Tenko sent a roundhouse kick towards the head, and a dark misty arm flew up to block it. The mist-covered Nomu countered with the other arm coming up in a right hook, and Tenko ducked underneath, swinging his leg out to knock his opponent off his balance.

Kurogiri was tripped, but used the fall to roll, spin, and shoot and upper cut at Tenko before knocking him to the floor with a kick. A second after Tenko hit the floor, a metal boot was on his chest, holding him down.

"You're out, Bud," came Hisashi's voice from the other end of the training room.

Tenko let his head and limbs fall limp against the mat with a groan as Kurogiri took his foot off and stepped to the side. "It's impossible."

Hisashi appeared above him, leaned over and peering down at him with a smirk. "30 seconds. New record."

Tenko let out a more dramatic groan, running his hands down his face.

Hisashi chuckled and lowered a hand down to him. "No really, you are improving." Tenko took the hand and Hisashi helped him to his feet. "It might not seem like much, but your movements are getting smoother, and your reflexes faster."

Tenko slumped. "I guess so. But still. 30 seconds?"

"Oh don't be so disappointed," Hisashi said, but he was still smirking. "Most people struggle with quirkless fighting, since it's natural for us to want to rely on our quirks to do the damage. You'll get it eventually."

Tenko rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever you say."

Hisashi smiled. "Take a break. Stretch, drink some water or something. We'll practice with your quirk next."

Tenko groaned again. Despite him being much better at quirked fighting, he honestly hated it a lot more.

He didn't actually use his quirk much, usually just wore gloves and practiced as if he was using his quirk. And when he did try to use his quirk, it was on inanimate objects that didn't even resemble a person. (The one time they did attempt a dummy, let's just say it did not end well.)

But despite Tenko being perfectly aware that he couldn't even use his quirk with his gloves on, or hurt anyone while touching inanimate objects, for some reason just the idea of using his quirk always had his mind reeling.

Hisashi told him it was normal, due to his PTSD, for him to be scared of using his quirk to cause harm like this. But Tenko just couldn't understand. He felt stupid for not being able to do something as simple for the rest of the world as using his quirk.

But every time he was meant to touch something to supposedly use his quirk on it, gloves or no gloves, he just froze up, faltered, second guessed himself. He didn't automatically get stuck in bad memories like he did the first little while. But he still couldn't actually use his quirk or anything.

He'd shown he was better at being able to depend on his quirk to cause damage instead of his own movements, but it would be no use if he couldn't get over this mental barrier. Especially since Hisashi had made it clear that he'd need his quirk to become a villain like him.

Then they'd both fell into an awkward silence after those words because, well, if you're smart then you'll know.

Tenko stopped up his water bottle from the corner of the room and started drinking as Hisashi leaned back up against the wall. When Tenko pulled the bottle away from his lips and let out a breath, he caught Hisashi out of the corner of his eyes.

He was staring right at Tenko's eye patch.

Tenko automatically turned away a bit more as he screwed the lid back on the bottle.

"Tenko?"

Tenko hummed in response, still not looking at the man as he set his bottle back down.

There was silence for a minute. "Say, everything alright at school?"

Tenko tensed slightly and grit his teeth. "Yeah, fine."

More silence.

"You know I can tell when you're lying now."

Tenko sighed. Yeah, he did know. He'd heard all about it when Hisashi had 'recovered' (definitely code for stolen) a lie detecting quirk a few days prior. It made the whole school situation far more complicated but he'd avoided direct questioning until now.

He turned back towards his father, but still didn't look up, instead, focusing on fidgeting with the black fabric of his gloves.

"Kid." Hisashi's voice gave nothing away, but the tilt of his head and the gaze Tenko could feel on him did. "I know you haven't been honest about school. You or Izuku. I've known since long before the new quirk."

Tenko kept fidgeting. "Then why didn't you say anything?"

"I was hoping one of you would choose to speak up on your own, but I'm beginning to feel like that's not gonna happen. And it's only getting worse."

Tenko sighed again, and opened his mouth to speak, but found himself at a loss for words. How could he suddenly explain to Hisashi everything about the last five years of his life? Heck, about the last two?

"It's that Kaimatsuo kid, isn't it?"

Tenko felt his shoulder hitch just a bit.

Hisashi sighed. "I suppose that one was obvious enough."

It's obvious that he would have a reason to hate Tenko.

"What about Izuku?" Hisashi asked.

Tenko still didn't look up.

"Who is it? I know you know."

Tenko had promised Izuku he wouldn't say anything, but he had also said that promise was broken if it got too bad. He really had no idea how bad things were for Izuku by this point.

He thought back to how incredibly fast and naturally Izuku had come up with an excuse for Tenko's bruise earlier. Izuku was smart, he was analytical, he could adapt and think fast.

What if he'd gotten better at hiding then Tenko realized? Even from him?

"I want to help you both," Hisashi spoke again. "If you tell me, I could-."

"You could what?" Tenko interrupted, eyes finally meeting Hisashi's. "What could you honestly do to fix it?"

Hisashi looked taken aback for a second. "We could pull you both out."

"What will that change for Izuku? No matter where he goes he'll be treated unfairly. The only thing taking him out will be doing is taking away his friends, which would only make things worse."

Hisashi watched him for a moment. "I could just move you."

Tenko looked away again. "I don't wanna be any farther from him. Our buildings still connect right now so if he needs me he can find me."

He left the end of that unsaid.

He felt like they both still needed that. Or maybe just he did.

"And I still have Keigo and Rumi."

If all else failed, they still at least knew and liked him. He was pretty sure if Kaimatsuo wasn't so good at keeping beatings out of public eye they'd still stand up for him. They might not talk much anymore, but having them was better than no one at all.

Hisashi stared at him, and when Tenko finally met his eyes again, he couldn't read the emotions behind them.

"It's Katsuki, isn't it?"

Tenko's shoulders slumped, and he knew that was all the verification Hisashi needed as the man's eyes darkened. He ran a tired hand down his face. "I'm such an idiot."

"You didn't know."

"You're right, I didn't know. Why didn't either of you tell me?"

Tenko shifted on his feet, his eyes once again on the ground. "Izuku made me promise I wouldn't. He didn't want Katsuki in trouble." He looked up and met Hisashi's gaze from beneath his hair. "He still cares about him."

Hisashi's own shoulders slumped as he let out a huff. It sounded annoyed and frustrated, but fond. "Of course he does."

Tenko shifted again. "And that's exactly why you can't do anything to Katsuki." Hisashi cocked his head slightly. "Izuku would only feel guilty."

Hisashi looked contemplative. "He wouldn't know it was me."

Tenko raised a doubtful eyebrow at him. Hisashi looked away, bit his lip for a minute, then nodded. "What about Kaimatsuo then?"

Tenko blinked at him. "What about him?"

Hisashi gave one of the most evil smirks Tenko has ever seen on him.

Tenko grimaced. "Dad."

Hisashi waved him off, but was still smirking. "Oh relax, all I'll do is get him out of your school."

Tenko eyed him suspiciously. Hisashi just smirked back.

Finally, after a long, silent minute of staring, Hisashi finally broke eye contact first to pull out his phone and check something.

"Well, it's getting late, we should head back if we wanna be home in time for dinner." Hisashi tucked his phone back in his pocket and waved over to Kurogiri, who Tenko had forgotten was still standing off to the side. "Clean up for us, would you?"

Kurogiri dipped into a low stiff bow. "Yes, master."

Tenko huffed. Dumb, coded Nomu. He was so boring.

Tenko followed Hisashi out of the building, through the maze that was whatever base Hisashi let Tenko see, and out into an always surprisingly public parking lot. They both hopped in the front seats of the car, and Hisashi started driving.

Tenko stared out the window at the passing city, having no plans or expectations for a conversation. But then Hisashi spoke up.

"I will find a way to help Izuku."

Tenko looked over at his father, at his carefully crafted blank expression, but that was so subtly set in determination and fury. "And if I need to, I will ruin that boy."

Tenko stared. Then looked back out the window. "I know you will. He'll obviously become a hero, after all, won't he?"

Both occupants of the car couldn't help but smile, if sinisterly, at the thought.

Katsuki in no way deserved to be one of the people the world called 'Heroes'. But he wanted to be. He'd always been just as big a fan of All Might as Izuku, and had the determination and drive. Though for all the wrong reasons.

He wanted to be the best, at everything. He thought he was the best. He believed he would be the best.

And that's because, according to this society's standards, he most definitely would be. He'd be a little mini Endeavor.

A memory flashed through his mind.

"You know, that first day, when I helped Izuku?" Touya said as he kicked a rock mid step while walking.

Tenko tilted his head as he walked beside him. "No duh."

"When I saw that blonde brat over Izuku like that… I couldn't help but compare him to my father."

Tenko didn't say a word in response.

It was a comparison that had made sense then, and made sense now. They'd be the same kind of hero. Fake, rude, horrible personality, only in it to be better than everyone else, and yet powerful and perfectly fit into top hero standards.

It was infuriating, knowing the world would praise an abuser like Katsuki just like they did Endeavor.

But that also meant that taking one down would be taking down the other. And at this rate, revenge on Katsuki for everything he's done (and will do) to Izuku, is sounding almost as appealing as revenge on Endeavor for what he did to Touya.

And both Tenko and Hisashi knew it.

—-

Tenko plopped down on his chair at the table, towel around his neck, hair still sopping wet from his shower, and immediately started shoveling the food on the plate in front of him.

"Tenko Midoriya," Inko tisked as she set down her own plate in front of the last empty chair. "Did you even dry yourself off?"

"Enough to put clothes on," Tenko said through a mouthful. Inko sighed. "I was hungry!"

"Oh, Tenko." She stepped over behind him, took the towel from around his neck, and started running it through his hair to dry it.

"What are you writing, bud?" Hisashi asked from his seat, leaning over to get a better look at Izuku's notebook, which he'd been writing in since he sat down instead of eating.

Izuku looked up at him. "A new analysis."

Yeah, you heard right folks. Izuku still loves analysis as much as ever. Specifically on heroes.

"Oh? Who is it this time?" Hisashi asked, still smiling.

Izuku grinned. "All Might!"

Izuku may never know the slight darkening of the mood at the table then. He just continued scribbling his now legible and less colorful words, much more detailed and understandable drawings, and chatting on.

"I found some more theories about what his quirk might be. Some people think it's a stock piling quirk, since he seems to be getting gradually stronger over the years. He's doing new, more powerful moves all the time! Did you hear the recent incident where he fought outside of a city? He blew a crater in the ground half a mile wide, and six feet deep! Anyways, others think he might absorb shock from blows and multiply the force to reuse!"

As Izuku rambled, the three of them listened. Because as much as they didn't appreciate the constant mention of All Might's name and the pure adoration in Izuku's eyes, they loved seeing the little boy happy. And, Izuku tended to have some incredible input. Who knew if his thoughts could be out to use whenever Hisashi's fight came around?

"You guys wanna know what my theory is?"

The table traded glances, and Inko was the first to respond with a smile as she sat back down to start on her own food. "We'd love too."

Izuku's grin widened impossibly, but his voice softened to a near whisper, as if this was an important secret. "I agree that it's energy based, but I think there's a second part to it."

Everyone couldn't help but lean in curiously.

Izuku glanced between them all. "I think it's a transformation quirk."

Everyone blinked.

"Ok, ok, hear me out!" Izuku's volume was back up. Everyone began eating again, but Izuku had their full attention now. Izuku always had reasoning behind his theories, usually pretty solid. What could have brought him to this idea?

"So, All Might's a really big, and unique looking person, right? He's extremely easy to recognize on the streets. His voice and image, everything about him is very recognizable. But yet he's only ever seen while fighting villains. He's such a mystery, partially because nobody can find him unless he wants to be found. How could such a famous person stay so hidden?"

The eating slowed.

"And, with all the power he transmits in things as simple as a punch or a jump, it would take an incredible amount of control, if it's even possible, for him to do simple everyday tasks without destroying things. He'd be constantly tearing off doors or accidentally crushing things in his hands, not to mention his size and fitting most places."

Glances were traded again.

"What could explain this better than some sort of on and off switch, for his power, and his persona, including his actual body? I think he somehow transforms into an at least more normal sized, less identifiable person, to blend in easier. And his power only activates when he's transformed into All Might! What do you guys think?"

The table was silent.

Izuku was still grinning, bouncing slightly, staring at everyone expectantly.

Tenko glanced at both his parents in turn. Inko was glancing at him and Hisashi. Hisashi was staring straight ahead, eyes wide, mouth moving slightly as if silently mumbling.

"That's…" Tenko sent a meaningful look at Inko then turned to Izuku with his best smile, "…really observant, Izuku."

"Yes," Inko nodded and cleared her throat. "I think that would explain a lot about All Might. That's a very good theory."

Izuku beamed. "You think? I was gonna tell Shoto and Hitoshi about it, and maybe even suggest it on those forums-."

"You can't!" Tenko surprised even himself with his volume, and the force of which his hands hit the table. Izuku blinked at him, surprised and confused. He relaxed back into his seat and chuckled nervously, trying to play it off. "Because um, you…"

He glanced at Inko for help, and she immediately clasped her hands together with a pleasant smile. "Because if it's true, it could be very dangerous if people trying to hurt All Might found out. So you can't tell anyone, all right?"

Izuku made an oh shape with his mouth, then put his fingers on his chin like he always did when he was thinking. "That's true, it could be really bad if people found out. But I can't even tell Toshi and Sho? They wouldn't tell anyone."

Tenko shook his head. "Not even them."

Izuku frowned and slumped a bit, disappointed. Inko and Tenko traded looks again.

Just then, Hisashi's chair flew back and he scrambled up and back towards his and Inko's room.

Izuku cocked his head to the side. "Daddy?"

"Bathroom!" He called as the door shut.

The three of them looked at each other, and but Izuku just shrugged and went back to writing.

After a few minutes of them eating, Inko spoke up again. "So how was practice, Tenko?"

They felt pretty safe talking about this in front of Izuku, as long as they didn't say too much. To Izuku, 'Practice' meant the fight training classes Hisashi took Tenko to. Izuku assumed it was for heroics, probably.

"It was good, I'm still struggling with the quirkless fighting though."

Tenko glanced at Izuku, partially expecting some reaction at the word, but Izuku barely glanced up.

"I'm sure you'll get it eventually. How's Kuro?"

To Izuku, Kuro, or Kurogiri, was the class instructor.

"He's as fine as ever." Tenko took another bite. "I guess he did show me some new portal trick he's been…"

He trailed off as Inko sent him wide eyed look, and then jerked up to look at Izuku. Tenko quickly realized why, as he looked over to Izuku too, already scrambling for some explanation to say.

But Izuku was already staring at him, wide eyed and awed. "Portal?"

Tenko bit his tongue.

"His quirk!" Inko assured, looking nervous but calm. "Mr. Kuro has a teleportation quirk in the form of portals."

Izuku's eyes lit up. "Really? That's incredible! I've never heard of a quirk like that! How many portals can he make at once? How far apart can they be? Does he just have to imagine where they are and they'll appear there? Can he teleport others, or just himself? Or both? What do the portals look like? Can he-"

"Woah there, Zuku," Tenko laughed. "I don't know that much."

Izuku slumped for a second in disappointment, before perking back up again. "Could I meet him sometime? Like come with you and daddy? I have so many questions I'd love to ask him!"

Tenko and Inko, once again, traded glances.

"Maybe someday, baby," Inko smiled.

And for some reason, those words resonated in Tenko's mind. Though he didn't know why.

Some day.