It's the very next day, and Leo can be seen sitting at his table with a small plate of eggs and toast with a bowl of cinnamon and honey oatmeal. The living room TV is on as background noise as he eats, but something catches his attention.

"Good Morning, ladies and gentlemen. A shocking incident unfolded just yesterday afternoon. A dangerous criminal who had escaped police custody after turning into a sludge-like substance was on the run. The man in question unleashed chaos on our streets as he ran from Pro Heroes. He even took a hostage as a means of escape. The hostage in question is a young student who goes to Aldera Junior High; his name is Katsuki Bakugo.

(Cut's to footage of the Sludge Villain engulfing Bakugo.)

"He was cornered by the heroic efforts of our esteemed Pro Heroes. However, amidst the chaos, one individual emerged as an unexpected hero. A teenager, Izuku Midoriya, who is, as far as we know, quirkless, defied all odds to come to the rescue.

[The screen transitions to images and videos of Izuku Midoriya trying to save Katsuki Bakugo from the Sludge Villain's grasp.]

"As you can see, young Midoriya displayed remarkable bravery, rushing toward the villain despite his apparent disadvantage. He attempted to save Katsuki Bakugo. What makes Midoriya's actions even more astonishing is the fact that he is quirkless. Ultimately, the situation was resolved by the timely arrival of the renowned Pro Hero, All Might, who apprehended the Sludge Villain and saved both Midoriya and Bakugo from peril.

(Video of destroying the Sludge Villain with one punch)

"I'm going to go off script and say this: Izuku Midoriya has shown incredible bravery, courage, and selfless heroics. Despite the fact that he is quirkless, he stepped up to try and save someone. Yet he was reprimanded by the two Pro Heroes, Kamui Woods and Death Arms.

A few snippets of an interview with the two

"Kamui, can I ask... why did you reprimand that young man?" She holds the microphone in front of his face. Kamui can be seen standing with his arms crossed and a serious look on his face.

"He threw himself into danger when there was no need. He could have gotten seriously hurt or, worse, killed."

"Heroes are constantly throwing themselves into danger day in and day out. What's different about this young man?" Kamui gives her a look, screaming, 'Are you serious?'

"You answered your own question. We're the heroes, while he is not. He's just a civilian that could have gotten hurt."

(The screen cuts to an interview with Death Arms.)

"Why did you reprimand that young man?" She asks, holding out the microphone for him to speak into. Death Arms scratches the back of his head and shakes his head.

"I was just worried for his safety, but he showed real courage. I'm just thankful he wasn't hurt inany way. He says this with a small smile on his face, and the reporter nods her head.

The feed cuts back to the news anchor.

"This is the next generation. Some will be future heroes, others will go into other fields. A quirky young man has shown us he has what it takes to be a future hero, but to me, he already is. I thank you for joining me this morning for the 6 o'clock news. Stay safe and remember. Heroism can emerge from the most unexpected places."

The broadcast ends and goes to an ad for cactus juice. Leo smiles, turns the TV off, and eats his breakfast in silence.

As Leo walks through the entrance of Aldera Junior High, it's bustling with students who are either chatting, laughing, or going about their business. Since Leo is standing at 6'0, he can see over the bustling crowd of teens.

"Man, I really hate Mondays."

As he walks further into the schoolyard, a group of students, led by a cocky and aggressive student named Toshi, can be seen being annoyingly loud and obnoxious. The teen's eyes land on Leo, and he looks at him with the same arrogant look he's seen on Bakugo.

"Hey, look who we've got here! It's the fresh meat!"

His little group, encouraged by him, started to laugh and jeer.

"Yeah, that's me. Just here to learn."

"I didn't say you could leave, Freshie. You need to learn to lighten up."

One of Toshi's friends, Sora, shoves Leo, causing him to stumble. His bag falls off his shoulder as he stands between Sora and Toshi.

"Yeah, Freshie! You get to leave; when we tell you, you can!"

Leo can feel his blood start to boil as his quirk tickles the back of his mind. He shuts it out, grabs his bag, and tries to step around Sora, but it becomes clear that this group is determined to provoke him. Sora steps in front of him each time he tries to step around. Leo glares down at the smaller teen, who has the same arrogant smirk on his face.

"You do not want this fight." He speaks through his gritted teeth. Sora rubs his chin with a smug look and nods a few times.

"Oh, I think we do." He says that before backhanding Leo across the face, Toshi and his group of friends laugh and cheer at the sudden blow. All it did was turn Leo's head to the side. He slowly looks back at Sora and tosses his bag off to the side.

"I heard there was a Freshie that protected that quirkless freak. You must know that being quirkless is a disease, right? Why protect such a lowly creature?"

Leo can feel his quirk fighting back harder as the words leave Toshi's mouth. He suppresses it, letting a deep growl escape his mouth.

The commotion quickly attracts the attention of other students, who form a large circle around Toshi's group and Leo. Some begin to cheer, egging them to escalate to a full-on fistfight. Izuku stops on the outskirts of the crowd of students with a confused look, and he slowly begins to blend into the crowd to see what the commotion is.

"You reap what you sow! If you're going to protect a quirkless person, you're worse than a villain. What does the crowd want?" He shouts loudly, and the crowd jeers and taunts for chaos to break out. Leo looks at the group and takes in each of their appearances.

Toshi has a medium build, Sora is on the smaller side, one guy is on the large side, and the last is a mix between large and medium.

"Man, this is going to look so good on my application to a Hero School!" He cheers before throwing a punch at Leo.

Leo quickly catches his fist and picks Sora up by the neck. The young man gasps from the sudden hold on his throat. He knees Leo in the ribs a few times, trying to break the hold, but he squeezes tighter.

In an instant, Leo slams him into the ground, and Sora coughs up saliva mixed with bile as he loses what air he had in his lungs. He doesn't get a chance to recover as Leo unleashes quick and heavy blows to Sora's face.

A few punches in, and Sora's face is a little messed up. A nasty bruise is starting to form over his left eye, and his lower lip is splitting open from the repeated abuse. The young teen grunts in pain from each blow before he falls unconscious.

Toshi growls in anger and sucker punches Leo in the back of the head. He stands up, towers over him, and slowly turns to face him. Toshi glares up at him, but he finally gets a good look at Leo's face.

His once dark blue eyes are now blood red, and a few scars decorate his face, making him look even more intimidating. One rests above his right eyebrow and travels down the side of his face until it reaches the underside of his right eye; the other goes over his mouth until it reaches his lower chin.

Toshi swallowed a lump that formed in his throat but kept a cool exterior. In one quick motion, Leo headbutts Toshi. A crunching noise reaches the ears of the onlookers as the arrogant brown-haired teen's nose breaks from the blow. He lets out a scream of pain and holds his hands over his now-broken nose. Crimson slowly begins to leak through his fingers, and it starts staining the ground.

One of the larger teens uses his quirk and rushes towards Leo, Turning to the heavy footsteps, he stops the obese man's charge.

"How are you this strong?" He says in a shaky voice, Leo grunts in anger as he slowly begins to push him back as his feet start to slide against the ground. He picks up the half-bison/human quirk user and powerbombs him onto the ground, knocking him out.

Toshi looks up in fear as Leo turns his attention back onto him. He starts to shake before a small puddle of liquid begins to form under him. His eyes slowly roll into the back of his head, and he falls back, lying in his own piss.

The last person remaining saw that Sora and Toshi got their asses handed to them and ran away in fear. Leo growls in anger as that tickling feeling returns, but he suppresses it, causing his eyes to return to their normal color.

The crowd that had formed hasn't stopped cheering for the blows that were landed; this commotion quickly attracted the attention of a few teachers. The adults rush over and see the three unconscious boys that lie around Leo.

"What the hell happened over here?" He shouts in anger at seeing three people lying on the ground. His eyes fall on Leo who's reaching for his bag. His eyes glanced down at his knuckles to see some blood on them.

"Mr. Blackwood.. principal's office, now." He says it angrily. Leo shakes his head and slowly follows the teacher to the principal's office for disciplinary action.

Leo sits in a chair across from the principal, the atmosphere heavy with tension. Leo stares at the older man with a neutral look on his face. He watches as Principal Kamoshida looks at his watch as they wait for Leo's primary guardian, Toshinori Yagi.

"Leo, what happened out there today was completely unacceptable. Violence has no place in this school, and I hope you understand the seriousness of your actions."

"With all due respect, I was defending myself. I tried to avoid the fight, but they kept pushing and pushing."

"That may be the case, Leo, but our school has a strict no-violence policy for a reason. I've called your primary guardian, Mr. Yagi, and he will be here shortly to discuss this matter further.

Just then, the office door opens, and Toshinori Yagi, in his civilian attire, walks in. His face is laced with concern as he enters the room.

"Principal, I've been informed of the situation. Leo, are you all right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. All I did was defend myself, but I'm the one that gets blamed."

"I understand, Leo. I'll listen to both sides of the story. Principal, could you please explain what happened and why you called me here?"

"Well, Mr. Yagi, Leo was involved in a physical altercation on school grounds. Our no-violence policy is very clear, and we take such incidents seriously. Leo is facing suspension as a result of this."

"I see. While I certainly respect the school's policies, I believe it's essential to consider the circumstances that led to this situation. Leo, would you like to tell us your side of the story?"

The young man sighs and crosses his arms, his eyebrows furrowed in frustration from being in this situation for defending himself.

"They were taunting me; one of them pushed me first. I tried to walk away, but he kept getting in front of me. They found out that I helped a quirkless kid in my class, and wanted to teach me a lesson. That's when we started to trade blows. I had no choice but to defend myself."

"It's crucial to remember, Principal, that self-defense is a fundamental right. You did what you had to do to protect yourself. I would like to suggest that we investigate this matter thoroughly before making any decisions about Leo's punishment."

"Mr. Yagi, I understand your point, but we must also maintain the safety and order of our school. We can't condone violence under any circumstances."

"I agree that violence should not be tolerated. However, we should consider all the facts before making a decision. It's clear that Leo didn't initiate the confrontation."

"My hands are tied. Mr. Yagi, Leo will have to leave the school while we investigate the matter. We'll give you a call when we figure out if he's guilty or not."

Toshinori nods his head in understanding, but his face holds a disappointed and angry look.

"I understand, Principal; let's go, Leo."

He stands up with Leo following him; they both leave Aldera and walk to the number one hero truck. In silence, Leo hops onto the passenger side while All Might gets into the driver seat.

He starts the truck, pulls out of the parking lot, and drives off. For a while, silence fills the cab, but Toshinori keeps glancing at Leo.

"Thanks for coming to get me. Sorry, it's on your day off." He looks at the older man and sees a bright look on his face.

"Don't worry, I'm not mad at you. If anything, I believe you." Leo hums in surprise but has a small smile on his face.

"What am I going to do now that I don't have school?" The number one hero glances at him but keeps his eyes focused on the road.

"Don't worry, you won't be slacking off in that apartment. I have something in mind."

Leo looks over to see a smile on his face. The young man wonders what he has planned and ends up leaning his head against the passenger side window and watching the scenery go by.

Toshinori puts the truck in park and opens the door as he gets out. Leo follows suit and walks with him, where he sees a rock with a nameplate on it.

"Dagoba Municipal Beach Park"

Leo looks over at Toshinori and sees the older man smiling at him before walking forward. They walk past the nameplate and towards the staircase that leads down to the beach. Leo stops just at the top, peers over the railing, and takes in the sight.

"Holy shit, this place is covered in trash." He says that, looking at all the piles of trash, Toshinori nods his head sadly and looks out at the scene with a frown.

"People have been illegally dumping their trash into the ocean. The current always ends up washing it back to shore. Back in my younger years, a hero would have come by and cleaned this up without a second thought. It is sad to see that most only care about fighting crime. Leo glances at him, confused as to why he's here.

"Why did you bring me here?" He asks with a raised eyebrow, and the older man turns to him with a smile.

"I wanted to ask you something. Was that quirkless boy you protected, Izuku Midoriya?" Leo nods his head, and Toshinori lets out a small chuckle before looking out at the vast sea.

"He's going to be my successor." Leo looks at the number one hero, surprised.

"Why'd you pick him?"

Toshinori has a big smile on his face but a faraway look in his eyes. A few minutes pass before he gives Leo a response.

"He reminds me of myself, minus all the tears that leak out of his eyes." He laughs at the last part, and Leo hums in understanding.

"He seems like a genuine good person; I believe he will go far in this world." The young teen says that as he leans against one of the railings, All Might nods his head before turning to face him.

"That's why I brought you here—to tell you about young Midoriya being my successor. But I would also like you to help him. Train alongside him; he needs a friend to push him past his limits." He says this as he squeezes his hand into a fist with a look of determination on his face. Leo runs a hand through his hair with an uncertain look on his face.

"You still want me to become a hero, don't you?" He asks in a quiet voice, and Toshinori nods his head with a serious look on his face.

"You have an unwavering determination and a selfless heart. Not to mention, you lend a helping hand to anyone in need. I've seen it firsthand; you can become an amazing hero." He says this as he puts a hand on the young man's shoulder.

"I don't know. After that day, that dream died in me. How can I be a hero when I don't even believe in myself?" As his voice starts to waver, memories come flooding back. Toshinori firmly grips his shoulder and softens his look.

"I understand, Leo. But sometimes, it's those struggles that can mold us into the heroes we're meant to be. It's about turning pain and adversity into strength and determination. I believe in you; your past doesn't define your future. It's your actions that will shape who you become."

Leo let the words sink in as a small spark reignited inside of him. He nods his head and looks up at Toshinori with a firey determination.

"If it means I can add a positive impact in this cruel world, then I'll give it a shot." Toshinori let out a loud laugh as he accidentally transformed into All Might, his heroic persona. The man is beyond happy to hear that from Leo, Ever since the young man started to live in Japan, the older hero has always pushed him to the path of light, even with all the darkness inside of him.

"HA, HA, HA! YOU NEVER CEASE TO AMAZE ME, MY BOY! I'M GONNA NEED YOUR HELP WITH A LITTLE PROJECT; WE NEED TO GET SOME OF THIS TRASH IN THE RIGHT AREA TO HELP YOUNG MIDORIYA BUILD UP SOME MUSCLE!" The number one hero says this in his booming voice as he flexes his muscles before transforming back while coughing out some blood.

The number one hero wipes away some of the blood that drips down his chin before slowly making his way down the stairs. Leo slowly follows after him and is led towards the center of all the trash. There's a small circle of sand that sits in the center pile; it's only big enough for the two of them to stand in.

"Now what?" All Might looks around at some of the big, obscure pieces of scrap metal and appliances before he nods his head a few times.

"We need to clear some more space; if you can, move those larger pieces like this stove here!" He taps his knuckle against it a few times. Leo takes off his blazer and tie, letting his dress shirt hang loosely around his well-built body.

- Few hours later -

Leo can be seen standing, breathing rather heavily, his hands dirty from handling rusted-out metal, giving them a slight orange mixed with a black coat. Toshinori pats him on the back and hands him a bottle of water that he got from a nearby vending machine.

"Thanks." He says with a small smirk, he quickly drinks half of the contents of the bottle as Toshinori takes a small sip of his.

"Good job today. We were productive even with everything that happened." He says, smiling, Leo sighs and takes a seat in the sand.

"So, what's the plan? Did you already talk with Izuku about One for All?" He asks, looking up at the older man. The number one hero lets out a quiet chuckle and takes a seat next to Leo.

"You sure are blunt. Yes, I talked with young Midoriya yesterday. When I saw him act even without a quirk, it was like I was looking at my younger self..

As Leo was about to open his mouth, Toshinori's phone suddenly started to ring. The older man pulls it out of his breast pocket to check. Sweat starts to drip from his head as he quickly rises to his feet.

"Oh shit! I'm sorry, young Blackwood! I have to go somewhere important. Please be careful on your way home."He shouts while running towards the parking lot that is across the street. Leo shakes his head in amusement as he slowly rises to his feet.

"Its only a little past noon time; guess I gotta kill some time." He says retrieving his nearby scattered blazer and tie.

The lively atmosphere and colorful surroundings catch Leo off guard, sure he's been to cities back in America but this is unlike anything he's ever seen or experienced. The sound of people going about their everyday lives, the smell of different food vendors, merchants shouting to get a passerby's attention, and the sound of laughter and conversation echoing around him.

"Man, there is so much happening here. Each area looks like it has its own story."

He pauses to admire the street art decorating the walls, one covers the side of a large brick building depicting the upcoming Mt Lady, another is of the number two hero Endeavor. The vibrant colors make the murals of the heroes pop.

"I wonder who did these?" He questions quietly as he observes the art work.

Continuing his exploration, Leo wanders into a local market, greeted by a handful of stalls selling all sorts of goods - from fresh produce to handmade crafts. He takes his time browsing, occasionally stopping to chat with the vendors and learn about their crafts.

"Hey there! Take a look at these Hero themed keychains. Each one is unique!"

Leo stops at the sudden voice and looks to see a older man holding a handful of differently crafted heroes. The young man lets a smirk grace his face as he grabs a couple as souvenirs.

After walking around for a few hours taking in all the splendor the hustle and bustle the streets have to offer, Leo finds himself drawn to a park. The greenery, the chirping of birds, and the gentle breeze provide a peaceful buzz.

Leo settles on a bench, watching families play and people enjoying their time outdoors. He takes a moment to appreciate the simple joys of life. A sudden vibration from his phone snaps him back to attention as his smirk vanishes and is replaced by a frown.

He pulls out his phone from his pocket to see Aldera calling, he sighs and puts the phone up to his ear as he answers the call.

"Hello?"

"Leo, this is Principal Komoshida speaking. Its in regards of the fight that took place earlier today. I regret to inform you that you'll be suspended for a week for fighting." Leo scoffs and shakes his head.

"Even if it was self defense? Talk about a load of bull-shit."

"Self defense or not, we have a no tolerance policy for violence of any kind. Please, take this time to reflect on your actions." Leo can feel his anger slowly rising talking to Principal Komoshida, he sighs as his grips tightens around his phone.

"So, are the others suspended for the zero tolerance policy?"

"They will be seeing a guidance counselor for the week, they were in shambles after what you did too them." A enraged smile graces Leo's face hearing this, but he bites his tongue and sighs.

"Oh, so we're playing favorites now is it? And here I thought Aldera couldn't sink any lower."

"Mr. Blackwood, I urge you to take the time to reflect on your actions. If you are caught as a repeat offender, there will be serious consequences. Now, If you'll excuse me. Have a good night, Mr. Blackwood." He says before hanging up the call, Leo clicks his tongue as he puts away his cell-phone back into his pocket.

"What a fuckin jerk-off." He whispers quietly to himself as his now good mood ruined by his principal.

"Who's a jerk-off?" A feminine voice speaks up, Leo looks over to his right to see a girl around his age sitting on the bench next to his. She is a fair-skinned girl with a slender build. She has dark-purple hair that is chin length, but her most prominent feature are the long things that hang from her earlobes.

"My principal, the guy is a serious jerk-off." He says leaning forwards and propping himself up on his knees. The girl lets out a small chuckle and looks up from her phone.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to ease drop. My quirk makes it impossible not to." She says twirling one of her earlobes around her finger, Leo gets a better look to see they are shaped like earphone jacks.

"That must get annoying. I bet you hear all sorts of things you wish you hadn't." The girl puts her phone away and lets out another chuckle.

"More times than I can count, I'm Kyoka Jiro by the way." She says while absentmindedly twirling one of her earphone jacks, Leo nods his head.

"Leo Blackwood, nice to meet you."

"Like wise. I've never seen you around here before, you new?" Leo nods his head as he leans back against the bench.

"Yeah, I was living in the United States. I just moved into my new apartment 4 days ago now. Thought I would kill some time, and explore the area. Get to know my way around since I'll be here for the foreseeable future. What about you? You live close by?" Jiro smirks and nods her head.

"Its only a train ride away, I like coming here sometimes to enjoy the peace and quiet. It can get pretty loud at my house with my dad and mom both being musicians." Leo looks forwards towards a group of kids playing on the nearby playground, a small smile on his face.

"They a local duo or main stream?" He asks glancing back over at her, Jiro puts away her phone with one of her earphone jacks still plugged into it.

"They have a decent following, mostly local." Leo nods his head in understanding, Jiro quickly looks down towards where she put her phone and pulls it out.

"Shit.. I forgot that it was my turn to do the dishes. Ugh, I better get home.." She grumbles as she stands up from her bench.

"Yeah, I better get home too.. now that I'm free for the next week, I have time to unpack and fix up my apartment." This piqued Jiro's interest, she looks at him with a raised eyebrow.

"You live by yourself?" Leo sighs and nods his head as he stands up.

"Yeah, have for a few years now. It was a pleasure meeting you, Jiro." He says smiling towards the girl, she nods with her own smile and pulls out her phone.

"Before I go, wanna trade contact info? You seem pretty cool, thought we could be friends." She says with a small embarrassed hue on her face, Leo smirks and pulls out his phone and hands it to the girl.

Both enter their contact info in the others phone before handing it back, they both smile at one another.

"Be safe on your way back. I'll see you around, Jiro." He says before turning and walking back the way he had came. The purple haired girl just stands there and watches as a blush makes it's way onto her face.

A week had came and gone in the blink of an eye. Leo can be seen sitting in a chair with a uninterested expression. The principal stares directly at the young man with a stern expression.

"Leo Blackwood," Kamoshida began, his voice cold, formal, "do you know why you're sitting infront of me today?"

Leo let his gaze drift lazily from the principal to the floor and back again, barely stifling a yawn. "I guess your here to lecture me and drone on about how Aldera has a image to keep," he replied, his tone flat, bored. "Even though I was defending myself."

Kamoshida's jaw clenched, his fingers tapping against the desk in irritation. "Defending yourself? Is that how you see it?"

Leo shrugged, the motion slow, almost mocking. "It's how It was."

The principal's eyes narrowed. "You were suspended for a week, Leo. Seven days because you broke another students nose and caused some property damage in the hallway. On top of it all, you used your quirk illegally. We can't tolerate that kind of behavior here."

Leo's lips twitched in what might have been a smirk, but it faded as quickly as it appeared. "What was I supposed to do? Let them pound me into the ground? Get another nasty scar for you to believe me?"

Kamoshida leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping, a thin thread of frustration weaving through his words. "I could have you taken out here in handcuffs, arrested for your illegal use of quirk. Have them put you in a juvenile institution, maybe then you'll smarten up."

Leo's eyes flickered with the barest hint of anger, but his face remained unreadable. "Are you fucking kidding me? Your threatening to put me behind bars? Not only have I served the bullshit punishment you gave me but now you're really threatening me?"

Kamoshida's frown deepened, the lines on his face growing sharper. "Watch your mouth, this is a educational institution. Such crass language will not be tolerated in these walls. The two students that you injured have been getting counseling since the incident."

Leo leaned back, letting out a quiet scoff. "Counseling," he said, the word dripping with disbelief. "So they jump me, I defend myself, and now they get to sit in a room and talk about their feelings while I'm the only one that gets punished? Makes sense."

"This isn't about fairness, Leo. It's about how you handle yourself in difficult situations. Violence is never the answer, and now as a student of Aldera, you should remember that."

Leo scoffs again and goes to stand up. "Right. Guess I'll just take the punches next time. That'll show how well I 'handle' myself."

Principal Kamoshida stood, signaling that the conversation was over. "Head back to your class. I expect no more incidents."

"You won't hear from me," Leo said as he finally got to his feet, though his tone suggested something less like a promise and more like a challenge.

As he walked out of the office, Leo's mind buzzed with the unfairness of it all, the weight of it gnawing at him. Once again, it was his fault for fighting back, and once again, the real problem was being swept under the rug.

And deep down, that nagging voice in the back of his mind whispered: Next time, don't hold back.

Over the course of the week, his homeroom teacher had informed the class that those who want to enroll at UA have till the end of the month to really decide. Three people took the UA brochure, them being Bakugo, Midoriya, and Leo.

The young man gave a small smirk as his and Midoriya's eyes met, he noticed that the stuttering nervous wreck he met when he first transferred in was more determined and focused on something other than the insults others were throwing at him.

Leo can be seen sat in his living room with the Tv turned on, not really focused on watching whats displayed before him. His mind is elsewhere wondering how he should train for UA, the young man stood up and made his way towards a full length mirror that sits in the corner of the room.

Discarding his shirt he inspected his physique, he stared at his reflection, eyes tracing the lines of his body, noting the changes. He wasn't like the other guys his age. His muscles were harder, more defined, the result of countless brawls. His frame was lean but strong, every movement hinting at the raw power just beneath the surface.

But it wasn't his physique that caught his attention. It was the tattoos.

His forearms bore the unmistakable marks—deep black claw marks that started at his wrists, jagged and wild, like the strikes of a feral beast. They ran up his arms, widening as they climbed toward his shoulders, growing more menacing with every inch. Around his biceps, faintly glowing red lines pulsed under his skin, veins that seemed alive with a barely contained fury.

He flexed his arms, watching as the marks seemed to move, the red lines glowing a little brighter. They weren't just tattoos—they were a part of him, etched into his flesh by the power that surged through him when his Quirk had first awakened. The bear's claws were symbols of his rage, his strength, but also of his loss of control. They made him feel wild, dangerous, as if there was something inside him waiting to break free.

His gaze drifted to his chest, where the claw marks came together to form the head of a roaring bear, its mouth wide, teeth bared in primal fury. The black and red chains wrapped tightly around the bear's body, binding it like shackles, with fiery cracks glowing between the links. They were meant to hold the beast back, but as the chains climbed toward his pecs, they broke apart, symbolizing the release of his rage, the power that couldn't be contained. He could feel it sometimes—the burning, the pressure—like the chains were breaking just beneath his skin.

Leo ran a hand over the bear's head, feeling the ridges of the tattoo, the heat that seemed to radiate from it. The broken chains weren't just a symbol—they were a warning. A reminder of what could happen if he lost control. He could destroy anything, anyone, and the thought made his stomach churn, even as it excited something darker within him.

His eyes shifted down to his stomach and back. There, coiled like a living creature, was a massive serpent, its body covered in intricate patterns and scales, each detail so fine it almost seemed to move. The serpent's eyes glowed deep red, just like his own when the Quirk took over. It slithered around his waist and up his back, its body wrapping around him in a tight, unyielding grip.

He turned slightly, watching the serpent in the mirror. Its head rose over his shoulder, fangs bared, ready to sink into his flesh. And they did. The serpent's fangs bit into his shoulders, as though holding him in place, a reminder of the dangerous, uncontrollable nature of his power. No matter how strong he got, no matter how hard he trained, the serpent would always be there, coiled around him, ready to strike.

Leo exhaled, staring into his own glowing red eyes in the reflection. The tattoos told a story—one of power, of fury, but also of something darker. He wasn't just fighting to get stronger; he was fighting to keep himself in control. Because he knew, deep down, if he ever let go, the beast and the serpent wouldn't hesitate to tear everything apart.

He clenched his fists, the red glow of the veins intensifying for a moment. "Ten months," he muttered under his breath. "Ten months to try and get this under control."

But what could he do in just ten months? He couldn't just coast anymore, not with UA High looming on the horizon.

Ten months. That's all he had to prepare for the entrance exam. Ten months to turn himself into someone who stood a chance against kids with Quirks so flashy, so powerful, it felt like he didn't even belong in the same conversation. Leo scoffed at the thought.

He wasn't a stranger to fighting—but those weren't real fights. Street brawls, school scraps, throwing hands with Sora and his cronies... it wasn't enough.

He walked over to his desk, grabbing the UA brochure he had tossed there a few days ago. The cover showed smiling students, some in heroic poses, others using their Quirks. The image felt distant—he wasn't one of those polished, perfect types. His Quirk was raw, untamed. Worse, it felt like it was using him more than he was using it.

Leo dropped the brochure back down, taking a seat in his computer chair and turning on the device. As he saw the screen come to life, his mind raced. What can I do? His fists still ached from that last fight. Sure, he knew how to throw a punch—he'd been doing it long enough—but it was sloppy, unrefined. UA wasn't going to care how many street fights he'd won. They wanted heroes. People who knew how to fight, sure, but with control, with precision.

He spent a few hours looking through different fighting styles, from Muay Thai, Karate, Kung Fu, Judo, Taekwondo, Aikido, BJJ, Etc.

He slumped down onto his chair, his head resting against the desk as his thoughts churned. He only had ten months, such a short time to learn how the basics of a fighting style. Every one he searched up gave him an interest, from the grappling in Muay Thai, the kicks of Taekwondo, the throws of Judo, the technique of Boxing, all of it, it was all interesting to him.

And then it hit him. Kickboxing.

He knew how to brawl, sure, but kickboxing? That was a whole different level. Kicks, footwork, and technique all wrapped into one—all the things he didn't have but could learn.

Leo sat up, his mind suddenly clearer. If he trained in kickboxing, it could sharpen what he already knew. He had the raw strength, the aggression from his Quirk. He just needed a way to channel it. To master it.

Ten months...

He typed away on his keyboard and started searching for local gyms, scrolling through ads until he found one that offered kickboxing classes. His eyes traced the screen soaking in all the information the site had given.

He quickly took out his phone with a small smile on his face, It wasn't just about learning to fight—it was about making sure he had every advantage he could when it came to the UA exam. He had a late start in life with his quirk, growing up till the age of twelve quirkless. Now he has a chance to actually get a little start on this long journey.

Leo quickly entered the phone number, the phone rang twice before a gruff voice answered.

"Metro Fighting Gym, this is Rick. How can I help you?"

Leo cleared his throat, feeling a slight weight in his chest. "Yeah, uh... I'm looking to sign up for kickboxing lessons."

There was a pause on the other end, followed by a chuckle. "Kickboxing, huh? You got any experience, kid?"

Leo smirked, though the man couldn't see it. "A little. Been in more fights than I can count, but I could use some real training."

The man, Rick, laughed again, but there was a genuine tone to it this time. "Sounds like you know how to throw hands, at least. But kickboxing isn't just about swinging your fists. It's about control, discipline. You think you can handle that?"

Leo glanced back at the mirror, at the roaring bear and the serpent coiled around his body. Control. That was exactly what he needed. "Yeah," he said, more certain this time. "I can handle it."

"Good," Rick replied, his tone shifting into something more serious. "Classes start this week. We've got beginners on Tuesday and Thursday. You up for it?"

"Yeah," Leo said without hesitation. "I'm in."

"Alright, then. Be here Tuesday at 6. We'll see if you've got what it takes."

Leo hung up, staring at the phone in his hand. For the first time in a long time, he felt like he had a direction. He dropped his phone onto the desk and rubbed his temples. The decision felt right, but there was one more call he had to make. Even though he wasn't a fan of sharing too much, especially about things that weighed heavily on his mind, All Might deserved to know. It wasn't just a formality—Leo actually wanted to hear what he thought.

He scrolled through his contacts, pausing on the name Toshinori Yagi—All Might's real identity, the man who had been more of a father to him than anyone. It was strange sometimes, knowing that the Symbol of Peace had taken him in, but after all these years, Leo couldn't imagine life without him. He hit the call button, his thumb tapping it almost absentmindedly as the phone began to ring.

After a few moments, the familiar deep voice answered, though much softer than the booming persona All Might used when in costume. "Leo, my boy! How are you doing! Everything alright?"

Hearing his voice instantly put Leo at ease. All Might had that effect on him, ever since he was a kid—since the day he'd saved him. "Yeah, I'm good," Leo said, glancing out the window. "Actually, I wanted to tell you something."

There was a brief pause on the other end, the kind that Leo had grown to recognize as All Might shifting into "dad mode." "What's going on? You sound a little serious."

Leo chuckled lightly under his breath. All Might could always tell when something was on his mind. "I signed up for kickboxing classes," he said, deciding to just come out with it.

"Kickboxing?" All Might's voice perked up with excitement, the surprise clear but not unwelcome. "That's fantastic! It's a great way to stay focused, build strength, and learn discipline. When do you start?"

"Next Tuesday," Leo replied, feeling a little more relaxed now that it was out there. "It's twice a week, and I figured... well, with the UA entrance exam coming up in ten months, I need to step it up. Street fights aren't gonna be enough."

All Might hummed thoughtfully on the other end. "You're right about that. UA's entrance exam is no small feat, but kickboxing will help you more than you realize. It's not just about brute strength, Leo. It's about control—of your body and your mind."

Leo let that sink for a moment, his eyes drifting to the mirror where his reflection stood, muscular and marked with the tattoos that represented the power he still hadn't fully mastered. "That's the part I'm worried about," he admitted quietly. "Control. I'm strong, I know that, but I don't always feel like I'm the one in charge. I need to figure this out before UA, or else…"

He trailed off, not wanting to finish the thought. All Might's presence, even through the phone, brought a strange comfort. He didn't want to sound weak in front of the man who had been his hero since childhood.

"Leo," All Might's voice softened taking on the tone he used when he wanted to reassure him. "You've already come so far. Don't doubt yourself. Strength isn't just about power—it's about knowing how to use it, and when. You've been through more than most people your age, and yet you're still standing. That's real strength."

Leo felt his chest tighten a bit, but not in a bad way. There was a quiet warmth that spread through him, the kind of feeling he didn't often let himself acknowledge. "Yeah... I know," he muttered, brushing a hand through his hair. "It's just, sometimes it feels like I'm... I don't know, fighting against myself."

There was a brief silence, and then All Might spoke again, his voice full of understanding. "You're not fighting alone, Leo. Not anymore. I know I'm not your father by blood, but you're family to me. And family looks out for each other. Whatever you're facing, I'll help you through it."

Leo's throat tightened at the words. He hadn't heard much about his own dad, not since the incident when he was young, and though the memories were hazy, All Might had stepped in and filled that void. Hearing him say those words, the reminder that he wasn't alone—it hit harder than he expected.

"I know," Leo said, his voice quiet but sincere. ""I don't remember my real dad, but... you've always been there for me. I just want to make you proud."

"Leo, my boy," All Might's voice held a smile, warm and full of pride. "You already do. Every day. Just the fact that you're willing to put in the work, to better yourself, to take responsibility for your power—that makes me proud. The kickboxing classes? That's just the beginning."

Leo couldn't help but grin a little, feeling some of the tension in his shoulders ease. "I guess... I just don't want to screw up, you know? I'm already behind compared to the other kids with Quirks."

"There's no race to the finish line, Leo," All Might reminded him. "What matters is that you're moving forward. You've got ten months to get ready for UA, and I know you can do it. You're one of the strongest people I know—and I'm not just talking about your muscles."

Leo laughed, shaking his head. "Alright, alright, I get it," he said, though he couldn't help the way his chest swelled with a sense of pride at hearing those words. "I'll keep you updated on how the classes go."

"Please do! And if you need a sparring partner, you know where to find me," All Might offered, his voice brightening again. "Though, fair warning, I might be a little rusty."

Leo snorted. "You? Rusty? Right."

"I'm serious! I'm not as young as I used to be, you know," All Might teased, though there was still that undercurrent of playfulness that Leo had always appreciated.

"Yeah, well, maybe I'll take you up on that offer," Leo replied, feeling lighter now. Thanks for listening, and for... you know, always being there."

"You don't need to thank me for that, Leo. I'll always be here for you, no matter what. And remember—you're stronger than you think."

Leo smiled to himself as he ended the call, placing the phone down on his desk. All Might's words echoed in his mind, offering a sense of comfort and resolve he hadn't realized he needed. Looking back at the mirror, he saw the tattoos again—the bear, the serpent, the chains—and for the first time in a while, he didn't just see a reminder of the struggle. He saw a reminder of his strength.

He wasn't alone in this. And no matter how hard the next ten months might be, Leo knew he had the support of someone who believed in him.

He was going to train harder than ever, push himself beyond his limits, and when the time came for the UA entrance exam, he would be ready.

And he wouldn't let All Might—or himself—down.

Month 1: Finding His Focus

The gym was bustling with energy as Leo wrapped his hands tightly with tape, his fingers shaking slightly as he thought about how far he needed to go in just ten months. Across from him stood his coach, Rick—a grizzled, former fighter with a body covered in scars that spoke of past wars in the ring. Leo, standing by the heavy bag, threw a few weak punches.

"Harder, kid!" Rick barked. "You ain't gonna get anywhere with those soft taps."

Leo gritted his teeth, planting his feet firmly and sending a heavier punch into the bag. The impact jolted up his arm, making the bear claw tattoos on his forearm stretch with the motion.

"Better," Rick muttered. "But you've got a long way to go before you're even close to ready."

After class, Leo sat in the locker room, breathing heavily, his muscles screaming for a break. Pulling out his phone, he noticed a new text from Jiro.

Kyoka: "How's the punching bag treating you? Or Is it punching back?"

Leo smirked and quickly typed back.

Leo: "It's putting up a good fight, but I'm tougher."

Kyoka: "Careful, don't get cocky. You'll be punching your way into the hospital next."

They exchanged a few more messages, the conversation flowing easily. Kyoka's dry humor always seemed to hit at the right moments. After texting for a while, Leo stared at the ceiling, thinking about the months ahead.

Month 2: Building Strength

Leo could feel the progress in his body—the soreness that followed each kickboxing class was becoming familiar, almost welcome. Rick pushed him harder now, sometimes holding up pads for Leo to throw combinations at with all his strength. Sweat poured down his face as his fists and feet moved in a blur.

"Use your legs more, Leo!" Rick growled as Leo landed a swift kick to the pads. "Those muscles ain't just for show! You're tall—use that reach."

Leo nodded, breathing hard, feeling the strain on his body but welcoming it. "Got it."

"Good. You're getting stronger, but remember—strength without control is a time bomb."

Leo thought of his Quirk—the one that had left him with tattoos engraved into his skin, symbols of rage that reminded him every day of the beast within. Control was something he craved but struggled to maintain.

Later that evening, after another grueling session, Leo heard a knock at his door. Opening it, he found Inko Midoriya standing there, holding a casserole dish.

"Leo, I thought you might be hungry after all that training," She said with a warm smile.

Leo grinned. "You're a lifesaver, Mrs. Midoriya. I was about to order something terrible."

She laughed softly and patted his shoulder. "Come over tonight. Izuku's been dying to talk to you about your training regimen. He's practically taking notes on how hard you're pushing yourself."

When Leo arrived at the Midoriya home, Izuku was already talking animatedly about training strategies and analyzing hero techniques. Leo sat across from him, appreciating the boy's genuine excitement.

"Leo, you've been killing it with the kickboxing," Izuku said, his eyes wide. "Do you think that'll be enough for UA?"

Leo shrugged, a smirk creeping onto his face. "It's a start, but I've got a lot more to work on."

Izuku looked down at his notebook, scribbling furiously. "Yeah... I've been thinking about it too. Maybe we can workout together more? I'm running every morning."

"Sure," Leo replied. But don't expect me to go easy on you, Midoriya."

Inko chuckled softly from the kitchen, setting plates down. "You boys... always so serious. Remember, Leo, it's okay to take a break sometimes."

Month 6: Bonding and Breaking Barriers

As the training continued, Leo's relationship with both Izuku and Kyoka deepened. He found himself hanging out with Kyoka more often, especially after late-night training sessions. They'd sit on a bench, talking about everything from her music to the stresses of UA preparation.

One night, after an exhausting session, Leo received a text from Kyoka.

Kyoka: "So, what's more painful? Kickboxing or cleaning up the beach?"

Leo chuckled and replied.

Leo: "Depends on if I've been sparring with Rick. That guy doesn't pull punches."

Kyoka: "Sounds brutal. You hanging in there?"

Leo: "Yeah... just trying to keep the rage under control, you know?"

Kyoka: "I know. But I also know you're stronger than you give yourself credit for."

Her words always managed to cut through the noise in Leo's head, he found himself looking forward to their chats more and more.

Month 8: Balancing Strength and Control

By now, Leo's body had changed significantly. He was more muscular, faster, and more precise in his movements. Kickboxing had transformed him, and even Rick admitted he was impressed.

"You're not the same kid who walked in here eight months ago," Rick said one evening as they wrapped up sparring. "You've got power, but more importantly, you've got control. Keep working on that, and UA doesn't stand a chance against you."

Leo grinned, feeling a rare surge of pride. "Thanks, Rick. Means a lot coming from you."

The beach cleanup had almost become routine by now, but Leo's respect for All Might only grew with each passing week. One day, after they finished moving a particularly stubborn pile of debris, All Might leaned back smiling.

"You've grown, Leo," he said, looking out over the beach. "Not just physically. You're more in tune with yourself now."

Leo stared at his tattooed arms, the bear claw marks and serpent coiling around his body. "I just hope I can control it when it counts."

All Might's smile softened. "You will. I've never doubted you."

Month 10: Ready for the Challenge

The final month before the entrance exam passed in a blur of training, study, and preparation. Leo could feel the tension building inside him—both the excitement and the fear. But he wasn't alone.

Izuku was there to run drills, Rick pushed him in the gym, Kyoka was always there with a snarky comment or playlist to keep him motivated, and All Might's words echoed in his mind, keeping him grounded.

On the last night before the exam, Leo stood in front of the mirror, taking in the sight of his reflection. His body was strong, his muscles well-defined, and his tattoos, glowing faintly under the dim light, were a reminder of the beast within.

His phone buzzed, a message from Kyoka.

Kyoka: "Big day tomorrow. Don't let the nerves get to you."

Leo: "Thanks. I'll be fine. You?"

Kyoka: "I'm always fine."

Leo smirked. Of course she was. She'd always had a way of staying cool under pressure, and he admired that.

Before he slept, Leo received a call from All Might.

"How are you feeling, my boy?" All Might asked, his voice filled with warmth and pride.

Leo smiled. "Ready, I think. Thanks for everything, All Might. I wouldn't be here without you."

"You'll do great," All Might assured him. "Remember, you've worked hard for this. Now show them what you're made of."

As Leo closed his eyes that night, the weight of the past ten months lifted from his shoulders. Tomorrow, he would face the test.