Principal Ikoma, Dr. Yaritezawa, and Samuel Abraham had left school grounds today. Midoriya Izuku was alive, awake, and recovering. He also needed a talking to. Dr. Yaritezawa was especially certain of that; concern mixed with pride. He was her patient after all. Principal Ikoma was in talks crossing between the School Board, the police, and the media – doing her best to maintain a struggling peace between the three. Each one concerned about the boy for both altruistic reasons and selfish ones. Samuel was here much for the same reasons as both. Midoriya was his student and his responsibility – his actions, Samuel had to justify before his superiors. It was a necessity, he knew that, but he couldn't deny that… weight.

They knew the gist of what happened. Midoriya was off to recollect a Support Item, encountered Stain attacking Ingenium, fought off Stain, and nearly died in the process. And now, they had to decided whether or not to punish him for that.

It left a bad taste in his mouth. Midoriya nearly died – did die, but he survived, just barely. Now, in spite of the inarguable good deed, Midoriya had to be examined and interrogated. With the pressure of external voices, Shiketsu had to form an opinion on the boy and his actions. The media had already portrayed him as a Hero from what little they've gathered. The police haven't formed an opinion, and the Board… Well, the whole reason the media embargo exists was to keep Shiketsu's name private. For the elite who made it in, not for the public – all about the air of elegance and upper class. Now, its name was being plastered on news articles and TV screens. That being said, they aren't too happy.

The three staff members were led to the patient's room by a nurse. They were asked to wait as it seemed someone else was visiting, and judging by the fact that Iida Tensei was standing outside of the room, it was mostly likely Ingenium's family was visiting. Though, for some reason, Tensei was standing out of view – only occasionally peeking in.

"Tensei?"

Tensei blinked, turning to the trio, "Samuel?"

Dr. Yaritezawa blinked, "Oh, you know each other."

"The Iida Family's long-standing donors to I-Island," explained Samuel. "We've met professionally."

Tensei tried to sneak past the open doorway, "Excuse me…" He stepped towards them, looking towards Samuel, "What're you doing here?"

He coughed, "Well, I left I-Island to take up teaching. Shiketsu."

"The school that Midoriya attends…"

"Yes…"

Tensei looked between the three, taking a step back, "He… He isn't in trouble, is he?"

Principal Ikoma stepped forward, "Sir, I'm sorry to say that is a conversation between ourselves and the Midoriyas."

"He didn't do anything wrong."

"No one is saying that he has. The police have their report and we must have our own," Ikoma said. "Sadly, we have superiors to report to – ones with many questions. Which I can't answer only knowing one side of things."

"Then… for what it's worth, he saved my life."

"And I can assure you that that speaks volumes."

"THANK YOU SO MUCH!" cried a young man's voice from within the room..

Izuku's voice flowed after, shaking, "I-I-It's r-really no p-problem!"

The four shifted their positions, allowing them to look within the room. A square-ish-looking teen was shaking the hand of the green-haired student. Izuku was sat on the edge of the hospital bed; towered over by the visitor. And, he looked… distressed, and judging by the flush on his face, he was quite embarrassed. The square-ish one was crying, "So… Hero-like…" The hand-shaking intensified, "THANK YOU!"

"Tenya calm down, you're going to dislocate his arm!" cried an older woman – presumably Tensei's mother.

Midoriya Inko was nursing her own arm in a chair, "H-Hang in there, Izuku!"

Tenya's mother put a hand on the boy's shoulder, "Tenya, I think that's enough."

Tenya teetered, slowly recomposing, "T-Thank you…. Truly…"

"It was nothing… I did what anyone would've done," reasoned Izuku with a smile, and rubbing his shoulder.

The mother shook her head, "That isn't true." She put a hand on her chest, "You saved one of my sons… I can't thank you enough for that." Her gaze casted downward, "And…" She looked towards Inko "The price that was paid for that… Nearly paid for that… I couldn't… I couldn't apologize enough."

Inko blinked, looking between her son and the other mother, "N-no…" Her gaze dropped, "…" She took a breath before looking up with a smile, "Don't even consider it." She reached out, taking her son's hand, "He's here… alive." Tears nearly filled the corner's of her eyes, "They both are – and that's all that matters."

Tensei's voice pulled them back, "It was close…" He sighed, "Too close – if Mirko had just been a second longer with Recovery Girl, we wouldn't be talking right now." He chuckled, "I told him to run and he didn't. I told him to use his Quirk and he told me he didn't have one. I could tell he was as scared as I was, and yet… he still smiled…"

"He did?" murmured Samuel.

Dr. Yaritezawa commented herself, "He seems full of surprises…"

"Did you gave him permission to fight?" asked Principal Ikoma.

Tensei looked to her, examining her face for a moment, before nodding, "Yes. Yes, I did."

"Okay," she said.

Tensei stared at her for a moment before slowly nodding and asking, "Please give my family some time to give their regards – they should be done soon."

"You're not heading in?" asked Samuel.

"I…" trailed off Tensei. "I feel like my words wouldn't be enough… With the Hero Killer still out there – the danger still present… I… It'd feel hollow."

The group slowly turned silent as the families gathered themselves. The Iida Family made their exit before the Shiketsu Staff moved to meet the Midoriya family. Midoriya Izuku rubbed his arm and rolled his shoulder before freezing at the sight of them. Samuel looked at his student. It was strange seeing him in a hospital gown – though, he couldn't place why. His gaze fell to the pale thumb on Midoriya's left hand. The appendage was a shade of grey with a tattered line of pinkish red separating it from his palm. Then, there was something just barely poking out from the cuff of his gown – the edge of a scar across his chest.

Principal Ikoma stepped forward, "Hello, Mr. Izuku, Ms. Midoriya." She gave a polite bow, "I'm glad to see you're both well."

"Thank you, Principal Ikoma," said Inko.

"Thank you," said Midoriya, after a moment of silence.

Ikoma then asked, "May we take a seat?"

"Of course," said Inko with Midoriya echoing her words. The Shiketsu Staff found themselves some chairs, moving to sit around the room.

"How're you feeling?" asked Ikoma.

Midoriya gave a smile, "I'm doing okay." He twiddled his thumbs, "I still feel a little off, but I'm… steady."

"How's your neck?" asked Dr. Yaritezawa.

"Good, actually. I was asleep for awhile." He chuckled, "Rest is a… solid form of healing."

Dr. Yaritezawa was biting her tongue, resisting the urge to tap her foot, "No kidding…" She took a breath before sigh – whatever stress on her face had shifted towards concern, "How's your appetite been?"

"Oh, I haven't had lunch yet… But honestly, I'm starved," said Midoriya.

"Could that be a side-effect?" asked Samuel.

Dr. Yaritezawa nodded, "If I remember from her medical paper correctly, yes…"

Inko explained, "Yes, Recovery Girl did mention that – she also said that she'd send us a document about how to treat those."

"Increased appetite might by linked to a faster metabolism," murmured Dr. Yaritezawa.

"Faster metabolism?"

Midoriya nodded, "Well, that does make sense. Recovery Girl's 'Heal' Quirk is fueled by personal stamina."

"What do you mean by personal stamina?" asked Inko.

Dr. Yaritezawa explained, "The body's fuel – carbohydrates, fat, protein, water, and glucose."

"I wasn't in… the best place for its use… They probably had to compensate a lot to make it work," offered Midoriya.

"Forcing the body into healing is kind of difficult to imagine without a Quirk in play."

Samuel asked, "Would IV bags and things like adrenaline help?"

"Maybe."

Inko looked between all, asking, "Wait, um… how does this connect to the metabolism issue?"

Samuel coughed, "Well, if Midoriya's natural healing process was kicked into overdrive in order for him to make it through his surgery, it is possible that some functions of his body may be stuck in that overdrive."

"Which doesn't sound natural, but with a Quirk it gets difficult to nail down what can and can't be," clarified Dr. Yaritezawa.

Midoriya nodded, "Though, Recovery Girl's Quirk has been studied and publicly reported on a lot. So, we can have a better idea than normal."

"Those studies have to be limited though – simply due to humans' rights issues," said Samuel.

Principal Ikoma nodded with a smile, "You all seem quite knowledgeable about this…" Though, that smile felt very plastered on as teacher, nurse, and student were… dramatically off-topic.

Samuel coughed, "I attended a lecture on I-Island."

"I read her medical thesis on it," said Dr. Yaritezawa.

"A few interviews, articles, and forums…" Midoriya's head dropped, "I don't sound as credible…"

"But, you were able to keep up – that's impressive!" offered Inko.

Principal Ikoma took her chair and brought it closer to mother and son, "Ms. Midoriya, Mr. Izuku, I apologize to say that we're not here on a house call." She retook her seat before reaching out and placing her hand on Midoriya's. "I am exorbitantly happy to see that you are alive and well. As a Principal of a Hero Academy, I am extremely proud of what you did and what you were capable of." She sighed as she straightened in her seat, "But as that Principal, I must see the issues that come with it.

A Support Item was taken off campus without any of the staff being informed of said action. You were directed to remain in the medical tent as Dr. Yaritezawa attended a meeting with myself and Mr. Abraham. You used that time to leave campus unsupervised. You then by coincidence involved yourself in an ongoing police operation and actively engaged a villain.

I need to make a decision regarding this in its entirety."

Inko sat forward, "I'm sorry. What kind of decision?"

"I intend on telling you – however… with Mr. Abraham and Dr. Yaritezawa here as witnesses, I need you both to promise me something," she said as Dr. Yaritezawa stood, "Nothing said can leave this room," and closed the door.

"What is this?"

Inko looked at Principal Ikoma, "…", examining her face. "I… agree."

"Mom?" questioned Midoriya, looking to his mother. They shared a look before Midoriya slowly nodded.

"The School Board wishes for Mr. Izuku to quietly leave Shiketsu," said Principal Ikoma.

"What?" cried both mother and son.

"Principal Ikoma?" questioned Samuel.

"The School Board is also full of self-important morons who care more about a name than ideals," stated Principal Ikoma.

"W… Why? Why would they want that? Why would they do that to him?" interrogated Inko

Principal Ikoma started, "It was because of something far before my time as a Principal."

"Shiketsu was one of the first Hero Academies in Japan and for a time, prided itself as such. Until, from what I understand, a Hero Course student caused an accidental explosion during a work study. Not only leading to their death, but many others. As their student, blame was laid upon the school. Sponsorships, Support Company assistance, and funding were all pulled. Attendance dropped. Shiketsu, in time, faded into obscurity."

She smiled, "Until All-Might exploded onto the scene…" Something flickered across Midoriya's face. "U.A. High became known far and wide. Soon any Support Company linked to the school would be called upon by international groups. Sponsors saw huge media coverage and even increased profit."

Samuel echoed, "Being a well known school was profitable."

"With interest reinvigorated in these companies, they sought to assist in other schools, and began to treat them much like business ventures. Thus, Shiketsu, a name known from the dawn of Heroes in Japan, was reshaped. Shiketsu, both in image and in practice, prided itself on its lineage and breathed the air of the elite and elegance." She put her hands in her lap, frowning, "Though, it could not do that without burying certain truths."

Inko questioned, "They hid the accident?"

Principal Ikoma nodded, "A media embargo was then put into effect – dealings made across the board by Support Companies and Sponsors. Not for the sake of the students, but to give them time in the face of another controversy."

Samuel shook his head, "But, surely someone must know – a victim or a student from that time."

"NDAs and settlements – buying silence from an old wound isn't too difficult with a generational gap," said Dr. Yaritezawa.

Principal Ikoma looked to the student, "Mr. Izuku, they wish for you to leave because you pose another controversy. You pose a story of child endangerment, neglect, vigilantism, and incompetence. I am not blind as to not see why. You left school grounds unsupervised and without permission to recover an Item that shouldn't have left grounds in the first place. You actively endangered yourself and nearly died…

But, you saved a life. You stood in the face of something that would make most scream and run away. You were foolish but brave. You shouldn't have been there, but I dread to think what would've been if you weren't."

Izuku blinked, "I…" He slowly bowed, "I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused…" He raised his gaze, "But I do not regret what I did."

"Izuku?"

"Fair." Principal Ikoma paused, "I do believe that you did a good thing – the circumstances that led up to it were very bad, however."

"Fair."

Inko shook her head, "I… this is so much to take in…" Her hands balled into fists, shaking, "The School Board is targeting my son? After everything? They think that this… okay?"

"Self-preservation at its finest," quipped Dr. Yaritezawa.

"I hate to say it, but I cannot say I'm surprised." Samuel sighed, "I knew the type of relationship that Companies had to these schools, but I didn't think it was so deeply rooted."

Inko stomped her foot, "It's absolutely ridiculous!"

"I concur," said Principal Ikoma.

"If that is the School Board, I…" Inko shook her head, "-I don't know if he should be attending Shiketsu."

"That is completely understandable," conceded Principal Ikoma.

Izuku's head lowered, "…" A chortle escaped his lips as he muttered, "It kinda makes me want to stay even more…"

"Izuku?" asked Inko.

Midoriya raised his head, blinking, "Oh, uh… I mean, well…" He coughed, giving a light smile, "It would be better than giving them what they want, right?"

"It would definitely get under their skin," mumbled Dr. Yaritezawa.

Inko looked between nurse and son, "But what would stop them… asking less politely next time?"

"Oh absolutely everything," laughed Dr. Yaritezawa.

"Huh?"

"If you two came out that you were harassed into leaving or even asked to, after the media has, namelessly, made him out to be hero? That would be an even worse controversy – it's why they're being polite and using a proxy." Dr. Yaritezawa gestured to the principal.

"Indeed," said Principal Ikoma.

Samuel nodded, "It doesn't suggest confidence, no."

Inko's face contorted, "I don't know… he lives in the dorms and… I…" She lowered her head, "I'm hours away…" and she turns to Izuku, "Our home is hours away."

"Ms. Midoriya, I vow on my honor as a Principal that I will not allow the Board to harass Midoriya Izuku." pledged Principal Inko. "I will always value my students beyond whatever little opinions these members may have."

Inko paused, fidgeting with her hands and contorting her face, "…" She took a deep breath, meeting Principal Ikoma's eyes, "If… If anything goes wrong, I must be the first to know."

"Of course. We do have your contact information and I will put it on my personal phone so that direct contact is always achievable."

"Good." She took a breath, turning, "And you too, Izuku, if you want to attend this school, if anything happens, you have to call me as soon as possible."

Midoriya smiled, nodding, "Of course, mom, I will."

She took another deep breath before saying, "Then… fine, for now."

"Thank you." Principal Ikoma gave a confident smile, "And allow me to assure you that I have all that I need to disarm the Board – for the time being, at least."

"Hm?"

Principal Ikoma nodded, "Ingenium and his family were visiting a moment ago, and Mr. Iida provided me exactly what I needed. He gave Mr. Izuku permission to fight Stain."

"Permission?" echoed Midoriya with a tilt to his head.

Dr. Yaritezawa reached over to smack his knee, "Don't say it like you're confused."

"If a Pro-Hero gave permission to engage, then the fault for injury or endangerment would fall more into their court. Which should placate the board."

"Why didn't you say that earlier?" asked Izuku.

The Principal shrugged, "Your mother was already considering to depart from the school. I didn't wish to push the issue if she had already concluded."

"Fair." He blinked before raising a hand, "Oh, I actually have a question…" He pondered, "Does anyone know where my phone is?"

-XXX-

Kaminari Denki trailed behind the usual crew as they left school grounds for their dorms. Ashido was chatting about the mundane, doing her best to fill the air. Jirou and Shinso were entertaining the attempts. Now, what was causing the blond to disassociate from the group? The same thing that had afflicted him for the past two days. The same guilt, same issue, and any moment of elation or even a neutral thought brought more of it upon himself.

Denki blinked when he heard a phone rang. He reached into his pocket, pulling out his phone and finding a black screen. Yet, the ringing continued. His breath hitched for a moment before he switched one phone for the one in his bag. He looked at the screen and stopped in his tracks.

'MOM'

"Kaminari?" called out Shinso.

"It's… It's Midoriya's mom…"

Jirou blinked, "Oh… uh…"

Ashido raised her hand, stepping forward, "I can answer it for ya… Heh…" She slowly deflated, "Heh…" as he just stared at the ringing phone.

"No…" His fault. "I…" His responsibility. "I should answer it." He brought the phone to his ear after sliding the green button, "Hello… Ms. Midoriya, this is Kaminari Denki."

"Ah, so Kaminari has my phone," said a familiar voice.

"Your friend?" he heard Ms. Midoriya's voice.

"Why does Mr. Kaminari have your phone?" was said by another voice.

Denki's heart skipped a beat, "M… M-Midoriya!?" His breath stuttered as feeling of burning static rippled through his body. So many questions rushed to the surface. Are you okay? Legs working? Arms? Head? Where have you been? Are you still in the hospital? Did you go home? What happened? Did you really fight Stain? Why haven't you called anyone?

"Well, I didn't have my phone," said Midoriya.

Denki blinked, feeling heat reach his feet, "Uh… I… said that out loud?"

"Yeah." A cough, "I'm sorry, I worried you." His tone turned somber, "The, uh, Stein Gauntlet didn't make it."

Kaminari laughed, "Like I care about that!" He let out a breath of relief, "I can't believe it… You're okay…"

"Midoriya!" shouted Ashido as the group crowded around Kaminari as he put the call on speaker.

"He's okay?" asked Jirou.

Shinso chuckled, "God, you had us worried there."

"Yeah, sorry, you guys…" said Midoriya. "I, uh…" He struggled for a moment before saying, "I'm gonna be in the hospital for a bit longer. Gotta make sure I'm all working before they let me out."

Shinso fished, "They're not putting you through anything too crazy, right?"

"Just some physical therapy," said Midoriya.

Kaminari echoed, "Physical therapy?" He hesitated, "What… What happened to you exactly?"

Another struggle, "Uh… Well, I… didn't… exactly make through unscathed, but I'm still standing and I got both thumbs."

"What're you gonna do about all your school work?" asked Jirou.

"That… That is, uh… really good question." Midoriya seemingly turned away from his phone, "What am I gonna do about my school work?"

A distant voice could be made out, "Well, we could do review and worksheets just to keep you up to date. Though, it won't quite compare to an actual lesson. Maybe a few makeup tests to get your grades caught up as well."

"Ooh! We could help you study!" offered Ashido.

"Oh… uh, are you sure?" asked Midoriya.

Denki, Shinso, Jirou, and Ashido found themselves giving an array of agreement to their friend.

"Um, that's great," said Midoriya. "I guess… I'll text myself the… address of the hospital." He turned away from the phone, "Well, do we have to inform the staff about that?"

"Probably for the best that we do," said Ms. Midoriya.

Midoriya said, "Okay, well, I guess I'll see you guys—"

"Tomorrow!" shouted Ashido.

"Tomorrow?" echoed Midoriya. "Uh, yeah, that should be fine."

"We'll see you tomorrow, Midori!" said Ashido.

Denki nodded, "Yeah! We gonna study the hell outta your brain!"

"I'm sure he's worried, Nineteen, Twenty," said Jirou.

"Hey!" cried both Denki and Ashido.

"We'll return the phone while we're at it," said Shinso.

"That would be preferred, yeah," said Midoriya.

Denki nodded, "We'll see you tomorrow, man."

"Yeah, it'll be good to see your faces," concluded Midoriya before the call ended.

"He's okay!" cried Ashido as she bounced away from the group, throwing her hands into the air.

Jirou chuckled, "Jeez…" She let out a long breath, "He sounded fine too."

Shinso patted the blond's shoulder, "We can get all the details tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah." Denki smiled, the first time in a while. However, there was something lingering atop his heart. Still in the hospital? Physical therapy? What else was there? Could Midoriya be hiding things to make sure they wouldn't worry anymore? He took a deep breath, "Well, at least, there won't be anymore maybes…" Finally, he would just see for himself whether or not Midoriya was okay – to finally take responsibility for his mistake.

-\XXX/-

AN: Alright, sorry for being on the late side of things and I'm gonna make this quick. This was kinda rough to write. It wound becoming some world-building and some set dressing. And of course, we have a reunion of sorts. That's all I got. No insights or anything like that. I don't know how I feel about the Chapter Title, but it'll do for now. Might change it later.

With that, thank you for reading and criticize away!

Update Window: June 20th - 30th

Intended Due Date: June 20th - 25th