Training Days

A little while later, Gran Torino and Momo sat down to begin dinner. "Tell me something, zygote", said Gran Torino, "Why did you accept Toshi's offer?" "When we were attacked at the USJ, none of my attacks fazed that monster", said Momo, "I wanted to do better, to not feel so weak all the time, so I jumped at the chance". "And he told you about the drawbacks, right?", asked Gran Torino. "Yes, he did", said Momo, "I managed to figure out how spread out the energy from One for All before something catastrophic happened". "That's good", said Gran Torino, "Walk me back to that whole 'feeling weak' thing. What did you mean by that"? Momo sighed while looking away. "People...don't like me", she said, "They say I'm too rich, too pretty...to much like my mother. Even at home or at UA, I can't escape it. I have nightmares every night of wearing my mother's Hero Costume, of people laughing at me, o...of some classmates ki...hurting me. I want that to stop. I want to be strong enough so I can never get hurt again. So they see me and not my mother". Gran Torino sat in silent thought for a moment. "I hear that", he said at last, "But such an idea is impossible. Even All Might has people who hate and despise him. The question isn't whether or not they'll bring you low, it's how you get back up. I want to show you something".

When they finished eating, Gran Torino ushered Momo into his personal library. There, he scampered up a ladder and pulled from the shelf an old, worn leather photo album. He slide down the ladder and opened the album to a photo of a young All Might, a young-ish Gran Torino, and a lady Momo didn't recognize with flowing black hair that matched her sleeveless uniform, yellow gloves and boots, a silver belt, and a flowing white cape. "Who is this woman here?", asked Momo. "That there is Nana Shimura, All Might's greater mentor", said Gran Torino. "Greater mentor?", questioned Momo. "She was the one who gave One for All to Toshi, the very reason he became All Might", said Gran Torino, "We three were quite the pair". Momo looked over the photo as she realized something. "What happened to her?", she asked. Gran Torino sighed heavily. "I assume Toshi showed you his wounds when he offered One for All", he stated. Momo nodded.

"Then I should tell you how he wound up like that", said Gran Torino, "You see, Nana had a family. Then, one day, in the span of five minutes, she lost it all. You know who...All for One is, right?" "The evil brother", said Momo. "To say the least", growled Gran Torino, "He killed Nana's one true love as easily as one kills an ant. From that day, she swore vengeance. She put her son up for adoption. It hurt her. She hid it well, but I knew. I always knew. I wish I could've talked her out of the path she walked down. To tell her that her son and Toshi needed her more than she needed to kill All for One. But by the time I had worked up the courage, it was too late. Hatred had taken root within Nana, and she perished. I nearly saw the same thing happen to Toshi, but I was quick to remind him that his life was worth more than his death. He barely survived, but he survived".

"Why are you telling me this?", asked Momo. "Because, for better and worse, I see a lot of Nana in you", sighed Gran Torino, "The intelligence, the drive, the generosity; but also the anger, jealousy, and hate. Yes, hate especially. Once that hatred takes root in your heart, it will not only destroy your enemies, but yourself as well". He reached out and held onto Momo's hand, looking her straight in the eye. "I understand wanting to escape your parents' influence", he said, "But sometimes, it is better to remain in their shadow than to be burned by the sun". Momo sat in thought, ruminating on what Gran Torino had told her. "Why don't you sleep on it?", he said, "We're going to have a long enough day tomorrow anyway". "I suppose so", said Momo as she got up. As she put the photo album, Gran Torino silently thanked the Gods that Sir Nighteye was too busy with his investigation to come bother him and his Intern. From what little Yagi had told him after their falling out, his former sidekick was a bit on the obsessive side, and he feared what he might do to Momo to get his hands on One for All. If he had his way, Gran Torino would hire someone to wipe all memory of One for All from Sir Nighteye's mind.

If Bakugo thought yesterday was bad, oh boy! Now Uwabami had him riding a tricycle while wearing overalls, a striped shirt, a propeller hat, and holding a giant lollipop. "Why do I have to do this?", he growled, a bright red, blush covering his face. "Because, baby, Gap gave us an advance", said Uwabami as her photographer snapped several photos, "Now, give us a smile. We'll never be able to get the rest of the money if you keep pouting like that". Bakugo ground his teeth in rage, a low growl emanating from his throat.

As soon as he was back in his regular clothing, Bakugo stormed out into the alleyway to blast at bags filled with garbage! He threw down a dumpster and kicked it over and over, denting the metal with each hit! "Had enough yet?", asked a voice. Bakugo turned to see Oboro emerge from the shadows. "I told you yesterday", snarled Bakugo, "I already have an Internship. It's a shitty one that won't teach me how to fight, but it's all I got". "I know", said Oboro as he rubbed his ears, "You were quite...insistent last night. I saw what she did back there". Bakugo gave Oboro a sharp look, but the man simply sighed as he leaned against the wall. "I'm sorry about that", he said, "I had to go through something similar when I was training to be a hero". "Why didn't you become a hero?", asked Bakugo between deep, angry breaths. "I got expelled", said Oboro, "Didn't live up to the lofty expectations of a teacher, who was a famous hero. No one stood up for me, and as I had nowhere else to go, I had to scrape by on my own. But what about you? Why do you want to be a Hero?"

"Are you kidding?", asked Bakugo, "I'm the strongest there is. If I was Hero, no villain would ever be able to beat me." "By that logic, would you call Uwabami a hero?", asked Oboro. Bakugo wanted to object, to say that she had a great rescue record among Pro Heroes, but then he had to think about it. She hadn't allowed him to use his gauntlets, hadn't taken him on patrol; all she did was dress him up and take pictures. "She's not the only one", said Oboro as he handed over his phone, "This is a photo of how the Faunus live in Morei". Bakugo saw several photos of Faunus families either living in dirty apartments or dying on the streets. "Let me ask you something", said Oboro as he took back his phone, "Heroes are supposed to be strong, so why is Uwabami not using her strength to help those people? I mean, she certainly has the money. I'll leave you to think about it". Bakugo did think about it. 'Uwabami obviously cares about herself', he thought, 'It's like she and the others want me to give up. To not be a Hero, just like those people in Morei'.

As Oboro returned to the rooftop, he noticed Lady Nagant stoically looking out at the city. "You should get back into the shadows", said Oboro as purple mist covered his body, "Someone might see you". "You'll forgive me if I want to be out in the sun again", said Lady Nagant, "If I can get my eyes readjusted, I can be a better shot". "The HPSC will be on the look-out", said Kurogiri, "They will look on the rooftops first". "I don't think that'll be an issue", said Lady Nagant, "Stain managed to take the heat off of us". Just then, one of the screens on the skyscrapers lit up with a news flash. "Right on cue", said Kurogiri as footage of Stain fighting the samurai Yoroi Musha, an old man with a white beard and black armor.

With the flick of his wrist, a sword appeared. Stain pulled out his katana, rushing forward to clash blades with the samurai! Yoroi Musha dodged one strike and sliced Stain on the arm! The snake Faunus hissed as he smacked the blade of his katana against his opponent's blade! He struck downward, hitting the concrete floor and allowing Yoroi Musha to swing upward, slicing his back! "Surrender, cur, or is it that you enjoy the taste of my blade?", said Yoroi Musha. "Their is little to enjoy from your greed and self-pity", snarled Stain as he ran forward. Suddenly, he threw several small daggers, hitting Yoroi Musha in the knees! Then, he sliced through the samurai's stomach, sending him falling to the floor! Stain stood over the fallen Hero, ready with his sword. "Foolish samurai", smiled Stain, "You could've save millions if you had given up your money. Alas, it is not you, but the society you protect that drives people to villainy. Hopefully, your sacrifice will build a better world". Suddenly, Yoroi Musha summoned another sword and tried to stab Stain, but the villain had caught the blade and sliced into the fallen hero's shoulder and through the other side of his stomach, killing him instantly! "As is always the case", said Stain, "More false heroes will fall".

"On second thought", said Kurogiri, "Perhaps it would be wise to acclimate to conditions you've long forgotten. Just don't be seen, and be back at the hideout before sundown. We're ready to move onto the next stage of the plan". "Already?", asked Lady Nagant. "I used some of Garaki's Nomu to link the killings to us", explained Kurogiri, "We'll be meeting some new recruits tonight".

Elsewhere, Dr. Fate and Izuku stood in the training arena. "Izuku Midoriya", said Dr. Fate, "Today, you shall face fast your greatest challenge. Jin, we're ready for you". At once, a man appeared in a puff of smoke. He wore a black jumpsuit with red gauntlets, a gray T symbol, and a mask the was black on the bottom half and gray on the top half with white eyes. "Jin Bubaigawara, meet my Intern, Izuku Midoriya", said Dr. Fate, "Izuku, meet my apprentice, Jin". "Nice to meet you", said Jin, "I'm Jin". "No, I'm not! Call me Twice"! "Let me guess", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed, "He's the reason you needed that spell". "Astute as always, Monkey", said Dr. Fate, "Jin, start small this time. Don't worry about Izuku. He will be fine". "You got it, Boss Lady", said Twice as gray slime dripped off his body and formed a clone! "Your fighting style is similar to All Might's, but so is your tendency to hold back", said Dr. Fate, "Perfect for classroom spars, but of little recourse in a true battle". At once, in a flash of golden light, a spear appeared in Twice and his clone's hands. "Remember, even the dull blade brings pain", said Dr. Fate, "BEGIN!"

Jin and Twice rushed forward, forcing Izuku to become the Green Gorilla as they thrust their spears at him! The Green Gorilla then slammed down his fist, forcing Jin back! Twice then jabbed the Green Gorilla in the arm, causing him to backhand the clone, splattering him all over the place! Just then, the clone matter reformed, making Twice and another clone with a spear rise from the ground. "You'll need to do better than that if you wish to beat us!" With that, Jin and the other Twice clones surged forward, jabbing at the Green Gorilla with their spears! The ape smacked them all aside, causing more clones to appear as gray sludge splattered all over the floor. "Jin, show him your true power", said Dr. Fate. Twice chuckled as he and the other clones turned into copies of the Green Gorilla!

The Green Gorilla dodged a thrown spear before kicking one of the clones in the face! He grabbed another clone by the legs and threw him into the other ape clones, but more soon advanced upon him! "Hold him still!", called Jin as he readied his spear. The ape clones then dogpiled onto the Green Gorilla, forcing him to the ground! Some of the clones punched and kicked the Green Gorilla, exhausting the beast. "Focus your strength", said Dr. Fate, "A child's life is in the balance. Where will you be when her body is rot and her name is dust? Get up, Green Gorilla. Prove your heroism". As the apes punched him, the Green Gorilla let Dr. Fate's words sink. With a rageful roar, the Green Gorilla threw off the ape clones and growing another three feet! As the ape clones leaped at him, the Green Gorilla smashed his fists on top of them, smashing them apart as he grew six feet! He looked down and saw Jin was the only one who didn't turn into a gorilla. He reached forward and grabbed him, lifting him high into the air as the clones fell apart!

"Enough", said Dr. Fate as she floated up to the Green Gorilla's eye level, "Return him to the earth. Now". The Green Gorilla did so, shrinking down to his usual fifteen foot height. As soon as he released Jin, he turned back into Izuku. "What was that?", he asked. "It was your strength increasing", said Diana as she removed her helmet. "That makes no sense", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed, "Host Body uses about a hundred percent of my power to turn his body into mine". "It is not the strength of your body, but your shared sense of rage, righteousness, and sheer brute willpower", said Diana, "It says as much in the book". "I can't read Sanskrit", said Izuku as his face changed back, "And how come Monkey didn't know we could do that". "I was asleep peacefully back in the Spirit Realm", said Monkey from within Izuku's mind, "Not to mention, if the Spirit Overlords didn't tell me everything about the spell in the last 6'000 years, I wouldn't know about those details". "Actually, that may be the key to this puzzle", said Diana, "I suppose the Spirit Overlords have made some changes since the last time the spell was used." "Which was over 12'000 years ago", said Monkey, "Way back when I was alive". "In any case", said Jin, "I have a feeling he's going to have a hard time fitting into buildings after this". "Forget the buildings! What about any girlfriends he gets?"

"I try to stay out of my brother's love life", said Monkey as Izuku's face changed, "It's easier for the both of us, considering I'm both dead and an animal." "I wouldn't worry about the buildings either, Jin", said Diana, "We'll classify this for what it is: a new Super Move. If your school fired that incompetent ignoramus Aizawa, you should be able to learn more about then soon. If not, give it three months or five, depending on if either of you chooses to read this forbidden book I forgot to lock the chains onto". "Did...did you just do a sarcasm?", asked Jin. "You pick now of all times to get a sense of humor? Shit, I might as well quit my day job". "What day job?", asked Jin, "We're employed here full time, remember?" "Kid doesn't know that yet. Shush". "Jin, be a dear and return that spear to the archives", said Diana, "We have much that needs doing". "Yes, ma'am", said Jin as he scurried off. "How did you meet him?", asked Izuku. "I found him, alone and insane, living on the streets, stealing bits of bread and meat to satisfy his hunger", said Diana, her gaze becoming distant, "His irreverent humor reminded me of a…lost love. It is fortunate, then, that worse people didn't take advantage of him and his power. Imagine the disasters they could have wrought". "Yeah", said Izuku, "He could make a clone of the Prime Minister, or create an army with just a thought". "Well, I think that's enough for today", said Diana, "Remember don't read that book". She winked at him as she walked off. "We're reading that book, aren't we?", asked Monkey. "Yep". "Thought so".

Back at the bar, Kurogiri and Lady Nagant stepped through a portal to find several new people waiting for them. "A fine reception", said Kurogiri. "Ah, Kurogiri", said Dr. Merlot, "You will be happy to know that the Nevermore is now ready for the hunt for that ape. The other Grimm await your command". "Excellent, good Doctor", said Kurogiri as Dr. Garaki glared at them. "You know", he growled, "For someone who claimed the Nomu to be useless, you sure have been using them quite a lot". "Think of it this way", said Kurogiri, not even turning to face Dr. Garaki, "The less the Heroes know about the Spawn of Salem, the better. Their reveal will either break them or provide the Grimm an ample food source, nothing else. We have a weapon that continues to plague mankind after Salem's death. The Nomu serve as little more than an out-dated calling card. Speaking of which, Merlot, have the Grimm feast upon the Nomu". "As you wish", said Dr. Merlot.

Just then, Kane ran over. "You know that guy I mentioned a while back?", he asked, "He's here". Kurogiri silently followed him to the other side of the bar, where a man with a black duster jacket, burns on his forearms and lower jaw, and piercing blue eyes was sitting. Kurogiri noticed that his white hair seemed out of place on the man, as if he was wearing a wig. "Dabi, this is the guy I told you about", said Kane. Those eyes snapped towards Kurogiri. "What do they call you, Smoky?", asked Dabi. "I am Kurogiri, Leader of the League of Villains", said Kurogiri, "I understand you wish to join us". "You misunderstand", said Dabi, "I'm here for one reason: to kill Endeavor". "And so you shall", said Kurogiri. "That's it?", asked Dabi, "You don't want to know more". "So long as you get the jobs I thrust upon you done, I see no issue", said Kurogiri, "Other than that, I have little desire to know your motives. They are not relevant to my goal, save only for taking a powerful player off the field". "Well, we have that going at least", said Dabi.

Elsewhere, the HPSC President sat behind her desk as Mera delivered a status report. "Still no sign of Lady Nagant", he said, "and I don't think we can find her, not with Stain still on the loose". "We can afford to lose some of the lower level Heroes", said the President. "I don't think we can", said Mera, "With every hero he kills, more villains appear, not to mention exposing their dirty laundry like revealing that Slidin' Go was a follower of Destro. We only just barely managed to put out that fire by giving his pension to charity, but we can't hold on for much longer". "At least the rat is distracted", sighed the President. "Yeah, actually, he's not", said Mera, "He hired some people from the WHA to work at his school". "OK, this is good", said the President, "We can just bribe another inspector". "You didn't see the news?", asked Mera, "He hired the people who caught the guys taking our bribes". "Who?", asked the President as a drop sweat formed on her forehead. "Thomas Azure and Team THBS", said Mera, "I know what you're thinking, so I'll say it now. We're in the shit now".

To be Continued...