Angel: Heads up, to those who don't like Overhaul or don't know what he does, uhh prepare yourself. Also, I might seem a bit biased with how Izuka sees him because I don't like Overhaul, he sucks. If you'll remember my Dr. Stone story, someone spammed for a villain in that story to be beheaded...
And I wish I could do it in this story, no joke. But unfortunately the fucker comes back later, so I can't. Yes, I honestly wished that reviewer asked for Overhaul to die instead, as uncomfortable as the request was when that happened. At least it wouldn't have been too jarring to do in this story, but alas...yeah, I could just kill him off, but he serves a purpose much later.
Can Galaxy allow Izuka to breathe in space? I'd say yes. There's no reason for any of the characters to go there though. It'd be too jarring XD
"You know?" A girl with dog ears asked a girl with cat ears. The first girl then gasped as she pointed up ahead. "Hey, look! Heroes!"
Izuku and Mirio were walking around the streets in their hero costumes. "That's the guy from the UA Sports Festival!" The other one recognized Izuku immediately.
"This is sorta nerve-wracking," The green-haired boy confessed to his co-worker.
"What gives? You went out on patrol during your internship, didn't you?" Mirio looked up ahead with a smile. "Though, I guess I don't blame you for being shaken after what went down." As the two girls walked past them, he remembered hearing about the Hosu Incident. So he figured that Izuku didn't get to experience much from a normal internship.
"Oh, no. It's not that," Izuku spoke up, looking away. "I just kinda missed out on learning some of the basics, so..."
"Yeah? Huh, that must be strange. Ah, don't you worry. Sir and Bubble are the ones who are actually watching the target today, so I can teach you all about patrol duty," Mirio smiled, giving a thumbs up. "We'll get you up to snuff! Just watch and learn, my friend!" He then waved his arms around rapidly.
Izuku frowned a little, looking towards the ground. I still don't get it. Why didn't All Might say anything to me about Nighteye?
"All Might chose wrong. Mirio should have inherited the power."
"I just don't wanna have to talk to the guy."
He bit his lip, knowing that while Sir Nighteye still admired All Might...the two never sought out each other for some reason. Something big must have gone down if they're not even on speaking terms anymore.
Mirio glanced down at him with a small smile. "Hey, we forgot something! Our hero names! We should know each other's, right?"
"Oh, yeah, yeah, totally. I'm Deku!" He smiled up at Mirio.
"Deku?" Mirio looked a bit confused. "Like deck? That's weird..."
"I like it," Izuku informed happily; he had gotten used to it at this point, so he was sticking with it.
"Kay, well, I'm Lemillion," Mirio jerked a thumb to himself. "For the number of people I'll save. You know. Can't save 'em all. But I can at least shoot for saving a million instead, so that's what I'm doing! When we put on our costumes and start hittin' the streets, that's when we become heroes! So don't let your guard down, Deku!"
"Got it, Lemillion!" Izuku nodded with a determined smile. The two then walked off again, just as a little girl bumped into him. She panted as she fell backwards, Izuku turning towards her curiously. She landed roughly onto the ground. "Whoa, I'm sorry," He bent down to the little girl. "You took a tumble," He reached out his hand, but she gasped, looking at him in fear. As if...she expected him to hurt her. He moved his hand away after seeing this reaction. "Are you okay? Can I, uh, help you up?" He moved his hands to her arms to help her, but she whimpered from being touched, shaking like a leaf, Already that tipped him off that something wasn't right. Why is she trembling?
"You should be more careful," His eyes widened at the voice, looking up. The little girl flinched hearing it. Mirio glanced up...as Overhaul revealed himself from the shadows. "We don't wanna cause trouble for the heroes." The little girl turned to look at him and Izuku tensed up in fear. The girl's eyes were desperate and afraid for her life.
Sir Nighteye showed the three Overhaul's files and photo. He held it up for them to see. "Be careful not to arouse any suspicion."
He couldn't believe that they had even run into him without even trying. No way...
And just like that...my work study...had begun.
And a foreboding feeling came over me...though I didn't know why.
The air was definitely tense between the four. Izuku certainly didn't know what to say or do here. "I hope you'll forgive my daughter, hero. I don't know what to do with her," He smiled while acting like a loving father to fool the two. "Always playing rough, bumping into things."
Izuku still had a horrified look on his face, which hadn't been noticed yet. Chisaki from Shie Hassaikai. The man Nighteye is after! He gritted his teeth, as neither him or Bubble Girl were here...he wished they were so that they could handle this, but they would have to on their own.
Mirio stepped up, covering Izuku's face with his mask. "Whoopsie-daisy, looks like that darn mask came off again," He smiled down at the boy. "You might wanna think about getting it resized, my friend," He gave a small twitch, signaling to Izuku to definitely keep his mask on. The last thing they wanted was for Overhaul to recognize them should they see him again. Or how terrified he knew that Izuku was right about now. "I'm so sorry about that. It was our fault too," He smiled towards the villain.
Izuku then clamped his mouth shut. Right. I'm an idiot. If I let him see how freaked out I am, he'll get suspicious, and that could screw up Nighteye's entire case! He couldn't do that on the first day, even though he wanted to stop Overhaul right now.
"I know that mask!" Mirio spoke up, taking the lead on this since he had more experience with this kind of thing. "You must be from the Hassaikai, right? You guys are famous around here."
"Yeah, please don't mind the mask," Overhaul spoke up calmly, not even fazed by Mirio pointing this out. "It keeps out the filth. I don't believe I've seen you two in the area before," He eyed the two boys closely.
"Right! Well, we're still pretty new," Mirio smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "But you probably already guessed that much. Now, on your feet, partner!" He glanced down at Izuku. "Can't do much hero-ing from down there." His guard's obviously up. I can't tell him Sir's name.
"So, what agency do you belong to?" Overhaul cut right to the chase.
"We're only students!" Mirio waved his hands innocently. "Far too lowly to be claiming association with an agency. We're just using our internships to get some experience. Speaking of which, we need to finish patrolling this division by lunch. Come on, let's go," He waved Izuku forward, about to leave.
"Right!" Izuku flinched, while the little girl hadn't said a whole word this entire time. He was about to move when she clutched at his sleeves. He looked at her wide-eyed for this reaction.
She hid her face as her eyes were full of tears, her mouth quivering. "Please. Please don't go..." She begged for him to take her or for them to distract Overhaul. He clamped his mouth shut from her pleas, as he didn't want to leave her anymore...not when it meant giving her back to Overhaul. Clearly, she didn't like being around the man...everyone else stayed silent and then the girl said something else.
"...Do you know who Izuka is?" She asked meekly and low enough that Overhaul didn't even hear it.
"Uh!" Izuku flinched in alarm with shaking eyes. How...does she know my sister's name?
"They talk about her a lot...but I don't understand any of it..." She confessed in fear, because she didn't want anyone to get hurt.
What...? They're after Izuka? Why? She's never even met any of them...no...this can't be because of Shigaraki...can it? Or maybe...they're already looking into her?! She's been on TV three times now, that's sure to get their attention. What could they want with her? If it was because of her Quirk...that would be understandable. If not...he had no idea what their intentions were. But he didn't want to find out as he tried to calm down.
"Um, excuse me," Izuku gulped, looking towards Overhaul. "I'm sorry, but...your daughter seems scared."
Overhaul narrowed his eyes a bit, wondering what the girl said to the boy. "A reaction to being scolded."
You're making him more suspicious Mirio glanced to Izuku, hoping that his coworker could keep his cool. I know that your sister is now being involved, but we can investigate that later. He looked up with a smile, his visor hiding his eyes. "Sure!"
"Wait, but..." Izuku reached out his hand to the shaking little girl's head. She kept clinging onto him, not wanting to let go of him. She found some comfort being near him for some reason... This girl. She's grabbed me and won't let go. And I wanna panic about my sister, but I can't let him see that. He then noticed something from the girl. "She's got bandages all over. Those are just from playing rough?"
As soon as he asked that question, she squeezed her eyes shut. A tear fell from her eyes as she whimpered.
"Eri's an exceptionally clumsy girl," Overhaul tried to pass it off.
"Her whole body's shaking, but she's not making a sound," Izuku pointed out, placing his hand on the back of her head to silently comfort her. He looked a bit anxious, but mostly angry looking up towards the villain. "Does that seem like it's normal to you?"
"It's dangerous to make assumptions about what's normal for other people," Overhaul's eyes flashed a little.
"Yeah, everybody's different, am I right?" Mirio smiled, hoping to get Izuku to leave...but there was no chance of that. He looked away with a small frown. This is bad. Chisaki obviously doesn't want us to pry. If we spook him now, he'll be even less likely to show himself. We have to let it go. Obviously, he wanted to stop Overhaul too, but now was not the right moment. And there was no way they could take him down right now anyway. There were too many people around, and someone was bound to get hurt if they did so.
Togata wants us to leave, but that would only make him more suspicious. What hero would abandon a frightened child? Izuku glared up at Overhaul, as he didn't want to leave behind Eri. Not with the way she was reacting to the man. His feeling of wanting to save people was too great for that.
Mirio glanced back at Izuku and Eri. When we put on our costumes and take to the streets...
Izuku then gritted his teeth. We're heroes. "Tell me...what are you doing to this girl?" He demanded of the villain in front of him. Eri gripped his sleeves again, still shaking from having to be reminded of what he had done...
At first, Overhaul didn't respond, his eyes closed. He then looked up with a sigh. "You heroes really pick up on the subtlest things, don't you?" He shrugged a little. "Very well." Izuku gasped a little while looking up, as he was expecting the man to attack or at least get angry with him. But he seemed more...composed. "This situation is...embarrassing. So I'd prefer to discuss it where we won't be overheard." He then turned around to walk in the opposite direction. Izuku stood up, looking towards Mirio while still carrying Eri. He nodded towards Mirio, feeling very protective of the little girl in his arms as they followed hesitantly. "Hard to admit that you can't control your own child, but lately Eri defies me no matter what I try."
"What do you try?" Izuku asked him skeptically.
"Parenting, man. Sounds rough," Mirio commented, still keeping up his innocent side. "That can't be easy."
Overhaul let out another sigh. "Yes, children are tricky. So determined to do whatever they want..." His hand reached out to his glove to take it off. Eri gasped sharply from seeing this as he glanced over his shoulder. "That sometimes they just don't listen..." He stared right into the little girl's eyes, daring him to use his Quirk against the two boys. She immediately jumped out of Izuku's arms, panting while running after Overhaul. He kept his hand on his glove just in case as she stayed by his side. "Oh, good," They came to a stop. "Done with your temper tantrum?" She only gave a nod in return. He then finally moved his arm away.
Izuku stared after the two in worry. Especially since Eri clenched a fist. "Uh...Eri, are you...sure?" He asked hesitantly, wondering if it was really okay to just leave them.
"She's always like this," Overhaul informed, earning a small gasp. "Sorry to involve you in our family drama. I'm sure you have better things to be doing," He nodded his head a little. "Good luck with your internships," He then guided the little girl away as if nothing happened.
"Wai-" Izuku was about to move when Mirio stopped him. He noticed Eri's desolate look on her face... "Eri..." He gritted his teeth, angry that they couldn't do anything.
"We're not going after them. Didn't you notice?" Mirio pointed out to Izuku, who was confused. "He was ready to get violent. That's why she went back. If we keep pushing him, he's gonna be even harder to catch. For now, let's report to Sir."
Izuku looked back, feeling terrible for Eri. He lifted up his mask, staring after them...he had no choice but to do what Mirio said. Because he unfortunately was right...
"They may be weaker than they used to be, but the yakuza still know how to pick a stronghold," Bubble Girl reported to Sir Nighteye as they were staking out the Shie Hassaikai's hideout. "Nice, high walls and not too many windows, right?" Her phone then buzzed, getting her attention. "Oh hey, my phone."
"After a week and a half of surveillance, I feel that there are fewer comings and goings today," Sir Nighteye stated, looking up ahead.
"What?!" Bubble Girl yelped and she held up her phone awkwardly. "It's Million. He says they came into contact with Chisaki..."
Overhaul was walking down a hallway while his right-hand man was carrying Eri in his arms. "The young people today are sicker than ever. Chrono, prepare the bath."
"Yes, sir," He responded and they approached the Hassaikai member who was supposed to be guarding Eri.
"I'm real sorry, Boss," He spoke up nervously as he saw them. "I swear, I-I barely took my eyes off her. The kid made a break for i-" Overhaul reached out his hand to the member...and blood splattered on the wall. Just like with Magne, he had used his Quirk to kill the man. It was his punishment for letting Eri escape...
"And clean that up," He ordered Chrono without looking back.
"Right."
Eri had covered her ears to block out the noise, tears in her closed eyes. "This is maddening," Overhaul replied, some acne over his head. "They're all infected with hero syndrome."
"Sorry!" Mirio told Bubble Girl and Nighteye once they met up with each other. The sky was darkening outside. "It was a total oops. I mean, wow, what are the odds of randomly running into a target on the street like that?"
"No, I must accept responsibility," Sir Nighteye raised a hand. "I should have used Foresight on you two. It's my fault," He frowned, looking apologetic. The last thing he wanted was for them to have a situation like that occur without being prepared...he had his goals of accepting Izuku to his agency, but he didn't want to put the boy in danger either.
"I'm just glad you guys are okay," Bubble Girl replied with a relieved smile. "You could've been in danger if he'd suspected something."
"It didn't feel all that scary to me," Izuku confessed, since at camp he had encountered Muscular who had killed Kota's parents. So he was used to the feeling—what he wasn't used to was what Eri gave off just being in front of him.
"Chisaki and his gang were involved in a recent traffic accident caused by a group of hoodlums," Sir Nighteye explained to the two. "Which isn't remarkable in and of itself," He pushed up his glasses. "Except there were zero casualties. The thieves experienced intense pain and lost consciousness, but they were uninjured and even reported that preexisting aliments like rheumatism and cavities were completely gone. The authorities believed Chisaki's Quirk may have been responsible, but with the villains caught and nobody harmed, there was no crime to accuse him of."
"The money that was stolen burned up, so there was nothing left to recover," Bubble Girl added, rubbing her chin. "The police didn't find any sign of a crime in that regard either, but the whole thing seemed suspicious, so Nighteye Agency began watching Hassaikai. We haven't figured out what it is yet, but we know they're up to something."
"Oh, I forgot, Sir," Mirio held up a hand. "We got lucky—at least a little. Our brief encounter yielded some new intel. Chisaki, he has a daughter."
"A daughter?" Sir Nighteye glanced back curiously; she didn't come up during their surveillance of Hassaikai, so it made him wonder where she came from...
"A little girl who he called Eri," Izuku clenched a fist. "Her limbs were all wrapped in bandages. I don't know anything else about her, but she was asking for help. There must be something we can do to protect her. And that's not all," He gritted his teeth angrily, confusing Sir Nighteye and Bubble Girl.
"...She asked who his sister was. That means they're aware of her existence," Mirio explained gravely, causing both of them to gasp.
Sir Nighteye immediately whipped around to them. "I won't let your arrogance or personal feelings interfere with this case." Izuku flinched in alarm from the warning.
"But Sir..." His sister was involved, he wanted to be front and center for this. He couldn't just let it slide, she could be in danger for all he knew.
"Haste or anger won't help the situation. Take your time pursuing a target, or gathering information about their intentions with your sister. If you rush, they are that much more likely to escape. You're not so special that you can save whoever you want whenever you want." All Might certainly could, but he was telling Izuku this not to be harsh, but to remind him that he couldn't act irrational about this. And that even though Izuka was involved...he had to keep a level head. Izuku frowned, saying nothing else. "We've asked other agencies to team up with us. We must first predict our opponent's moves and then make preparations to face him." Izuku then looked up in understanding, though part of him still didn't like what happened. "Good intentions alone aren't enough to save the world. The wisest villains hide in the shadows. In order to find them, we must watch and wait. The two of you should head back into the office for today. Bubble Girl, let's go. And I'll contact UA regarding your sister. They'll take it from there."
"Yes, sir," Bubble Girl went after him as they left. Izuku and Mirio stared after the duo.
And so, the first day of my work study ended...leaving me with a sick feeling in my stomach.
This would be the only instance...that I wish I didn't fight All for One.
Overhaul opened the door to a room with no light. "Eri, you have to stop disobeying me like this," He stepped inside as a chair awaited them. He then gestured to it. "You're the core of my plan, you know...and I would hate to have to get my hands dirty. Although...do tell me, what did you ask that boy?"
Chrono removed the bandages from her wrists as she stayed silent, her eyes widening. If she let it slip that she asked about Izuka...she didn't want to know what would happen to her. She knew from Izuku's reaction that he knew of her, at least.
"Overhaul," Mimic waved a hand, standing behind the girl, thankfully preventing her from having to answer. "Got a sec? It's Shigaraki from the League of Villains. He says that he's got an answer for ya..." And indeed...Shigaraki was on the other end of the line.
Izuka was outside Heights Alliance early morning. She winced as she was beat up from special classes, and her arms were a bit sore too. As soon as she felt that feeling from Izuku, it was gone within minutes. Although she didn't comprehend why she even had a gut feeling he was in trouble, and already on his first day. She really hoped she was wrong on that... Everyone's working hard and doing serious hero work. Maybe that's why I felt that weird feeling during Izuku's work study. That means I have to step up too. So I'll do some studying and limit my painting to only once a week until I know everything front and back. It's the only way I can properly earn my license...
She suddenly heard a rustle and looked up in confusion. She peeked towards a bush nearby and saw a tuft of purple hair peeking out from the top. "Huh...?"
Tamaki yelped and ducked his head to hide. She saw me. What do I do?! She said to come here if I wanted, but...now I'm regretting it and I just wanna go back to my room. I can't just talk to her, she's everything I'm not. And I'm not like her either... He looked down at his hands, shaking. Look at me, I can't even start a proper conversation...how am I supposed to become friends with her now?
He was so busy panicking that he didn't even notice Izuka had walked up to him. "Amajiki-San?" She spoke up and he grew pale. He then slowly looked up at her, shaking immensely. "I can't believe you actually came!" She smiled and it was too much for him...as he fainted on the spot. "AHH! Amajiki-San!" The girl shouted while shaking him rapidly.
He could feel a warmness on his head as he slowly stirred. As his vision came back, he saw a relieved Izuka looking down at him. "Thank goodness, you're okay!" She exclaimed as she was sitting on the steps of the building, his head on her lap. "I was about to call Recovery Girl if you hadn't woken up!"
"Uh?" He blinked slowly and then his face went red, letting out a breath. "I-I'm...I'm sorry!" He sat up, looking away and hiding his face. "I didn't mean to bother you..."
"You're not!" She reassured while waving her hands rapidly. "Really, I'm glad you came."
Tamaki flinched, turning around to the girl in bated breath. No one...had ever really said that about him before. "R...Really?"
"Yeah! We haven't talked much, but I can tell that deep down, you really want to be more confident." She smiled happily towards him, the sun still rising.
"Your classmate came to see me...I asked for you too but you weren't there. It was so much pressure doing that alone...!" He covered his face and she yelped in realization. She forgot that he asked for her when Eijiro was summoned to see him.
"I'm so sorry, he was too curious that night and I couldn't come, I had to wake up early the next morning!" Izuka rubbed the back of her neck.
"It's alright...I just figured you'd be able to make things less awkward..." He mumbled, playing with his thumbs. Admittedly, part of me wanted to see her too. I shouldn't even think about her like that, she's much younger...but I can't help it. She's just so nice and smart and beautiful. Well, right now, she looks like she'd been through a lot. I can't even compare standing next to her. He then glanced away awkwardly as it was silence between them for a few seconds. "...Can I ask why you approached me that day in your class?"
She blinked and then smiled towards him. "Because I used to be just like you. I hated crowds, I couldn't talk much, and I felt like-"
"You didn't want to be there," He finished in a bit of awe of the girl. "So...so that's why you wanted to talk to me so much?"
"Yes," She revealed with a small nod. "But I wanted you to do that on your own time, that kind of thing can't be forced. For me, it came down to wanting to prove I could be like my class," She hummed as she got onto her feet, walking over to her painting. "That's a reason why I got into art, because it was an escape for me. But I can tell you don't have one. I'm not sure being friends with me will fix that, but either way, maybe we could both benefit from it," Izuka smiled as he could see she was painting the sun.
"I...I appreciate that," He admitted and then pointed at her painting. "You're really good," He put his hands into his pockets, shaking. "How...long have you been painting?"
She blinked and then gave a small grin, turning back and dabbing a little orange paint. "For as long as I could remember, honestly. But the easy answer is when I was four, when...I decided to not use my Quirk for anything," He blinked at her in alarm for saying it as he didn't understand why.
"But...why?! Why hide that away? You're amazing! Someone like you shouldn't just fear a power like that..." He then blushed as he realized what he said and she stared at him in shock. "Ah! I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that. It's just that...I saw it on TV..."
Izuka didn't seem too bothered by that and rubbed the back of her neck, giggling. He then looked at her in surprise for her reaction. "Well, that's something I haven't heard before! But to tell you the truth, it's not that amazing. I still have a lot to learn as a first-year," She looked back up to the sun, a wistful smile on her face. "Not using it like my classmates have ever since they were kids held me back. It wasn't until my brother convinced me that I managed to discover so much about my power and yet that's still just the beginning for me. It's thanks to him that I even have the possibilities I do."
"I see..." He looked up at the sun as well. She's so strong...but on the inside, she's not bragging about it. She just wants to shine...just like someone I know. Just like...just like I dream about too. But I know she'll do great things someday without anything holding her back.
"You hold the same ones I do. Even though I barely know you, I can tell that you'll get there the way you want someday too," She spoke up with a small smile. "So I hope that I can see it for myself, Amajiki-San."
"Ah...if it's not too much trouble..." He mumbled while he blushed, twiddling his thumbs nervously. "Would you...call me Amajiki?"
Izuka blinked incredibly and then nodded with a soft smile. "Okay. As long as you keep calling me Mido. All my friends call me that."
Friends... He thought happily and gave a shaky smile.
Katsuki and Izuka sat next to each other with some bruises and bandages over their faces later on in class. "So, like..." Mina started off, pointing towards the two. "What happened to Bakugo and Mido? Were they fighting again?"
"They're not the only ones busted up," Denki pointed out, putting down his backpack. "Look at the back of the room."
She saw that Shoto was the same as Izuka and Katsuki. "His beautiful face! Who would do such a thing?" Mina asked in disbelief, pouting towards Izuka. "Probably the same person who ruined Mido's adorable face..."
"The provisional license classes sure sound tough," Denki glanced back towards the other two in special classes.
"Must be great workouts, though!" Mina smiled widely as Hanta and Kyoka stared.
"Stop talking like I'm not here!" Katsuki shouted towards them.
"Really?" Izuka sighed for his reaction, a hand over her face. A small blush came from her face as she remembered the kiss on the cheek. She honestly wasn't expecting it from him…
Tenya then raised a hand. "Class is starting now. Sadly, I must mark Tsu and Uraraka tardy."
"Their absences are excused," Momo spoke up while getting out of her seat.
"It has to do with Hado-Chan wanting to see the both of them, Ida-San," Izuka spoke up, as Ochaco told her what was going on and that she wouldn't be in class.
"Kirishima isn't here either, is he?" Kyoka pointed out while glancing over her shoulder, as Eijiro wasn't at his desk either.
"Oh, you didn't hear?" Hanta spoke up from behind her. "Those three found places to do work studies."
"Whoa, for real?" Kyoka's eyes widened in surprise.
"Hey, how'd your work study go?" Minoru asked Izuku, who had stayed silent. He wasn't required to be at the agency today, so he was in class unlike his three missing classmates. The short boy tapped the desk in excitement. "Were there lotsa scantily-clad heroines at the agency, huh?"
"Yeah, sure," Izuku murmured in almost a desolate way.
"Mm?" Izuka glanced over her shoulder to look at him, wondering what was wrong. She hadn't been informed of the Shie Hassaikai knowing of her yet, and Izuku decided to not tell her. He didn't have the stomach for it anyway...and Sir Nighteye would be contacting UA about it today.
Katsuki immediately covered his ears. "I don't wanna hear about you getting ahead of me!"
"Katsuki, come on," Izuka shook her head at him; Izuku barely said anything. He frowned towards his sister and then remembered how hard Eri clutched at his clothing. That feeling of guilt letting her go was still very apparent, he couldn't stop thinking about it. And he could barely get any sleep because of the memory either...he then thought of All Might, Sir Nighteye, Mirio, and Eri...
"Please. Please don't go. Do you know who Izuka is?"
Before he could think further about it, his head was smacked by a book from Cementoss. The boy was the only one not reading his own book as the teacher walked past him.
My pent-up frustrations got worse. At the USJ, he couldn't even swim...Mr. Aizawa had to pull him out of the water, Thirteen scratching her head in confusion. Izuka stared at him nearby, clamping her mouth shut.
I was the only one who was really questioning Izuku's weird behavior lately. Even when I try talking to him about it, he avoids the subject.
I couldn't concentrate in class, and when Izuka asks about it, I have to change topics so I won't freak her out. Something had to change and fast!
He stormed down the hall while holding his sister's hand, looking determined. They stopped into the teacher's area and came across Midnight posing for some reason. "All Might's out jogging right now," She informed the twins once Izuku asked.
"Wait, Mr. All Might? Is that why you've been so unfocused all day?" Izuka turned to Izuku in a bit of worry, although she had a suspicion it had to do with that weird foreboding feeling she had yesterday.
"I figured you knew. He's been working out a lot ever since the home visits were completed. I say he should take it easy since he's retired," Midnight told the twins, Izuku gritting his teeth.
All Might! Please. You've got to tell us everything.
Toshinori was jogging up a path, letting out a few coughs. He then came to a stop as he heard something, turning around. Izuku was running up to him as fast as he could, Izuka holding onto his back. She had squeezed her eyes shut while bracing herself.
"I have to talk to you, All Might!" He shouted fiercely, freaking out Toshinori.
"Whoa, okay. The Young Midoriyas are here!" The man then stared down at the boy, who was attempting to catch his breath. Izuka jumped off his back, dusting herself off. "Hold on, how did you even know where I was?" He reached out a hand to try and help him, but decided to let him recatch his own breath. Toshinori then turned around, about to walk away.
"You knew what I was walking into." This made Toshinori freeze as he stood up straight. "Nighteye understands how One for All works. And he wanted you to pass it on to Togata, not me."
"What?!" Izuka asked furiously, looking between Toshinori and Izuku. "If that's true, then why did you pass it onto him and not say anything, Mr. All Might? Did you tell Togata-San that he was even an option?"
"You had to know we'd find out everything," Izuku continued off and the girl frowned, rubbing his back gently. "So why didn't you warn me about it?"
Toshinori stood in silence for a few seconds. "...I wasn't sure it was my place to tell you."
"Of course it was!" Izuku yelled, sweat falling from his face. "To hear all of this at once...be rejected by him...and before I even had a chance to make sense of it all. The worst part was not knowing why you kept it a secret. How I should feel about it. We need to know everything, All Might! Not as your fans, but as your successor and fledgling new symbol!" His eyes looked desperate and hurt, as he had been holding it back all day.
Izuka stared at Izuku wide-eyed for him admitting this. So when he told us he got accepted...he held back that fact because only Katsuki would understand out of everyone. "Mr. Nighteye...actually doesn't think he's the best pick for the successor? That's part of the reason why you didn't want Izuku going there. Because he'd find out? He has One for All!" She gestured to her brother with a deep disapproving frown. "Were you just not going to tell him? Is that the level of trust you have for us now?"
He glanced back at them in silence, his bangs flying around. There was a good reason he didn't tell them...especially before the work-studies. "I didn't think knowing this information would help with your development. But if you really want the truth..."
"Anything's better than having you keep secrets from us," Izuku stated and Izuka crossed her arms.
"And whatever you say I'm telling Katsuki later. I can't keep things secret from him..." She frowned, knowing that her relationship with Katsuki would be how they were in the beginning all over again if she kept secrets...plus, she respected him too much to not tell him.
"You may regret this," Toshinori didn't turn around as he didn't want to face them at the moment. Mainly because he had an idea of how they would react.
"I won't," Izuku narrowed his eyes a little.
"We can handle it. We just want the truth, Mr. All Might," Izuka's eyes saddened a little. She didn't have the entire context of what Izuku heard, but she still felt his hurt by learning about it from Sir Nighteye and not his favorite hero.
"...Okay," He looked up towards the sky. "So Nighteye had always been a fan of mine. It was my policy not to take on sidekicks...but eventually I gave in and let him be my number two. We worked together for about 5 years. He was the brain behind my operations."
"I know that much," Izuku murmured since he had seen them together on TV. "I also know you two got along."
"We did," Toshinori placed a hand over where his injury was. "But...6 years ago, we dissolved our partnership because of my injury. Turns out we had different values..."
"This is reckless, All Might," Sir Nighteye argued while his glasses shined a little. "It's time for you to step down."
All Might coughed, leaning against the wall. Sir Nighteye, Recovery Girl, Principal Nezu, and Gran Torino stared at him from the hallway. The number-one hero and Gran Torino were still recovering from their fight.
"But everyone's looking to me. For my help..." He could barely stand, his arms and right hand bandaged. He also had one on his forehead. "If there are frightened citizens...then I have to go to them."
Sir Nighteye stared at him in mainly concern. "Keep doing hero work in that body, and the entire world is going to suffer." He knew that if All Might continued like this and people found out, they'd be in a panic. They all looked up to him, so if they had to see him in this state...they'd lose faith in not just him, but in all heroes. "If you wish for enduring peace, then retire while you're a legend."
All Might gritted his teeth a little as he stayed silent.
"If you're looking for a successor, why not search at UA?" Principal Nezu suggested with a small smile. "You've put in your dues and more, All Might."
"Imagine what your future could be like," Sir Nighteye implored, his eyes saddening. He couldn't bear to see his admired hero like this for much longer. "A comfortable life. Just find a cheerful and strong replacement and entrust your role in society to them. It's time."
"And who will be the Symbol until I find someone like that?" All Might argued back; he couldn't just stop being a hero until he found a successor. He had to find someone that could instill the same feelings he did whenever he arrived. "Even if All for One is beaten. Another villain will replace him," He used the wall to walk, holding his stomach.
"I know the importance of the Symbol!" Sir Nighteye hugged him from behind before the man could fall. "I revere its function! But please. All Might! You can't even smile right now!" He looked at All Might's face as the man was more grimacing than smiling. "I'll say it again. You must retire." He released the hero, who gripped at the wall again. "If you continue your hero activities like this, I won't support you. I won't. I can't!"
All Might let out a small gasp, glancing back as his eyes shook. He only knew of one reason why his sidekick would even say this to him. "...You saw it, didn't you?" Sir Nighteye didn't answer as he gave a nervous expression. "I told you not to use your Foresight on me."
"If you step away now, another number one will appear," Sir Nighteye attempted to reason with him. "Things may be rough for a little while, but we'll survive. We'll find a way through it together."
"And while we're figuring this all out...how many people will have to fear for their lives?" All Might argued back, knowing that there would be people who still believed in him to continue being the Symbol of Peace. He turned away again, not listening...he felt like he had to keep up the legacy, stepping down now wouldn't be the right decision.
"Listen to us!" Sir Nighteye yelled at him.
"Besides, your Foresight is never wrong, so why fight this?"
"There just hasn't been any precedent for it! But I think...I can change the future!" Sir Nighteye screamed after him, causing him to come to a stop. "At this rate, events will play out as I've seen. That can't happen! Don't you see? I'm here because I want to do something to help you! Please, All Might!"
Despite that, he still kept moving up ahead. "I'm sorry, but for the sake of this world...I have to be able to say that I am still here."
"Please! Stop!" Sir Nighteye begged of him, but the pleas went unheard. "If you continue like this, you'll face off against a villain and die an unspeakably gruesome death!"
All Might didn't look back at all...
"The two of us parted ways after that argument," Toshinori revealed, the wind and leaves blowing into his hair. Just like with Sir Nighteye, he didn't turn around once while talking to the twins. "We couldn't agree about my future. Principal Nezu recommended Young Togata to me...but before I could meet him, I ended up running into you and your sister." Both of them stared in shock for the story...neither of them able to muster up any words. "I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you. Because...because you're my fan, and your sister supports us so much." And with that, he ran off, as he couldn't look them in the eye...
Izuku opened his mouth...but he couldn't say anything. All they could do currently was watch him leave.
"All Might's...going to die...?" He murmured and looked up to the sky.
"No wonder why he didn't want to tell us..." Izuka whispered, glancing up at her brother with a frown. Both she and Toshinori knew of how much the boy admired him...so the thought of him dying would've crushed him. And he probably wouldn't have had the same admiration he still held for a while...
That's when it really hit us. Death. His eyes saddened as he looked towards the ground.
And just how much Izuku had to shoulder having One for All...
Both of them recalled seeing All Might's injury.
I'd known something bad was coming. And everyone will die someday. But...being forced to hear it from All Might himself...
I wish I could've told him that it wasn't going to happen...but that was a lie. I know that death is inescapable. But until then...I didn't really think of what would happen if...
"He'll die..."
Izuka closed her eyes, tears pricking from them as she held his shoulder.
After the three of us met and I decided I would pass my power onto him...I told Nighteye my plan. But he was so opposed to the idea, and the rift between us grew even deeper.
Sir Nighteye stood up angrily. "You're passing your One for All onto a Quirkless middle school student?!"
Toshinori let out a cough, blood coming from his mouth. "It's the right choice to make. And I'm going to teach his sister how to better use her own Quirk. The two want to save people and support their dreams."
"He can't do that with intentions alone!" Sir Nighteye shouted into the phone. "And she's not gaining One for All, what would she do with a power she hasn't ever used?! There are any number of other people who are more suitable!" He felt like his world was crashing down hearing Toshinori's intentions.
Toshinori's eyes glistened a little as he gave a small smile. "Perhaps. But that doesn't mean he's not worthy. He will wield One for All next."
'He rejected my decision. He thought I was an idiot, throwing my power away.' He continued to run down the street. So he started training a candidate he thought was better.
The twins suddenly ran up from behind. "Wait, hold up! All Might, please," Izuku begged as Izuka slid to a stop. "Tell me about Nighteye's vision. How far into the future was it?"
"6 or 7 years," He informed while looking towards the sunset. "The further into the future he sees, the harder it is to know exactly when something will happen. But his Foresight has never been wrong."
"Uh!" Izuka gasped sharply at this and Izuku's eyes shook as he realized something. Toshinori had said the fight was 6 years ago, so... "Wait...then that would be this year or the next. You're kidding. Right? This can't happen," His voice broke a little. "I want you to live, All Might! Do you remember what you said at the Sports Festival?"
"Or to our mom when you were trying to convince her to let us stay at UA?" Izuka frowned a little towards him.
"Our promise?" Izuku implored and Toshinori stayed silent.
"I want you two to introduce yourselves to the world and proudly say I am here!" He clenched a fist.
"They need you. To protect them. Raise them. If you can promise me that, then they can return to UA and I won't separate them," Inko told the man as he looked up at her while still kneeling.
"We can't do that yet. So live. Until we can keep our pact," Izuku's voice broke again and Izuka nodded sharply in agreement. "Watch us tell them we are here! We need you here. Don't you understand?" He tried...so hard not to cry, because he didn't want to imagine how his hero would die anytime soon.
"You didn't have to teach me how to use my Quirk, but you did, and I'll always be grateful to you," Izuka blinked back tears staring at him. "I can't be my own Symbol if you don't see it yourself! I do have other people, but you're one of the three most important in my life that I want to be proud of who I'll become!" She squeezed her eyes shut.
"...Young Midoriya, Young Mido. Back then, when I heard I would die, I accepted that as my future," He confessed to the twins. "I just figured...I'd keep running at full speed until I got to the finish line."
"All Might..." Izuku murmured, his eyes softening.
"And then, when I was fighting All for One with Mido...I thought that would be the end of the race," He then looked back at the two. "But...you were there, kiddos." Both of them flinched, tears falling down from their eyes. "You see, all those days we spent with one another affected me. You were timid and Quirkless, but you had heart. She was anxious and unwilling to grow strong, but she had drive deep down. And then your mother told me to live so I could protect and help raise you both...so despite my future, I'll keep fighting with you by my side, Young Midoriyas," He held out a hand. "Because you two have changed me, I promise that I will live. I won't be killed," He clenched a tight fist, his muscle form appearing again. "I will mold my fate and strike down anything else that gets in our way with this fist." Izuku teared up again upon seeing All Might's smile for the first time since the Kamino Incident... I'll keep on living. I won't let them end me. The future that's been foretold will not come to pass. That's what I have resolved, All for One. He then turned back into his normal form seconds later. "But you see, so far everything has been as he said. In each case, Nighteye's predictions have come true. And that's why I can't face him after all these years. Please know I never wanted to become a shackle holding you two back. Hey, who knows, maybe I've already reshaped my destiny into the future I wanted."
"Not yet," Izuku spoke up, getting his attention, looking at his hand. "We can't be positive his prediction won't come true. It can't happen. I refuse to let it!"
"He's right. We don't know for sure if it's still the same or it's already been changed. But I know it won't happen if we all work together to prevent it," Izuka smiled, wiping away at her eyes with the back of her hand.
The two then held out their fists to him. "That's why, no matter what happens to you, we'll be there to help fight fate!"
Toshinori looked at them with his mouth open, and they were serious too. Despite what Sir Nighteye had said...they would still fight destiny and create their own. And Toshinori silently agreed with this as he touched his fists against theirs. He smiled down at the shocked twins.
"I'll try not to be too much trouble. I promise," He gave them a whole-hearted smile.
The twins grinned widely at him and he was about to go off jogging again. "Hold on, that's it!" Izuku stopped him a third time. "Izuka's right, we don't know if it's changed! Have Nighteye use his Foresight on you again! Make up with him! Then we'll see if the future has already been changed!"
"Ah..." Izuka looked at him in disbelief. When she said that, she wasn't suggesting that they actually go through with it...
"Uh..." Toshinori was flabbergasted himself. "Doesn't that seem a little, I don't know..."
"It's a matter of life and death! I'll try to bargain with him."
"Wait, Young Midoriya!" Toshinori protested towards him. "Think about how Nighteye must feel about all this!"
"Don't you dare pester Mr. Nighteye when you have your work studies to focus on!" Izuka warned her brother.
A door opened and someone stepped inside to meet Overhaul in a suit. Mimic was sitting on a couch rest, watching. "What a boring office," Shigaraki commented as he closed the door behind him, lifting up his hood.
"I don't like overly cluttered rooms," Overhaul informed as Shigaraki stared from behind his hand accessory.
"You had me walking in circles underground for 30 minutes. I'm not an ant."
"More importantly," Mimic spoke up, holding up a finger. "Did you really mean what you said on the phone the other day? That you'll join us under the right conditions?"
He narrowed his eyes at the question.