(A/n: Happy New Year, dear readers! :D Hope everyone is enjoying a fresh start and starting to get the hang of writing 2023. Every year it's always a struggle in the beginning. :P Anyway, let's get to the chapter!)

...

Ultimately, Inko did agree to Izuku going to I-Island. It was the safest place for him to be in the immediate future while they figured out how exactly they were going to protect them both. Then after that he would be at the training camp at an undisclosed location. Two weeks was plenty of time to come up with an acceptable plan for the Midoriyas.

Izuku didn't have to worry about getting a passport. His mom and him had long since had them in hopes of visiting Hisashi one day if they ever got permission. That never happened but they had kept them updated just in case. He did have some shopping to do though as it was his first time traveling outside of Japan. A bit nerve-racking since he didn't know what to expect but exciting none the less. Though due to recent circumstances, they left the actually shopping to others as they stayed under guard at home.

The next hurdle was deciding who to bring as his plus one. His first thought was Mei because she would love to visit an island dedicated to Support development. But it turns out she already had an invite having somehow impressed the right people with her commercial of a fight. It would be a great opportunity for her to see new tech and possibly make good connections for the future.

His second choice was Shouto in hopes of getting him more physically away from Endeavor. The dorms were good for that and Izuku would be joining him there soon. Not such a bad drawback from being a target of a Villain though that part still sucked. He would get to be with friends at least but he would miss spending time with his mother. Opposite of the situation that prompted his friend living in the dorms. Shouto certainly did not miss being in the presence of his father.

That plan didn't follow through either though. Despite now living away from him, Endeavor still held power over Shouto. As a high-ranking Hero, he had been invited to I-Expo but thought it would be a waste of his time. So instead, he was sending his son to represent him, presumably alone from the sound of it.

Such great parenting, Izuku thought with a roll of his eyes.

Which led to his third attempt by asking Hitoshi. It's not that he didn't want his brother to go but he figured Hitoshi wouldn't be as interested. He wasn't into Support like Mei and Izuku were and when it came to Shouto they could enjoy spending more one-on-one time together. Not that the greenet didn't enjoy spending time with his purple haired counterpart. They were brothers after all so it would still be fun. Plus, the others would be going as well.

"Glad to know I'm your third choice," Hitoshi scoffed jokingly once he asked him. "Some kind of brother you are."

His three best friends were hanging out at his house that was currently under surveillance. The Midoriya apartment had been assigned their own detail and were provided with improved security equipment. A camera for the door as well as some positioned within the apartment itself along with emergency call buttons spread around their home just in case. All connected to the same emergency system on every phone enforced by the Hero Commission in case calling 119 wasn't possible.

The same one that Chizome had used after attacking Ingenium and captured his words in the aftermath.

The added security put Izuku more at ease of leaving his mother alone for a week. It in no way made their home as protected as I-Island or UA was but it was better than nothing. She also wouldn't be entirely alone with her own personal detail keeping an eye on her. Also, currently Aizawa was there serving as escort for Shouto off UA campus while also keeping an eye on his problem children before they left.

"I thought we addressed this in Hosu, Hitoshi," the greenet replied with a cheeky smile. "You're my trash panda."

The brainwasher playfully glared at him while the other simply smiled brighter.

"He does look like a raccoon with those perpetual dark circles," Mei added, not looking up from the baby in her hands.

Hitoshi play acted being offended as he said, "Burned by our own Pink Gremlin."

"That is what she does best," Izuku quipped. "That and make everything she touches explode."

The pinkette snapped her head up to protest only to think about it for a second before giving a shrug and going back to what she was doing. Hitoshi and Izuku chuckled at the reaction while Shouto merely hummed in amusement.

"So, do you have everything you need?" Izuku asked, turning back to Hitoshi but asking all of them in general.

"As far as I know," Hitoshi answered with a shrug. "They already got me squared away with a passport and whatnot. Though Shouta had to stop Hizashi from packing too much. I mean, I could fit all of my stuff in one bag and he was trying to bring five for himself."

The Quirkless teen giggled at the mental imaged that brought up. Yamada could be so weird at times. Extra in his own way while Aizawa did his best to reign him in. At the same time, the loud blonde made his hobo of a husband be more social and not as recluse. They certainly were opposites that helped balance the other out.

Hitoshi calling his foster parents by their first names was a new development. Now feeling more comfortable in the placement, he did fill Mei and Shouto in on his situation in part. That he was being fostered and had two dads now essentially. But he didn't share exactly who they were not knowing if the two Heroes wanted others to know about them or not. Besides, Mei wasn't so great when it came to remembering people's names unless they were friends or a person of interest. As for Shouto, his conspiracy plagued brain would most definitely explode or something learning he had sort of been right. He may figure it out eventually someday but not today.

Another development was that there were additions to their party heading to I-Island besides All Might and the four teens. Seeing as they were a bunch of teenagers and one of them had a recruitment target on their back, Nezu saw fit to have another teacher join them on their trip. Present Mic was the one picked due to his good rapport with his students as well as being Hitoshi's guardian. He also already had a good media presence though not as much as All Might. Besides, he would love to yell at any Villains that tried to get at his kids.

The other person joining them was Hound Dog for multiple reasons. Mostly it was for the Hero to serve as Izuku's personal guard dog which earned the teen a gruff laugh from the man when he cheekily pointed it out. But it was also for his mental health as well. Inui knew everything that was going on with the Quirkless teen so would be the best to talk to and provide mental and emotional support without feeling the need to hide anything.

Hound Dog was protective by instinct and even more so after yet another encounter with a Villain. He had been shocked when initially learning that Izuku had a personal relationship with the Hero Killer. Concerned and confused as to how that could work between a student aiming to be a Hero and a Villain who had hunted Heroes. But after talking with Nezu, Aizawa, and of course the kid himself he had a better understanding.

Stain was the first to support the boy's aspirations of becoming a Pro Hero. A seemingly impossible task in this society that focused so much on Quirks. Trying to become a Hero without one was thought to be absurd. And yet with the words of encouragement from a Villain, Midoriya Izuku was thriving as the first Quirkless Hero.

The boy never let himself be influenced by much of anything else from the Hero Killer. Well other than being more critical of what makes a Hero beyond the flash and flare of the ranking system. Which honestly Inui could also agree with Izuku's interpretation of Stain's view of Hero society. Still didn't condone murder but yes there was a level of corruption in their current system. The dog man wondered how the Quirkless teen achieving his dreams would affect the future. Only time would tell.

However, Stain was not the Villain Hound Dog was worried about. It was Shigaraki. The counselor was concerned that the encounter Izuku had with the League leader would affect his mental health. Worried of ill effects such as flash backs or nightmares. Or even just feelings of discomfort about certain topics or actions related to the incident. Besides therapy dogs were a thing, right? They could sense and help with such things.

Therefore, the Hunting Dog Hero would be joining them on this little adventure to give Izuku both physical and mental protection. Which would have been awkward if they had not gotten to know each other better during their therapy sessions. It was kind of nice having a trained professional to talk to who knew about Izuku's life issues of being a Villain magnet while also considered a freak of society to some in the Quirked populace. Another Hero on his side.

One would think Aizawa would also come to make an even four-teachers-to-four-students matchup. However, the Underground Hero couldn't due to work related issues. Something about a certain school under investigation. Izuku feared what his mentors came up with to handle his past teachers. Still not wanting them to be punished too harshly by a vindictive Nezu and ruthless Eraserhead. But that situation was out of his hands and the Quirkless teen had too much on his plate to waste his time worrying about something out of his control. What happens to his past schools will happen and hopefully to the letter of the law with Tsukauchi involved.

The teens spent the day relaxing and hanging out. Even Inko joined in to spend time with her son before they left for I-Island. While Aizawa habitually napped in the corner on a futon the greenette mother insisted he use. He may be fine laying down where ever but he was her guest and her inner host wouldn't allow it. Not that the tired man protested too much knowing how strong-willed the short statured woman was. It was easier to just accept her doting and if he got a better-quality nap out of it who was he to complain.

They stayed until after dinner when Aizawa was to escort them to UA to spend the night in the dorms. It would be easier the next day to have them all together before flying off to I-Island. Plus, it was an act of subterfuge to further protect Izuku and change up his schedule in case Shigaraki was following him. Even with a Villain with a warping Quirk their hope was that it would prevent another encounter if they didn't know where the target was. A shell game of sorts.

Before they left, Inko made sure to hug each of her mentally claimed children. Mei enthusiastically reciprocated, both females squeezing the stuffing out of each other. Hitoshi had grown used to her hugs and accepted it without protest and rather savored it. Shouto was still hesitant not being used to the act from anyone else but Izuku or his own mother. However, the bi-color teen slowly melted into the hug.

Then there was her son, her baby boy. The Midoriyas clung to each other with customary tears filling their eyes. It would be the first time Izuku would be far away from his mother and for longer than a couple days. He unfortunately was used to his dad being far from home, but this was his mother. His anchor for love and support. He was going to miss her on this trip.

The others let them say their goodbyes but it wasn't like it was for forever. A week at I-Island and then another at the training camp. Two weeks should fly by quickly with all they had planned. Besides, Izuku would be able to see Inko when they got back from I-Island and before leaving for camp.

Inko pulled away first and cupped her son's face as she said, "Have a good time and stay safe. I'll see you when you get back, okay?"

"Okay, I will," Izuku replied as he placed a hand over hers. "I love you, mom."

"I love you too, Izuku," the mother said before placing a kiss on his cheek and then let him go.

The troop gathered their things and headed out the door. Izuku looked at his mom one more time giving her a smile and a wave before leaving their home. He was a little sad on the drive to UA but was comforted by Shouto taking his hand. The shorter teen gave him a grateful squeeze. He decided to not focus on missing his mother too much and instead on the exciting adventures they had ahead of them.

Spending the night in the dorms was interesting. They had done a good job constructing and furnishing what was called the Heights Alliance, a series of dorm buildings available to students. The bottom floor was spacious with couches to sit on and tables to eat or study at. There was also a well-stocked kitchen for them to cook in if they so wished along with a laundry room and communal bathrooms.

The visiting teens were given a tour of the dorm rooms of those that were living there. It was kind of fun seeing the different styles of his friends and classmates. Aoyama's was…well, very much him. Wall to wall in glitter and mirrors. He even had a full suit of armor in the corner which would explain his choice in his Hero costume. Guess he was really into knights.

Kouda's was definitely not flashy in comparison though whose room would be? It was simple and comfortable looking with green accents and stuffed animals to cuddle. He also had a cute pet rabbit named Yuwai-chan! They spent a few minutes cooing over the rabbit and Kouda even let them pet him one at a time. Izuku never had a pet before so it was fun experience outside of the time spent with Hitoshi's cats.

Yes, they were now his cats. Shouta could grumble about it but that wouldn't change the fact that cats chose him. Not all the time but enough that the tired man didn't get as much cat cuddles as before. Though Aizawa internally thought it was actually a good sign that showed how well Hitoshi fit into their lives.

Satou's also was comfortable and simple. He had a small little kitchen of sorts set up in his room so he could make sweets for his Quirk instead of buying all the time. Such a perfect hobby to go with his Quirk and the results were delicious! Satou actually had a fresh batch of cookies cooled and ready to eat which they all enjoyed.

Ochako's room showed her more conservative side. They had never talked about it but Izuku had looked into her parents' construction company out of curiosity. Seemed they had some financial trouble but were pulling through regardless. Which probably led to her more frugal nature and that was fine. Her cactus plant seemed happy and she had a chart of the stars on her wall. Enough personal touches to claim the space as her own.

It was certainly more personable compared to Shouji's room. Just a short desk for homework and a futon to sleep on at night. The rest of the room was bare though the multi-armed teen was perfectly fine with that. He didn't have much need other than the bare essentials anyway.

The one that shocked them the most was Shouto's room who somehow changed the base western room into a traditional Japanese one. Complete with tatami flooring, low sitting furniture, and even sliding shouji doors instead of curtains. When asked how he managed it all Shouto merely said was through 'hard work' with no other explanation.

They eventually settled back in the common area on the first floor making a huge blanket and pillow pile to have a movie night. Those that lived there already had their favorite spots and the others settled amongst them. Izuku of course snuggled up next to Shouto which his friend accepted gladly. It had been a while since they had the opportunity to be close like this.

The movie played as they chatted and ate snacks. Eventually they all fell asleep and come morning, Aizawa found them still passed out. He looked over his charges sleeping so peacefully. He especially liked seeing Hitoshi getting some actual rest as he still struggled with insomnia from time to time. But with the help of Recovery Girl as well as the cats, his kid was getting much needed sleep.

Then there were his pining problem children. An unfortunate side effect of being friends with Midnight, Aizawa was more aware of the budding relationships in his class. Most he could ignore as they were still slowly growing, but there was one pair that was bonding and bonding fast. Namely his number one problem child who was currently cuddling up with the son of the Number Two.

All of 1-A were his problem children for one thing or another. More personally was Hitoshi but they were working on that. Then there was Bakugou and all of his issues but again they were working on it. The rest were more on the minor problem side, but not these two pining idiots. It was clear they liked each other and what a match they made. A Villain magnet and the son of an abusive hypocritical Hero.

Aizawa snapped a picture of the cuddle pile before switching over to his alarms. The blaring sound forced the students awake in a disheveled heap. Izuku shot up instantly and Shouto reluctantly followed, slumping against the other's shoulder still wanting to be close. The others also worked on waking up by stretching or rubbing their eyes.

"Time to get up," the teacher said simply before turning to leave.

They all worked together to clean up the blankets and pillows as well as their leftover snacks and trash. They then whipped together a simple breakfast, some working on cooking while the rest helped set the table. Breakfast was a quiet affair as they were still sleepy and before they knew it, it was time for them to go. It had all been a sort of preview as to what life in the dorms was like.

After quickly getting ready and double checking they had everything, the group bound for I-Island bid the others goodbye and were off with the three Heroes meeting them at the gate. Aizawa released the teenagers to their custody and watched them leave until they were out of sight.

They were quite the crowd heading off to the airport. Izuku and his best friends accompanied by All Might, Present Mic, and Hound Dog. Four teenagers and three adults, the latter of which were all of tall stature. Thankfully the vehicle they were using had tinted windows and plenty of space for them all. Izuku wondered if that would be the same for the airplane that they would be taking though he did worry a little about All Might. Was he planning on staying in his buffed-up form throughout the flight?

Turned out they were using a private plane that also had a separate cabin for the teachers to use in the back. The students would be kept in the front with at least one of the adults to supervise them. After takeoff and once they were in the air, they all settled for the number of hours of flight time.

Hitoshi immediately reclined his seat to take a nap. It was almost like Aizawa had come with them after all. Mei pulled out a thankfully nonexplosive baby she had snuck in her carry-on bag while the rest were stored securely down below. Shouto chose to close his eyes as he listened to Izuku excitedly but quietly yammering about the I-Expo as he marked up a booklet he had on the events. There were so many things he wanted to see!

The flight went on with Present Mic and Hound Dog periodically switching who was watching them. Unsurprisingly to Izuku, All Might stayed in the back understandably conserving his time for when they arrived at the island. The greenet didn't expect to see the Number One Hero until they landed however at one point Hound Dog approached him saying Yagi wanted to speak with him. If he was alright with that of course. The counselor knew there was still some friction between them and didn't want to force the teen to interact with the man if he didn't want to.

But Izuku wasn't as mad at All Might as he was before. Sure, he was still kind of awkward around him after all that had happened but he felt sure they could be civil. He had let the man ruffle his hair last time after all. The Quirkless teen left Shouto who had fallen asleep at some point and walked towards the back. Yamada was also there but promptly stood up as he entered. The Voice Hero placed a comforting hand on the teen's shoulder giving him a pat before leaving the boy alone with his childhood idol.

"Young Midoriya, thank you for coming to speak with me," All Might said, his baggy clothes sitting loosely over his gaunt form. "Please, have a seat."

The skeletal man gestured in general to the available seats around him letting the Quirkless teen decide. Izuku chose a chair facing him, not too close but not too far either. An equal distance.

"Inui-sensei said you wanted to talk to me," the greenet said as he got comfortable. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I wanted to check on how you were doing," Yagi replied, a hint of concern in his sunken blue eyes. "I know the main reason why we suggested you attend the expo is not…ideal. However, I hope you will enjoy your time on I-Island none the less."

"Oh, um, yeah," Izuku grimaced, unfortunately reminded of a certain Villain getting 'handsy' with him. "I'm…okay, I guess. I'm still not sure what to think about…him, or why he wants me to join him. Even why he thinks I would want to when I'm aiming to be a Hero. I just don't get it."

"Perhaps he is blinded by his own desires and is unable to see yours," the Hero offered, having experienced something similar himself when projecting onto the Quirkless teen. "Or even refusing to thinking that what he believes is right or more important."

The greenet nodded thinking that made sense. It was much the same with Chizome too, thinking there was no other way than his way to set things right. Why do people have to be so stubborn?

"Maybe that, but I still don't get it. Get him," Izuku said, a contemplative expression on his face. "I wonder what drove Shigaraki to Villainy. Why he hates you so much?"

"That…that might be All For One's doing," Yagi theorized which could be possible considering their history. "As our suspicions are correct and he is this 'sensei' Shigaraki mentioned, it would be no surprise if he were to have 'taught' him to hate me. To hate all Heroes and what they stand for."

"Maybe or maybe not," the young analyst replied, his hand on his chin. "It could be part of it, but we know nothing about his family or his childhood. There could be more to his story than just someone raised to be a Villain by All For One."

The gaunt blonde considered that for a moment before saying, "You have a point. Everyone has a past. A reason why they do what they do. A Villain isn't born but made by choices. There could be circumstances in Shigaraki's past that led him down this path. Though whether those were by choice or not we also don't know."

"I'm sure the police are looking into him," Izuku said, lowering his hand to his lap. "But I think we should do all that we can to learn who Shigaraki is because that might not even be his real name for all we know. Not to mention if his Quirk isn't registered, that could point towards an accidental manifestation or something like that which contributed to his current circumstances."

"'Know thy enemy'," Yagi quoted as the teen nodded. "We'll do all that we can, young Midoriya. Together."

With his last word, the gaunt man held out a boney fist at him. Green eyes widened at the word not expecting it from the man who chose to bear the world on his shoulders. But then he smiled as he shared a fist bump with the Number One Hero and said back, "Together."

The skeletal blonde smiled as he reached over again and ruffled his green curls briefly before asking, "So are you excited for the I-Expo?"

"Oh yes!" Izuku chirped as he took out his book. "I-Island is so cool! A floating city that can go anywhere with over 10,000 scientists living there! I never thought I would be able to go. Thank you so much for suggesting it, All Might!"

The beaming smile was blinding and Yagi hadn't expected him to be so excited. But he was glad to see the Quirkless boy so happy especially after what happened.

"Of course, young Midoriya," Yagi replied with a softer smile. "I'm glad you could come and with all your friends too. I myself have a friend on I-Island."

"You have a friend on I-Island?!" Izuku exclaimed, bouncing in excitement to learn something new about a Hero. "Who is it, who is it?!"

"He's a dear friend of mine who I haven't seen for quite a while," the deflated Hero answered, a sheen of nostalgia on his face as he recalled their time in the US. "I'm not sure if you heard of him but he's the one who designed all of my Hero costumes."

"Your Hero costumes?" the Quirkless teen questioned, brows furrowed as he quickly ran through his All Might trivia until they rose suddenly as he figured it out. "Wait, you mean David Shield?!"

Sunken blue eyes widened at the outburst before he chuckled. Of course, young Midoriya would know.

"Indeed, he's been living on I-Island for years now," Yagi said with a nod. "When we get there, I could introduce you if you would like. Though there is something you should know. David doesn't know anything about One For All or its ability to be transferred to another. So please don't mention it or let anything slip."

The greenet frowned at that and asked, "Wait, not even your close friend knows? Why?"

"No," All Might answered with a shake of his head. "Danger follows all who know of One For All."

Izuku slumped back and crossed his arms as he said, "And yet you told me."

The skeletal man coughed awkwardly into his boney hand as the Quirkless teen stared at his judgingly.

"Yes…um, well," Yagi said as he cleared his throat. "I had been hoping to make you my successor. If you had accepted and I passed it on to you then you would have had to know."

"But I'm not," Izuku countered, still unimpressed. "Does Detective Tsukauchi even know?"

The Number One Hero thought for a moment before saying, "I…I'm not sure. We've never openly discussed it."

"But he knows about All For One and your small form," the greenet pointed out. "He's a smart guy, All Might. He might have at least figured something out."

"There is a possibility," Yagi admitted, wondering if Tsukauchi did or didn't know.

"Is there anyone else who does know about One For All?" Izuku asked, wanting to know who else was on the list.

"Sir Nighteye does," the gaunt blonde answered with a slight grimace. "Oh, and also that friend of my master's I told you about."

"Gran Torino?" the teen lilted with a tilt of his head.

All Might nodded as he said, "Yes, him too."

"Okay, so you, me, Sir Nighteye, Gran Torino, and maybe Tsukauchi," Izuku surmised, not knowing that Aizawa and Nezu were also on that list. "But I still don't see why you wouldn't tell David, your friend, while telling a random teenager about your Quirk. Especially a friend who is a brilliant scientist and lives on a moving island designed with security to rival Tartarus. What's more protected than that?"

"You do have a point," Yagi conceded after thinking it over for a moment.

The Quirkless teen relaxed his body thankful the man was willing to listen as he said, "Besides, maybe he could help with figuring out something to address your time limit. Could have kept it from shortening as much as it has if he had known."

The skeletal blonde stared at him in shock, clearly taken aback. Blue eyes blinked a few times before he replied, "Oh...I didn't think of that."

"Does he know about this form?" Izuku asked gesturing to his gaunt figure as he was trying to better understand their relationship and where they stood secrets wise.

"Yes, he does," All Might answered as it wasn't something he could hide from his close friend for long after his fight with All For One.

The young analyst hummed in thought before saying, "Then he might already suspect something is wrong and might be brainstorming ideas to help you."

Yagi let out a short chuckle as he responded, "That would be something David would do."

"Then tell him," Izuku implored as he leaned forward with his hands steepled in front of him. "He's your friend and would want to help you. If you trust him then he would most likely be willing to keep your secret."

And again, he lived on an island meant to protect the secrets and technology within. What better place for a holder of knowledge about One For All to live?

"I believe you are right, young Midoriya," All Might conquered with a nod. "Alright then, I will tell him."

"Good," the greenet said letting out a sigh in relief as he lowered his hands. "I know that keeping your Quirk a secret is important but some secrets need to be shared in order to address any issues."

Like with Shouto and how Endeavor is a total asshole to him and his entire family.

"Very well," the Symbol of Peace responded just as an announcement was made saying they were close.

Izuku rushed over to the nearest window and beamed when he spotted the island below. This was going to be so awesome! While behind him, Yagi stood up knowing this was going to be exhausting once they landed. He would have to stay in his muscle form for long periods of time in order to keep his smaller form a secret.

"Young Midoriya," All Might called out to gain the excited teen's attention. He had already shed his civilian clothes and was showing his signature colors of red, yellow, and blue. "I believe you and the others requested to bring your Hero costumes and gear along, correct? It's time you changed and let those of I-Island know that you are here as Heroes."

"And a mad scientist and her babies," Izuku joked causing the now taller blonde to sputter at the term. "Alright, I'll see you when we land, All Might."

With that he left the private cabin and everyone prepared for landing. Once they touched down, the three Pro Heroes and three Hero students left the plane fully suited up. Then there was Mei in her usual attire of a black tank top and overalls tied at her waist as well as her signature steampunk goggles on her head. She has other clothes, Izuku has seen them, but Mei tended to live in her workshop gear much like Aizawa did in his own Hero suit. That and his obnoxious yellow sleeping bag.

Weirdos the lot of them, Izuku thought while smiling endearingly as they entered I-Island.

...

14

Tumblr blog name: ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic

Notes extension: ja0-s-blank-canvas-fic/part-3-chapter-14-a-blessing-in-disguise/oxvos9sl3nkk