Update 02 Jan 2023: Please refer to my note on the first chapter.
Finally, the next is complete.
My initial aim was to get this done around the beginning of April, but besides how much thought I usually put, I get plenty of distractions that prolong the release of chapters for anything I write, plus a change in work schedule right after my last update.
The main pairing of Izuku x Momo has come into question a couple of times. I used to be with Ochako, but then I read one story that had something of a love triangle between all three and I realized Momo is a better pairing. It has the potential to add the challenge of a relationship where he who sees himself in low standings(poor, quirkless) falls for someone he sees above him (rich, unique quirk). Also, this version of Izuku is in the support course, which involves building things. A creation quirk would be much more appealing with that added element, just how Mei would be all over her if she ever saw her quirk. I have more points to add, but maybe later on.
This chapter takes us back close to the beginning as the first part of the origin for this Midoriya. From here, it's going to be a parallel to the cannon that I'll likely skim through to two important events, the USJ and the Sports Festival. Later on will be a gradual time skip to when all of class 1-A is a pro hero by the time Midoriya begins his vigilante activities.
I can't say how long until the next chapter is up. I also have some other ideas I may or may not take a swing at before then, both for this anime and something else, but only time will tell.
"Normal talk."
'Thoughts'
OTHER
I don't own any of the media portrayed in the content of this story.
Onto the following chapter.
(Corrections have been made on the bottom half of the chapter.)
Chapter 2
"Hello young man."
Anyone who sees the man standing at his doorstep is likely to personally define him for his outward appearance, a scrawny man in a formal black suit with long blonde hair and an appearance people might describe as either 'sickly' or 'skeletal'.
That was not the case for the teenage boy he was facing at the front door of his apartment. The same one he had an encounter in an incident involving a sludge villain in the past week, in events leading to an accidental reveal of this man's biggest secret to the public, so the teenager was very much aware of who he really was. He almost blurs it from the emotions this was filling him with.
"A-A-All M..!"
An arm was raised towards him to put a halt on his words.
"Yes it's me. Though I'd prefer it if you do not say it out loud while I'm like this. My actual name is Toshinori Yagi." He informs him to prevent any eavesdropping neighbors of the apartment building catching wind of his presence. Once Midoriya realizes this for himself, he was quick to bow down his head in remorse for potentially exposing the symbol of peace of his secret.
"I'm so sorry!"
"It's alright. Anyway, I hope I'm not intruding by showing up unannounced, but there are somethings I need to discuss with you after the sludge villain, and I was too late to catch up with you after the ordeal."
"Oh uh p-please come in then."
The hero accepts the invitation and walks inside.
Izuku shows him to the living room, all while maintaining his composure with effort along the way. It was one thing to have had a physical encounter with the number one hero, but an unexpected visit of said hero in his own home was an entirely different experience. Still, one he never thought would ever happen in his life, and the kind to overfill him with exhilaration for the fact. An emotion he would be feeling right now, if not for the memories of that previous interaction and the events thereafter, instead made him nervous to hear what All Might came here to say if it was concerning all of that, no doubt to give his own rebuke as a pro hero.
"Are your parents home?"
The question interrupts his thoughts.
"It's just me and my mom living here, and no, she's at work today. C-Can I offer you anything?"
"No thank you. I'd rather we focus on the matter."
Izuku points to the seating in the living room and the two sat down. The silence that passes leaves him with unease, knowing that any second now he was about to face whatever was coming to him.
"I came here to make the apologizes I owe you."
A genuine surprise took over Midoriya's thoughts for hearing a statement that's far from what he was expecting.
"First, I want to apologize again for not acting sooner to save your friend, forcing you to put your own life on the line for his sake."
"Oh no, it was my fault the villain got out to begin with. Besides, I only would've made things much worse if you weren't there, and you ended up wasting time and energy because of it."
"Yes, I imagine you were told something along those lines by the other heroes at the scene. I can't say they were wrong."
True as that may be, it wasn't pleasant to find out that All Might agrees with them.
"What they didn't know however, was the good that came from it. It's because I saw you act, a quirkless, timid boy trying to save a life, that I was inspired to act too. Otherwise, I would've just stood there as another helpless bystander in the crowd. More than that though, it opened my eyes more to the subject of our earlier conversation on that rooftop."
The feeling of surprise had resurfaced from being complimented by the number one hero for the very thing others heroes had disdained him for. More than that though, All Might is bringing up that faithful discussion they had prior to the incident.
"I can't exactly take back what was said, much as I'd want to, but it was still inconsiderate of me for the way it was said. You asked me as a hero if you can become one without a quirk. I answered as the wounded man that stood before you. A man whose vulnerability, something kept secret for the good of society, had just been exposed to a stranger, and allowed fear get the best of him. All I could think about were the dangers associated with hero work that brought me to that state, and nothing else. Not the fact that there's much more to it than just quirk usage. How there are countless heroes who face those same dangers without quirks that make them any less vulnerable to them. Heroes who push themselves to train in other aspects of their capabilities to still contribute to the field in some way."
"Because of that, I overlooked your qualities and judged you for what you lacked over what you could work, or have worked, to possess. I am truly sorry for my rash and hypocritical response."
"I-I wouldn't go that far All Might. I admit, I was hurt to hear you say all that, but I realized you were only trying to protect me. I especially can't fault you for something like that!" Izuku didn't want his idol to feel bad on his behalf.
"I'm happy to find how understanding you can be, but if only it were that simple."
All Might's demeanor and sitting position shifted, looking like what he's going to say next won't be easy to bring up.
"The truth is that I'm actually quite familiar with what it means to live quirkless in this world. The prejudice, feeling like an outcast, seeing everyone around you as gifted when you yourself are not. I know it all because of another shocking secret about me, possibly more shocking than what you discovered when we meet."
Nothing further was added, leaving Midoriya to curiously think up the meaning. The answer that dawns on him proved the hero right with regards to his reaction.
"No..."
All Might gives a simple nod to assure his realization.
"I-I-I can't believe it. Y-You of all people. You were...were..."
"Quirkless. Or at least, I was believed to be for years." The hero finished his sentence for him. When he isn't given an immediate response, he continues to explain further.
"Obviously disproven at some point, but I did live my early life as a quirkless individual, because my body wasn't yet strong enough to withstand the raw power of my quirk. So much so that it kept it dormant until it could, making me a very late bloomer."
All Might's quirk is so powerful that his body had rejected it? Then again, it was the height of power that had elevated him to both Japan's number one hero and world's greatest hero. Seeing it in action had given Izuku some idea on the magnitude of that power, especially from how a single punch had altered the weather. So it might not be far of to consider the effect on the body as a drawback, like a sort of glass cannon situation. If so, then perhaps All Might's incredible physique is more of a requirement for the use of his quirk. Now that Izuku thinks about it, he remembers once learning of a not very popular theory on the relationship between the strength level of quirks and the human body's ability to bear it as it grows with every generation, concluding with an eventuality that mankind will no longer...
"Are you alright young man?"
All Might's question had broken him out from one of his muttering session he'd often fall into. Being called out like that from someone he admires has him feeling embarrassed.
"Oh uh sorry, it's this habit I have. But seriously, If I didn't here it from you, I'd never believe that All Might was ever quirkless!"
"And that's why I'm a hypocrite. Not only did I go through the same social struggles that it entails, I carried with me aspirations not unlike your own, becoming a hero despite that fact. What's more, a hero with the power to inspire people towards a world where everyone can smile and live happily together, a Symbol of Peace that I'm now officially referred to as."
"One day, I was fortunate enough to meet a hero willing to train me for the title, which I never would've earned if not for her guidance. The training she provided had even allowed my quirk to finally reveal its existence, but that of course was an unexpected miracle, and not at all the reason she choose to devote her time into my development, but because she simply believed in my ideals and in me. To think, my foolishness almost costed me the opportunity to do the same for another worthy candidate."
That last statement piques his interest on exactly where this would go.
"Can someone without a quirk become a hero? I thought the answer was simple, until you've reminded me of what I had once tried to achieve. I often wondered how things would've gone if I did end up a quirkless hero. I like to believe that I'd still have become a symbol through it, if not to the world as a whole, then to those who suffered in the particular ways of quirk discrimination like I have."
"Anyone can be a hero!" Izuku surmises.
"Exactly. Someone to embody those words, rather than to just leave as that when even I couldn't hold them to heart. l cannot think of anyone better to entrust this to than you. When you ran in to your friend's rescue, it showed a trait that's common to how heroes become so great. Their bodies would move before they'd think. I knew then and there how wrong I was to deny you your dream and telling you to give up."
He was certain now. The emotions this was causing to well up couldn't be held down, nor the tears they were being expressed through. Memories had also resurfaced of every occasion he could think of whenever he was given a negative response to his most important question, weather out of pity or contempt.
Suddenly, All Might grows into his more recognizable muscular form, revealing his hero identity and making the conclusion of his talk more meaningful.
"Young man, you can become a hero!"
UA Academy.
The highest ranking institution for educating future pro heroes in Japan, and where every young hero hopeful aims to attend. Even though it was for different reason, exploring the inside of this dream destination is another life ambition Izuku Midoriya can say that he's fulfilled.
Having arrived here once school had concluded for the day, he took his time gawking at the building from outside it's gate until he was meet with the symbol of peace, to be escorted by him within the premises as he had been told to the other day.
Instinctively, he points his head in every direction he could to take in every detail of the interior along the way, but was mindful to All Might talking to him on their walk.
"They're aware of my secret, so you don't have to worry about it while we're in there. The principal will probably do most of the talking. He's a good man, err well character, but he can be eccentric at times, if not a little...sadistic."
He makes an abrupt stop and turns to face Midoriya, getting him to stop as well.
"Do not mention I said that!" He semi-orders the teen. Midoriya simply nods with how sudden and unexpected that was. They carried on with their walk.
They reach their destination in front of a large double door. All Might goes ahead and opens it for entry into the room behind it. It had all the features of a principal's office, and two inhabitants within. The more noticeable of the two was the one sitting at the desk, indicating his identity as the principal, a small humanoid mouse-like creature in formal dress attire, with white fur, black beady eyes and a large scar over his right eye.
"Ah this must be the young man we've been expecting. A pleasure to meet you Mr. Midoriya. I know what you're thinking. Am I a mouse, a dog or a bear. Am I all of these things or none of them. Well, the important thing to know is that I am Nezu, principal of UA Academy!" The animal man states with glee.
No one knew how to respond to that, leaving a moment of silence to pass. Breaking it was a deliberate cough sound to draw attention to the other inhabitant in the room.
"I'm Higari Maijima."
He was close to being as short as the principal, with long ginger hair and noticeable large hands. He wore a hero costume that consisted of a large yellow helmet resembling an excavator that covered most of his face, fingerless gloves with armguards, a piece of an object guarding the end of each finger, and has his upper body completely bare of any clothing.
"The Excavation Hero, Power Loader!" The thrill of meeting another hero he recognizes gets the better of Midoriya to get him to speak out before he had the chance.
"Hmm, Didn't think I was that recognizable for a pro hero, much less one to get excited over."
"Oh I'm sure we'd be surprised with our youthful friend here. Please have a seat." Nezu moves from the desk and points everyone to the seating arrangement in the office meant for casual coversations.
They all take a seat on the adjacent coaches in the room. In the middle was a coffee table with some tea to be served and a piece of cloth on top of a concealed item. Nezu helps himself to the beverage, as does Midoriya once offered. After some time to enjoy their drinks, Midoriya gives himself a headstart on the discussion they've gathered for.
"Principal Nezu, I'd like to begin by expressing how grateful I am for the opportunity I am being given."
"And I gladly accept your gratitude Mr. Midoriya, but there's no need for it. After what All Might described to us regarding the Sludge villain incident, how could we as Japan's top hero academy discover such an act of true heroism and not seek to nurture it in the young man who's demonstrated it, reckless as your actions may have been."
Hearing that last sentence from the principal of a hero school was not unexpected, but it still left him with unease to know he carries that opinion.
"Whatever the case, it showed that your heart is indeed that of a hero. What really intrigues me however is the quality of your mind, something I've had the pleasure of deciphering from reading this."
Nezu reaches for the cloth on the table and removes it from the object underneath it. What this action revealed was something Izuku thought he wouldn't see again.
"My hero journal!"
The same one he had with him the day of the incident and later found to be missing, surmising that it fell from his school bag when he threw it towards the sludge villain.
"All Might found it on the ground before leaving the scene of the incident. He brought it to me as proof of his words of compliment towards you, and I have to say, you truly are a bright young man with a real gift for analytics. The details, the dedication, the aptitude to guide heroes to the best of outcomes. Everything of value in this area of expertise, brilliantly displayed to a great extent in your work, even in this charred condition."
That brought up the unpleasant memory of how it ended up in said condition, hoping the principal doesn't catch on to his reaction.
"I read some of it myself. Impressive work kid. Be a waste not to put the talent behind it to good us." Power Loader adds.
"T-thank you both for your compliments, but uh, I don't know if I'd go that far. I'm sure there are others who are just as good at it, if not better." Not ideal words for wanting to impress. Izuku knew that, but his personality couldn't help it.
"And yet not many have raised any attention through this level of skill, otherwise it'd be that simple to posses." Nezu counters the teen's self downsizing.
"I would say you are being modest right now, but I believe it's something more serious in your case. More than likely, you are held back from accepting any praise given to you because of a lifetime of society's dismissal of your worth, for nothing more than the simple lack of a quirk. Am I wrong?"
Midoriya's inability to give a verbal answer, or to look directly at the one asking to validate, was an answer in of itself.
"And from what I heard, your initial encounter with All Might had likely added a new peak to all that hardship."
The number one hero clears his throat in response to the outright statement of that fact.
"An impact I've since hoped to rectify with your help principal." He reminds him.
"Yes yes, I was only reinsuring him of that."
Nezu turns back to the teen for the heart of their conversation.
"You should know young Midoriya that despite the harsh treatment you are accustomed to, everyone in this room is just as eager to see you on your way to herohood as you are. All Might explained his reasons to you the other day. Mine are quite similar in that I've also held an aspiration for someone like you to carry the title of hero. Someone who can depend on the strengths of the qualities they can work to posses and grow on, in order to achieve the same feats as the heroes who rely on their quirks. Accomplishing this may serve to remind society of those qualities as things of measurement for one's place in it, elevating it of the quirk obsessed ignorance you have suffered from almost all of your life."
The principal words had brought up the same feelings Midoriya had felt when All Might said as much to him, which he was given a few seconds to enjoy.
"All of that being said, we cannot deny that being quirkless does effect how we would approach that goal. You understand the plan we have set out for it?"
A subject of what was explained to him by All Might at his home, one he was still unsure of.
"You want to prepare me for the support course, and then apply for the hero course through a transfer exam."
"And why do you believe that is?"
"Because realistically, being quirkless would still be a disadvantage for any hero. It's been speculated that if there ever were quirkless heroes, they would likely be reliant on support gears to make up for it, and if that was the case, then they'd be better of if they had the skills to build and maintain all of their gear on their own."
There's also the matter of a support company's willingness to devote time and resource to a quirkless hero, when they might feel it better spent on the heroes with quirks, but that wasn't worth mentioning at this moment.
"Exactly right. What you already have is a benefit on its own, but this particular path would allow you to transform it into more physical capabilities. No doubt you've considered it for yourself long before this talk. Although, I suspect it was never to a point that you actually made any attempts before."
"Uh no I haven't. I did think about it at times. I guess I just n-never knew where to start."
"Or perhaps it's more of society's influence that held you back from feeling any confidence in yourself."
Again, words of his social struggle were confirmed with the lack of words in return.
"Regardless, we intend to give you that start. Power Loader has come up with a training plan for him to teach you the necessary knowledge and skills by the time you take up the entrance exam."
"So you know, even if Nezu didn't tell me to, I'd still be all for it. I really believe a kid like you wouldn't have any trouble getting into the field of support gears, and as a teacher of engineering, I'm looking forward to making that happen." The excavator hero gave his own opinion.
"I deeply appreciate it Power Loader sir. I uh have to ask though, do you think there's a good chance I'll learn everything I need by then?"
"All that can be said is how it ultimately falls on you. But if you want us to get a real gauge of your abilities, then might I test you on your analytical skill?" Nezu inquires. Midoriya nods his head.
"Tell me, why do you think Power Loader stays shirtless as part of his hero costume?"
A vague subject that was sufficient in putting Midoriya in a thought process for an answer he hadn't previously considered. He recognizes the hero, but in truth wasn't so highly ranked that his fascination for pro heroes would priorities the excavator hero, just as the hero himself mentioned. One thing he knew for certain was that in almost every decision made for their costumes, their quirks are the main factor. On that basis, it took little time to come up with his answer.
"It's to counteract a possible drawback of your quirk, Iron Claws. As the name implies, you have metallic claws on your fingers that lets you dig through the earth. The force needed to do that must involve some strong vibrations that might go through your body, which would then generate heat. Therefore, using your quirk can cause you to overheat. Particularly your upper body, since the heat would originate from your hands."
"Hm, not bad kid. But then why don't I just use a support gear to cool off?" Power Loader throws in a bonus challenge. More time passed for an answer to be thought up.
"Maybe because whatever device you'd have might be 'bulky', and you want to keep a narrow figure to better dig through the earth. So you thought this was the best option."
"Ha, right on the money. It's like I said, you got what it takes for this. We should have no problems pulling through to the end."
Not much else was needed to convince Midoriya of his gift and their appraisal for it. He would leave afterwards with high hopes of the journey in front of him.
The days following his meeting with The UA principal had begun his exploration into the field of mechanical engineering.
Midoriya was provided some learning material from Power Loader for all relevant subjects in engineering and hero support. Every moment of his free time he could spare in the ten months between now and his entrance exam was devoted to his studying, mixed in with scheduled visits at AU for practical training in the craft with the support course teacher, as well as regular evaluations of his progress.
There was still some lingering doubts in the beginning of his learning even with his dedication to it, but that would soon be dwindled with the rise of a new perspective, one that would soon lead to a new found passion centered on an important realization Midoriya would eventually come up with.
"Technology is like a quirk. No, it's something similar to quirks in general."
He speaks to himself mentally, or at least believe to be while ignorant to his habitable mumbling.
"Machines can have similarities with living beings. I was already familiar with that idea, but I never imagined how quirks come into play in that. Quirks give people special powers that make them unique and more diverse, where as technology comes in various designs to give each form a specific function to perform. In that way, technology can help someone achieve the same things quirks allow them to do, especially for anyone who don't possess those quirks."
Naturally, whenever a lack of quirks enters his mind, one thing in particular ends up as the target in every instance.
"Like me!"
Something relatable to quirks, without the restriction of birth that even he could acquire. This was a miracle in plain sight for Izuku Midoriya the answer to what he thought would never be resolved, or at least a close alternative.
Any doubts he has now was overshadowed as his life long passion for quirks had extend into this newly discovered craft. This helped him greatly in picking up the material, wether or not he's aware of it, but it was one particular discovery that gave direction in his pursuit.
One night at home, Midoriya was curiously browsing through a shared network used by the support course, in which he had an account set up for him by Power Loader. His attention was drawn to a page labelled as 'Archieved Projects'.
'This must be all the unfinished work of past students. Maigima sensei mentioned they'd get stored away so that current students may pick up on them. I wonder if there's something I can use.'
Shifting through the list, one inevitably stood out above the rest, so much so that he was taken aback at how someone had even attempted to build it.
'No way. Someone tried to build one of these?'
"Excellent progress today Midoriya. Your work is really coming along nicely."
Power Loader had inspected the invention Midoriya was developing on his own for the practical portion of his study. The results of this current assessment have been as good as the previous ones, much to the teacher's delight.
"Gotta say, I already had a good feeling about you when we began, but I'm starting to think we've uncovered a hidden talent. Hard not to believe it with how far you've come."
It was clear that the learning had quickly turned to passion for the student for him to have such remarkable results, but more than that, it became a source of the confidence he had been severely lacking. Said student may not realize it for himself, but the teacher was sure to let these effects occur, if he wasn't the one to encourage them.
"Thank you sensei. I wouldn't have gotten this far without you."
"Don't mention it kid. Time we call it a day." Power Loader went to sit down at his computer to continue any work he has involving its use.
Uh sensei, there's something I've been meaning to ask you after we were done."
"What's up?" The hero talks back while still interacting with the computer infront of him.
"That network for the support course, I was looking at the page for the archived projects the other night, and I was really curious about one of them. Project 'Pathfinder'."
He paused from hearing the name of the most difficult project as of yet, then turned around in his chair to face his student again.
"That one huh? I take it you're interested in having a swing at it?"
"I couldn't help thinking about it all night. It brought me back to what you and principal Nezu told me when we first met, and with all that in mind, I think it would fit well with what I'm good at."
"No argument there, but I don't have to tell you that this is one highly complex area of engineering that rarely achieves results. The student behind it only got as far as completing the hardware, and he had his quirk to help him out. I encourage students to challenge themselves, but not many were up to it for this one, mostly for how time consuming it can get."
"I understand sensei, but I still think it's worth the effort. Even if I could contribute in that particular way, there'd be only so much I could do on my own. This is exactly what would help in overcoming any limits I might face. I can only assume that the student who began the project had similar ideas. Either way, I believe this has a potential to be a huge benefit for the hero world, and I'm willing to be the work on it if no one else would."
It got the instructor to ponder. His memories of the student who started it and how he described its applications confirms Midoriya's assumption. Combine that with the enthusiasm he saw emulating from the teen, he'd sooner come to the response he'd happily offer.
"Tell you what. Our initial plan was for you to focus on your own invention in the time we have before the exams. That is still the priority."
"On the other hand, the work you've accomplished thus far brought out some positive things out in you, and this could be an opportunity to take it up a notch. Plus, you make a good point about its value in the hero community. This is worth the effort, and given the complexity of the work, also worth getting a head start on."
"D-Does that mean..."
"As long as it doesn't interfere with your training, I'll grant you access to Pathfinder so that you can work on it right away."
To say that Izuku Midoriya was looking forward to it would be an understatement.
Things were getting closer to the examination phase of the upcoming school year, one of the periods when Power Loader would be busy with the preparations.
Fortunately for Izuku, he had made the considerable progress for this to not be a hindrance to his work, now that his invention was in near completion.
All that was needed was to test it out. He was on his way to Gym Gamma for his first session, bringing the device with him in a mobile containment unit.
When he entered the building, he expected to meet another of the teachers who would be supervising him, the concrete hero Cementoss. He was surprised to find someone besides him being there as well, more so that it was the number one hero in his weekend from.
Neither adult had noticed him yet, seemingly because they were focused on the pillars of cement infront of them.
Out of nowhere, a third figure comes flying through the air above the pillars, about to crash into one when suddenly, what appeared to be green electricity, began to cover the arm he would use to throw a punch at the obstacle, with enough force to break right through it.
Midoriya was in awe to the display of power he witnessed, staring at the one it came from, now that he stood on a pillar.
He was another teenager, no doubt a current student at UA from his hero costume, a suit that's white at the top half and dark blue at the bottom, with a red cape and some zeros stamped on his chest, from what Izuku can tell from this distance. He looked to have a tall and muscular build, with blonde hair and pupil less blue eyes.
From where the hero student could see, It didn't take long for him to notice Midoriya in the room.
"Looks like we have a spectator." He casually points out. The two heroes turn around to finally discover his presence.
"Young Midoriya."
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to intrude."
"Not at all young man. Are you the one Power Loader sent?" Cementos asks.
"Y-yes. Maijima sensei said he scheduled some time for me to test out my invention. I must've gotten here early."
"Not to worry. Our time is just about up. Young Togata. " All Might calls to the one above them.
"Coming down."
The other teen had sunken into the pillar beneath his feet, to then pop out from its middle, flying out and land in the center of where everyone stood. With a closer look, Izuku was surprisingly able to recognize the senior student.
"You must be Izuku Midoriya. I'm Mirio Togata, hero name Lemillion. All Might's told me alot about you." He approaches to extend a hand in an enthusiastic greeting.
"Pleased to meet you. I actually remember seeing you in the sports festival this year." Izuku gives his hand in return.
"Yeah, I imagine it be hard to forget the guy who was in his birthday suit the whole time. I was lucky they didn't kick me off."
A clear atempt of humor, it was still an awkward reminder to Izuku, how the participant infront of him stood out for getting completely naked for almost all of the event, each time his clothes would literally fall off his body.
"T-That was probably just part of something you couldn't control with your quirk."
"Sure was. From what I hear, your the guy to turn to when it comes to that."
"What exactly is your quirk? I thought it looked like some warp quirk from the festival, but seeing you destroy that pillar makes me think of an enhancement type quirk."
"He's here to learn more about his quirk after recently going through an awakening." Cementos adds.
"Awakening?"
"There are rare cases where one's quirk undergoes a sort of evolution. They either unlock a new level of power, or they discover their quirk to be something more than what they've always known." All Might explained.
"My quirk used to be called Permeation, allowing my body to move through matter. Of course, the vice versa also applies, hence my unwitting pension for streaking."
He makes another statement jokingly, thought Izuku wasn't prepared to respond as that.
"Anyway, being able to permeate means I have some control over the bonds between my atoms. Turns out, it's because I have a more direct power over that whole area of science, so it was only ever one aspect of a wider range of abilities I've been exploring."
"Like drawing in energy for enhanced attacks, similar to All Might's quirk, and that's why he's helping you!" Izuku quickly managed to piece together the rest of it.
"Yep, you guessed it. Good thing I started interning with his former sidekick, Sir Nighteye, which is how we meet."
"That sounds exciting. Oh, I just realized that you still have your costume on, so your quirk's effect can extend past your body now."
"Hehe, not actually sure about that part yet. The reason I haven't gone all naturale is because the company that made my costume used some of my hair to do it."
"You mean your costume is made out your own hair?" Izuku asks curiously, to again receive the answer from an intervening All Might.
"More like a synthetic fiber produced with his hair. The idea is that his costume is another part of his body, therefore it permeates along with him. I believe they call it quirk fabric."
Nothing could've prepared Midoriya to discover such a level of innovation involving quirks without any struggle to take it in.
"S-S-Something like that is actually possible? Q-quirks planted into hero costumes?!"
"The method is still pretty new in the support industry, but I hear it's a big step for those whose quirks might conflict with clothing, like with young Togata here. I'm sure you'll have a chance to learn more about it later on."
All Might looks at his watch.
"We should head out before we take up anymore of your time. I heard you came a very long way in your own training young Midoriya. Keep up the good work."
"It was nice meeting you Midoriya. Hope you make it into the hero course."
"N-Nice meeting you too!"
The Pro hero and the older student made their way out, leaving Midoriya for his own use of the facility.
He could now concentrate on his device testing, although it's no longer with the same excitement he had earlier for the task, because something he picked up from his conversation took all of it.
The moment he makes it back home that day, he searches online for anything regarding Quirk Fabric, and got the necessary information to validate it's existence, allowing Midoriya to open up to a new height in his aspirations.
'If they can do this with quirks, then what if this is just the beginning? What if they find ways to transform quirks into any object anyone can us?'
Quirks and technology, two sides of his lively passion. Presented to him this very moment is an amazing possibility to combine them.
The time had arrived for this year's recommendation exam, for the UA applicants with references from pro heroes and other influential figures in the hero industry. The faculty members evaluating their performance have gathered in the observation room, with one more on the way.
"Everyone, this is the student I invited."
Power Loader had arrived, and when they turned to see him, they found that he didn't come alone.
"H-H-Hello everyone, m-my is Izuku Midoriya. I-It's an honour to meet you all."
Izuku bows to the group of heroes, exited to meet this many at once. Many of them happily returned the greeting.
"Hello there."
"Howdy partner."
"Good to see you again."
"My, aren't you an innocent one."
That was when a familiar humanoid rodent in a suit approached him.
"It is nice to have you with us Midoriya. I'm told this is Power Loader's way of rewarding you for how far you've come." Nezu states.
"I thought this would be a good learning experience for him, assessing quirks for any support they might need. Seeing them in action is more of a bonus." Power Loader adds.
"I-I am happy to be here for this occasion Principal Nezu." Izuku replies.
"Then you're in luck, because we have an outstanding batch of applicants this year. One is even a child of the Number Two hero."
Soon after the exam had commenced and Izuku's eyes were glued to the computer screens, watching the display of such interesting and powerful quirks of individuals no older than him. Sure enough, one applicant with evenly split red and white hair and a noticeable scar on his face, stood out when he was identified as the son of the top ranked hero with strongest fire quirk in the country, ironically using an ice quirk of seemingly equal power.
While the quirks of everyone on screen were all uniqely special, some held his interest above others, and the ice quirk of the pro hero's son took the top spot. That was until another quirk caught his eye.
One of the other applicants was a teenage girl with long black hair in a ponytail. The jacket of her tracksuit was completely unzipped, leaving her upper body exposed, safe for a sport bra. He figured the reason had something to do with her quirk, a logical explanation he came up with, which in this case he also used to dispel any embarrassing thoughts regarding a girl's body. His suspicion was proven true when he saw some quirk activities from those exposed areas. What he saw exactly made him awe struck.
Through out the exam, the applicant had an object to assist her in every challenge, because she had them all protruded from her own body. The objects varied in a wide range of intricate forms, from simple shaped materials to complex and advanced machinery, and even somethings that required chemicals in their use. This wasn't some elemental quirk limited to a particular element, but a quirk based on creation. Being who he was, a quirk with this level of versatility would've already attracted a great deal of his fascination, but as a student of engineering learning to build and seeing someone who can do at will, has him all them more enthralled.
"Well I know whose got your vote." Power Loader breaks him out of his thoughts, helping him to realize he went through another of his habitual mumbling over a quirk. What's worse, it got the attention of the heroes in the room as they were looking at him.
His head shrunk in embarrassment.
The recommendation exam had concluded, as did Midoriya's time spectating it alongside the teachers he left to their assessment of the results. He was walking down the halls of UA, relying on his memory of it's interior structure while his eyes were kept on the notes he's made of the quirks he's seen. The joy that came with the experience has barely died down as Midoriya maintained it with thoughts on their application to hero work.
"Still keeping up this rebellious phase of yours?"
A voice was heard from an adjoined hallway he nearly reached that pulled his head away from his notebook. Before walking into the intersection of the two hallways, he takes a peak past the corner to see the individual it came from. Midoriya felt like the voice was familiar to him, but it didn't prepare him for seeing who the source was.
Standing in the middle of the hallway was the tall, muscular, aflamed figure of the number two hero, clad in his hero costume and facing his son that recently took up the exam with his arms crossed. They looked like they were about to enter a heated argument, so Midoriya made sure to restraint his burst of excitement and not draw their attention, despite how much he'd want to approach the flame hero for an autograph.
"What's it to you?" The teen replies in tone that matches his stoic expression.
"It's bad enough you chose to act this way at all for some petty statement, but even while at a crucial moment like this?"
"I did just fine out there without it."
"You're suppressing half your strength, holding yourself back for no good reason!" Endeavor's flames spurts upwards while aggressively telling his son this, causing no change or reaction in his demeanor.
"I'm all the more stronger if I can succeed with just one of them. Your only issue is that your fire isn't the one."
Neither of them say anything more, letting an intense silence to occur. Eventually, the pro hero turns around and walks away.
"I have to get back on patrol, but believe me, this is far from over."
The teenage Todoroki watches his hero father leave for a moment before turning to leave in the opposite direction, towards where Midoriya had been listening in. To avoid being spotted as an eavesdropper, Izuku pulls himself away from the corner and moves towards the path he came from with haste.
His mind went over that argument, until it was replaced by the sensation of colliding with someone due to his inattentive wander.
"Sorry!" He quickly offers an apology. His mood was then changed to that of surprise as soon as he looked at who he was speaking to.
"It's alright. I was lost in thought so I'm also at fault."
It was the girl who could create objects out of herself. Surprised to run into her, he lets her name slip from his mouth.
"Momo Yaoyorozu."
"Yes, that's me. How did you know my name, if I may ask."
"Oh, I saw you taking the recommendation exam. You have an amazing quirk by the way."
"Thank you, that's very kind of you to say. Did you also partake in the exam, I don't believe I've seen you..."
"Izuku Midoriya, and no, I was only watching with the teachers. So, your quirk lets you create anything you want?"
"Anything inorganic, so long as I recognize it's atomic structure and have a sufficient amount of lipids to convert into that object."
"I see. And you need exposed skin to use it?"
A few seconds later, Midoriya realizes the context of his question and immediately attempts to clear himself of any misunderstanding.
"I meant that as a possible drawback! Clothing are a common issue for certain quirks, and yours looked like one of them. That's just an observation, nothing else!" He awkwardly explains to her.
"I understand what you meant, and you're right, my quirk does come with that disadvantage. I've managed to find ways around it, though I would preferer not to expose myself if it could be helped."
Her answer allows Midoriya to calm himself, so that he could continue his initial conversation.
"Actually, I might know of a solution to that particular problem. You see, I've been studying for the support course in the last few months, and I learned of a special kind of hero costume that are made to be compatible with someone's quirk. When I saw yours, I thought it could mean a costume that you can create right through."
The information she was given about a method that could eliminate a hindrance of her quirk had fill her with wonder.
"You can make something like that for me?" She asks to confirm both the prospect and her feelings towards it.
"W-Well not me exactly. I'd have to talk with my sensei about making an order from a support company. We'd also need you to uh, donate some of your hair. The process involves making a synthetic fiber out of it."
"For something as convenient as what you described, I'd be happy to. I deeply appreciate this Midoriya. Oh, perhaps we could exchange numbers, in case you need anything else for my costume, assuming I pass of course. And beyond that, just getting in touch from time to time for some general interactions, if that's something you'd be interested in." She suggests. Her first reasoning made sense to Midoriya. The second one took him by surprise, to be offered such a friendly gesture so sudden after just their first meeting, but it doesn't come across his mind to refuse it.
"Uh yeah, That's a good idea."
They both take out their phones and successfully add each other to their contact lists.
"It was a pleasure meeting Midoriya. I wish you the best of luck in your entrance exam."
"Thank you Yaoyarozu. I hope to see you soon as a fellow student."
They parted ways after their encounter, leaving Izuku with thoughts of this experience being amongst those he hasn't known in a lifetime, the making of a new friendship with someone his age.
A warm feeling came from it, until one specific detail turned him to shock.
'I just talked to a girl.'
Then he realized another detail to top it off when looking back at his phone.
"I GOT A GIRL'S NUMBER!"
Izuku had taken his own entrance exam a few days prior. It was nothing he hadn't expected it be, a written exam followed by a practical demonstration of the invention he was working on for the last ten months.
When the results came to him in the mail, he took the envelope to his room where he'd steel himself into tearing it apart for the answer he's been anxious to receive.
"I AM HERE AS A PROJECTION NOW!"
More surprising than the holographic projector he found was the person displayed on the projected image, being none other than All Might in all his heroic glory revealing the major announcement of his new career as a teacher of heroics at UA.
"Having me to give out the results this year was normally reserved for the hero course applicants, but in consideration for the hard work you did to make it there yourself, we thought it befitting to make an exception for you."Izuku was happy to hear that.
"For someone who only began to learn into this field less than a year ago, you've made leaps and bounds getting the hang of it."
All Might went to explain that he got a high grade on the written test, and how the practical evaluates his invention based on two main factors, sophistication and applicability, of which he scored 54 and 92 respectively.
"You should be proud young Midoriya. You've worked harder than most to make your dream a reality, and have finally made it to where it all begins. Soon your work will take you to the path of a hero, and I await you there to guide you through it."
With that came out an overwhelming emotion of joy, expressed through the tears he couldn't hold back. He still had a long way to his actual goal, but having been accepted at UA was enough of a reward to feel as if he'd already accomplished it. His value to the world of heroes had at last been proven to those few who believed in him, and soon he'll have an official place within it.
"Welcome Izuku, to your hero academia!"
His enrollment into his dream highschool was assured. Besides the continuation of their current school year, most students in Japan would look to find some form of a break after the work done to make it to this point, even celebrate their enrollment, especially for a school like UA.
Not the case for Izuku Midoriya. Passing the time of his entrance exam meant he had since been free to concentrate on the secondary project he was given access to, keeping him occupied on a custom made laptop he's been working on for a while in his room.
It was a level of challenge he expected when he began, but would still have underestimate. If not for his aspirations and how this would benefit into it, he may have given up by now. Didn't help with the frustration though.
He takes a pause after another unsuccessful effort, looking away from the screen and lets a breath escape him.
"I know it's to soon to tell, but I feel like there's a better way I could try to get this done. Wonder how though."
The thought gets him to go over his notes and material on the relevant subject to search for an alternative view point to a solution he could use.
Power Loader wasn't kidding about it being a complex area. More like an area in of itself. Doesn't matter if I already knew...wait that's it!"
He remembers how his view of technology as something comparable to quirks served as the basis for his progression in its study. Maybe a repeat of that could help out with this area that's seemingly separate.
'Worth a shot.'
After a re-evaluation of his notes based on this idea, he continues his attempts with this new implication for the next few days. In the final one, there was a reaction on the screen he hadn't seen before, and could only wait to see what would happen.
"DATA AMALGAMATION COMPLETE. PLEASE STATE DESIGNATION AND PRIMARY FUNCTION FOR THIS UNIT."
Izuku jumps up from his chair in complete surprise. It just spook to him. That could only mean it was complete.
"I... I-I don't believe it. It worked?!"
"INADEQUATE RESPONSE. PLEASE STATE DESIGNATION AND PRIMARY FUNCTION FOR THIS UNIT."
"Oh uh..."
Good thing he had something prepared for this moment, however unexpected it was. He finds a piece of paper In his pile of notes with a written response on it.
"You are the Interactive Computerized Analytical Research Information System, otherwise known as ICARIS. Your primary function is to provide support by means of analytical data in the performance of tasks and scenarios by the directions given to you from myself as your programmer, Izuku Midoriya." He reads out loud.
"CONFIRMED. HOW MAY I BE OF SERVICE TO YOU IZUKU MIDORIYA?"
Hearing it speak once more made him drop back down to his chair, still chocked with disbelief of the achievement in front of him.
He had done it. Izuku Midoriya, a novice student of engineering for not even a full year, had just developed artificial intelligence.
This chapter was basically the equivalent of Midoriya's training to inherit One For All. All Might did choose him, but circumstances make him miss the opportunity and give it to someone else, obvious hint as to who.
All Might's cover story on how he got a quirk when believing to be quirkless is how I imaging Izuku would hide his inheritance of One For All, if anyone besides Bakugo actually suspects anything about that, which doesn't seem like that parts been covered.
As you might've guessed, Quirked Fabric is the same kind of hero costume Lemillion wears. Not much information I'm aware of for it, besides Suneater describing it in the anime. I had to give it a name since it has a big part in this story. Also, I've read a couple of stories with the idea of Momo getting one for herself and thought it would fit well into this.
Yes, I've given Izuku his own JARVIS. That too will play a big part, thought in a bigger way than what you might think. The name ICARIS just popped in my head when I was coming up with an acronym for its name, and thought that it has some metaphorical value to it, which I'll let the readers figure out.
Till the next chapter is up. Hopefully not in a ridiculous amount of time.