Fourth chapter already? I can't seem to find much to say. When there's nothing to say, there's just...

Anyway, this isn't a filler. I wanted to introduce other characters and set up their situations. The entrance exam will happen in the next chapter. Until then, deal with it.

Now, the review corner... Wait? Do I see 200 followers? I think I'm almost there! You all are incredible.

From Kouji17

That just blew my mind. Nezu deciding to keep Izuku on the path of a hero rather than risk him becoming like AFO is totally a thing the Rat God would do. Though I wonder if he will tell the other teachers or not the full capabilities of Izuku or if he will ommit some things when he convinces Izuku to update his quirk file... if he does.

AFO is easily a better teacher than All Might as he already gave Izuku an important lesson on restraint as soon as they started. Which is kind of funny coming from a villain.

Inko intuition is sharp as hell though! But im not sure if it is Motherly intuition or vigilante intuition? But if Tomura is having Dabi there for the raid on the USJ then not to sound dark or bloodthirsty but at least one student *cough* Mineta or Bakugo *cough* should get killed or injured to the point where they have to quit being a hero. But yeah adding the breakout if Endeavour wife, I'm curious how Shoto felt about that.

I wish I had a principal like Nezu during my school time. Not a mouse, just that one guy who actually knows what happens in the establishment... like students setting other students on fire. (Yes, I've seen some insane stuff ._.')

Of course, AFO is a better teacher than All Might. One of them actually cares about how to use their quirk, while the other was (from my own point of view) chosen because they had some skin/muscle-stretching invisible quirk to help them handle the absurd amount of energy from OFA and, as a result, never bothered to study how it works.

Rei does have a purpose; it will be explained later though. And Dabi? I mean, why else would I bring up Mister Cremation without an actual plan?

Next is from AnimeFan13579 (Too long to include sorry)

The way I see it, it would be more efficient if they took the time to get to know who they are letting into U.A. as an individual. It's like recruiting someone who looks like a giga chad to become a firefighter, and then they tell you they have a fear of heights, dislike smoke, and have...arachnophobia?

...Okay, it's also an excuse to let Shinso into Class 1-A.

And last from Chronosign

Two questions:
Is Dabi still charred and is this hair still dyed black?
Is Tomura's voice still like sandpaper or is it the same as after he fought Re-Destro and sounds a lot smoother?

Yes, and ... *googles sandpaper* Really ?

And so, the weeks flowed by. Izuku's clandestine visits to All for One continued, hidden from Inko's knowledge. Each weekend, Izuku ventured to the villain's lair, learning and growing under the mentorship of the first holder of All for One. These secret sessions were shaping him into a more confident individual, albeit with a heavy burden of secrecy.

Inko, while unaware of these visits, couldn't shake her unease. She sensed Izuku's growing independence, and although she understood his reasons, it pained her that her son felt the need to keep secrets from her. Her concern only intensified considering the company he was keeping.

However, she knew deep down that this was the path she had chosen for their safety. Izuku couldn't know the truth about his father, and the same went for Shigaraki. All for One's chilling words still echoed in her mind: he couldn't be a father, not for Tenko, and certainly not for Izuku.

As the days passed, Izuku's newfound confidence became increasingly visible. Inko wished that they could share these moments as a family, but the circumstances wouldn't allow it. She was left to trust her son's judgment and pray that the road he was on would lead to the right destination.

Kurogiri, a silent observer, meticulously recorded the progress Izuku was making under All for One's tutelage. The villain took a keen interest in his newest protege, seeing potential in him beyond the surface. Despite Izuku's reluctance to be labeled as an apprentice, the bond between mentor and student grew stronger.

Tenko, unaware of Izuku's existence, remained focused on his own journey. He and Izuku were kindred spirits in their fascination with internet culture and shared interests, yet the two had never crossed paths. Inko often pondered the possibility of their connection, wondering if they could have been friends under different circumstances. According to Kurogiri there was no way the two would agree on heroes or their personal goals.

In the realm of education, Izuku excelled. Online schooling proved to be a great fit for him, and he managed to get ahead in his studies. His past experiences at Aldera Academy only fueled his determination to prove himself, especially after the mess they had made of his scores.

However, a curious twist occurred when Nezu, the principal of U.A. High School, inquired about Izuku's time at Aldera. Inko shared her perspective, and soon after, a revelation unfolded. Many of Aldera's staff members were arrested due to connections with a dubious organization known as the Meta Liberation Army. Inko's past connections with All for One had unintentionally led to a domino effect.

With the U.A. entrance exam drawing near, Izuku's focus shifted. His training with All for One intensified, taking place in a special room within the villain's hideout. Izuku's quirk manipulation skills were honed, and his progress was evident. Yet, the challenge was immense, and All for One's instruction pushed him to the limits ... quite litteraly.

As they resumed their training session, All for One's voice cut through the air, demanding more from Izuku. "Again," he instructed, his tone firm and unwavering.

Izuku's panting breaths filled the room as he struggled to comply. "I-I can't push more," he managed to gasp out, his body teetering on the edge of exhaustion. All for One's training was rigorous, his instruction unrelenting. The balance between mentorship and discipline was palpable in the room.

All for One's teaching style had transformed the room into a makeshift training ground, the atmosphere imbued with an unsettling energy. Its transformation from a typical hideout to a chamber of challenge was a stark reminder of the sinister nature of their interactions.

Izuku's battles against All for One's quirks were not without their toll. His efforts to evade burns, freezes, shocks, and corrosive substances highlighted the dangers he faced. Each dodge and maneuver took him a step closer to mastery, but also to the precipice of danger.

Amid the trials, All for One's guidance was unceasing. "Stay focused this time," he advised, his words carrying a hint of begrudging admiration. "Try to follow your quirk instead of your head." His counsel was accompanied by a barrage of projectiles, forcing Izuku to navigate the onslaught while maintaining his focus.

Izuku's body bore the scars of his training, yet the villain had the means to heal any injuries that weren't too severe. With his eyes closed, he honed his ability to sense the energy of All for One's quirks, sensing their movements before they reached him. The mental concentration required was immense, but it granted him a level of control and anticipation.

As the distance closed between them, Izuku's determination intensified. "Gotcha," he muttered, summoning All for One's quirk into his hand. His grip tightened, and the struggle between the two quirk-stealers commenced. Energy arcs danced around his hand, a vivid representation of the invisible battle.

All for One's voice reverberated in Izuku's mind, urging him on. The hunger for power was undeniable, and with each tug, Izuku's determination shone. "Take. It," the villain's command resonated, pushing Izuku to exert himself further.

A crescendo of effort culminated in a final, desperate pull. Izuku's hand glowed with intensity, his breath hitching as he felt the quirk's energy settling within him. He gasped for air, the exertion leaving him winded. "I-it's so hard," he admitted, his vulnerability evident.

All for One's demeanor shifted as he stepped closer, offering a rare gesture of approval. "You have done well," he acknowledged, his tone carrying a measure of genuine admiration. The acknowledgment was a testament to Izuku's progress, despite the odds stacked against him.

"I'm impressed," All for One continued, analyzing Izuku's state. "Most likely due to the nature of my quirk, it's much harder for you to take something from me." The villain's contemplative tone reflected his analysis. "I was resisting, I didn't put much effort, but I still struggled myself. And keep in mind, you did so without physical contact."

"I can't hold on long enough to actually take the quirk or keep a remnant of it." Izuku explained, feeling the quirk he grabbed progressively vanishing from his All for One. "It feels easier every week though."

One of their biggest discovery, the ability to absorb a quirk from a distance, everything that didn't involve physical contact was more exhausting, but the possibilities were infinite. They were quite deceived when they determined that they couldn't duplicate quirks ... and relieved that they couldn't, this fact would have been too hard to handle.

A sense of readiness surged through Izuku, his earlier uncertainty replaced by a newfound confidence. "I think you are ready," All for One affirmed, his words carrying a weight of significance.

"Ready? You mean—" Izuku's voice quivered with anticipation, his hopes hanging in the balance.

"U.A. isn't going to recover from what hit them," All for One declared, a sinister chuckle escaping him. The laughter held a mix of villainous satisfaction and anticipation, a foreshadowing of Izuku's impending impact on the hero academy.

Izuku's laughter intertwined with All for One's, their shared excitement defying the boundaries of hero and villain. The irony of their camaraderie was palpable, a reflection of the complexity that defined their relationship.

"Nezu said he would change the way the exams work," Izuku began, shifting the conversation towards the upcoming U.A. entrance exam. The intrigue surrounding the altered exam format was a testament to Nezu's forward thinking.

All for One's response was dismissive, a mixture of scorn and amusement." The rat should have done that years ago." His derisive tone hinted at his disdain for the previous exam structure. "Just pack a bunch of kids together and send them into the danger zone, see who is more efficient than the others without giving them any context to show what they can do."

Izuku's argument highlighted the essence of heroism and the multifaceted challenges they faced. "Well ... that seems to be the point? When you are on patrol you must be ready for anything."

"Of course," All for One concurred. "However, consider this. The old entrance exam was focused on seeing who is more efficient at dealing with villains. They never considered natural disasters, terrorism ... or even hostage situations." His contemplative tone underscored the shortcomings of the previous approach.

As Izuku reflected on past incidents, the limitations of the previous exam structure became clear. The sludge villain incident, among others, highlighted the inadequacy of focusing solely on combat proficiency. "I'm almost certain you figured out the issue," All for One remarked, the villain's analysis was incisive, touching on the inherent flaws in the old system. "They are... sorting the quirks that are more oriented for combat without considering other situations," he elaborated. His words resonated with the incident involving Katsuki and the dangers of overlooking non-combat scenarios.

Their discussion led to a fundamental question: Izuku's role in this multifaceted landscape. "In which category do I fit?" Izuku's uncertainty was palpable. "I can do a bit of everything, but I do not feel like I have a specific domain to work with."

All for One's response was definitive, reflecting his perspective on heroism." And you should not. This profession has never been about neutralizing people who use their quirks illegally. It was created to ensure people with useful quirks are trained to use them AND contribute to society in an organized way." His words captured the essence of heroism's purpose.

Izuku's curiosity bridged the gap between heroism and villainy, prompting him to question All for One's stance. "I thought you were a villain."

"I am!" All for One affirmed, his voice carrying a mix of conviction and past regrets. "But I did impact politics a lot. I wasn't about to stand idle and watch the world consume itself. I have- ... had an empire to run." They corrected with some hint of regret in their voice.

Izuku's apology revealed his hesitance to touch on All for One's past. "Ah, sorry for—"

"Do not apologize," All for One cut in. "You need to know about this, or else you might turn into a puppet of the HPSC." His warning carried a weight of caution, a reflection of the dangers that lay ahead.

As the conversation turned to corruption, Izuku's unease was evident. "Corruption? That's—... that's disturbing." His disbelief echoed the gravity of the revelation.

All for One's response was a stark reminder of the harsh realities. "You fight evil with evil," he stated, his tone matter-of-fact. "And in the end, it turns out it's easier to use the methods of the enemy rather than following morals." His words carried a tinge of resignation.

"Ever heard of Lady Nagant?" The question marked a shift in their conversation. Izuku's familiarity with the name was evident, though his understanding remained limited. "I did... she didn't really become mad and tried to kill some civilians, did she?"

All for One's explanation offered insight into the dark realities of heroism. "They sent her to a secret prison called Tartarus," he disclosed, his voice carrying a weight of regret. "I should have saved her, I should have," The villain confessed, his voice filled with genuine concern.

"You are not really a bad person," All for One's assessment was candid, his words carrying a hint of reluctant admiration. "Sure, you want to rule the world and... from your point of view, it sucks. You still feel compassion."

Izuku's realization was met with a mix of introspection and acceptance. "Compassion is a weakness," All for One stated, his words a reflection of his experience. "I'm just using her situation to my advantage. A former HPSC assassin willing to turn their coat and work with me for the sake of protection? It's just perfect!"

As their conversation wound down, Izuku's plans for the evening surfaced. "I should go now, Mom is making Katsudon tonight."

All for One's response held a hint of camaraderie." Katsudon, if it's your favorite, you have good taste."

"You like that too?"

"Quite so!" All for One's affirmation carried a hint of nostalgia. "A few years back, me and an associate used to... I uh... never mind that, yes, it is also one of my all-time favorites."

Izuku's curiosity was piqued by the mention of an associate, yet he refrained from probing further. "You have favorites?" His question carried an air of intrigue.

All for One's tone shifted, revealing a glimpse of his past." Now that I pay closer attention, you never mention your father, is he—?"

Izuku's response was candid and tinged with a mix of resignation and understanding. "Oh, no, he is alive, at least I think. He sends money from his work overseas, but... he left when I was very young. I don't even remember seeing him once. I guess he couldn't burden himself with a Quirkless kid."

All for One's words held a tinge of sympathy." I apologize for asking."

"It's fine, we manage without him," Izuku responded, his resilience evident. "He had a fire-breathing quirk according to my mom. Genetic is weird, right? I can understand how it manifested with All for— I mean Hijack. But I definitely have no fire."

All for One's contemplative tone conveyed a sense of connection." Hahaha, I agree. Both of my parents were Quirkless, and they ended up having two very quirked kids."

Izuku's curiosity was piqued by the revelation. "You have a brother?"

All for One's mood shifted abruptly, his tone revealing a mix of sorrow and regret. "I had one, yes. We... we disagreed on a few things, and... it didn't end well. I hope I can fix my mistakes eventually. But that's a story for another day." The weight of his words hung in the air, underscoring the complexity of his past.

Their conversation drifted to lighter matters as Izuku's departure drew near. "Run back to your house, young hero," All for One advised with a touch of amusement. "Or else your mother will end up calling the police if you are late."

"See you next week, Sensei," Izuku bid farewell, his voice carrying a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Once Izuku had departed, All for One allowed himself a moment of respite. "He reminds me of you, Yoichi... just less delusional," he murmured to himself. As he stretched and rose from his seat, his thoughts turned toward visiting Tomura and his allies. "I should visit Tomura and his friends," he mused aloud, a glimpse of his ulterior motives surfacing. "Hopefully, he is turning the safe house into some sort of rehabilitation center."

Amid the rhythmic clinks of knife against cutting board, Rei paused, her eyes studying her hand with an intensity born of fatigue and frustration. "I've never pushed my quirk to such an extent before… Sometimes I wish I had impaled Endeavour on a spike years ago." The vegetables lay forgotten as she vented her inner turmoil aloud. "But I don't know where I could have taken the children. If I had known about All For One, I would've sought protection from him."

Beside her, Kurogiri set to work with a sharpening stone, the soft scraping of steel accompanied by his measured words. "Your testimony against Enji Todoroki is invaluable. The same goes for your children's. Taking down the number two hero through legal means aligns perfectly with my master's plans."

Rei and Kurogiri shared a quiet collaboration in the kitchen of the bar, a dance of purpose and hidden intentions. Anticipation lingered as they prepared for an expected guest, one who fit the unique mold Dabi had described and who piqued Tomura's interest.

Rei's voice tingled with curiosity as she inquired, "Have you found the items they requested? It's an unusual dietary preference. I wasn't aware specialized stores existed for such… conditions."

Kurogiri's hands moved deftly, a harmony between his actions and words. "It wasn't overly challenging. The cost is reasonable, but access to these specialized food banks requires authorization from a medical professional. Dabi mentioned this person has a distinct mindset—though I won't presume—but-"

"Abusive parents," Rei interjected, her tone solemn, causing the dishes she held to clatter into the sink with a resonant thud. "It's a pattern that seems to have woven itself into the fabric of this family. We've developed a knack for recognizing when people are struggling."

"You're right. This is what Tomura seeks. It takes a certain detachment from sanity to kill for an idea or a dream."

Rei was ready to challenge Kurogiri's assessment, but in the grand scheme, he was right. She would have ended Enji's life without hesitation, even though her dreams had piled up into a mountain of regrets. "Perhaps I should train as well."

Kurogiri's touch restrained Rei as she moved to gather more meat. "You're not a villain, Rei. Don't feel compelled to transform yourself for the sake of erasing your past."

"It's not about being a villain." Rei placed her hand against Kurogiri's wrist, her fingers meeting the sensation of his skin through the thick mist that shrouded him. "Nor am I acting out of selfishness. I merely want to show my children that I'm not weak, that I can still fight back."

Kurogiri shivered slightly, his internal mechanisms caught in disarray. He shouldn't feel... this. "The vegetables are close to overcooking," he diverted, seeking release from the intensity of their shared moment, prompting Rei to release him so he could salvage their meal. Simultaneously, Tomura and Dabi entered the kitchen.

Tomura's demeanor carried a dangerous edge as he entered the room. "I swear... you're suggesting she's another one of those Stain fanatics? Dabi, these people are unhinged."

Dabi retorted, his voice laced with dark amusement, "Says the guy who adorns himself with his dead father's hand as a mask."

Seeking to avoid a potential clash, Rei cautiously approached. "What's the commotion, gentlemen? What's all the fuss about?"

"Dinner's off the table. I won't be recruiting some Stain-worshipping zealot," the League's leader declared with firm resolve.

Rei's response was equally resolute, challenging Tomura's stance. "I'm sorry, but we won't be canceling dinner. Kurogiri and I have put hours into researching how to properly prepare a blood-based dish for her. Even if she doesn't join your cause—"

"League of Villains," Tomura muttered under his breath.

"Regardless, whether she joins or not, I won't abandon her to the streets. She's either going to end up dead or become a murderer."

"This place isn't yours to control!"

"No, it isn't, but as far as I know, I'm still the one cooking your meals and keeping this place clean. No offense, Kurogiri, but I seem to be more efficient than you were." Rei's stature may have been smaller than Tomura's, but she didn't hesitate to assert herself, treating the young man as she would a rebellious child—a phase her biological children never underwent, and she took pride in that.

Tomura, not a biological child nor young enough to be called a child, stewed in a mixture of humiliation and resentment. But Rei's acknowledgment of his shortcomings was only natural. Kurogiri had once maintained order; Tomura could use some discipline.

"I can't deny that," Kurogiri admitted, acknowledging Rei's comment about his previous responsibilities before her rescue.

With a dismissive click of his tongue, Tomura conceded, "Fine, I'll give her a chance. Maybe she won't be as twisted as I anticipate."

"You don't believe in coincidences, do you?" Dabi joked, his arms crossed as he surveyed what his mother had prepared for the evening.

"Now you're just being—" Just as Tomura was about to engage in something moderately reckless, the bar's door swung open, colliding audibly with the wall.

"HELLO?" an exuberant, feminine voice exclaimed.

Tomura sighed, suppressing his frustration as he left the kitchen to investigate the newcomer. "I'm about to commit murd—" his words died as he encountered a blood-drenched teenage girl, her tights smeared in crimson, and a menacingly large knife, similarly adorned. "Kurogiri, bring salt and anything that can clean up blood."

The barman hurried to the entrance, struggling to maintain his Nomu-composed demeanor. "Perhaps I should inform Sensei that this location is compromised?"

"Nah, the blood's already dried. I'm not foolish enough to leave a trail leading straight here," the girl giggled, unfazed. "Are you Tomura? Dabi said to look for the skinny guy who's perpetually sulky or furious. You fit the description perfectly."

"What—"

The girl approached Tomura, extending her hand for a handshake, her blood-smeared knife gleaming in the ambient light. "I'm Himiko Toga, but you can call me Himiko or Toga—whichever suits your fancy. Now, can I have a taste of your blood?"

"Wh- No, absolutely not. You're—"

"Oh, dear!" Rei's voice carried concern as she arrived on the scene, her eyes scanning the remnants of dried blood clinging to the girl's clothes. "Poor thing. Let's clean you up; let's head to the bathroom." With urgency born of compassion, she led their new, seemingly unpredictable guest away.

Sighing, Dabi offered his own insight. "Seems she might have exaggerated the description a tad."

"I don't need to hear another round of sarcasm until tomorrow."

Later that evening, all except Kurogiri were seated around a table in the bar's main room. Himiko savored the unique blood-based dish Rei had crafted, the tears in her eyes attributed to an imagined spiciness. Early judgments mingled with curiosity as Tomura observed the enigmatic girl. Himiko's potential as a terrible liar was almost endearing, an anomaly in their world of manipulation and deceit.

Tomura decided it was time to get to the point, allowing the girl to share her story in her own words. "So, Himiko, who or what did you stab before arriving here?"

Himiko hesitated for a moment, her smile fading as a darker memory crossed her mind. "Well, hehehe, some guy was tailing me on my way here. He wanted to—" her voice trailed off, the humor of her tale dissipating. "Just know he was up to no good. I politely warned him that I'd remove whatever's between his legs if he continued bothering me… Then I had an idea. If he's going to harass every defenseless girl he finds, I might as well…" Her words dissolved into a fit of giggles, her demeanor shifting rapidly.

Around the table, each person processed the story differently. Tomura appreciated her direct approach—confronting the source of her troubles head-on. Dabi admired her recklessness, her brand of audacity that defied convention. From a broader perspective, the heroes and law enforcement would now focus on the murderer rather than potential victims.

Rei, proud yet concerned, extended her empathy. "You... You did the right thing, but… Did he do anything to you? Can I help in any way?"

"No worries, ma'am! Whoever he was, he's either incapable of fathering children or already well past his final moments," Himiko replied with satisfaction.

"Please, just call me Rei."

"O-Okay... So, thank you for the dinner, but I came here to be recruited. How does this work? We're playing good cop, angsty cop, and bad cop?" Himiko inquired, playfully pointing to Rei, Dabi, and Tomura in sequence.

"Just tell us about yourself… And don't hold back. "bad cop" here took weeks to even talk about his own life," Tomura chimed in, exuding a sense of weary amusement.

"There's no need to brag about my miserable existence, it's not like you spoke about your own either." Dabi grumbled.

"Regardless, I'm not interested in bringing in random NPCs. I'm searching for something real. So, what's your story?"

Himiko's gaze fixed on the knife beside her, its gleaming blade reminiscent of her obsession. "This world's awful, life's tough. All I want is to make it easier. If I can be happy and smile, that's enough. It's just simpler from my perspective if everything's covered in red."

"And do you have a clear purpose, or are you just following your impulses?" Dabi's question held a tinge of curiosity, tinged with a touch of understanding.

Himiko contemplated, her fingers tapping the knife's hilt. "When I genuinely like someone or something, I feel this irresistible urge to see them soaked in blood. There's something oddly captivating about it."

"Thus far, you seem alright. But let's get to the heart of the matter: What's your opinion on Stain?"

"Stain?" Himiko's laughter bubbled, an unconstrained, girlish sound. "He's an artist! His work is splashed in red, a chaotic masterpiece with every kill. Despite the gore, people still adore him... I want to be just like him. I want to make him bleed."

Tomura wrestled with his thoughts, caught between apprehension and intrigue. Himiko's blood fixation unnerved him, yet her lack of fanaticism for Stain indicated a unique perspective. "Why are you asking? Do you hold a grudge against Stain?"

Tomura let out a scoff, his frustration momentarily restrained as he addressed Rei's admonishment. "We're having a composed and professional dinner, so I'd appreciate it if you didn't have a meltdown in front of our guest. Act like a leader, please." While his initial response was edged with irritation, Rei's tempered tone carried a blend of sternness and concern, and he could not ignore the truth in her words. He met her gaze with a resentful glare, but deep down, he knew he was losing his composure once again.

Rei's voice softened as she provided her guidance. "Apologies for getting carried away. I merely wanted to present my viewpoint. We have an objective here, and wanton slaughter for the sake of attention isn't part of our plan."

Himiko's smile faded, lost in the tide of the conversation's intensity. "You're strange... I like it," she admitted, a genuine warmth now present in her eyes.

Tomura chose not to acknowledge her compliment; it was best to move forward. "Tell us about your quirk and how it functions." As Himiko candidly shared her abilities, Tomura quietly made up his mind. "Welcome aboard. You're in. You're... cool, I guess."

Himiko's eyes lit up with delight. "I'm in!" She exclaimed, rising from her seat and lifting her blood-tinged knife triumphantly.

"Kurogiri will prepare a room for you, and—"

"Oh, well, I expected you to offer that. But, um, I need a place to stay for a few weeks—for a friend. Once I'm finished, I promise I'll move in." Amidst her seemingly sporadic nature, Himiko's words held a spark of sincerity, a flicker of genuine concern.

Tomura found himself both intrigued and bewildered. Her actions spoke of instability, yet her honesty was refreshing. "Sure, then... Uh, would you like to take some leftovers with you? It might not be wise to have another blood-stained incident mere meters away from the bar when you leave." He extended the offer, wary but willing.

"You're pretty cool, Tomura!"

Himiko experienced one of the most delightful days of her life. New friends, a cool boss, a hideout that resonated with her, and the incredible cook, Rei, made her enthusiastic about the days to come. She wished she could share her newfound career path with her best friend, but she understood they were not exactly on the same wavelength.

Entering their shared apartment without knocking, she announced her return. "I'm hommmmeeeee," she sang, her voice brimming with excitement. "And I brought dinner!"

"You did?! Your interview must have gone well!" Her friend's voice echoed with enthusiasm, likely coming from the bathroom. Himiko wasted no time, arranging plates. Rei had thoughtfully prepared extra, even separating the special dish from the rest to share the leftovers.

Emerging from the bathroom, Ochaco was wrapped in a towel, her hair still damp. "Tell me everything!"

Himiko offered a grin, a mix of emotions dancing in her eyes. "Oh, well... My boss is like some angsty nerd, but... I don't know, it's strange. I don't feel the urge to see him drenched in blood. I don't hate him either; I think I like him... as a normal friend, maybe?" Confusion tinted her words, revealing her uncertainty about her interactions.

Ochaco, in a way, exemplified that same uncertainty.

Himiko and Ochaco had crossed paths by an odd twist of fate, sharing both the apartment and monthly rent. Himiko had amassed a decent amount of money from her unique "activities," and when she was seeking a place to stay, their paths converged. Despite their differences, Himiko liked Ochaco's innocence and kindness. She didn't want to see Ochaco drenched in blood, unless, of course, it was someone else's.

Ochaco's dream of becoming a hero stemmed from her selflessness. While Himiko admired this goal, she also found it slightly naive. How could someone put others' needs before their own? Ochaco, like Himiko, seemed to be struggling with her own set of mental quirks. Ochaco managed to secure a job at a local market, where she assisted in restocking displays. It wasn't much, but it helped cover her portion of the rent and food expenses.

Yet, the dichotomy of their aspirations posed a challenge. Himiko was on a path toward villainy, while Ochaco was about to attempt the entrance exam for U.A. High School, pursuing her dreams of heroism. The inevitability of their parting cast a shadow over their budding friendship. Himiko was determined to savor these moments while she could.

"Is he nice?" Ochaco inquired, a touch of concern in her voice.

"Oh, he's nice! He even offered to bring the leftovers from our dinner. The others seem decent too... Actually, now that I think about it, I believe their mom lives in their base—uh, office."

"How can you tell?" Ochaco's skepticism was evident.

"She scolded him about avoiding a tantrum," Himiko giggled.

"No way!" Ochaco expressed disbelief.

"Yes way!" Himiko insisted.

Ochaco's expression melted into delight as she sampled Rei's food. Hailing from a modest background, the flavors likely surpassed her expectations. "I don't deserve this."

"Come on, Ocha! Let's treat it as... a celebration. I got a job, and you're going to U.A. soon."

"Ah... yes, of course."

Himiko sensed something amiss in Ochaco's demeanor. "What's going on, Ocha? You should be excited!"

"It's a lot of pressure. I don't want to let anyone down." Ochaco's family had invested so much in her. Himiko wished her own family had supported her. Ochaco deserved the love and support she had.

"Hey, you're amazing. If you don't make it into U.A., then they're just idiots. And if they don't let you in, I'll personally pay them a visit, signature knife in hand."

Ochaco summoned her best smile and dismissed Himiko's offer, though she doubted Himiko could commit such an act unless there was a truly compelling reason. "No worries, I'm sure I'll get in. Because if I don't, I'll be the one who gets stabbed, right?" She chuckled, trying to lighten the mood.

"I'd never do that! If I did, I'd use a needle. That way, I wouldn't lose a single precious drop of your sweet blood."

"Of course you would, haha. But it's not healthy to consume blood that way... What if someone's sick? Does your quirk come with immunity?"

Himiko recalled her story about the dead bird. "Pretty sure I didn't even catch the flu from it."

"I know, I know... But what I'm saying is you should see a doctor. You could get a prescription to buy blood from specialized distributors. It's not expensive with the right support; I looked it up."

"Sure, but people would still look at me like—"

"Himiko... Please, promise me you'll never stop smiling when you want to. That's what I cherish most about you."

"I won't. I promise."