The day after the USJ incident, news reports were being broadcast about the incident all over Japan.

In a run down building, an old hero, named Gran Torino, was reading a letter from his previous student, All Might. It read: "Greetings. The air is warm here. It feels like summer is right around the corner. I hope this letter finds you well, sir. In good health and even better spirits. This semester, I took a position as a teacher at UA High School. Heh, that's right. I'm now guiding the next generation of heroes. I was hoping to find someone worthy of inheriting my power among the elite students at the school. A hero in training with outstanding test scores and a powerful Quirk. However, before I ever began my tenure at UA, I met a young man. Even though he was weak, and had no Quirk of his own, he showed incredible bravery. He rushed into a dangerous situation that caused pro heroes, including myself, to hesitate, and managed to save the life of a classmate. With some help that I'll talk about in a minute. He may not have had a plan when he acted, but he knew he had to do something. I feel like watching this young man spring into action taught me something that day, and it reminded me of the virtues I must embody in order to call myself a pro. A hero. That's why I meant it when I said to him, young man, you too can become a hero. Soon after that, I told this pupil the secret of my Quirk, and proposed that I transfer it to him. This ability I have, that has been passed on from person to person, cultivated, and made stronger, the crystallization of power that binds itself to a courageous heart for the good of those in need: One For All. He accepted without hesitation, and I began training him for the trials he'd need to overcome in order to be accepted into the hero course at UA High School. Even though he sometimes struggled with his newfound abilities, he never stopped fighting, and gave 100% as he tried to harness One For All. I don't like to toot my own horn, but I believe I found the perfect person to pass my Quirk on to. He has shown me time and again that he has what it takes to be a real hero. And speaking of real heroes, the help I mentioned before. That is about another boy I met along with the one I passed my Quirk onto. He's an American foreign exchange student, but his Quirk is something else. It's known as Ghost, and it comes with many different powers, almost like One For All. But this young man seems like an experienced pro. He rushed in to save my successor and their classmate despite the potential consequences of using his Quirk without a license. Even though he is young, he seems wise beyond his years and understands what a true hero is. He also seems haunted, like something in his past made him who he is today. He knows my secret as well, just as I have been keeping his. I'm still quite new to the role as an instructor. The day may come when I must trouble you, my old teacher, for advice. I'll be counting on your wisdom and patience when the time comes. Until then, please take care of yourself as the seasons begin to change. I'll continue to keep you updated about what's happening. Sincerely yours."

Gran Torino sighed, "So, Toshinori has found a worthy successor. And this ghost boy he's talking about. I wonder why he's got my old student concerned."

Back at UA High, Tsukauchi was meeting with the UA Teachers, "Our investigators are trying to learn everything they can about this so-called League of Villains. We've made some progress, but we can't find anything on this Shigaraki so far. We've searched our records for men in their 20s or 30s who are registered as having some sort of disintegration Quirk, but so far, we've come up empty. Same for the Warp Gate villain, Kurogiri. So they're not citizens or they're using aliases. Hard to find, either way."

Vlad King spoke up, "So what you're really saying is we don't know anything."

"We've got to track them down," Snipe commented. "I shot their ringleader, but once he heals up he'll probably try pullin' something like this again. What a pain."

All Might sighed, "He did seem like the type."

Nezu asked, "Is something on your mind, All Might?"

All Might answered, "The attack on the USJ was too bold. No sane adult would ever attempt it. The ringleader kept monologuing about the reasons he was there. And he bragged about Nomu's many Quirks, but he never said a word about his own powers. When things didn't go his way, he was visibly upset. Like he was gonna throw a tantrum. Ah, I guess bragging about Nomu's Quirks was a quick way to draw me into a fight."

Nezu spoke up, "That may be true, yes, but strategically, it was foolish to reveal his Quirks up front instead of keeping them a secret."

All Might continued, "Shigaraki made wild, immature claims, but did so with a completely straight face. And he talked about Nomu like he was some kind of a pet. It seems like he'd never been told "no" before, like he thought things would go his way no matter what. He has the personality of a spoiled child. A man child."

"A child with incredible power, though," Vlad King spoke up.

Midnight added, "It's possible he never got the Quirk counseling students receive in elementary school."

"Maybe so," Snipe commented, "But it doesn't really matter now."

Tsukauchi continued, "There were 72 villains arrested in the aftermath of the USJ attack. They were all small-time thugs who usually lurked around back allies. What worries me is that this man child got them all to follow his crazy plan. They viewed him as a real leader. Criminals are starting to feel more pressure now that the world is brimming with heroes. That could be why they were so quick to back such simple minded villainy."

Vlad King nodded, "Guess that makes sense."

Snipe commented, "They're plenty of people out there lookin' for a cause to get behind."

Midnight asked, "So, what can we do to stop them?"

Tsukauchi answered, "Well, it is thanks to you heroes that we have the time to devote ourselves to this case. We'll expand our investigation and continue searching for the perpetrators who planned this attack."

Nezu said, "A man child, huh? In some ways, he shares common ground with our students. They both have so much potential. And, like our students, I suppose it's possible that someone is guiding him, trying to nurture his malice and villainy."

All Might sighed, "I don't wanna think about what that could mean."

Over at Izuku's apartment, Izuku was sitting in his room watching old All Might videos, as school was closed the day after the USJ incident. He couldn't relax, "I'm still so far away from becoming a real hero. During the USJ attack, all my classmates and I did was slow Mr. Aizawa and Thirteen down. If it weren't for All Might and our teachers, we never would have stood a chance against those villains. All of us except for Danny. He rescued all of our classmates that were teleported away. And he stood toe-to-toe against the big bad and that monster. He definitely has the experience and power to become a real hero. Heck, he is a real hero. In order to truly oppose evil, I have to make All Might's power my own. I have to embody One For All and master every aspect of it, until it's second nature for me. Because, there isn't much time left. And because I'm the one he chose, I'll make him proud! And I'll finally be at the same level as Danny."

His mother knocked on his door, "Izuku?"

"Yeah?" Izuku asked as his mother opened the door.

"Lunch time," his mother replied. "Your food's getting cold."

Izuku smiled, "I'll be right there. Thanks, mom."

He went and sat down at the table across from his mom, "Eat up! Those new muscles need lots of fuel."

Over at Danny's apartment, he was also in his room, thinking to himself. But he was thinking about what Clockwork said, "Clockwork said that soon I'd be ready. But ready for what? Is something going to happen in this world? In the Ghost Zone? God, I hate him sometimes."

Jazz knocked on the door, "Hey, little brother. Can I come in?"

Danny sat up on his bed, "Yeah, come on in."

Jazz opened the door and sat down next to Danny, "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Danny answered. "After Clockwork gave me some ecto energy, I've been getting my energy back faster."

Jazz nodded, "And how are you doing? I mean, we've been in this world for over a year, and I guess I haven't asked how you are fitting in."

Danny sighed, "There was a lot to learn about this world over the past year. People with powers are everywhere. Walking around and seeing all those crises happen, I hated that I couldn't do anything because I don't have that stupid license."

Jazz laughed, "Well, that's your ghost nature I guess. I remember that Clockwork explained that every ghost has a certain nature that drives them, gives them purpose. Yours is saving people. So I can imagine you going crazy. Trust me, as an empath now, I could feel all of your sour emotions all the time."

Danny groaned, "Sorry, sis. But how have you been doing here?"

Jazz smiled, "College has been going well. I'm at the top of my class and will be starting an internship soon."

Danny then asked, "Do you miss home at all?"

Jazz sighed, "Yeah, I do. But I also remember the painful memories there and I keep reminding myself that I am here to make new memories. And to look after you."

Danny agreed, "Yeah, I miss my friends. I miss Amity Park. But I've made new friends here. And I've been learning so much. I just wish there was a way to contact my friends to make sure that they're OK."

Jazz put her arm around her brother, "Maybe one day we can. Just give it time."

The next day at UA, Class 1-A was talking about the USJ incident.

Toru said, "You guys! Did you watch the news last night? It was so cool that we got a few seconds of screen time! Though I bet nobody noticed me hanging out in the background."

"Probably not," Shoji noted.

Oijiro added, "It is difficult to stand out when you're just gloves."

Kaminari sighed happily, "We're totally big deals. Those news channels love us, we're basically celebrities."

Kirishima added, "Yeah, it's kinda crazy, right?"

Jiro said, "Get over yourselves. The hero course that pumps out pros was attacked, and that's what they cared about."

Sero added, "Who knows what would've happened to us if the teachers didn't show up."

Sato commented, "Did you see All Might fighting that bird guy? That dude was super strong, and he still destroyed him!"

"Yes," Tokoyami said. "His strength is truly a thing of wonder."

"However," Kirishima added. "Danny was a true MVP. He stood against that big guy and the creepy guy like it was nothing. I didn't realize he was that powerful."

"Yes," Shoto said. "He looked like a seasoned pro out there."

Danny slid down in his seat trying to avoid being the center of attention. Momo noticed and whispered, "It's OK, Danny. They're just praising your work."

Tenya ran through the door, "Attention! Homeroom class is about to begin! Everyone stop talking and take your seats."

But everyone already was. Danny sat up and said, "Tenya, we're all already sitting. I appreciate your enthusiasm for being co-class rep, but just take it down a notch, ok? And maybe go ahead and sit down?"

Tenya got to his seat and looked embarrassed. Ochaco reassured him, "Don't sweat it."

Mina leaned back and asked, "Hey, Tsu, so, who do ya think is gonna teach class today?"

"No idea," Tsuyu answered. "Mr. Aizawa's still in the hospital recovering from his injuries."

The door opened and Aizawa walked in, covered in bandages, "Morning, class."

Class 1-A shouted, "Mr. Aizawa, what are you doing here?"

Tenya raised his hand, "Mr. Aizawa, I'm glad you're OK."

"You call that OK?" Ochaco mumbled.

Aizawa made it to the front podium, "My well being is irrelevant. What's more important is that your fight isn't over yet. The UA Sports Festival is about to start."

The class cheered while Danny sat there confused. He didn't know what the sports festival was. But he didn't want to look stupid and ask in front of the class.

Kirishima shouted, "Let's go kick some ass!"

Kaminari interrupted, "Wait a minute."

Jiro asked, "Is it really such a good idea to hold the sports festival so soon after the villains snuck inside."

Oijiro added, "They could attack once we're all in the same place."

Aizawa sighed, "Apparently the administration thinks this is a good way to show that the threat has been handled and our school is safer than ever. Plus they're beefing up security compared to past years. This event is a huge opportunity for all students at UA. It's not something we can cancel because of a few villains. Our sports festival is one of the most watched events in the entire world. In the past, everyone obsessed over the Olympic games. But then Quirks started appearing. Now, the Olympics have been drastically reduced in terms of scale and viewership. For anyone who cares about competition, there's only one tournament that matters. The UA Sports Festival."

"That's right," Momo added. "And top heroes everywhere will be watching. This is where you get scouted."

Danny was at first unsure about it as he didn't like being the center of attention, but when Momo said that this is a chance to be scouted, he knew that being scouted would eventually lead to him getting his hero license.

"She's right," Kaminari noted. "After graduating, a lot of people join pro agencies as sidekicks."

Jiro sighed, "Yeah, but that's as far as some people go. They miss their chance to go indie and stay eternal sidekicks. Actually, that's probably where you're headed. You're kinda dumb."

Aizawa continued, "It's true that joining a famous hero agency can garner you great experience and popularity. That's why the festival matters. If you wanna go pro one day, then this event could open the path for you. One chance a year. Three chances in a lifetime. No aspiring hero can afford to miss this festival. That means you better not slack off on your training."

He stared right at Danny, who got a little creeped out. But Aizawa was thinking, "That American boy just proved that he truly has what it takes to be a pro. I'm betting right now he's the one who will go all the way."

"Yes, sir," Class 1-A replied.

"Class is dismissed," Aizawa said as he walked out of the room.

Later that day, after a class, everyone from Class 1-A was talking about the sports festival.

Kirishima was very excited about the festival, "That villain stuff sucked, sure, but I'm pumped for these games!"

Sero added, "We put on a good show, and we're basically on the road to being pros!"

Sato then said, "Yeah, this is why I'm even here in the first place."

"We get so few chances," Tokoyami added. "We have to make the most of this."

Toru said to Oijiro, "Oh man, Oijiro, I'm getting kind of nervous about the festival. I have to come up with a way to get noticed at the festival. Maybe a cheer."

"Ah, sure," Oijiro replied. "Maybe you should be looking at a shiner costume or something? Otherwise, you're gonna have to try really hard."

Aoyama said, "My, what's a boy to do? I stand out even when I'm standing still. That means the scouts won't be able to take their eyes off of me! Don't you agree?"

Koda just nodded nervously.

Kaminari sighed,"You're so lucky, Shoji. People are bound to notice your unique Quirk."

Shoji replied, "Sure, but what matters is that I show them how useful I can be."

Jiro giggled, "Yeah, no doubt you'll make a scene, too, Kaminari."

Kaminari growled at that.

Izuku said, "This is gonna be nuts. Everyone's so excited."

Tenya replied, "Well, yeah, of course we are. We enrolled in this school with the sole aim to become heroes. So, naturally, we're all getting fired up. You have to be excited too, right, Midoriya?"

Izuku nodded, "Well, yeah, of course I am. But I'm also nervous." He then looked over at Danny, who was sitting at his seat, alone with his thoughts. Izuku walked over to him, "Hey, Danny, are you excited about the sports festival?"

Danny sighed, "To be honest, I'm not sure. I mean, I've never heard of the sports festival until now."

"You didn't watch it on TV?" Tenya asked as he walked over.

Danny shook his head, "No, don't really watch TV. But that's not what I'm most worried about. I'm contemplating if I even want to participate."

That made the entire class stop and stare at Danny.

"Dude!" Kirishima shouted. "Why not? It's a chance to get ourselves noticed. It's one step closer to becoming a pro."

"I know that," Danny replied. "I want to be a pro too, like all of you do. But I also know that, and I don't mean to sound cocky, if I participate, I'd dominate the entire competition."

Bakugo growled at that statement, but Izuku understood where Danny was coming from. He saw his true strength and power during the USJ incident. He was many levels above the rest of them, even Kacchan.

Bakugo slammed his hand down, causing a mini explosion, "Listen here, Fenton. You think you're hot shit with that Quirk of yours! But I'm gonna beat you and prove that I'm the next number one hero."

Momo put her hand on Danny's shoulders, "I understand that you're skeptical, and I also know that you hate being the center of attention, but if you want to become a pro like the rest of us, then this is your chance to show what you're made of to everyone out there. Plus, maybe kicking Bakugo's butt will be interesting to watch."

"I heard that!" Bakugo shouted.

Danny thought for a moment, "Maybe they both have a point. I mean, I want to get my license so that I can be a hero without breaking the law." He looked up at the entire class staring at him, "Well, I guess, I'll compete."

The class cheered at that.

Ochaco then said, "Danny, Deku, Iida." The three boys looked over and saw a serious look on her face as she said, "Let's do our best at the sports festival."

Izuku asked, "Uraraka, what happened to your face?"

Mina also asked, "Seriously, what's up? You're normally like the most laid back girl ever."

Ochaco put her fist up into the air, "Everyone, I'm gonna do my best!" Izuku and Tenya cheered with her as Danny chuckled. She said the same thing to other classmates, who cheered less enthusiastically, and some questioned if she was OK."

Later, on the way to lunch, Izuku asked Ochaco, "Hey, Uraraka? Why did you decide to come to UA? What made you want to become a pro hero?"

Ochaco stuttered, "Oh….well…because….for money."

Izuku was stunned, "For the money? You wanna be a hero so you can get rich?"

Ochaco replied, "If we're cutting to the chase, yeah. I'm sorry if it sounds greedy. I mean, you guys have such admirable motivations. I hope you don't think less of me now."

"Not at all!" Tenya reassured her. "Your goal is to support your wellbeing, which is a perfectly admirable ambition to have."

Danny nodded, "Yeah, it's just kinda surprising."

Ochaco sighed, "Well, you see, my family owns a construction company, but we haven't gotten any work lately, so we're flat broke. Anyway, this really isn't something I usually tell other people, but…"

Momo then said, "Construction huh? If you get licensed, then I bet you can use your Quirk to bring costs down a lot. And then your family can sell their heavy lifting equipment because you can float everything."

"Thank you!" Ochaco replied. "That's what I've been thinking. I've been telling my dad that since I was a kid. But my dad said that I should achieve my own dream. That would make him and my mom happy. So I'm gonna become a pro. I'll sign with a good agency and make plenty of money. Then I'll be able to let my parents have an easy life!"

Tenya started to clap and shouted, "Bravo!" over and over again. Izuku realized that she was more grounded than all of them. Momo smiled at her ambition. Danny thought about how he never had conversations like that with his parents, which made him tear up a little."

Momo noticed this, "Danny, are you OK?"

Danny wiped his tears away, "Yeah, just thinking that I never got to talk about things like that with my parents. Missed opportunity."

Izuku paled, "Oh, Danny-kun."

Ochaco was puzzled, "Why is it a missed opportunity?"

Danny sighed, "Well…..my parents….died over a year ago. A villain killed them."

Tenya put his hand on Danny's shoulder, "I'm so sorry to hear that, Fenton. You have my condolences."

Momo remembered, "That's why you reacted the way you did when I created those gauntlets for the physical tests. The villain used something similar to…."

Danny nodded solemnly. Momo then hugged Danny, "I'm so sorry, Danny."

Danny reciprocated the hug, then pulled away, "Thanks. I still have my sister though. She became my guardian. And that's why we moved here to Japan. To get away from everything."

Everyone put their hands on Danny's shoulders to comfort him.

Suddenly All Might, in his hero form, ran up to them, "Young Midoriya and Fenton are here!"

Izuku and Danny looked over at All Might. Izuku asked, "All Might? What are you doing here?"

"Lunch," All Might answered. "You two wanna eat with me?"

Izuku and Danny looked around at their friends, and Tenya nodded. Izuku and Danny then went off with All Might.

In the cafeteria, Ochaco wondered, "I wondered what he wanted with Deku and Danny."

Tenya said, "I heard that when All Might was attacked by villains during the USJ incident, Midoriya tried to stop them himself. Perhaps that's what this is about."

"Same with Danny," Momo said. "I heard that he stood toe-to-toe with the big bad. Impressive."

Tenya continued, "Also, remember what Asui said on the bus? Since their Quirks are so similar to each other, it's possible that All Might's taken a liking to him. As for Fenton, I heard that rumor too that he stood up against the main villain. All Might must have been super impressed. How lucky!"

Shoto overheard their conversation, "All Might, Izuku Midoriya, and Danny Fenton, huh?"

In the teacher's lounge, All Might, back in his normal form, told Izuku and Danny that he could only hold his hero form for 50 minutes.

Izuku was shocked, "Only 50 minutes?"

All Might sighed, "Yeah. That's about how long I can use my power now? I overdid it too many times. That Nomu was a really tough customer. He took a lot outta me."

"I feel ya," Danny agreed. "Even my punches barely made a dent in him.

All Might continued, "At this point, I can barely even look like All Might for an hour and a half."

Izuku said, "I'm so sorry. I should've just…"

All Might then started laughing, while coughing blood at the same time. Which made Danny say, "Again, you should really have that blood thing looked at."

All Might calmed down, "You don't need to apologize for anything. Man, we are alike, Young Midoriya. Now, have some tea, you two."

The two boys nodded their thanks.

All Might then said, "I brought you two here to talk about the festival. For you, Young Midoriya, the problem is, you still can't fully control One For All yet. So then, what's your plan?"

Izuku thought for a moment, then remembered, "Wait, I did once. When I landed a smash on that brain villain. There was no backlash at all!"

"That's right," All Might said. "You did mention that. What was different about that smash?"

"Let's see," Izuku replied. "We were facing real villains and I didn't have much time to think, but maybe that's part of it, since I knew this wasn't just more training. This was the very first time, ever, that I used my power against a person."

All Might took in this information, "Hmm. Sounds like you succeeded in subconsciously putting on the brakes so you wouldn't have to kill anyone. Hey, that's some progress at least. Now, you, Young Fenton, I heard that you were having doubts about entering the sports festival."

Danny nodded, "Yeah. You saw how powerful I was during the USJ incident. But that was because it was against real villains, this is for sport. If I compete in the sports festival, then I'll wipe the floor with everyone. No offense, Izuku. Plus, I don't like showing off, being the center of attention."

All Might chuckled, "I can understand your worries. You and Aizawa are similar with the whole staying out of the spotlight thinking. Well, why don't you try this? You can still do well, maybe even win if you want, but have everyone else show off until you have to. Just show enough that pros will at least get interested in wanting you to intern at their agencies, but also help your classmates show off what they can do. I can tell that you care more about others than yourself, this strategy will help that. What do you think?"

Danny thought for a moment, realizing that All Might was right. He could help his classmates look good to potential agencies and he didn't have to steal the spotlight. Just show off enough. But he would be lying if he said that he didn't have a competitive bone in his body. Especially since Bakugo basically challenged him. He looked up at Al Might, "I think I can do that."

All Might smiled, "Excellent. I know both of you boys will do great at the festival. Now, to be frank, I don't have much time left as the world's Symbol of Peace. Soon, I'll have to put that title to bed. And some villains out there are starting to notice that. Someone has to step up and keep the people safe. Midoriya, I gave you my power for one reason: 'cause you will be the hero that takes my place. Do you still feel the same way from when we met? Do you still want to be a hero?"

Izuku nodded, "Yes."

All Might looked at Danny, "And you, Fenton. I can tell that saving people is in your very nature. Will you join Midoriya into becoming a hero?"

Danny nodded, "Yes."

All Might smiled, "Excellent. The time has come for both of you to show what you're made of. This sports festival: it's something that the pros, no, the entire country will be watching very closely. I want you two to think of this sports festival as your debut. Midoriya, you are the fledgling Symbol of Peace. The next All Might! And Fenton, you will become one of the greatest heroes of all time. So, I want you two to introduce yourselves to the world and proudly say, "I am here!""