Well, it's about time for a pool episode before this story kicks into high gear! Welcome back to "Through the Rough", everyone! Sorry for the short chapter last week. I had a general idea of where I wanted to go with that particular part and wound up getting everything essentially out of the way quicker than I expected.
That said, I am expecting this chapter to be much longer. It is based around the filler episode that started off Season 3, but there'll be a point to it. So without any further delay, let's dive right in!
THROUGH THE ROUGH
Ultimately, Izuku decided to decline Rebecca's offer to go over to the pool with him. Not because he felt uncomfortable or that he would seem out of place amongst his girlfriend and the other girls. He just wanted her to have fun amongst others aside from just him. He didn't want to be the type of friend or boyfriend who was needlessly clingy. Besides, in order to access the pool at all, he would have to talk to his teacher about it. And considering how it would just be him and the girls, that was not a conversation he was wanting to have…
He continued his basic strength training at home, lifting weights and doing exercises to stay in shape. There was only a week left before the training camp would be underway. Making sure he was ready to take on whatever challenges his teachers had in store was the best thing he could do.
But he did find time to relax a little. He sat in front of the TV as the news was being broadcast. There was a lot of hero activity being talked about, but then a segment came on that really intrigued him.
"Five men were found dead in a pool of blood out in Camino Ward," the newsman told audiences, "Autopsies of these men reveal that they likely suffered falling from a great height," he confirmed, "At this moment, it's unclear whether or not this was suicide or a criminal act," he mentioned on, "Police are still investigating," he finished before the station switched to a commercial. Izuku was a bit mortified. It sounded like whatever happened could've been the work of a heinous villain.
"Oh, look at that," his mother chimed in, snapping him away from his thoughts as he looked back up at the TV. He saw a commercial playing for a movie that featured a bearded sorcerer with a red cloak, firing off magic circles around his hands. "Isn't that movie the new one from that… superhero series that got popular?" Inko guessed as she walked over.
"Uh, you mean Marvel?" her son assumed, "Yeah…" he confirmed, "Those movies kinda started falling out when Quirks and actual heroes became pretty popular…" he noted aloud, looking back to see the movie title, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, "I know Rebecca still likes seeing them, though…" he recalled. His mother blinked in surprise. She then gasped.
"Izuku, I think you have a great idea!" she exclaimed, hurrying back over to the kitchen.
"Uh, what?" the One For All inheritor stuttered in question, looking back to see her grab a laptop and open it up.
"If Rebecca likes those movies, then why not take her to that one?" she suggested of him, making him blink in surprise.
"Well… it's already been out for a week or two, I think…" he noted as he looked back at the TV for a moment, "Maybe she's already seen it…" he assumed.
"There's a showing tonight at the local theater at eight!" Inko pointed out, "Izuku, let Rebecca know!" she advised, "I'll buy you the tickets!" she promised, typing away on her device.
"M-Mom!" her son stammered, scrambling up from the couch, "D-Don't worry, I can pay—!" The ringing of the doorbell snapped his attention away from his doting mother, enticing him to turn to the door.
"Izuku, could you get that for me?" she requested of him. He exhaled a sigh, walking up to the door. He opened it up, blinking in surprise to find Denki and Minoru.
"Hey Midoriya!" the Pop Off Quirk user greeted, "Wanna come with us to the pool today?" he offered with a raised hand.
"Huh?" the One For All inheritor uttered. From what the pair told him, they were planning on doing some strength training out at the pool themselves in preparation for the upcoming summer camp. They also wanted to take their minds off of the fact that they failed during the practical exams. Izuku recalled just how depressed the Electrification Quirk user had seemed when they met up during his first date with Rebecca.
"So, you up to come with us?" Denki inquired.
"Uh… yeah, sure!" Izuku replied. He was excited because not only would he be able to get in some good training, but also a chance to see Rebecca. Plus, he wouldn't feel as awkward with his classmates around…
'Wait…' he uttered inwardly as he followed Minoru and Denki towards U.A. Something about this felt wrong. Why was it those two specifically who were asking him to come along?
He could only make one astute guess, which made him grimace a little as he clutched the straps of his yellow backpack. He pulled out his phone and typed out a message. Something made him hope he was wrong, wanting to give the boys in front of him a benefit of a doubt. But it was better to be safe than sorry.
OPENING
Insert "ODD FUTURE" by UVERworld
Opens with Izuku and Rebecca getting into lunging stances before taking off into the distance as a bright blue sky looms overhead. We see a scene of Nana Shimura holding out her gloved hand to a skinny All Might, who accepts it as a light shines between their palms. A bright light flashes across the screen.
We cut to the rest of Class 1-A running together at the campground in their P.E. clothes, with Shiki leading the way as he leaps ahead. Ochaco and Momo are staring at him from behind somewhat longingly. But once they notice each other staring at him, they blush and look away.
Elsewhere around the camp, we see Homura using her energy blades to slash down mounds of earth formed by Pixie Bob, Shoto practicing with shooting his flames from his left arm, followed by unleashing a wave of ice from his right foot, Weisz remodeling multiple machines to practice more with his Quirk, and Katsuki unleashing large explosions up into the sky. As Izuku takes a moment to catch his breath, he looks over to see Rebecca running alongside Tenya. She spots her boyfriend and shoots him a warm smile, which he returns as he blushes.
However, that happiness is shattered as the forest is engulfed in blue flames that evening, courtesy of Dabi. He's joined by Himiko, Twice, Compress, Mustard, Muscular, Moonfish, Laguna, Fie, Daichi, Maria, and Shura. The latter of the group floats up and has Ether Gear markings expand along his right arm as he aims it down at the ground, which suddenly caves in. He grins wickedly as he dives toward Shiki, who retaliates with a Gravity Fist.
We see Laguna turning to face off with Weisz, who equips into his Arsenal armor before dashing out at him. Meanwhile, Daichi emerges from the ground, joining Maria in confronting Rebecca and Kyoka, who stand back-to-back and grimace. Izuku is in battle against Muscular, lunging forward and rearing his right fist back for a full-powered punch.
The scene changes to Drakken Joe atop a roof as the wind rushes around him. He's approached by Jaguar, who stares at him indignantly. A leaf blows by, revealing a flashback of the two confronting on the same rooftop. Drakken doesn't look like he's aged a day since then.
We cut to Tomura being approached by All For One, who rests his hand onto his head gently. Several Nomu emerge behind him, ready to act on command. We get a shot of Poseidon Nero, who opens his eyes as his dice rattle in his hands. We also see Noah Glenfield, who closes a book as he approaches the desk of Nezu at U.A.
All Might arrives, landing down mightily to confront All For One, roaring as his eyes glare onto his foe. There are several shots of Mirko, Endeavor, Justice, Holy, Eraser, Feather, Cure, Jaguar, Edgeshot, Kamui Woods, Gang Orca, and Eraser Head, with all of them battling against enemy forces.
We end on Izuku and Rebecca standing up alongside All Might, staring out determinedly towards the horizon, ready to go and save the world.
END OPENING
"Hm?" Rebecca uttered upon hearing the buzz of her phone coming from her bag. She and the other girls of Class 1-A were in the locker room, getting changed into their school swimsuits for the day. As she pulled out her phone, she saw the notification on the screen.
Izu: Kaminari and Mineta invited me out to the pool
Thought I'd let you know
The Leaper Quirk user blinked in surprise, letting out an exasperated sigh.
"What's up, Rebecca?" Ochaco asked as she came over.
"Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum are gonna probably be here soon…" she muttered in response, showing her the text message she got.
"Oh great…" Kyoka muttered upon overhearing, "Did they know we were gonna be here today?" she inquired, folding her arms behind her head.
"Perhaps…" Momo replied, putting a hand onto your chin, "It was Midoriya who contacted you by the way, right?" she guessed to Rebecca, who nodded. She then typed a message back to her boyfriend.
Becca: try 2 invite the other boys 2
wont be as weird that way
Izu: Got it
I'll let Iida know first, then he can relay to everyone else
Becca:
thanks izu
Izu: No problem
Ochaco looked at the messages between the two curiously and then to the Leaper Quirk user's face. She was smiling, giggling happily.
"So… how are things between you and Deku?" the Zero Gravity Quirk user asked, getting her attention.
"Oh, uh…" she stuttered out, blushing a little, "well… we're…"
"Totally dating?" Kyoka guessed, causing Rebecca to blush in surprise.
"Uh…" she uttered, shaking a little.
"We would've assumed that was the case after the events on I-Island…" Momo chimed in.
"Well… uh…" the Leaper Quirk user stammered.
"I think it's great that you guys are together!" Ochaco added in a complimentary tone, "Like two peas in a pod!" she remarked with a big smile. Rebecca blushed sheepishly, letting off a little smile.
"…Thanks…" she uttered in gratitude, evidently embarrassed, "Honestly, it still kinda feels like a dream…" she admitted.
"Well, we're really happy for you," Momo said as she came over.
"Yeah, you two are Class One-A's first couple!" Toru pointed out excitedly, "You're so cute together!" she added excitedly, "Don't you think so too, Mina?" she inquired of her pink-skinned classmate.
"Yeah… they're great…" she responded unenthusiastically, seated on a bench while dressed in her swimwear with her head hung.
"A-Ashido?" Momo stammered worriedly.
"She's still not over how she and her team lost to Sister and Midnight, ribbit…" Tsuyu assumed as she walked over, "Anyways, Rebecca," she continued to the Leaper Quirk user, getting her attention, "Did you let Midoriya know about telling us you two were dating?" she inquired, putting a finger onto her cheek.
"Uh… no, actually…" Rebecca admitted in response, "Honestly, with Ochaco, Momo, Kyoka and Homura knowing, I figured the rest of you would know somehow," she told her and the others.
"Makes sense," Toru chimed in as she shrugged her invisible shoulders, "Homura's not exactly someone to hold in gossip," she pointed out with a giggle, "Isn't that right, Homura?" she inquired of the Soul Blade Quirk user, who was standing in front of the mirror. She didn't respond, looking into her reflection at different angles with a worried expression upon her face.
"Um… Homura?" Rebecca uttered, getting her attention, "What are you doing?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I… had grown curious about Mineta's comment recently about me having a 'perfect ass'…" she answered to the shock of her female classmates, "Is that… true, somehow?" she wondered curiously, looking at her reflection again. Kyoka walked over and put a hand onto her shoulder.
"Don't worry about the pervy grape, Kogetsu," she advised, "Let's just head to the pool and have ourselves a nice, relaxing day," she insisted of her and her classmates.
"Yeah!" they voiced out in agreement. None of them were gonna let their fun be ruined by any boys spying on them. Especially Rebecca, who was excited to see her boyfriend again.
"Well, no time like the present!" Ochaco remarked as she sauntered off down the tunnel leading to the pool, with everyone else to follow, "We're gonna have fun and—!" She stopped once she exited, widening her eyes. Most of the boys in their class were also there, but that wasn't what got her stopped. It was Shiki, who was standing out by the edge of the pool, wearing nothing but his swim trunks.
"Oh, hey Ochaco!" he greeted with a wave, "You and the girls swimming, too?" he guessed as he smiled. Immediately, the Zero Gravity Quirk user's face went entirely red as a little blood trickled out of her nose.
"Sh-Sh-Sh-Sh-SHIKI?!" she stammered, stumbling back and fainting, fortunately falling into Mina's arms.
"Hm?" the Satan Gravity Quirk user uttered in confusion, "Is she okay?" he inquired out of concern.
"I'm… sure she's fine…" Momo replied, though she too was a little flustered at seeing Shiki in just swim trunks…
X
"Psyched to get some conditioning in before camp, Midoriya?" Denki inquired in the locker room, dressed for the occasion with his swim trunks on.
"Uh, yeah…" Izuku agreed from the bench, also dressed in the same swimwear, "Hey, Kaminari?" he said, getting his classmate's attention.
"Yeah, man?" he responded.
"Did you know that Rebecca and the other girls were gonna be at the pool today?" the One For All inheritor asked of him as he stood up. He immediately grimaced.
"Okay, listen…" he started to say, holding his hands up, "Mineta was the one who came up with the idea, and that was before Rebecca was apparently included!" he pointed out emphatically, "I swear, I wouldn't be down for trying to check out your girlfriend!" he assured, clapping his hands together.
"Kaminari, I'm not mad…" he promised, holding his hands up himself, "It's just that I don't appreciate being lied to," he told him, much to his surprise, "You tried doing something like back at the Sports Festival too, didn't you?" he inquired on.
"Yeah…" Denki admitted in reply, "I'm sorry, dude…" he apologized, hanging his head.
"Like I said, it's okay," Izuku assured, "Besides, I already took care of things," he mentioned.
"Huh?" the Electrification Quirk user uttered, "Wait, what do you mean?" he asked curiously, arching an eyebrow.
"So, you guys ready to really go Plus Ultra out there?" Minoru inquired, getting their attentions as they saw him approach in swim trunks of his own. He was excited to rush outside and see the girls of his class in swimsuits… only to be greeted by Tenya in goggles and a swimmer's cap.
"There you are, slowpokes!" he greeted with a raised right hand. The Pop Off Quirk user fell onto his face out of shock, while Izuku and Denki walked out. The latter of the group looked to see that the other boys were here as well.
"So you called in everybody, huh?" he inquired of the One For All inheritor.
"Everyone except Kacchan…" he responded in confirmation, "But I think Kirishima's trying to get him here…" he mentioned as he scratched at his right cheek.
"This was a great suggestion, Midoriya," Tenya complimented, "I'm glad you brought us all together for this," he added as he walked over and placed a hand onto his classmate's shoulder.
"Yeah, no problem," he replied. He then looked over and spotted his girlfriend stretching with the other girls. She had her ash blonde hair up in a ponytail as she bent from side to side. She saw her boyfriend, waving to him. He waved back warmly.
"School suits are pretty great, too…" Minoru noted contently. Denki then lifted him off of the ground by his right arm.
"Dude, you might've totally overstepped on this one…" he warned quietly.
"Uh, how?" the Pop Off Quirk user inquired back.
"Did you not remember what happened back on I-Island?!" his friend shouted in question in a whisper, "One girl in particular's already taken!" he quietly pointed out. Minoru blinked twice. A horrified look of realization came across his face.
"I'M SO SORRY, MIDORIYA!" he shrieked in apology, zipping over to the One For All inheritor and going down onto his knees, bowing his head profusely to him.
"Mineta, what's gotten into you?" Tenya inquired out of concern, raising an eyebrow. Izuku glanced over to his girlfriend nearby, who just gave off a sheepish grin at the scene. A few hours passed as the boys exercised, while the girls relaxed and played in the pool.
They were in the middle of hitting a beach ball back and forth amongst themselves, with Tsuyu using her tongue and Kyoka carefully moving her jacks to hit it around. After she managed to hit the ball back herself, Momo found herself staring over at Shiki, who had just gotten out of the pool. His slick black hair was all wet as he pushed it back up. To the Creation Quirk user, he was mesmerizing. And then, the beach ball promptly struck her in the face.
"Ah! Momo!" Toru gasped.
"Hey, not so hard, Homura!" Mina reprimanded of the Soul Blade Quirk user.
"I-I thought she was ready!" she stammered in response. As the girls tended to the Creation Quirk user, who assured she was fine, Rebecca got out of the water and made her way over to her boyfriend, who was finishing an energy drink.
"Feeling good?" she inquired as she approached, getting his attention.
"Yeah," he answered with a nod, "How about you and the girls?" he questioned curiously, seeing Homura profusely apologize to Momo for accidentally hitting her with the beach ball.
"It's a lot of fun to be in the water with them!" she admitted in reply, giggling, "Anyways…" she continued, sitting down next to her boyfriend, "they… kinda know about us…" she pointed out, blushing a little. Izuku blinked twice.
"Y-You told them?!" he stammered out in question.
"I'm sorry!" his girlfriend apologized, clapping her hands in front of herself and bowing her head, "Ochaco and the others who were on the island with us kinda figured we'd be a thing, and I felt sorta cornered…" she told him.
"Oh…" he uttered in realization, "Well… how'd they take it?" he asked.
"Surprisingly, a lot better than I expected," Rebecca admitted as a response, "Mina didn't go into full freakout mode…" she noted with a giggle, "But overall, they're really happy for us," she said. Hearing that, Izuku widened his eyes a little. It seemed like most everyone who knew about their relationship was really happy for them. Whether it was their parents, teachers, or classmates.
"You know… since basically everyone's here…" he started to say, causing her to blink in surprise, "why don't we just tell everyone we're dating?" he suggested. Her eyes widened a little.
"Are you sure?" she questioned. He nodded.
"It's only the rest of the guys aside from Kacchan and everyone who was on I-Island with us, probably," he pointed out, "I'm sure it'll be easy to explain everything," he affirmed as he stood.
"Explain what, Midoriya?" Shoto chimed in, causing the freckled teen to yelp in surprise as he saw the Half-Cold, Half-Hot Quirk user beside him.
"T-Todoroki!" he stammered, "Uh… well…" he tried to say, blushing a little. Rebecca giggled. Confident as her boyfriend was, he did have his usual stutter. Then, she noticed something.
"Oh no…" she muttered out.
"Hey, Deku!" a familiar, gruff voice called out. Izuku grimaced as he saw Katsuki marching over to him. "You think you're cool by inviting everyone but me out for training, huh?!" he guessed angrily.
"You wouldn't have responded to him via text anyway!" Rebecca argued as she shot up to her feet.
"Can it, cat ditz!" the Explosion Quirk user shouted, "I'm talking to—!"
"Don't call my girlfriend that, Kacchan!" Izuku interrupted angrily as he stepped out defensively in front of Rebecca. And with that, it felt like the whole world froze around the pool. Everyone looked over.
"Did you just say… girlfriend?" Mashirao inquired, breaking the awkward silence. Izuku and Rebecca both blushed brightly.
"I…I did…" the former of the two confirmed in reply, much to everyone's surprise.
"Well… I suppose congratulations are in order!" Tenya decided suddenly.
"Yeah, definitely!" Ochaco agreed as she and girls came over, "We're super happy for you guys!" she affirmed to the couple.
"You guys were already a great team in class, so it'll be like nothing's changed!" Eijiro added as he walked over, standing alongside Katsuki. He seemed… confused.
"You idiots weren't already dating?" he questioned, arching an eyebrow. Both Izuku and Rebecca blushed again, glancing to each other and laughing. Unveiling the truth of their relationship didn't go how they expected it to. But with their friends' support, it felt like they were going in the right direction.
X
For the rest of the time spent at the pool, the boys competed in a swimming race, with Katsuki, Shiki, Shoto and Izuku being the winners of their respective rounds thanks to their Quirks. They would've settled who was the fastest amongst the boys if not for Shota arriving to inform them that their time at the pool was up. Disappointing as it was, everyone knew not to try and make a fuss about things, especially knowing how harsh their teacher could be with his punishments.
As he got dressed in the locker room, the One For All inheritor checked his phone and noticed a message notification upon it. He opened it up, blinking in surprise. There was a barcode. And beneath was a message.
Mom: Got you and Rebecca two tickets to that Dr. Strange movie! Have fun tonight!
Izuku smiled. His mother really did want him to be happy. Pocketing his phone, he then felt a hand come onto his shoulder. He looked over to see Weisz there.
"Congrats, man," he said with gratitude, "Should've figured you'd be the first to get the girl, since you two were friends as kids, right?" he inquired of him.
"Yeah," he responded, "I'm… really happy…" he admitted as he glanced down in thought for a moment and smiled.
"I am happy for you as well, Midoriya," Tenya noted as he approached, placing a hand onto the One For All inheritor's shoulder, "Still, I do hope this new relationship of yours with Bluegarden won't hinder your academic performance…" he mentioned seriously, causing his freckled classmate to flinch a little.
"I-It won't, Iida!" he stammered assuredly as he waved his hands, "I promise…" he declared with a smile.
"Tch," Katsuki scoffed from afar. He didn't much care for the fact that his rival had gotten into a relationship. It didn't change anything between them. He would still get stronger no matter what. The sun was setting as the class left for the evening. Izuku walked along the path, seeing his girlfriend waving goodbye to Kyoka and Toru while standing at the front gates. She turned to see him coming, smiling happily as he ran over.
"Too bad you didn't get the chance to show Katsuki and Shoto up," she remarked as he approached. He blinked in surprise.
"What about Shiki?" he questioned, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh…" Rebecca uttered, sheepishly scratching at her right cheek, "well, I think you'd at least beat him in swimming…" she confessed with a cheeky chuckle.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Izuku agreed, "Oh, that reminds me…" he said, pulling out his phone and unlocking it. His girlfriend blinked in confusion before he showed him the barcode on his screen. "My mom got us tickets for a movie tonight," he told her, "If you want to… we can definitely go," he affirmed.
"Y-Yeah!" she stammered in agreement, "A movie night sounds like a perfect second date!" she proclaimed. Izuku chuckled. They then headed off, about to enjoy what would likely be a fun evening. But it would also be a romantic one for them…
ENDING
Insert "Update" by miwa
Opens with all of Class 1-A standing in front of U.A. together. Izuku and Rebecca stand at the front, with the former balling his left hand into a fist as he looks to the sky. His girlfriend glances over and smiles, happy to see him determined.
We go through a few scenes of Homura shaking as she struggles to withstand the heat of the hot spring, while her fellow female classmates are just fine. Weisz and Minoru attempt to peep on them, only to get struck by wash tops flung at them by Rebecca. They crash down on the other side of the while, with the rest of the boys there shaking their heads.
We see Izuku and Rebecca sleeping against each other on the subway ride back home. Ochaco smiles at them from nearby, but then notices Shiki sleeping on her shoulder and drooling. She screams in surprise, waking him up while also startling everyone in the train car. She blushes in embarrassment, burying her reddening face into her hands.
The scene changes to Homura joining Shoto on an excursion along the beach, where they're joined by their friends. Shoto finds a seashell and offers it to Homura, who accepts with a smile. Mina looks at them excitedly, while Kyoka rolls her eyes and sighs behind her.
We then shift to the class training, with Katsuki racing against Tenya and Weisz with his explosions. Shiki passes them all by to their shock, making him the winner. In the meantime, Rebecca practices kicking with Tsuyu, sharing a smile with her as they work together.
Everyone is doing their best around school, whether in the classroom or in the field. Izuku shares a moment with All Might on the beach before they shake hands firmly. We close out on a scene of some of the class standing on a tower together. Izuku smiles brightly, and Rebecca plants a kiss onto his left cheek under his freckles. She giggles as he blushes, happy to be with him and their friends.
END ENDING
And that ends the pool chapter! A little bit of ship teasing along with the rest of Class A finding out about the new couple! That about wraps up our June chapter updates. We'll be finishing this arc to start July and then move on to the rest of Season 3, where we get into the good stuff!
Next time though, there'll be some big spoilers… but for another series. Stay tuned!