Todoroki. But you have to take the first step."
'Midoriya…'
He reached for the handle…but let his hand fall.
"It's okay for you to become who you want to be."
'To be the hero I want to be…I need to see her.' He thought as he opened up the door.
'There's so much I have to tell her, so much we have to talk about.'
She was facing away from him, her white hair cascading over her shoulders as she gazed out to the garden outside her window.
"Hi, Mom…"
She perked up, the voice was both familiar yet unfamiliar, and slowly she turned, not believing her eyes.
She was beautiful.
'Even if she doesn't want it. I will rescue her from here.'
He took the first step forward.
'This is where I start. Where I have to.'
Izuku smiled as he looked at the photo that Ochako had sent of her with her parents in the group chat. Apparently, they'd surprised her.
"I'm glad that you've made such good friends, my boy." Toshinori said. He'd been invited by the Midoriya family for a brief lunch.
"Me too, my clones have also been making friends. Apparently, Hevy and Echo are having lunch with the Asui's. 2010 and Cutup had breakfast with Kamui Woods' new team and Ponds has been hanging around Aizawa-sensei and Yamada-sensei."
"Wow, have any other of the Vod'e made friends?"
"Well, Fordo's been hanging around Hound Dog…he uh, he was the sniper that killed that one villain back at the USJ."
Both Toshinori and Inko tensed slightly at the mention of that place but were pleasantly surprised at how quickly Izuku mentioned it and moved on.
"Apparently Bly's been trailing behind Midnight-sensei…not too sure what to think about that honestly. But Cody said that it's mostly her teasing him a lot while he ignores her. Ponds says that both Aizawa and Yamada find it hilarious cause she gets frustrated."
Izuku munched on some eggs and swallowed them before grabbing some juice and drinking it down.
"Izuku?"
"Hm?" He perked up as he saw his buir'e [parents] looking at him in concern.
"Are you alright? During the Sports Festival, you were so angry…we were worried about you…" Inko started before Toshinori took over.
"And then during your fight with young Bakugo, you suddenly changed…you seemed at peace."
"Ah, right…I almost forgot." Izuku softly said as he laid down his utensils.
"Buir…I met her…I met Nana."
Toshinori dropped his utensils, utterly gobsmacked.
"W-what?"
"For that one moment, I fell inside One For All, and she was there…she comforted me and helped me grieve and process everything. Gave a lot of good advice…told me to smile, after all, the strongest-"
"Are those who always smile…" Toshinori finished, tears falling as he remembered her.
"She had a few words for you, you know?"
"Hm?"
"Yeah… 'Toshinori…Ni kar'tayl gal sa'ad.'" [I know your name as my child.]
Toshinori's jaw trembled as he clenched the table, his frame trembling as he heard words that he'd longed to hear for years.
Inko gently held him and Izuku also hugged him as Toshinori broke down.
"Master…buir…" Toshinori muttered under his breath.
After a few minutes, Toshinori was calm enough to continue his light meal.
"Buir…I want you to go into the bacta tank…I spoke with RG about it, and she wants to give it a try too. I know that it won't bring back One For All to full strength for you, but hopefully, you can at least gain back some of your health."
Toshinori paused at Izuku's words and considered them, nodding thoughtfully he took a deep, slightly painful breath before replying.
"If you'd think it would help…I'll agree to it, Izuku."
Inko smiled at the two of them as they finished up their meal. Once finished, Izuku invited Toshinori to come up to his room.
"Izuku…" Inko breathed out, slightly worried. "Are you sure?"
Izuku nodded.
"It's time I face it."
The three walked in together, and All Might looked in bittersweet wonder.
There was a bunk bed, and two desks, both filled to the brim with hero memorabilia, papers, and other knick-knacks. Posters of himself and various other heroes decorated the walls.
A light coat of dust decorated everything, but oddly enough the room felt peaceful as the sun's light pierced through the blinds.
Toshinori uttered a small prayer under his breath, a pardon for the intrusion.
"I don't think I'll be sleeping back in here anytime soon, but I want to at least spend some time here…to remember the good times," Izuku said while idly passing his hand on top of a desk. He wiped away the dust from his fingers before putting it back on it, bowing his head as he felt tears softly trail down.
"And I wanted to do something special." He said as he grabbed a box that was in the corner of the desk.
"Jango had a fascination for collecting random things that he would find from anywhere."
Opening the box, Izuku showed Toshinori the bunch of little objects inside, the majority of which were actually crystals and crazy-looking rocks.
Izuku plucked two out from the box and showed them to Toshinori.
"These were his favorite…I'm planning on keeping this one on me, as a closer reminder of him." He said regarding the black crystal, it was certainly beautiful in a haunting sort of way as the light seemed to be sucked into it.
"I'd like for you to keep this one," Izuku said as he held out the other. Toshinori gasped in surprise as he saw the crystal. It was a beautiful clear blue, that almost seemed to radiate light as if it was the exact opposite of its dark counterpart.
"Jango said he collected this one cause it reminded him of your eyes, and how they always seemed to glow with strength, even when you were physically weak."
Toshinori reverently took the crystal into his own hand.
"Are you sure?"
"I'd love nothing more than for the both of us to have something to have him beside us."
Toshinori clenched his fist and nodded solemnly before pocketing the crystal. He'd need to make something special to hold it later.
"Come…there's one last thing I want to show you."
Walking out of the room, Izuku flicked the lights off and started to close the door. Peering inside he paused slightly as he saw the light from the blinds land in the center of the room, just in front of Jango's desk.
Smiling softly, he closed the door.
Reuniting with his mother, the three then stood before Jango's altar.
"We've taken to a new tradition…one that we'd like you to join in. After all, you're part of our family now."
Toshinori raised his brow in surprise but nodded, pleased to be included.
They all kneeled and Izuku began to teach.
"It goes like this…Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum."
"What does it mean?"
"I am still alive, but you are dead. I remember you, so you are eternal." Izuku softly uttered the translation and began helping Toshinori through the pronunciation.
"Once you're done, you mention the names that you want to remember…Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum, Jango, ner Vod'e." [My brothers.] Izuku began with a small bow of his head.
Inko was next.
"Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum, Jango, ner ade." [My sons.]
Toshinori took a shaky breath before doing the best he could.
"Ni su'cuyi, gar kyr'adyc, ni partayli, gar darasuum, Jango, Vod'e…"
He took in a deep breath before uttering the last name.
"Nana, ner buir."
Within the next few days, before school started, Izuku decided that he had a few more people he needed to speak to.
A few days later, thanks to All Might, he'd met up with Principal Nezu and was playing a game with him.
"So what is the occasion, Young Midoriya?"
"I know I said this before…but I wanted to thank you, for everything you did for me and the Vod'e. Your words put a lot oin trust into them by the people."
"Ah but words can only do so much, it was their actions that cemented their reputation."
"That may be true, but you helped start us off."
"I only wish I could have done more, perhaps then would your brother still be with us." Nezu said with some sorrow.
"Unfortunately, the past can't be changed, but that doesn't mean that Jango isn't still with us…what we do with his sacrifice, is his legacy."
"Wise words, young Midoriya, I'm glad to see how much you've grown, painful growth it was, but growth nonetheless."
"I actually have something for you, Principal Nezu." Izuku said as he presented a crystal from Jango's collection for him. The rodent reached out his paw and gently secured it, it was a beautiful green, and seemed to slightly hum.
"Jango had a collection of his most prized possessions, I think it fitting that you have your own piece to remember him by." Izuku said as he held out the necklace that held his own.
Nezu gratefully nodded before they continued their game.
Izuku ended up losing as always, but it was much closer than before.
Later, after finishing up with Nezu, Izuku headed out and found Snipe.
"Snipe-sensei!"
"How can I help ya, partner?"
"I wanted to thank you for helping the Vod'e and I out so much, your training has helped prevent a lot of accidents, and made us much more prepared. I know that you and Jango worked on his pistols, I actually have one with me," Izuku said before pulling the second one out. "I think the second, should rightfully go to you."
Snipe paused, shocked at the gesture.
"Midoriya…are ya sure?"
"Trust me, I'm sure. This is what Jango would want."
Snipe nodded slowly as he grabbed the pistol reverently, grabbing one of his own, he unloaded it and stored it, before placing Jango's pistol in the holster.
"Thank you, partner."
"Thank you, Snipe-sensei."
Rain was pouring down liberally throughout the city, and Izuku was currently taking the train while scrolling through social media on his phone.
He was admittedly very surprised by the positive feedback he'd been seeing about both him and the Vod'e.
-So get this, I'm here at the #UASportsFestival, and my sister's running around the place, she gets lost, and I'm losing my mind. I let one of those clones know and not even five minutes later she's back in my arms. So thankful! #Vode
-Those clones cheering for their bro was really inspiring! Seeing the Kyoka's in action got my blood boiling! #UASportsFestival #Vode
-Video: Vode War Chant - Bruh, I got chills. Slamming their armor like that? It's like that Maori thing. #Vode
His actions during the festival had especially gotten attention from the people. Izuku felt giddy, he was trending.
-Video: Students help Midoriya Izuku - Bruh, how inspiring you gotta be for your classmates to help you win? #MidoriyaIzuku
-Gif: Flintstones Tank - This dude really be pushin' a whole ass tank.
-Gif: Scary Lady - This girl should not be having this much fun firing that thing.
His fights were what attracted the most attention.
-Image: Midoriya vs. Shinso - My man really Oklahoma smashed this dude. #MidoriyaIzuku #UASportsFestival
-Image: Midoriya vs. Monoma - Beat this guy's ass too.
Of course, there were some detractors. Some especially criticized his perceived harshness against Todoroki when he pulled out the gun.
-Was it really necessary? I mean, what is UA thinking? Letting him do that?
-Reply: Sometimes you gotta play the villain to be the hero. From what I heard, that's the first time the Todoroki kid actually used his fire.
-Reply: Kid must have been pissed. I'd be too, I do martial arts and I'd hate to fight an opponent that wouldn't give his all.
-Reply: Still delivered a grade A ass-whoopin'. That Todoroki pulled off a super explosion and still lost. Shame, I expected more outta Endeavor's kid.
-109 replies
Well, he was gonna move on from that reply chain.
His last fight was what really sold him.
-Dude, how baller do you have to be to stay standing while unconscious? #MidoriyaIzuku
-Image: Final Fist - Dude made it rain, I was there a few months ago when All Might did the same.
-Reply: Speaking about All Might, when he helped the kid raise his fist? Chills, bro.
-Reply: Image: All Might helps Midoriya - You think they know each other? Like, actually know each other? Kid was looking pretty happy and so was he.
-Reply: It's All Might, of course the kid's gonna be star-struck, and he's always smiling.
-Reply: Kid literally said 'I am here!' Think he's planning on taking All Might's place?
-1154 replies.
Izuku was knocked out of his musings as he heard the whispers from around him, a man grabbed his attention and he turned to see multiple people congratulating him, a few even asking for his autograph and even a few pictures with some kids and teens.
As he got off of his stop he smiled and waved back as they cheered for him.
"Do your best, hero!"
"I will!"
Taking solace in the rain as he calmly walked up towards UA, he was surprised to see Tenya running up behind him.
"Good morning, Izuku!"
"Tenya?"
"Why are you walking so slow!? You're going to be late!"
"Late? There's still five minutes till the first bell!"
"U.A. students should always be ten minutes early!" He yelled before speeding off. Izuku could only blink in surprise.
Later, as they were putting their things away in their lockers, Izuku tried to get Tenya's attention.
"Tenya-"
"If it's about my brother, there's no need to worry." He began before turning to face his friend. "I'm sorry for worrying you needlessly."
Walking away, Izuku could only stare at Tenya's back while he continued to worry.
He recognized the anger in those eyes.
It was the same as his own.
Entering the class and greeting the rest of his friends, he was glad to hear them all so excited. It was great to hear them talk about their own experiences this morning from all their well-wishers.
As Aizawa came in and greeted them, the class quickly went to their seats and greeted him back.
Tsuyu was the first to notice something different about him.
"Aizawa-sensei, your casts are gone. I'm glad."
It was true, despite a few scars, Aizawa was back to full health.
"Old lady went overboard with her treatments. More importantly, we have a special hero informatics class today.
The atmosphere became tense as they wondered what exactly this class would entail.
"Code names." Aizawa simply said. "You'll be coming up with hero names."
"WE'RE GONNA DO SOMETHING EXCITING!"
Aizawa quickly flared his eyes and the class quieted.
"This is related to the drafts that I mentioned the other day. Usually, these start when your second and third years, since you'd have more experience and would be immediate assets to the heroes. For them to extend offers to first years like you, shows that they're very interested in your potential, but they can die off if they lose interest by graduation."
"Adults are so selfish…" Mineta muttered as he smacked his desk.
"So we'll have to prove ourselves, right?" Hagakure called out from the side.
"That's right."
And here are the totals for those offers.
Midoriya : 7503
Todoroki: 4123
Bakugo: 3556
Iida: 354
Uraraka: 284
Yaoyorozu: 203
Shouji: 103
Jirou: 56
Ashido: 31
Aoyama: 20
Kouda: 17
"As you can see, a lot of focus was on those three, as well as those that made it to the finals, plus a few that made it an 'impact'." He said as he raised a brow towards Izuku who slightly flushed as he saw the names on the board.
Many of them made comments about the disparity, although they were most surprised about the difference between Todoroki and Bakugo, whose positions had been switched from their placements at the festival.
"Guess some people are too scared to ask for a guy who had to be restrained on the podium."
"WHAT'RE THE PROS SCARED OF?!"
"You're amazing, Todoroki," Yaoyorozu said to her neighbor.
"Most of them are probably because of my old man."
Ochako was excitedly shaking Tenya back and forth, surprised at the number of offers that she received.
"Yes, yes."
Izuku was still stunned by the number of offers that he'd received, sure he knew that the Vod'e and he had made an impact, but this much?
"I wish you could see this, Jango," Izuku whispered fondly as he looked at the numbers.
From inside him, he could feel the Vod'e cheering him on, and even the faintest hints of Nana's approval.
It was fulfilling.
"Keeping these results in mind," Aizawa continued. "Whether or not anyone asked for you, you will all be participating in internships with pros."
"Internships?" Izuku asked.
"Yeah. At the USJ, you already got to experience combat with real villains…"
The atmosphere grew tense at the mention of that place, and Izuku could only look on solemnly.
"But it will still be meaningful training for you to see pros at work firsthand."
"So that explains the hero names!" Sato grinned as he clenched his fist.
"It's starting to get a lot more fun!" Ochako replied with a blinding smile.
"Well, those hero names are temporary, but if you're not serious about it-"
"There'll be hell to pay later!"
A lot of the guys became very excited as Midnight walked in.
"Because a lot of hero names used by students become recognized by society, and they end up becoming professional hero names!"
"Midnight!"
"Well, that's how it is. So Midnight will be making sure your names are okay. I can't do stuff like that." Aizawa said while picking up his sleeping bag, somewhat fondly remembering how he got his own name.
"When you give yourself a name, you get a more concrete image of what you want to be like in the future, and you can get closer to it. Like the old saying, "Names and natures do often agree."
As he got into his sleeping bag, Aizawa left them with one final comment.
"Like All Might."
As Izuku received his board and passed the stack down, he pondered over what that meant.
When he was younger, he'd come up with a bunch of childish names that involved All Might in one way or another. Then Jango arrived and he'd helped Izuku gain a different perspective on things, especially on what it meant to be a hero, what it meant to be like All Might.
Even after receiving One For All, Jango had been quick to offer his own perspective.
'Just because you have the quirk, doesn't mean you need to become him. You can be your own hero too, ya know? Just remember, you never have to stand alone. We'll always have your back, whatever you decide.'
Even Toshinori had his own advice to give once he'd learned more about what happened during the festival.
'A Symbol of Hope, huh? Certainly has a ring to it to be sure, and backed up by your friends, I'm sure there's nothing you can't do.'
'You aren't disappointed? That I'm not looking to become a Symbol of Peace like you?'
'Of course not! If anything I'm glad that you're doing things differently than me. Our circumstances are different, Izuku. Those concepts and our missions as well…I admit, that although I would not trade my career and accomplishments for anything, I do wish that I'd had more support along the way. Both from my friends, and the heroes around me.'
'Do you mean-?'
'One for All is your quirk now, Izuku. Should the day come that you trust them with the full truth, it will be your decision.'
'Thank you, buir.'
'Think nothing of it, my boy. Truth is, I'm glad. With this new generation, you will be able to do something truly special. What matters most, however, is that you become the hero that you want to become while remembering who you are and where you came from.'
Izuku paused as he recalled Toshinori's words and remembered.
All the times with Jango, the Vod'e, his friends, and family.
The dark years before he'd gotten to know his brother.
And the brightness of the most recent weeks.
'I've got an idea Izuku, I've been working on it in Mando'a for you!'
He knew what he'd be called.
He'd known for years.
Although he'd have to change the title, The Legion Hero might have been cool, but he wanted to represent his future goal as well.
"Alright, time to present those names! Who's ready?"
'We're presenting?'
'Uh oh.'
Yuga turned out to be the first to present his name.
"Here I go, Shining Hero: Nau'ur!"
Izuku immediately choked on his spit.
"Yuga?!"
"You like, mon ami? I was inspired by you and Fordo! In fact, nau'ur means 'to illuminate', fitting for me, non?"
Izuku could only chuckle as he grinned brightly, already feeling the deep surge of approval from the Vod'e still inside him.
"Does Fordo know this?"
"Not yet, I have a surprise for him," Yuga replied with his usual flair.
"Alright then."
Ashido's 'Alien Queen' was unfortunately rejected due to copyright problems and the intimidating nature behind it.
Many in the class were worried about what to do for their names, now unsure as to the criteria, but Tsuyu was able to save the day by showing her name, 'Froppy.'
"Sturdy Hero: RED RIOT!"
"Ooh, paying homage to the Chilvarous Hero: Crimson Riot, huh?"
"Yep, he's old-fashioned but that's the hero image I'm going for!"
Midnight softly smiled at the boy.
"If you're bearing a name that you admire, then it'll come with that much more pressure."
"I'm ready!"
Izuku looked to the side to where Kaminari was debating about his own name, only for Kyoka to jokingly call him Jamming-yay. Kaminari originally thought it as a reference to one of his favorite authors only for Kyoka to say that it was a reference to his tendency to short himself out.
"Stop messing with me!"
"Hearing Hero: Bes'laar."
Izuku started to flush as he wondered whether all his friends were going to put Mando'a into their names.
"Ooh, exotic! What does it mean?"
"It means music, simple, but it's one of my passions too."
"I love it!"
As his classmates called out their names, Bakugo's was 'surprisingly' rejected, and Ochako took up the next spot.
"I came up with this…Jate'kara Hero: Uravity."
Izuku flushed deeply as he tried to work out a response.
"W-where did you guys find these?"
"Well…Jango started teaching me a lot about Mando'a, and since I like space he helped me learn a lot of terms. This means lucky or good stars, I wanted it to be something involving gravity but that'd be a bit too on the nose I think."
"That's so sweet! I love it!"
Izuku kept silent as he also remembered the other meaning of that phrase. It also meant destiny or luck, but it was also used to reference how the stars were good to follow, in other words, a good course to steer by.
A hero that led a good course.
He found it fitting for his first friend.
"You know, this is actually going a lot smoother than I thought it would! All that's left is Bakguo, who needs to rethink his, Iida, and Midoriya."
Tenya had kept to himself throughout the class, unwilling to write the words his brother had asked him to.
"Tenya, I wasn't sure if I should have said something yesterday, but…I can't feel my legs."
"What?! No way…!"
"Ingenium will end here…"
"NO! You still have so many to lead! So many to save! I don't like this! I can't accept this!"
"Me either, which is why…if you're up to it…"
Tenya's marker slowly reached for the board.
"Will you take up the name Ingenium, for me?"
He only managed to write the first few characters before shuddering and stopping.
'Tenya.'
"Oh? You're just going by your first name, like Todoroki then?"
Izuku looked at Tenya in worry, he knew that he needed to speak with him as soon as possible.
"Midoriya, you're up!" Midnight called as he went up to the podium.
"This is something that has deep meaning to me, Jango was the one who came up with it."
A small moment of silence as they remembered their fallen friend.
"I want to become a hero that inspires hope to the people while ensuring that I stay true to my roots and to the Vod'e."
Flipping the sign, he smiled brightly as he stated his name.
"Rising Symbol of Hope: Mand'alor."
Staff Room
"Oh?, looks like a last-minute offer came in for Midoriya," Cementoss mentioned with All Might behind him.
"Oh really?" Toshinori asked as he got closer. "I wonder who-"
Toshinori gaped in shock as fear ran through his entire body.
"IT CAN'T BE…!"
"LORD EXPLOSION MURDER!"
"You completely missed the point…rejected."
Izuku burst out laughing and Bakugo started to scream at him.
Once Aizawa woke up, glad to see that hero names had been decided, he returned to the topic of internships.
"These internships will be for a week, and as to where they'll be done, for those of you that got offers, you'll be given the time to look over them and select one. The rest of you will choose from this list of forty agencies that UA's partnered with around the country. Remember, regardless of offers, each hero and hero agency has its own procedure, specialty, and manner of operation, so choose wisely." Aizawa advised them.
"For example, our very own No. 13, is a rescue-based hero, so she'd be focusing on what to do during accidents and disasters, such as first aid and victim relief, rather than fighting villains."
The students started to consider their options as Aizawa finished by saying that their choices should be turned in before the weekend.
"We only got two days!"
"Choose wisely~"
"Dismissed."
Lunchtime
"So, have you guys made your choices yet?"
"Mm, not yet…"
"Nope."
"Still pickin'."
"I'm going to Mt. Lady!" Mineta said with a thumbs up to himself.
"You're thinking something perverted, aren't you Mineta." Tsuyu said as she walked past him.
"O-of course not!"
Ochako then turned towards Ashido.
"What about you, Ashido? Did you choose somebody? You did get 31 offers!"
"That's the point, there's so many! How can I possibly choose?" Ashido cried out while pulling her hair in slight frustration.
"Well, at least it's only 31, look at Midoriya," Ojiro said while pointing to the said boy.
Izuku had currently grouped together some desks and actually had some of his clones with him as he looked through the stack.
"Hey, Cody, Ponds, Fordo." Ochako greeted as they walked a bit closer.
Said three clones looked at each other in surprise.
'How did she recognize us?'
'How did she recognize them?'
"How'd you do that?" They're all wearing the same armor and everything, literally!" Ashido asked in confusion.
"Well, it's kinda easy, look at their chests."
They all looked at the clones, and chests, which had symbols on them.
"Fordo actually walked me through some of the organization of the Vod'e. Cody's the Marshal Commander, which means that he's in direct control of the Vod'e after Izuku. Ponds and Fordo are regular Commanders, meaning that they fall right below him in the chain of command. You can tell by the amount of dots on their chest plates." Ochako pointed out, and funnily enough, there it was.
Eight dots on Cody's chest, and 6 on the other two.
"They're currently the only two with that high of a rank outside of the Mindscape, but there are more inside."
"Correct, nice to see you remember," Fordo said with a smile. The three clones then looked at Izuku who flushed and glared at them.
The interaction was not lost on Ashido who started grinning.
"Wow, you guys are taking this seriously, huh?"
"Of course, whatever hero that vod picks will have a direct impact in shaping his career," Cody replied as he looked through his own stack. Already they'd had a set of piles, some rejected due to distance or specialty, others that were simply too small and were obvious ploys of gaining attention from the public; the clones had been paying attention to social media, and Nezu had warned them about some of the more selfish offers that could be found.
Fordo was going over a potential list, while Ponds managed the research on the definite picks.
"Actually, I already picked one!" Ochako said with a cheer.
"Really?"
"Where?"
"Battle Hero: Gunhead's agency."
"Is that so?" Ponds asked as he looked up from his research, Nezu had lent him a tablet, "We thought that you wanted to be a rescue hero, Gunhead prioritizes in villain attacks."
"Yep, I got an offer from them and it left me thinking, I want to be a rescue hero, but after I had to stop during the festival, it made me realize that I also need to work on my stamina and fighting capabilities too! Don't want to get left behind right?"
"You totally want to use the rocket launcher again, don't you?" Fordo deadpanned.
Ochako slightly slouched and nodded.
"That thing was really cool, I want to be a hero that can rescue people and kick villain butt!" She replied with a smile.
'Too bright.' The four at the table thought to themselves. Even the Vod'e inside Izuku were shying away.
"In the end, I want to expand my perspective and abilities!"
"That's great to hear," Izuku replied while looking over his stack.
"Wait a minute, Izuku, are you trembling?"
"Hmm? Oh yeah, air chairs…"
"Air chair exercise? Have you been doing that all class?"
"Damn it, vod. RG told you to rest!"
"It's an easy to do exercise, it's fine."
"He has a point, the isometric-" Ojiro tried to interject but was cut off as Cody interrupted him.
"It's not fine-" The four brothers devolved into arguing, with the three clones pushing down on Izuku's body much to his protest.
Bakugo just seethed, wanting them to shut up.
"What a mad banquet of darkness…" Tokoyami muttered to the side.
Next to them, however, Tenya sat alone at his desk having made his decision and written it down.
"Want to go home together, Izuku?" Ochako brightly asked as they prepared to leave for the day.
"S-sure thing, Ochako!" Izuku slightly squeaked out, before clearing his throat. Ochako nodded and turned to the door. Turning to his grinning brothers, who were making silly gestures, he motioned for them to knock it off before turning just in time as Ochako turned back around.
"Let's go-"
"I AM HERE IN A BIZARRE POSITION!"
Izuku blinked at him.
"You know, it's the little things like this that give some credence to what Jango used to say."
"BLEGH!"
"Izuku!" Ochako lightly smacked him as the clones began to chuckle.
"Young Midoriya, I have no idea what you're talking about." All Might stuttered.
"Relax, sensei. She already knows about how we knew each other before the year began. Not everything, mind you. But I did promise to tell her some stories."
"Yeah All Might, it's so cool!"
"Ehem, I see…well, could you come with me for a moment? No jokes!" All Might pointed a finger at the four of them who jokingly stood at attention.
"Sure thing."
Just down the hall near the restrooms, All Might got straight to the point.
"You've gotten another offer from a hero."
"Another? Is there anything special in particular about this hero?"
"Y-yes…his name is Gran Torino. He was a teacher here at U.A. for only a year and served as my homeroom teacher. He also knows about One For All, in fact, he probably asked for you because of that." All Might began as Izuku started to feel a sudden sense of familiarity, fondness and regret mixed with something else.
'Nana?'
"Cool…another person that knows about One For All, who all does know about it?"
"Gran Torino was the sworn friend of my predecessor, he retired a long time ago so I forgot to mention him. But included with the principal, Recovery Girl, and your mother, Sir Nighteye is the only other that knows about our shared secret although he and I…don't speak much nowadays."
Izuku nodded, feeling that there was something deeper within that but didn't want to pry.
Then All Might started to shiver as he recalled Gran Torino.
"Was it because I wrote of you when I sent him that letter? Could he not stand by and watch my inadequate teaching? He even used his old name! It's scary…too scary…stop trembling, legs!" All Might growled out as he smacked his legs.
'Who is this guy to leave All Might shaking like that?'
Izuku was suddenly very…wary.
"Anyway, it is my duty to train you…I know you have plenty of offers, but I know that he would be able to give you the training needed for One For All…" All Might managed to get out even with his shaking as he held out the paper.
Izuku shakily took it, dreading the choice in front of him.
However, if this man knows about One For All, then it would be best to learn from him.
"Internships, huh?" Aizawa heard Snipe mention as he held up the stack of papers from his students. Next to him, Ponds and Cody were playing Shogi, a game that Nezu had originally introduced Jango and Izuku to a while ago and in turn, he'd apparently started teaching the commanders.
It was quickly becoming a popular game among the clones that'd been selected as officers, although none had come close to Nezu, in fact, only Izuku and Jango working together had managed to bring Nezu to a tie, and even then that game had taken hours.
It still gave Aizawa the shivers.
It was still a bit weird, having what could be considered as students inside the staff rooms, but the Vod'e were doing well, and Nezu was even providing some education of their own for them.
How he did it Aizawa didn't have a clue, and he honestly didn't want to ask.
"Yeah, a few have already decided."
"It's an important event, make sure they think about it properly. There are some third years that still have regrets about it." Snipe finished before heading off.
"Yeah…" Aizawa nonchalantly replied as he looked through them before stopping at Iida's.
"Normal Hero: Manual? From Hosu? He surely had better offers…don't tell me…"
"Wait, so you got an offer from All Might's teacher?" Ochako exclaimed as she and Izuku were getting ready to head home.
Izuku peered into Tenya's locker, only to find it with his running shoes.
"He already left, didn't he?"
"Yeah…" Izuku said as he closed the locker.
Izuku recalled the news, how Ingenium had been attacked by the Hero Killer: Stain. A man who'd already killed 17 heroes and crippled 23 more before him.
"I'm worried about him, he's hiding it behind a smile but…if I were in his place, I'd be angry."
"Yeah…I'll see if I can talk to him…that much anger, it doesn't do anyone any good."
"Like you, right?"
"Yep. I want to say something…but I'm not sure what yet…Ah! I have an idea!"
"What is it?" Ochako asked as he started to head back towards the halls.
"Meet me by the front gates, I need to take care of something!"
Fortunately, she was still in her office, but she was handily scared by Izuku suddenly barging in.
"Recovery Girl! I have an idea-OW!"
"DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT, MY HEART'S NOT WHAT IT USED TO BE!"
On Monday, the students were prepped up and ready to go to their internships, oddly enough, they wouldn't be heading to the train station, but rather U.A. had prepped transportation beforehand. The primary reasoning was that since the League of Villains was still out there, and their faces were now publicly known, it wouldn't be the best idea to send them on the trains.
Also, this was something argued heavily by Cody, who was surprisingly enough becoming a well-listened voice during staff meetings, that the students should be well protected and be able to defend themselves to their maximum ability.
As such, they were also allowed to wear their costumes beforehand.
While normally, it wouldn't have been considered, the most recent attack by the hero killer had increased concerns as well as the increased crime rate that was slowly, but surely being noted.
There was something odd that was noticed by everybody, however.
The surprising amount of Vod'e with them.
"So, this is something that I forgot to mention…but we're implementing a new program." Aizawa began as some of the clones began to form groups.
"This was Nezu's idea, but some of the internships have agreed to take some clones along with you to provide training for specific scenarios. They'll be there mostly in the background, the focus is on you after all, but they'll still be participating on some level. The main goal is that through this, they can teach the Vod'e that are in U.A. while we coordinate to have instructors for them as well." Aizawa finished.
A few were actually excited at seeing the clones coming by with them.
One was less excited, three guesses as to who, the first two don't count.
The one clone, who was unfortunate enough to draw the short straw also huffed, but refused to be cowed by him.
"Let's just go, pomeranian."
"Don't call me a pomeranian!"
"Aruetii, then."
Izuku called for everybody's attention before they left, but paused at seeing Yuga in his costume. Said costume, while painted silver, was obviously not the shiny armor that it was before, the thin metal that served more as an ornament rather than armor had been replaced with custom-painted and fitted armor from the Vod'e, the reflective mirrors were still in place, but it offered a lot more protection than before.
It was heartwarming and as Fordo walked up to Yuga, also surprised, Fordo gave him a big hug and ruffled his hair, much to the other boy's annoyance.
"Alright everybody, I want you all to stay safe and come back home. If you need help, don't be afraid to call for it. We've got some new things alongside the Vod'e coming along with you. They'll explain on the way."
"Aye aye, Class Prez!"
"Sure thing, Midoriya!"
"You too, Manda'lor!"
Tenya gulped as he clenched his fist, it would be a lot more difficult to execute his plan with them near him.
"Tenya…" He heard to the side, Izuku coming by in his own costume.
"Izuku, how are you?"
"I'm fine, but I wish that I could say the same about you."
"What do you mean? I'm fin-"
"I know, Tenya."
Tenya shut his mouth with a click, glad that he had his helmet on and that Izuku couldn't see his face.
"Once the Vod'e assigned to you were told of the location of your internship, they immediately relayed it to me."
Tenya grit his teeth and breathed deeply.
"So what now? Will you stop me? Do you even know what I'm planning on doing?"
"You want to go after the hero killer, by yourself. You want revenge for your brother, you feel angry at the hero killer and at the world, and you want to take your due."
Izuku got close to him and poked his chest.
"It. Won't. Work." He emphasized with each prod. "And trust me…bottling up your anger won't do you any favors."
Tenya swapped away his hand and loomed over the shorter boy.
"How do you know it won't? How could you ask me to stand by and do nothing?! How could you possibly know how I fee-" Tenya shut his mouth as his mind caught up to his words, Izuku looking at him with a raised brow, challenging him to finish that sentence.
"I-I'm sorry…I just…I just…when I heard what happened to Tensei I was so afraid, and now I'm just so angry. I hate the Hero Killer for what he did…and I want to do something but…"
"If your brother couldn't…do you honestly believe that you have a chance?" Izuku asked, his question piercing through Tenya's heart.
"I…no…I don't…" Tenya muttered out in defeat.
Izuku then grabbed the ridge of Tenya's helmet and looked him straight in the eyes.
"Tenya…look at me. Do you remember when you blew out your engines?"
"Yes."
"Do you know what Recovery Girl told me?"
"No, what did she say?"
"Without bacta, your recovery wouldn't have been possible. Her quirk only functions on the actual human body, your engines are different, and blowing them out like that would have set you back by months."
Tenya's eyes widened as he gasped in shock.
"We have bacta. There's another hero who's had organs ripped out of him and he's currently undergoing treatment with bacta. The results are promising, the recovery is slow but it's there."
And that had been a tearful day for all of them when Recovery Girl had shakingly looked at the results and sobbed in pure relief.
Tenya started to shake and gripped Izuku's wrist.
"D-don't do this…don't give me…"
"If it's working for him, then there's a chance, Tenya."
Tenya almost fell to his knees were it not for Izuku to hold him up, soft sobs wracked through him as hope filled his heart.
Izuku let him be, and the others near them graciously gave them space.
Once Tenya got some of it out of his system, he leaned back and Izuku gave him a look.
"We can't do anything about the internships now, but I want you to know that we're with you, Tenya. And when you go there, I want you to promise me. Promise me that you won't go off on your own like some vigilante after the Hero Killer, you dedicate your time there to learn how to be a hero and save people. You come back home." Izuku finished before letting go of Tenya's helmet.
"Snff…I will, Izu-no, Mand'alor. I promise." Tenya finished before heading off. After briefly speaking with Aizawa, who nodded at him, Tenya and the two clones who were going with him boarded their vehicle and left.
"Think he'll be fine, Izuku?" He heard Ochako ask from the side after putting on his own helmet.
"Fine, is something he won't be for a while, but at least he's a bit better."
"New helmet?"
"I've had it since the beginning, but the Vod'e have been getting on me about protecting my face, during my last training they even started to aim for it."
And wasn't that an annoying pain to deal with...
"Smile for the cameras all you like, vod. But we'd feel a lot better if you protect yourself."
The helmet was simple in design, reminiscent of Jango's original t-visor, but wider and pointed at the edges and had the ridge that had become staples of the Vod'e. It was white, but it also had two streaks of green and black along the said ridge.
Duty and Justice.
The clones had been constantly working with Powerloader to optimize their armor, especially for communications after they'd been shut down during the Battle of the USJ. As such, they'd also implemented commlinks into Hero Student costumes, for those that had helmets, in their helmets and for those who didn't on their wrists.
Aizawa had been all for the idea.
"It looks good on you. I've got no doubt that anybody who sees you will feel safe." Ochako replied as she fiddled with her commlink.
"Thank you."
"Stay safe, alright Izuku?" Ochako pleaded as she hugged him.
Izuku did the same, holding her tightly. As they split apart however…
"You too, Ochako."
Clunk!
Izuku's helmet lightly tapped against her visor before he straightened up and walked away.
Ochako merely smiled as she walked back to her ride with no clue as to what just occurred.
#VOD, YOU DID NOT!
#WHOO! LET'S GO ORI'VOD!
#SHUTUPSHUTUPSHUTUP!
The two clones next to her did know what just happened and now they had to make some plans.
Izuku tried to fight down the burn in his cheeks as he focused on the ride ahead of him.
He couldn't believe that he'd done that!
It was something that Izuku had started with Jango long ago when they were kids. They'd just gotten into a fight with Bakugo and were leaning on each other on the way home.
They were in too much pain to hug each other, so they tapped their foreheads.
It became a symbolic meaning of love.
Once they'd gotten their helmets, during every class before the USJ they'd taken to tapping their helmets together.
Then the Vod'e began to get into it, the original terms kov'nynir [headbutt] and mirshmure'cya [kiss, turning into a slang word.
The Keldabe Kiss.
The fact that he did that to Ochako and in front of everybody.
He was so glad that only the Vod'e understood what happened.
Oh no. Soon enough the entire UA Battalion would know.
He was so not looking forward to the end of his internship. As it was, however, there was nothing he could do, so he'd focus on the now and concentrate on his internship.
'Gran Torino…never heard of him, but he's got to be an amazing hero to have trained All Might.'
Finding an old rundown building didn't leave his hopes up.
Opening the door, he saw that the place was dark and dusty.
"Hello? It's Midoriya Izuku-er, Manda'lor from U.A. High…is anyone there-" Izuku's adrenaline spiked as he saw the body on the ground, immediately grabbing his gun and opening comms.
"RED ALERT! I HAVE A DECEASED-"
"I'M ALIVE!"
"AH!...Belay that…false alarm…" Izuku said as he turned off the commlink.
Staring at the old man who was staring at him back while trembling, Izuku could only think of one thing.
'What have I gotten myself into?'
AHAHAHA! I AM HERE WITH THE END OF THIS CHAPTER!
I hope you all enjoyed this! Cause it was a pain to be sure, so many good things to go over before we get into the meat of the action with the internships!
I hope you all enjoyed the names!
This was a bit of a pain to create, but I hope that it was well worth the wait.
I've only got one omake, for Darth Kyofu! BTW I posted a fuller one-shot with various potential scenes/plot points in my other story, The Manifold. Just so you know, the plot points from the previous omakes are also potential, and may or may not be included if Darth Kyofu is ever created.
Before AFO's demise.
"I don't fear you!" Katsuma yelled as he faced Kyofu.
"Then you will die braver than most." He replied as his blade clashed against the young boy's, after only a few hits however, Katsuma was pushed to the ground, his lightsaber broken in two.
The boy shakily looked up as Kyofu raised his blade and flinched in fear.
"Perhaps I was wrong."
"It wouldn't be the first time." Kyofu heard a familiar voice say from behind him and turned to face a living memory.
Izuku felt something swell inside of him before Kyofu ruthlessly pushed it and him down.
"It was foretold that you would be here. Our long-awaited meeting has come at last." Kyofu stated as he turned off his lightsaber.
"I'm glad I gave you something to look forward to."
"We need not be adversaries. My master will show you mercy if you tell me where the remaining heroes can be found." Kyofu demanded before Ochako furiously replied.
"There are no more heroes! You and your inquisitors have seen to that!"
"Perhaps this child will confess what you will not." Darth Kyofu threatened as he turned back to a Katsuma who was struggling to back away.
"I was beginning to believe I knew who you were, behind that mask, but it's impossible. My best friend could never be as vile as you." Ochako grimly stated as she stepped forward.
"Izuku Midoriya was weak. I destroyed him."
Ochako let a single tear fall before tempering her resolve.
"Then I will avenge his death."
"Revenge is not the Hero way."
"I am no hero."
The two readied their blades and Ochako became the first to attack, their blades striking each other in a beautiful dance of death as they blocked, parried, and attacked without hesitation.
Eventually, he was able to push her back as Katsuma and Tenya tried to leave the area, Kyofu tried to chase them as the building they were in started to collapse around them and was thus unprepared for Ochako's last desperate attack as she ran at him from behind.
Kyofu blocked the first strike but took the second to his helmet, he screamed and collapsed as Ochako tumbled forward.
"Ochako! Come on! Hurry!"
She shakily pushed herself up.
"Ochako…"
Her eyes widened in surprise and she turned back.
Kyofu was kneeling, smoke coming out of his mask, but he turned towards her.
A green eye met her own.
"Ochako."
"Izuku…" She whispered out as they both stood up.
"I won't leave you! Not this time." She resolutely stated as they faced each other once more.
Izuku could only stare at her in regret, before the eye began to change color, returning to a sickly color as Kyofu began to return.
"Then you will die."
And his lightsaber ignited.
Thank you everybody for your continued support, have a nice day!