Chapter 2: Bakugo's Determination

The next few days at U.A. High passed in a haze for Izuku. The crushing weight of All Might's words hung over him like a storm cloud. Each step he took felt heavier, and the fire that had once burned so brightly within him had dwindled to a mere flicker. He attended classes mechanically, his notebooks and hero profiles feeling like distant relics of a past he could no longer reach.

But amidst the gloom, there was one relentless force that refused to let Izuku's despair consume him: Katsuki Bakugo. Their friendship had always been complicated, a mix of rivalry and camaraderie, but now Bakugo was determined to be the anchor that kept Izuku from drowning in his own doubts.

One afternoon, after classes had ended, Bakugo tracked Izuku down with a purposeful stride that closed the distance between them. His signature scowl was replaced by an expression of unwavering determination.

"Hey, Deku," he said, his voice carrying an unusual weight. "We need to talk."

Izuku turned to face his childhood friend, his eyes still clouded with doubt. "What is it, Kacchan?"

Bakugo's gaze was intense, locked onto Izuku's as if he could will his words into the depths of his soul. "Listen up, Deku. You can't give up like this. I won't let you."

Izuku was taken aback by the fervor in Bakugo's voice. He had expected sympathy or perhaps a motivational speech, but Bakugo's determination was palpable, like a blazing fire that refused to be extinguished.

The quirkless boy nodded slowly, absorbing Bakugo's words. "I just... I thought he would understand. He's my hero."

Bakugo's gloved hand clenched into a fist. "All Might is just one hero, Deku. There are others out there, better ones who'll appreciate your dedication and drive."

"What can I do, Kacchan?" Izuku's voice quivered with desperation.

Bakugo's resolve remained unyielding. "Join the support course."

Izuku blinked in surprise. "The support course?"

Bakugo's expression softened slightly, revealing a side of him rarely seen. "Yeah, Deku. Think about it. The support course is all about creating gadgets and equipment to help heroes. You're smart, analytical, and you've been studying heroes for years. You could be a genius in there."

Izuku's mind began to whirl with possibilities. The support course hadn't even been on his radar before, but Bakugo's words made undeniable sense. Maybe he could find a way to contribute to hero society, even without a quirk.

"But I've never considered it before," Izuku admitted, his mind racing.

Bakugo smirked, a rare hint of amusement in his eyes. "Well, now you are. And I'm not going to let you half-ass it. You're going to give it your all, just like a hero should."

Izuku's heart swelled with gratitude. Bakugo, despite his rough exterior and explosive temper, had always been a fiercely loyal friend. Now, he was offering Izuku a lifeline when he needed it most.

"Thank you, Kacchan," Izuku said, his voice filled with newfound determination. "I won't let you down."

Bakugo's lips curled into a rare smile, and he clapped Izuku on the back, his voice filled with pride. "That's the spirit, Deku. We'll show them all what you're made of."

In the days that followed, Bakugo became Izuku's unofficial mentor, guiding him through the process of joining the support course. He helped him prepare for the entrance exam, offering tough love and relentless encouragement. It was during these moments of intense training that their friendship grew stronger, and Izuku couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of purpose.

Izuku's days had been a whirlwind of emotions. He couldn't shake off the feeling of All Might's words, which had cut deeper than any villain's attack ever had. He had replayed the conversation countless times in his mind, trying to find a different meaning, a glimmer of hope, but All Might's verdict remained unchanged.

But now, as Bakugo stood by his side, offering not just encouragement but a concrete path forward, Izuku felt a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, he could still find a way to be a hero. It was a different kind of heroism, one that relied on his intellect and dedication rather than a quirk, but it was a path worth pursuing.

The support course, a world he had never considered before, now seemed like a beacon of possibility. He imagined himself designing gadgets that could save lives, coming up with ingenious solutions for heroes in the field. It was a dream that was starting to take shape, a dream that was uniquely his own.

As Bakugo continued to mentor Izuku in the days that followed, their interactions became more frequent and animated. They would stay up late, poring over support gear blueprints, discussing the mechanics of different gadgets, and brainstorming ways to improve existing hero equipment.

In one such late-night session, Izuku couldn't help but ask, "Kacchan, why are you doing all of this for me?"

Bakugo's response was characteristically blunt. "Because you're not allowed to give up, Deku. I won't let you. We're going to prove that heroes come in all forms, quirks or not, and I'm not letting you quit on that dream."

Izuku smiled, his heart filled with gratitude for his unwavering friend. "I'm lucky to have you, Kacchan."

Bakugo rolled his eyes but didn't deny the sentiment. "Damn right, you are."

Their journey was just beginning, and they both knew that challenges lay ahead. But as long as they faced them together, as a team, they were convinced that nothing could stand in their way. In each other's company, they found the strength to defy expectations and forge a new path towards their dreams.