A/N: This chapter is a bit on the boring side and more filler than anything. Sorry about that.
A class president? So ordinary.
Izuku guessed that despite being a school that trained heroes, it was still a high school. The announcement from Aizawa threw the class into a low buzz of murmurs, each student sizing up the others. The idea of selecting a class president seemed mundane, almost out of place in a school designed to train the next generation of heroes. But Izuku knew that, in a way, it made sense. Leadership wasn't just about being the strongest. It was about being able to guide others, inspire, and coordinate. In the world of heroes, those skills were just as essential as raw power.
Izuku kept his eyes forward, trying to appear uninterested. He didn't want to stand out any more than he already had, and the last thing he needed was to be elected class president. He could feel Katsuki's gaze burning into the back of his head, still simmering with unresolved anger from the combat trial. The thought of being in any position that put him at odds with Katsuki—more so than they already were—was something Izuku wanted to avoid.
But, as usual, the class had different ideas.
"Hey, how about we nominate people?" Kirishima suggested, his sharp teeth flashing in a grin. "We should pick someone who can represent us all!"
"Yeah, someone with leadership skills," Iida added, his posture as rigid as ever. He seemed to take the whole idea very seriously, which wasn't surprising given his personality. "It's an important role, after all. The class representative should embody the principles of a hero."
Some of the students nodded in agreement, while others looked around, gauging interest. A few were already whispering to each other, dropping names of those they thought would be good leaders.
"Deku," Uraraka's voice cut through Izuku's thoughts, making him tense slightly. "You should do it!"
The statement caught him off guard, and he turned to look at her, surprised. Uraraka's expression was earnest, her eyes shining with a genuine belief that Izuku had never seen directed at him before. "You were amazing during the trial," she continued, her voice gaining strength as she spoke. "You stayed calm, and you helped us win. I think you'd make a great president!"
Izuku could feel the weight of the other students' gazes shifting toward him, some curious, others considering. His heart rate quickened as he tried to process the sudden spotlight Uraraka had placed on him. The idea of being class president was the last thing he wanted. It was too much attention, too much pressure, and far too public for someone like him.
"I-I don't think—" Izuku began, his voice faltering as he tried to deflect.
"Seconded!" Kirishima's voice boomed, cutting off Izuku's protest. He gave Izuku a thumbs-up, his grin widening. "Midoriya's got the right attitude. Plus, anyone who can keep calm under pressure like that is someone I can follow!"
Izuku's eyes widened in disbelief. This wasn't happening. He was supposed to blend in, to be just another student in the crowd, not the focus of everyone's attention. But it seemed the class had other ideas.
"Midoriya, huh?" Kaminari chimed in, leaning back in his chair with a thoughtful expression. "Yeah, he did pretty well during the trial. He seems like a nice guy, too."
"Nice isn't enough," Jiro pointed out, her tone casual but her eyes sharp. "But he was pretty strategic during the trial. I wouldn't be against it."
Izuku's mind raced as he tried to find a way out of this. The last thing he needed was to be elected class president. It would put him in the spotlight and force him into a role that required leadership and visibility. Both were things he couldn't afford if he were going to keep his true motives hidden.
"Midoriya?" Iida's voice drew Izuku's attention back. The taller boy's expression was serious, almost intense. "If elected, would you be willing to accept the responsibility?"
"Why should Deku be class president? It should be someone strong!" Katsuki yelled over the class. Izuku tuned out his voice, and so did most of the class.
Izuku hesitated, his mouth dry. How could he say no without drawing even more attention? The class awaited his response, and every second of silence stretched forever.
"I-I really think there are better candidates," Izuku stammered, trying to sound humble. "I don't have much experience with leadership, and—"
"Don't be modest, Deku," Uraraka interrupted with a gentle smile. "You've got what it takes. I know it."
Izuku was trapped. If he refused outright, he risked alienating himself from his classmates, complicating his situation. But if he accepted, he'd enter a role that would directly conflict with his goal of staying unnoticed.
"I-I'll do my best if that's what everyone wants," Izuku finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. He hoped it sounded more confident than he felt.
A few of the students cheered, and others nodded in approval. Izuku could barely process what was happening, his mind reeling from how quickly things had spiraled out of his control.
"All right, then," Iida said, standing up straighter, his expression one of approval. "If there are no other nominations, I suggest we hold a vote."
"Works for me!" Kirishima said, his grin as wide as ever.
The vote was quick, and Izuku could hardly believe it when the results were announced. He had been elected class representative. The reality of it hit him like a ton of bricks. How had things gone so wrong so quickly? This was supposed to be his chance to stay under the radar, but now he was in the exact position he wanted to avoid.
"Congratulations, Midoriya," Aizawa said, his tone as flat as ever. "You're the class president. Make sure you don't let your classmates down."
Izuku nodded numbly, still trying to process everything. The rest of the class seemed pleased with the outcome, but all Izuku could think about was how much harder this would make his mission.
As the students began to file out of the classroom for lunch, Izuku remained in his seat, staring at his desk. His mind was spinning, trying to figure out how to navigate this new complication.
"Hey," Uraraka's voice pulled him out of his thoughts. She stood beside his desk, her expression concerned. "Are you okay? I didn't mean to put you on the spot like that."
Izuku forced a smile, though it felt strained. "It's okay, really. I just wasn't expecting it, that's all."
"You'll do great," she said with a reassuring smile. "I know it."
Izuku nodded, though his mind was already racing about how he would manage this new responsibility while still pursuing his true goal. Being class representative was the last thing he wanted, but now that he was in the role, he'd have to find a way to make it work without compromising his mission.
As he walked to lunch with Uraraka and Iida, Izuku couldn't shake the feeling that things would only get more complicated from here on out. But he'd faced worse challenges before and knew he could handle this one, too.
Izuku found himself sitting at a table in the cafeteria, still reeling from the whirlwind of events that had just taken place. The noise of the bustling cafeteria felt distant, almost muted, as his mind grappled with the reality of his new position. Class president... How had he ended up here? He was supposed to lay low, staying out of sight while gathering strength and information. But now, he'd been thrust into a role that would undoubtedly draw more attention to him. What is Akira going to think? He said he was going to lay low.
Uraraka and Iida sat across from him, chatting about the day's trials. Uraraka was animated, her hands moving as she spoke, while Iida nodded. Izuku tried to focus on their conversation, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the implications of his new role.
"Midoriya," Iida's voice cut through his thoughts, returning him to the present. "As class president, you must be prepared for additional responsibilities. It's not just about leading during class activities—it's about setting an example for the entire class."
Izuku blinked, trying to process Iida's words. "Right," he says. "I'll do my best."
Iida nodded approvingly, adjusting his glasses with a sharp motion. "That's the spirit! The class president isn't just a position of leadership. It's a responsibility that requires integrity, diligence, and commitment to our values as aspiring heroes. You'll be the one who sets the tone for our class, so you must lead by example."
Izuku forced a smile though his mind was racing. Lead by example? The idea felt like a weight pressing down on his shoulders. He hadn't come to UA to lead; he'd come to gather strength, to prepare himself for the inevitable death match with Itachi. How was he supposed to balance that with the expectations now being placed on him?
"I'll try," Izuku replied, hoping his voice didn't betray his uncertainty. "But I think everyone in the class has a part to play in setting the tone, not just me."
Uraraka smiled warmly, her eyes full of encouragement. "That's a good way to look at it, Deku! We're all in this together, right? So if you ever need help or anything, just let me know!"
Izuku nodded, grateful for her support, even if it added to his growing anxiety. He appreciated Uraraka's kindness but couldn't shake the feeling that being too close to anyone in the class might complicate things. He needed to stay focused on his mission, which meant maintaining a certain distance, even if it was difficult.
As they continued their lunch, Izuku tried to listen to Iida's detailed breakdown of what he believed were the most essential qualities of a class president. Still, his thoughts kept drifting back to the trials, particularly Todoroki's overwhelming display of power. There was something about Todoroki's cold, calculated approach that resonated with Izuku, something that made him feel uneasy. Todoroki had proven himself to be a formidable opponent, and Izuku couldn't afford to underestimate him—or anyone else in the class, for that matter.
Before long, the lunch period ended, and the students began to make their way back to class. As they walked, Izuku could feel the eyes of his classmates on him, some curious, others expectant. He knew that being elected class representative had made him more visible and that visibility could be dangerous.
The afternoon passed in a blur, with Aizawa lecturing on various hero-related topics. Izuku did his best to focus, taking meticulous notes and trying to keep up with the rapid-fire information. Then came the regular school subjects: Math, English, Science, and History. Every class was taught by a different teacher, who all knew Izuku's identity. He wasn't sure how he felt about that.
The school day continued relentlessly, with Izuku trying to keep his mind focused on the lessons. Despite his efforts, the weight of his new role as class president gnawed at him, a constant reminder of how quickly things had spun out of his control. He was supposed to stay in the shadows, blending in with the crowd, not stand at the forefront where every action he took would be scrutinized. How tiring.
The final bell rang as the day finally wound down, signaling the end of classes. The students began to pack up their belongings, their conversations turning to plans for the evening or the upcoming weekend. Izuku quietly gathered his things, trying to slip out of the classroom unnoticed, but he was stopped by Iida, who seemed eager to discuss their new roles further.
"Midoriya," Iida called out, his voice carrying over the chatter of their classmates. "As class president, we should discuss how we want to handle our responsibilities. Perhaps we could set up a time to meet after school to go over some ideas?"
Izuku hesitated, unsure of how to respond. He did not want to do this meeting, except the meeting with Iida was necessary to keep up appearances.
He needed to stay on top of his own priorities, but he also couldn't afford to alienate his classmates, especially someone as earnest as Iida.
"Sure, Iida," Izuku finally said, forcing a smile. "We can meet after school to talk about it."
"Excellent!" Iida responded, his eyes shining with enthusiasm. "How about we meet in the library? It will be a quiet place where we can focus on our discussion."
"Sounds good," Izuku agreed, though his heart wasn't in it. He just wanted to get through the day without drawing more attention to himself.
As Iida gave a satisfied nod and turned to leave, Uraraka approached Izuku.
"Deku," she said, her voice softer now that the room had mostly emptied, "I just wanted to say again that I think you'll do great as our class rep. Don't hesitate to ask if you ever need any help or anything, okay?"
"Thanks, Uraraka," Izuku replied, "I appreciate it."
"Well, I'll see you tomorrow!" she said with a wave before heading off with some other students.
Izuku sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly as the classroom finally emptied. He had managed to avoid a complete disaster today, but the pressure was starting to weigh on him. He needed to find a way to balance his new responsibilities with his own goals, but he wasn't sure how he would manage it all.
With his thoughts still swirling, Izuku headed to the library to meet Iida. The walk through the quiet halls of UA gave him a moment to clear his mind, push aside the concerns of the day, and focus on what needed to be done. He had been through worse situations before—he could handle this. He just needed to stay focused and keep his priorities straight.
When he arrived at the library, Iida was already there, seated at a table with a small stack of notebooks and a serious expression on his face. He greeted Izuku with a nod as he approached.
"Midoriya, thank you for meeting with me," Iida began, his tone formal. "As class president, we need to establish clear goals and guidelines for how we want to lead our class. By setting a strong example, I believe we can help our classmates grow into better heroes."
Izuku nodded along as Iida spoke, though he couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. Iida's dedication to the role was admirable, but it made Izuku painfully aware of how unprepared he felt. He didn't have the same natural leadership qualities that Iida seemed to possess, and guiding his classmates felt daunting.
"I agree," Izuku said, trying to keep up with Iida's enthusiasm. "But I also think we should listen to everyone's ideas and concerns. We're all in this together, so it's important that everyone feels heard."
Izuku had notes of basic ideas to give to Iida. He has a feeling that he would do most of the talking.
"Absolutely," Iida agreed, his serious expression softening slightly. "A good leader must be willing to listen to others and consider their opinions. I think you'll do well in this role, Midoriya. You've already shown a level head in tough situations."
Izuku wasn't sure about that, but he appreciated the vote of confidence. After about an hour of discussion, they wrapped up their meeting. Iida seemed satisfied with their progress, and Izuku was relieved to have the conversation behind him. He never thought it would make him grow a piece of gray hair or two after his second day at UA. All that acting for what? His new relationships will never last, at least not with him.
Izuku lies on the floor of his room, staring up at the ceiling. The familiar creaks and groans of the house surround him like an old friend. The moonlight seeps through the window, casting long shadows that dance across the room. The faint chirping of crickets outside is the only sound breaking the silence, a soft, almost soothing backdrop to his thoughts.
He had hoped that being back in his own space would bring some comfort, some sense of normalcy after the whirlwind of the past few days. But instead, he felt more restless than ever, his mind racing with everything that had happened since he'd stepped foot in UA.
He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to force his mind to quiet down, to give him just a moment of peace. But the thoughts kept coming, swirling in an endless loop, each pulling him further away from the sleep he desperately needed.
How was he supposed to manage all of this? He was supposed to be laying low, blending in with the rest of the students, but now he was in a leadership position, which would undoubtedly draw him more attention. And attention was the last thing he needed. It was a distraction, a potential threat to his true purpose. The more people noticed him, the more they would start asking questions, and the more likely his carefully constructed facade would begin to crack.
He could feel the weight of everything pressing down on his chest, making it hard to breathe. He needed to get stronger and faster. He needed to find a way to balance all of this without losing sight of his mission. But how? How could he do that when everything seemed to be spiraling out of control?
He rolled over onto his side, the hard floor pressing into his ribs, but he barely noticed the discomfort. His thoughts were too loud and too chaotic. He needed to find a way to center himself and focus on what was important. But every time he tried, the worries, doubts, and fears crept back in, gnawing at the edges of his mind until they consumed him.
He thought about the other students, Todoroki's overwhelming power, Katsuki's relentless aggression, and Minato's composure. They were all so strong, so focused on becoming heroes. But Izuku wasn't like them. He wasn't here to become a hero. He was here for something much darker, something that weighed on his soul like a leaden chain, dragging him down into the depths of his own mind. He's planning to kill someone who shares the same blood as him.
He needed to stay focused on his mission. He couldn't let himself get distracted by the mundane concerns of school life. But at the same time, he knew he couldn't ignore the responsibilities that had been thrust upon him. If he didn't play the part, if he didn't at least try to fit in, he risked drawing even more suspicion.
The crickets chirped outside, their rhythmic song echoing in the stillness of the night. Izuku took a deep breath, trying to let the sound calm his racing mind. He needed to sleep, rest, and recharge for the challenges ahead. But the more he tried to relax, the more the thoughts spun out of control, wrapping around him like a suffocating blanket.
He pushed himself up off the floor, his body protesting. He moved to the window, pushing it open to let in the cool night air. The breeze brushed against his face, carrying the scent of the earth, the trees, and the faintest hint of salt from the distant sea.
For a moment, he just stood there, breathing in the night air, letting it fill his lungs and push out the chaos that had taken root inside him. He needed to remember why he was here. He needed to remind himself of the promises he had made, the vows he had taken. He was a Uchiha, and his path was blood and vengeance, not capes and glory.
The crickets continued their song, their chirping a steady beat against the backdrop of the night. Izuku closed his eyes, letting the sound wash over him, trying to find peace within the noise. But even as he stood there, feeling the cool air against his skin, he knew the peace he sought would be elusive. There was no proper rest for someone like him, someone who had chosen a path paved with shadows and regret.
He turned away from the window, closing it softly behind him. The room was bathed in darkness, the only light coming from the sliver of moonlight that crept through the curtains. He knew he should try to sleep, to force his mind to quiet down, but he also knew it would be a losing battle. The thoughts would keep coming, no matter how hard he tried to push them away.
Instead, he moved to his bed, sitting on the edge with his hands clasped together in his lap. He let his gaze fall to the floor, his mind drifting back to the day's lessons, the trials, and the responsibilities he had taken on. He needed to find a way to balance it all, to keep his true self hidden while navigating the challenges ahead.
He would do it. He had to. There was no other option.
He lay back on the bed, his head resting against the pillow, the darkness pressing in around him. He stared up at the ceiling, his eyes wide open, thoughts still swirling in his mind like a storm that refused to settle.
He needed to get stronger, faster, smarter. He needed to be ready for whatever came next. But for now, all he could do was lie there, staring into the darkness, waiting for the dawn to come.
And when it did, he would be ready to face whatever challenges awaited him, no matter how heavy the burden or how dark the path was. He was a Uchiha, and he would not falter.
With that thought, Izuku finally closed his eyes, letting the darkness take him, even if only for a few fleeting hours of sleep.