Chapter 42: Aoi's Cry For Help.
Trigger Warning*
"Warning: Suicide and mature themes. Reader discretion advised."
...
Nejire Hado, a third-year student at UA and one of the "Big Three," was used to hearing whispers and mutters about herself and her friends. But lately, she'd noticed a new name being mentioned alongside theirs: Izuku Midoriya, the green-haired kid she'd met on her first day. She remembered him being awkward and stuttering, barely able to talk to her.
During the third event, Nejire was paired with Amajiki when suddenly, emerald flames blasted through the stadium. She later found out that it was Izuku who had created the flames, and she was shocked. She had no idea he was capable of such a powerful quirk.
As she floated around Ryuko, looking at her phone with a news article about Izuku and Ochako bringing down the Hero Killer, Ryuko teased her about being interested in him. "You seem to be very interested in this Midoriya," Ryuko said, pulling Nejire from her thoughts.
Nejire beamed energetically as she floated around Ryuko. "I'm just curious, he's a first-year, and he's been making huge splashes. Heck, his first internship, and he brings the Hero Killer. While I had to do a stupid commercial in my first year. That's so unfair." Nejire said a little jealous.
Ryuko teased her, "Oh? I thought you would've found a love interest, but I guess you're going to remain innocent forever."
Nejire replied, "No way, he's a first-year. He's more like a little brother to me." She didn't pay much attention to Ryuko's teasing, waving off the pro's claims.
As they continued conversing, Ryuko noticed a girl with blue hair and a red armband with a stylized 'S' on top of a building, looking like she was about to jump. Ryuko widened in horror and instructed Nejire to use her quirk to save the girl. "Nejire!"
Nejire nodded in understanding, and a spiral of yellow energy spiralled around her arms as she blasted off at incredible speeds, her body blurring as she shot towards the girl. The wind rushed past her face, her hair streaming behind her, as she raced against time to reach the girl before it was too late.
As the girl leapt, Nejire's eyes widened in despair. "No, I'm not going to make it!"
She pushed her quirk into overdrive, her speed increasing exponentially as she strained to reach the girl.
But just as all hope seemed lost, a green blur appeared, and Izuku caught the girl's bridal style. Nejire's eyes widened as she watched Izuku quickly begin to check on the girl, his expression softening with concern.
He gently asked her if she was okay, his voice filled with kindness and compassion. Nejire watched in silence, her eyes fixed on the scene unfolding before her.
As Izuku continued to tend to the girl, Nejire's gaze lingered on him, her expression softening in a way that she hadn't experienced before.
She felt a flutter in her chest, and her usual energetic and bubbly demeanour gave way to a more subdued and introspective mood.
Nejire shook her head and tried to suppress her growing blush. The girl Izuku had just saved was now crying, Nejire flew to the top of the building.
Nejire shook her head, trying to suppress her growing blush. The girl Izuku had just saved was now crying, her eyes vacant, tears streaming down her face. "Hey, are you okay?" Nejire asked concern etched on her face.
The girl suddenly looked up, her eyes flashing with a mix of emotions. "Why did you save me? I'm nobody... I'm nothing..." she whispered, her voice cracking.
Izuku's expression turned grim, his eyes flashing with understanding. "Why were you trying to kill yourself?" he asked gently, his voice softening the girl's anguish.
The girl's eyes dropped, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "I just can't take it anymore... the pain, the suffering, the constant feeling of being trapped..." Her voice trailed off, her eyes welling up with tears again.
Nejire's heart went out to the girl, her expression softening in empathy. Izuku's hand on the girl's shoulder was a comforting weight, his eyes filled with kindness.
"We'll help you," Izuku said, his voice firm. "We won't let anyone hurt you again. You're not alone, okay?"
Nejire nodded in agreement, her eyes locked on the girl's. "We'll protect you. We won't let anyone hurt you again."
The girl raised her head, her eyes locking onto Izuku's. "You're Izuku Midoriya." She then turned to Nejire, a hint of a smile on her lips.
"And you're Nejire Hado, I saw you both at the sports festival. You were both really cool."
Izuku nodded, and the girl chuckled, a hint of irony in her voice. "Oh, I get rescued by my dream hero and superhero crush."
Her smile faltered, and her eyes dropped, her shoulders slumping in defeat. "But I guess it's too late for me... I was so close to ending it all."
Izuku's expression turned grim, his eyes flashing with concern. "Well, since you know my name, what's yours?" he asked gently.
"Aoi Katsuragi," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Nejire's eyes filled with empathy. "You don't mind if we call you Aoi, do you?"
Aoi's gaze remained downcast, her voice laced with despair. "Call me whatever. It's better than what they call me at school."
Izuku and Nejire exchanged worried glances. Before a shadow overcame them, they looked above to see Ryukyu in her dragon form hovering over them.
Timeskip.
"Here we are," Nejire said as they arrived at the Ryukyu agency.
"You doing okay, Katsuragi?" Itsuka asked, turning to Aoi.
"I'm fine," Aoi responded, but her tone and body language betrayed her distress.
Nejire's eyes narrowed slightly, her expression concerned.
"We should probably head in. The girl could use a glass of water," Ryukyu suggested, leading the way into the office.
As they walked in, Izuku couldn't help but notice how short Aoi's skirt was and how uncomfortable she seemed in it. She kept tugging it down, her eyes darting around nervously. The armband on her arm seemed to be chafing against her skin, and she rubbed at it absently, wincing.
"Hey, Aoi, you don't look comfortable in that skirt," Izuku said, concern etched on his face.
Aoi's eyes flashed with distress, and she bit her lip, her shoulders hunching inward.
"I-I hate it," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we get...punished if we don't wear it."
Her gaze dropped, and she clamped her mouth shut as if fearing she'd said too much. Tears began to trickle down her face, and her body language screamed of vulnerability.
Izuku placed a gentle hand on her shoulder, trying to comfort her. "Don't worry, you're safe here," he said softly.
Ryukyu and Miruko exchanged a sceptical glance, their eyes narrowing slightly as they studied Aoi's behaviour. But after a moment, they nodded in understanding.
"Katsuragi, do you mind telling us which school you attend?" Ryukyu asked, her voice gentle but firm.
Aoi's face went white with terror, her eyes wide with fear. "I-I go to Seijaku Gakuen Academy," she stammered, her voice trembling.
Itsuka's eyes widened in surprise. "Seijaku Gakuen Academy? That's pretty far from here."
Ryukyu nodded in agreement. "About four trains from here. What made you decide to go there, Aoi?"
Aoi's voice cracked as she sobbed, "I-I tried to tell the vice principal, but he just told me I was nothing, that I was worthless because of my weak quirk! He said Kaito could do whatever he wanted to me and that I should just be grateful he was paying attention to me!"
Aoi's body language changed, her eyes glazing over as if something was holding her back from speaking further. She raised a hand to her mouth, her fingers trembling as if trying to physically hold back the words.
"After that... the vice principal... He... He...Tried...Too..." Aoi's voice trailed off, her eyes wide with fear and her voice barely above a whisper. It was as if she was trying to say something, but the words were getting stuck in her throat.
The room fell silent, the only sound was Aoi's ragged breathing.
The Ryukyu Agency's top floor was sleek and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city below. Two hours passed, and Miruko slumped onto the couch.
Ryukyu entered after being handed a brown file, and she began to scan it.
"Well, she's not talking," Miruko said, frustration etched on her face.
"I can't imagine what that poor girl has gone through," Itsuka added, concern lacing her voice. She glanced at Izuku, her eyes softening slightly as she looked at him.
"Can't we talk to her principal or something?" Izuku suggested, trying to think of a solution.
Miruko and Ryukyu exchanged a sceptical glance, their eyebrows furrowed in unison.
Ryukyu's gaze drifted away from the file to the girl's uniform, her eyes narrowing. "Her entire attire seems to be a modified form of the girl's uniform. With that 'S' branding, there's a high possibility the school is affiliated with the Meta Liberation Army. It could be a way to differentiate those with powerful quirks and weak ones."
Izuku's brow furrowed. "Meta Liberation Army? But don't they just want people to be free to use their quirks? I don't see how they have anything to do with Aoi."
Miruko's expression turned grim. "True, but an organization as big as it is has reportedly had... factions. One faction feels not only should quirks be used freely, but those with powerful abilities should rule over others - a 'might is right' kind of mentality."
Nejire's eyes widened. "The only rumours, though. There hasn't been proof of these rumours, though. It's mostly speculation among social media."
Itsuka's voice was laced with concern. "So we think this school is under the faction?"
Ryukyu's nod was subtle. "Possibly. And from the rumours, I couldn't imagine what the students who don't have battle-oriented quirks are going through."
The room fell silent, the weight of their suspicions settling in. Miruko's voice broke the silence, her tone heavy with despair. "I had a feeling that school was rotten. But we can't do anything - the girl is so shaken up that even top pro heroes can't get her to talk. At best, we could get the boy she spoke of expelled. But..."
Miruko's words trailed off, and the silence that followed was oppressive. Nejire's voice was barely above a whisper. "So... there's nothing we can do?"
"If she doesn't come forward than no," Ryukyu said, her eyes still scanning the file. "And to make matters worse, Aoi suspects the police have been bribed by the school, which is why she's been blacklisted and has a black mark. She's trapped in a desperate situation, and we're running out of options."
Ryukyu's expression turned grim. "If the police are indeed in the school's pocket, it means Aoi's credibility has been deliberately destroyed. The authorities have essentially labeled her untrustworthy, and prone to making false claims. Even if she were to speak out, her accusations would likely be dismissed or downplayed, especially given the school's clean record."
Everyone's eyes widened in understanding. Itsuka shouted, "It's like they've silenced her before she even had a chance to speak!"
"And if the police are corrupt, we can't even trust them to investigate," Nejire said, anger in her tone.
Ryukyu nodded. "Exactly. Aoi's in a dangerous position, and we need to be careful. We can't let the school or the police sweep this under the rug."
The silence that followed was palpable, a sense of hopelessness settling over the group. It was as if the weight of their powerlessness was crushing them.
Izuku slumped forward, feeling defeated. "We can't do anything... we can't even get Aoi to talk." But then, his eyes lit up as he rubbed the Omnitrix. An idea had struck him!
"I... I could possibly hack into the school system and get two people inside!" he exclaimed. Everyone raised an eyebrow, sceptical of the sudden idea.
Nejire's eyes widened, and she leaned forward, her body inclining towards Izuku. Her face grew more animated, and her lips parted slightly. Her breathing quickened, and her heart raced with excitement.
Itsuka's eyes sparkled with admiration as she nodded encouragingly.
"And if two people were inside, we wouldn't need Aoi's testimony," Izuku continued. "We could get all the proof ourselves!" He was getting more excited by the second.
Ryukyu raised an eyebrow, her expression measured. "Midoriya, that's a pretty bold plan. Are you sure it's feasible?"
"Yeah, it sounds crazy," Miruko added, raising an eyebrow.
But Izuku was undeterred. "Look, I know how crazy this sounds, but hear me out! If I could go alien and sneak in, I could find out all the school's secrets from the inside!"
Nejire's eyes shone with excitement, and she nodded enthusiastically. Itsuka smiled, looking impressed. Ryukyu and Miruko exchanged a sceptical glance, but Izuku could tell they were intrigued despite themselves.
...
"That's not a bad idea," Ryukyu said, a hint of a smile on her face. "Me and Miruko could sneak in. I don't mean to brag, but we're still young enough to pass for teenagers."
Nejire's eyes narrowed, and her brow furrowed in concern. "No, I don't think that's a good idea. You and Miruko are way too recognizable. If they recognize both of you, you'll be in trouble before you can get any information."
Miruko grumbled, "Can't we just beat someone up till they start talking?"
Ryukyu shouted in a comedic fashion, "That's torture, Rumi!"
Miruko shot back, "Aw, c'mon Ryukyu, stop being a stickler!"
The two began arguing like old friends bickering. Nejire watched them for a moment, a thoughtful look on her face, before turning to Izuku. "How about me and Midoriya go? I have a license, and people won't recognize us. He'll be under my care!"
Miruko immediately shut down the idea. "Nope, not gonna happen."
Nejire protested, "But he just brought down the Hero Killer! I'm sure he can do this!"
Miruko exclaimed, "Exactly, he just brought down the Hero Killer! His face is everywhere!"
As if the universe was trying to make a point, a billboard with Ochako and Izuku's faces was being put up.
Nejire's eyes widened, but she didn't give up. "He'll wear a disguise! We'll be super sneaky like spies!"
She turned to Ryukyu, her eyes pleading. "C'mon, Ryukyu, you know I'm right. From what I heard, he has a wide range of abilities, including invisibility. He's the perfect person for recon!"
Ryukyu hesitated, looking at Miruko, who was still sceptical. "The decision is up to Miruko. She's in charge of Midoriya."
Itsuka, Izuku, and Nejire all gave Miruko a pleading look. Miruko's eye twitched in annoyance before she sighed.
"I'll go along with this as long as the disguise is good. We'll need a third party to see if they can recognize him. And we'll need to be in constant contact with Midoriya."
Nejire exclaimed, "Uh, what about me? I'm the one who's been training for this kind of mission!"
Miruko bluntly replied, "You're Ryukyu's problem, not mine."
...
"I think I might know someone..." Ryukyu said, a hint of a suggestion in her voice. Miruko's expression immediately turned sour, her eyebrows furrowing in distaste.
"No," Miruko rejected immediately, her voice firm and resolute. Her lips pursed into a pout, and her eyes rolled in exasperation.
Ryukyu continued, "She's the best person when it comes to makeup." But Miruko was unimpressed.
"Please, no, I rather eat a rabbit," Miruko said, her voice laced with disdain. Her face scrunched up in distaste, and she shook her head emphatically.
Ryukyu tried to reason with her, "Be reasonable."
But Miruko was unconvinced.
"I'd rather not bother her," Miruko said, her voice firm and annoyed. She crossed her arms over her chest, her eyes flashing with irritation.
Itsuka, oblivious to the tension, asked, "Uh... who are you guys talking about?"
Ryukyu and Miruko responded in unison, their voices laced with a hint of annoyance,
"Uwabami."
...
As the elevator ascended to Uwabami's top floor, Miruko's body language betrayed her eagerness to leave.
"Uh, why does Miruko seem so uncomfortable around Uwabami?" Kendo asked.
Miruko's response was laced with disdain. "I don't hate her, I just can't stand being in the same room, breathing the same air, or looking at her smug face."
The elevator doors opened, and Uwabami greeted them with a cheerful "Usagi-chan!"
Miruko's eyes twitched, and she instinctively reached for the button to head back down. However, Ryukyu caught her arm and dragged her inside. "Listen, Uwabami, we need a favour," Ryukyu said, pulling the reluctant hero along.
Uwabami's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered. "Oh? The top female pro-hero, congratulations! I'm surprised someone like...Usagi-chan..." Miruko's anger flared, and she threatened,
"Call me that again, and I'll shove my foot so far up your..."
Uwabami's condescending chuckle cut her off. "Let's discuss this inside, shall we? No need for such...vulgar talk in public."
...
Izuku was walking with Aoi they were currently at a cat cafe, Izuku found it relaxing when he was at a cafe was it because it reminded him of Itsuka and Momo who the former loved coffee and ladder tea.
Izuku's eyes locked onto Aoi's, his voice barely above a whisper. "Aoi, why are you helping me? You don't have to..."
Aoi's gaze dropped, her voice laced with despair. "What's the point? I'm just a burden, a useless Aoi-nai. I don't mean anything."
Izuku's heart ached as he recognized the familiar tone of self-loathing. He thought of Kevin, and how he had protected him in the past, and a small smile crept onto his face. Fond memories flooded his mind, but they were quickly replaced by a surge of determination.
"Aoi, it's not your fault," Izuku said, his voice firm. "You don't deserve to be treated like this. No one does."
Aoi's tears spilled over, her body shaking. "Our school is a nightmare... People with weak quirks like me are constantly beaten, and reminded of our place... The vice principal, Kanerai, is a monster... He gropes us, makes us do humiliating things..."
Izuku's eyes burned with a mix of anger and recognition. He saw himself in Aoi's words, the same fear, the same helplessness. But he also saw Kevin's words echoing in his mind: "I've got your back, no matter what."
With a gentle touch, Izuku grasped Aoi's hands, his eyes locked onto hers. "I've got your back, Aoi. No matter what."
At that moment, Izuku made a silent promise to himself - he would protect Aoi, just as Kevin had protected him. He would stand by her, fight for her, and prove that she was not alone.
"No matter what happens, I'll help you. You won't have to suffer anymore." Izuku said, his green eyes almost glowing.
...
Uwabami's eyes sparkled with understanding as she turned to Nejire. "So, you want me to create a disguise for Hado-chan?" Her gaze swept over Nejire's physique, and a hint of a smile played on her lips.
"Though I wish you had returned for your second year, you've certainly matured... physically, of course."
Nejire resisted the urge to stick out her tongue, instead flashing a bright smile. Itsuka, however, bristled at Uwbami's next comment.
"And that Izuku Midoriya? Mhm. I heard he just took down the Hero Killer, but he seems so... plain."
Miruko's eyebrows furrowed in confusion, while Itsuka's face twisted in irritation. "Plain?" Miruko thought, her mind racing. "Hasn't she seen him fight? The only word I can describe him is exciting - things are never boring when he's around!"
Itsuka opened her mouth to retort but then remembered her own initial impression of Izuku. She felt a flush rise to her cheeks and remained silent.
Nejire, however, jumped to Izuku's defence. "Hey, I'll have you know Midoriya is super cute! His green hair is so fluffy, and the way it flows when he's saving someone is just... wow! And those diamond-shaped freckles only add to his cuteness!"
Uwbami and Ryukyu exchanged a knowing glance, their eyes sparkling with amusement. "So, it seems Hado-chan has a little crush," Uwbami teased, her voice dripping with playful sarcasm.
Nejire's face turned bright red as she folded her arms and turned away, pouting. "What are you talking about? I just think he's cute like a puppy!"
Ryukyu and Uwbami giggled, their laughter like music. "Okay, I'll help you," Uwbami said, her smile mischievous. "If Miruko, Ryukyu, and Kendo will do me the honour of being in my next commercial."
"Nope," Itsuka and Miruko chimed in unison, their faces set in determined lines.
Uwbami's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I have the best makeup kit that can last for days, but I suppose it's pointless if you two won't put aside your pride to ensure Midoriya and Nejire's safety."
Itsuka and Miruko sighed in unison, their faces reflecting their reluctance.
"Fine," they said, their voices barely above a whisper.
Uwbami's grin widened. "Splendid! I have the best makeup kit that can last for days."
...
"Okay, but we're still going to need a detective. The ones near police departments are most likely affiliated with the MLA." Ryukyu said.
Izuku stood up and dialled a number on his phone. Ryukyu watched him curiously, wondering who he was calling. After a few moments, a gruff voice answered.
"Midoriya! I'm so glad you called. The picture you provided has been a great help. We now suspect Dr. Kyudai of creating the Nomu, and he's being put under investigation," the voice said.
Izuku scratched behind his head, feeling a mix of emotions. "Actually, I was hoping you could do me a favour... I need your help with something."
There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then a sigh. "What is it, Midoriya? You're not getting into more trouble, are you?"
Izuku took a deep breath and explained the situation, telling Tsukauchi about the Meta Liberation Army's possible involvement and Aoi's situation. He could almost hear Tsukauchi's expression growing increasingly serious.
As Izuku finished speaking, Tsukauchi let out a sigh. "I swear, Midoriya, you're a magnet for trouble. But I'll help you. If you can provide proof, we can get a warrant. Send it to me directly. And be careful - the MLA likely has moles within the police, and some pros are affiliated with them, too."
"But what if she's lying, Midoriya? You're basing everything on her word. If she's deceiving you, it could ruin your entire future," Tsukauchi said, his scepticism evident.
Izuku recalled the girl's self-deprecating words and her hesitant demeanour. He was convinced she was telling the truth. "I'm sure, Tsukauchi. I trust her."
Tsukauchi hesitated, clearly unsure. "Alright, Midoriya. But be careful. You're taking a huge risk. If you're right, though... this could be massive. You're in the hands of two top-ranked heroes, and I know you'd probably do this regardless. Just... be careful."
Izuku chuckled, feeling a sense of reassurance. "I will, Tsukauchi. Thanks for understanding."
Tsukauchi's tone turned serious again. "I'm not doing this because I understand, Midoriya. I'm doing it because I have to. You're All Might's successor, and I won't let you throw your life away without a fight. Now, be careful and keep me updated."
Izuku smiled wryly. "I will, Tsukauchi. Thanks." He hung up the phone, feeling a sense of determination wash over him. Ryukyu raised an eyebrow, curious about the conversation.
...
Goro Iwamoto, the principal of Seijaku Gakuen Academy, sat at his desk, scrolling through his laptop with a stern expression. His receding hairline and well-groomed beard added to his authoritative aura. Suddenly, his phone buzzed, and he widened his eyes in shock upon seeing the caller ID. He quickly picked up, stuttering slightly before composing himself.
"Mr. Yotsubashi," Goro said, trying to hide his nervousness.
On the other end, Re-Destro, the leader of the Meta Liberation Army, spoke in a calm tone, "Nothing, I just wanted to call the principal of Seijaku Gakuen Academy. You've provided us with some of our elites, and I'm grateful."
Goro's eyes darted around the room, his grip on the phone tightening. "O-Oh, thank you, sir."
Re-Destro's voice took on a slightly suspicious tone. "I'm just ensuring you're adhering to our ideals. We aim to establish a new society where quirk users can live freely without fear of persecution or expectation."
As Re-Destro spoke, Goro's face began to sweat, his eyes fixed on some point on his desk. "Of course, sir. We teach our students... well, we're located on the outskirts, so they can freely use their quirks without prying eyes."
Re-Destro's pause on the other end made Goro's anxiety spike. "Good," he said finally, before hanging up.
Chitoe, a woman with a curious expression, approached Re-Destro. "You didn't inform Mr. Iwamoto that one of his students was seen entering Pro Hero Ryukyu's agency."
"No. I didn't."
Re-Destro's eyes narrowed, his gaze drifting to a photo of Seijaku Gakuen Academy's students, including Izuku Midoriya and Nejire Hado, disguised but recognizable. Under some false names, "Prepare a new headline, Chitoe. 'U. A student Izuku Midoriya exposes a corrupt school.' It seems Seijaku Gakuen Academy is not what it seems."
Chitoe's smile grew wide. "I'll get right on it."
...
...
[Back with Izuku]
Izuku gazed at his reflection, noting the changes - freckles concealed, green hair now black, and blue contacts altering his eye colour. His phone rang, breaking the silence. Ochako's name flashed on the screen.
"Hey, Dekiru! How's the newfound fame treating you?" Ochako asked, her voice accompanied by the sound of crickets and distant stars.
Izuku snorted. "Honestly, it's weird. I'm not used to all this attention."
Ochako chuckled. "I know what you mean. Today, during a patrol, I had a bunch of guys ask me out! It was so embarrassing."
Izuku felt a twinge in his chest. One that he felt with Ojiro and Itsuka talked, or when Jirou teased Kaminari, he would admit he wished felt comfortable enough to tease him the way she teased Kaminari.
"Uh, Dekiru?" Ochako said, breaking the silence.
"Oh, sorry. I guess all this attention makes you uncomfortable, huh?" she asked, knowing her friend struggled with social situations.
Izuku scratched behind his head. "Yeah, I'm not used to being the centre of attention. And... I don't know. It's just weird."
Ochako giggled. "You'll just have to get used to it, Dekiru. Whether you like it or not, you attract a lot of attention."
Izuku sighed. "Sometimes it feels like unwanted attention. I have no idea how All Might handle it, with all those fans fawning over him."
Ochako suggested, "You could use Ghostfreak and turn invisible."
Izuku replied, "From my experience with Mina, that doesn't always work. Plus, I don't have a license, so I doubt I can transform whenever I want."
Izuku pondered aloud, "You know, maybe I could be an Underground Hero, like Mr. Aizawa."
Ochako teased, "Sorry, but I don't think the next number one hero can be an underground hero. And with how much trouble you attract, there is no way you could stay hidden."
Izuku's comedic depressed aura of acceptance made Ochako laugh. "But... if you're nervous about giant crowds or dozens of fans... you could..." Her voice trailed off, and she blushed.
"Uh... Bye, Dekiru!" She quickly hung up, leaving a very confused Izuku.
Ochako's eyes locked onto the phone as she slid down the door, her back against the cool surface. Her cheeks deepened to a vibrant pink, and her heart pounded in her chest. She whispered, barely audible,
"... Hold my hand." The phone slipped from her fingers, and she let out a soft sigh, lost in her thoughts.
...
Izuku's eyes widened in curiosity. "Huh? I wonder what she was going to say?"
He shrugged it off, not thinking much of it. Nejire's voice broke the silence.
"So, you and your girlfriend caught the Hero Killer? Congratulations!"
Izuku's face turned bright red. "W-W-What? M-Me and Ochako are just friends!"
Nejire raised an eyebrow. "But you call her by her first name?"
Izuku stuttered, "I-I mean, yeah... it's just that we've gone through a lot together, and..."
He took a deep breath to calm his racing heart. "We're just friends..."
Izuku's mind drifted back to the accidental kiss. He had felt something, even if it was unintentional. But Ochako seemed to want to forget it, making him think she was uncomfortable with the moment.
Nejire's voice brought him back to reality. "Oh."
Her blissful smile and rosy cheeks hinted at her own feelings, but Izuku remained lost in his thoughts.
"We're just friends," Izuku repeated, his voice barely above a whisper, as he looked down with a sad smile, as he felt a pang in his chest. He shook his suppressing those feelings.
Here's a rewritten version with some minor changes for clarity and flow:
Nejire stepped in front of Izuku, her face inches from his, making him blush at the sudden closeness. "So close, so close, so close," she teased, twirling around to show off her new look.
Izuku's eyes widened as he took in her ponytail and glasses. "Uhm... You don't look too different," he stammered.
Nejire pouted, her lips jutting out in a cute expression. "Yes, I do! My hair is in a ponytail, and I'm wearing glasses. I'm a totally different person!"
She leaned in closer, her face almost touching Izuku's, making him turn bright red. Just then, the door opened, and Ryukyu entered Tsukauchi.
"All right, if you're both ready..." Tsukauchi looked around the room, and then spotted Nejire. "Uhm, where's Nejire Hado? She's supposed to be with Midoriya, right?"
Nejire turned to Izuku with a smug yet cute expression, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Izuku's face contorted in a mixture of embarrassment and acceptance.
"T-This is Nejire," he stuttered, gesturing to the girl in front of him.
Ryukyu's eyes widened in surprise, and then a smile spread across her face. "Well, well, well. Look at that. You're quite the transformation, Nejire."
Tsukauchi's eyes widened in surprise. "I barely recognized you, Nejire! You look completely different."
"I... But.. She.. Uh... Huh?" Izuku couldn't help but see she only wore glasses and changed her hair she didn't look too different.
Izuku took a deep breath, accepting their new reality. Ryukyu nodded, "Thanks to Midoriya's efforts, you're both enrolled in this boarding school. Nejire, you'll investigate the girls' dorms, while Midoriya, you'll focus on the boys' dorms. At night, Midoriya uses Ghostfreak to gather as much information as possible. The school's administrators have likely grown complacent and arrogant, leaving them vulnerable to exposure."
Izuku nodded, understanding his mission.
"From now on, you'll be known as Kaito Yamato, Midoriya, and Nami Takahashi, Nejire. Midoriya, you'll be a first-year student, while Nejire, you'll be a third-year student."
Ryukyu's expression turned serious. "You have three days to uncover the school's dark secrets. Do you both understand?"
"Yes, sir," they replied in unison, determination in their voices.
"Yes, sir." They both said in unison.
...
The next day, Izuku Midoriya, now known as Kaito Yamato, wore a black shirt with a red armband featuring the school emblem, a stylized kanji character for "strength" or "power." Nejire, now Nami Takahashi, wore a white blouse with a red tie, a black skirt, and a black jacket with the same emblem. They sat together on a bus with other new students, likely late arrivals like themselves.
Izuku's heart pounded with excitement as he thought, "Can't believe my plan is actually working!" Nejire sat beside him, and they both gazed out the window at the school as the bus approached the entrance.
"Doesn't look threatening at all from the outside," Izuku said.
Nejire whispered, "Well, obviously not, dummy. That's how a lot of bad guys get away with their stuff - they hide in plain sight."
Ryukyu's voice chimed in from the glasses, "Often, villains, especially well-coordinated groups, don't have a scary or spooky appearance. They blend in, making it easy to overlook them. That's how they stay hidden, like cockroaches."
Nejire added, "You heard that, Mid- I mean, Kaito."
Izuku looked at Nejire, questioning their use of aliases. Nejire nodded, "We're using our first names as aliases?"Izuku asked
Nejire nodded. " Isn't It kinda weird for a first-year and third-year student to hang out? We won't be able to just move around freely together. People will get suspicious."
Izuku thought about it, and he nodded." I guess it would be a little weird. "
"So... I thought of a solution,"Nejire said a blush slowly growing.
Izuku's curiosity was piqued. "Oh?"
Nejire closed her eyes, scooted closer, and whispered, "We tell people we're dating." Her face flushed with a small blush.
Izuku's mind froze, like a record scratching to a halt. He stuttered, "... Huh?"
On the other end of the comms, Miruko and Itsuka did a spit take, surprised by Nejire's suggestion.
Nejire's voice was laced with nervousness as she proposed the plan. "I mean, think about it, if we want some private alone time, we could just sneak away, no one would question it, people will think we're just being teenagers... y'know, kissing and other stuff..."
Izuku's mind raced as he considered the plan. It was sound, but his thoughts drifted to Itsuka, and his heart skipped a beat. He hadn't realized it before, but he knew Itsuka had feelings for him. He thought to himself, "Wait, what about Itsuka? She likes me, I know she does... How can I do this to her?"
Nejire's face grew redder as she awaited his response. "Look, I know it's a little weird... But do you have a better suggestion?"
Izuku's inner turmoil intensified. "I-I-I mean, uh..." He couldn't bring himself to reject the plan outright, not without considering Itsuka's feelings.
Just as he was about to speak, Itsuka's voice came through the comms. "I think it's a pretty good plan, Izuku. Go for it!"
Izuku's eyes widened in surprise. "Itsuka..."
Itsuka continued, "Everyone at the school needs our help. This will help you maintain your cover. We should put our personal feelings aside, we're heroes, Izuku, or at least in training. I know it might be weird, but you have to."
Izuku felt a surge of admiration for Itsuka's strength and selflessness. His eyes began to well up with tears as he thought, "Itsuka is so strong... She's willing to put her feelings aside for the mission. She's always been like this, prioritizing others before herself."
He took a deep breath, inspired by Itsuka's courage. "Itsuka's right. I can do this."
Nejire's face lit up with a relieved smile. "Really? You'll do it?"
"Y-Yeah." Izuku stuttered, hiding behind his hands in embarrassment.
"Alright, Seijaku Gakuen Academia newbies get ready to get off." The driver said making the two perk up.
As the bus approached the entrance of Seijaku Gakuen Academia, Izuku and Nejire perked up, gazing out the window in awe. The school's gate was flanked by six statues, three on each side, dressed in suits of armour and standing in powerful poses. Each statue wore a helmet with a visor and had a large, flowing cape extending from their shoulders. They grasped large, ornate weapons, possibly lances or staffs, exuding an air of strength and authority.
Above the entrance, two bird-like figures perched on the rooftops, gazing out over the school. The one on the left was a humanoid, bird-like figure adorned in sleek, aerodynamic armour with large talons and feather-like appendages extending from its arms and back. On the right, a creature with large, red wings and a body covered in red, pink, and green armour-like feathers crouched down, its sharp, angular features and beak-like mask giving it a fierce appearance.
As the bus stopped, Izuku and Nejire, along with a few other new students, got off, their eyes fixed on the grand entrance. The school's building was a majestic, modern structure with a mix of Japanese and Western architectural styles, reflecting its prestigious status as a private high school.
Nejire nudged him playfully. "Come on, Kaito, let's go."
As they walked towards the entrance the principal stood there in a professional look.
"Welcome!" Principal Goro Iwamoto boomed, his eyes closed in a cheerful smile. However, Nejire detected a hint of malice behind his warm demeanour.
As they followed the principal, Nejire whispered to Izuku, "Mi-Kaito, we should be careful. That guy gives me a bad feeling." She wrapped her arm around his, pulling him close, and pressed her bosom against his arm. Izuku's face flushed bright red as he felt his heart race.
"Relax, we're a couple, remember?" Nejire reminded him, her voice barely audible over the murmurs of the other students. Izuku's eyes darted around, hoping no one noticed his flustered state.
As they walked, Izuku felt the weight of gazes from the male students, some of whom seemed to glare at the two with envy or suspicion. Principal Iwamoto continued, "We're a school that prioritizes freedom, so feel free to use your quirks as you wish. However, for safety reasons, please share your quirk with me."
Nejire raised her hand enthusiastically. "Nami Takahashi, my quirk is... 'Sonic Pulse'! It allows me to generate powerful shockwaves from my hands and feet, which I can use for combat and even flight."
Some boys scoffed, glancing at Nejire with a mix of disdain and jealousy. However, Nejire remained unfazed.
"Kaito, your turn," Nejire nudged him, her bosom still pressed against his arm.
Izuku hesitated, trying to compose himself before speaking, "Uh... Kaito Yamato. My quirk is... 'Velocity Boost'! It allows me to temporarily increase my speed and agility."
Izuku groaned inwardly as he touched the Omnitrix, hidden beneath his sleeve. "Ah, man, it sucks that I can't use the Omnitrix," he thought, feeling frustrated.
Nejire noticed his subtle gesture and leaned in close, her breath tickling his ear. "Remember, use it only for emergencies," she whispered.
Izuku's heart skipped a beat as he felt a flutter in his chest. He couldn't help but react to Nejire's proximity, her warm breath sending shivers down his spine. He tried to brush off the feeling, focusing on their mission, but his face grew slightly flushed.
"Got it," he whispered back, trying to sound calm, but his voice was barely above a whisper.
"She's right, Midoriya," Tsukauchi's voice echoed through the comms, "your quirk is way too recognizable. Your forms, like Four Arms, are pretty well-known. If you transform, your cover is pretty much blown. You can't risk exposing your true identity, not now."
Izuku nodded to himself.
...
Principal Iwamoto stroked his beard, a sly grin spreading across his face. "Yes, you both seem powerful and from how Ms Takahashi seems to cling to you, Yamato, I take it you're both a couple?"
Nejire responded immediately, "Yes," her voice confident and assured. Izuku's face flushed bright red as he nodded in agreement, feeling a bit flustered by her ease.
The principal chuckled, "Ha! Good, good. The strong should be together, to make powerful children." His comment raised eyebrows among the students, and Izuku exchanged a worried glance with Nejire.
As they walked, two more students approached the principal, eager to introduce themselves.
The first, a girl named Akane, stepped forward nervously. "H-hello, I'm Akane. My quirk is Petite Bloom. I can make small flowers bloom in my hands."
The principal's expression turned cold, his eyes filled with disdain. He didn't say a word, but his silence spoke volumes.
The second student, a boy named Kaitlyn, introduced himself with a mix of confidence and nervousness. "Hey, I'm Kaitlyn. My quirk is Gentle Gust. I can create a moderate breeze with my hands."
The principal nodded curtly, his expression unchanging. "Noted."
As they continued the tour, the school seemed like a regular high school, with bustling hallways and students chatting with friends. But Izuku couldn't shake off the feeling of unease, especially after the principal's uncomfortable comments. He remembered Aoi's words, warning him about the school's dark secrets, and he wondered what lay beneath the surface.
"It seems like a pretty normal high school, nothing noteworthy or suspicious," Tsukauchi observed over the comms.
"Yeah, I thought there would be something," Itsuka agreed, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Miruko chimed in, crunching on a carrot, "To be fair, they are new kids in town. It's not like the school is going to show off their dirty deeds right off the bat. We need to give it time, gather more intel."
"Y-Yeah," Izuku said nervously.
...
A boy with blonde hair was suddenly sent hurtling through the hallways, slamming into the wall with a loud thud. He groaned, his eyes wide with fear, as he struggled to sit up. "N-No, I-I tried my best! Please!" he begged, his voice trembling.
The boy's tormentor, a teenager with unkempt light orange hair dyed dark brown at the base, stood over him, his ember eyes blazing with rage. He clutched a test paper in his hand, crumpled in a tight fist. "70? A fucking 70%?!" he bellowed, his face red with fury.
The blonde boy cowered, his eyes fixed on the boy's raised fist, as he pleaded for mercy. But the boy's tormentor was unforgiving, his fist descending in a cruel arc. "I told you if you got any lower than fucking 90%, I would beat your ass!"
Just as the fist was about to strike, a blur shot past and the fist was caught in mid-air. "That's enough," Izuku said, his eyes blazing with One For All's power.
The boy's tormentor glared at Izuku, his eyes flashing with anger, but Izuku stood firm, his gaze unwavering. The air was thick with tension as the two boys stared each other down.
The blonde boy, still cowering on the floor, looked up at Izuku with a mix of fear and gratitude in his eyes. Izuku glanced back at him and nodded. "Go," he said softly.
The blonde boy scrambled to his feet and fled the scene, his eyes fixed on the safety of the crowd. As he disappeared, the two boys felt a pat on their shoulders.
Principal Goro's smile faltered for a moment before he regained his composure. "Now, now, Yamato, that was just a little roughhousing. Please don't take Tanaka's outburst to heart; he was just relieving some stress, isn't that right, Tanaka?"
Izuku and Nejire widened in absolute horror. "R-Relieving stress...?"
On the other end Tsukauchi, Miruko and Ryuko listened carefully to grim expressions. As everything Aoi had told them had been true.
But Tanaka's rage only intensified. "Hmph, little shit can't even do a project right! I'm going to beat him to a bloody pulp today!"
Goro's tone turned threatening, his eyes glinting with a sinister light. "Now, Tanaka, I told you we would be having new students today, so you should behave."
Tanaka's bravado crumbled, and he quivered back, stumbling away from the principal. But Goro's hand shot out, grasping the boy's head like a vice. Black lightning crackled around his fingers, and the boy screamed in agony, tears streaming down his face.
Izuku and Nejire watched in horror as the principal's quirk, "Psyche Crush," took hold, torturing the boy's mind and bending him to Goro's will. The air was heavy with the stench of fear and submission.
"This is what happens when you disobey me," Goro hissed, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. "You will all learn to obey, or suffer the consequences."
The principal released his grip, and the boy stumbled away, his eyes wide with horror, his face etched with trauma. Goro calmly took out a handkerchief and wiped his hand, as if cleansing himself of the boy's fear.
"Remind me that the other boy also needs to be disciplined," he said, his voice devoid of empathy. "The blonde weak one. He can't even get a good grade, for Tanaka. Damn him what is he even useful for?"
Nejire's eyes flashed with anger, but she quickly composed herself, her rage simmering just below the surface. "That other kid didn't do anything wrong," she thought, her mind racing with indignation.
The principal, seemingly oblivious to the turmoil he had just caused, smiled warmly and turned to face the new students.
"Now, welcome to Seijaku Gakuen Academia," he said, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "I trust you will all learn to thrive in our... unique environment."
...
"Thanks for reading! Please leave a review and let me know:
What you thought of the latest chapter
Your favorite ship or moment
How I can improve the story
What you're excited to see next
Any other thoughts or feedback!"
I'm going to go this arc will be around 3 chapter before Kendo date and we return back to school. I wanted to try and do the Meta Liberation Army in my own way, while also doing my own arc during the internships, original arcs are probably going to be common, I'm not going to follow Canon to a T, but I'd still love to hear how can I improve.
Neroblaze11: I actually left a hint in chapter 21 that the two knew each other.
LeonMooky:Thank you your reviews always keep going! Hope you'll enjoy the classes reaction to Izuku and Ochako's new found fame in the next few Chapters.