Chapter 19 Beginning of problem child

Aizawa Shota stood at the door of the modest Midoriya apartment, a rare expression of uncertainty crossing his usually impassive face. The address he'd been given for Izuku Midoriya had brought him here, though he hadn't expected the encounter to be anything but straightforward. He knocked firmly on the door and waited, hearing faint footsteps approaching from inside.

The door opened to reveal Inko Midoriya, her warm smile immediately shifting to confusion as she took in the sight of the disheveled man standing at her doorstep. Without missing a beat, she reached for something inside her pocket and thrust a small bundle of cash into his hand.

"Here, dear," she said kindly, "take this and head down the block. There's a wonderful soup kitchen that can help you out."

Aizawa blinked, staring at the money in his hand before looking back at her. "I'm not homeless," he said, his tone flat but laced with mild irritation. He extended the cash back to her. "I'm a teacher at U.A."

Inko's face turned red as she quickly took the money back, bowing repeatedly. "Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry! You just… um… you looked—"

"Like I haven't slept in days," Aizawa finished for her, sighing. "I get that a lot."

Inko gave an embarrassed laugh, her expression softening as he continued. "I'm here to discuss your son. He's been accepted into the support course at U.A."

Her eyes widened in surprise, the initial awkwardness replaced by joy. "Wait, wait… my son's been accepted into U.A.?" She clasped her hands together, a bright smile lighting up her face. "That's wonderful news!"

The smile faltered after a moment, and her shoulders slumped slightly. "But… why didn't he tell me?" she muttered, more to herself than to Aizawa.

Aizawa caught the shift in her mood and frowned slightly. "Is everything alright, Mrs. Midoriya?"

"Yes," Inko replied quickly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm fine. I'm just… adjusting to him being away, I suppose."

Aizawa watched her closely, his years of teaching experience making him adept at reading people. "I see. You said he's been away. Does he not live here?"

Inko shook her head. "Not at the moment. He's living in a warehouse with… some companions of his." She hesitated before handing Aizawa a small slip of paper with the warehouse address written on it. "I just… I hope he's eating well."

Aizawa tucked the paper into his pocket, nodding. "I'll check in on him."

There was a brief pause before he asked, "Would you mind if I came in for a moment?"

Inko's polite smile returned, and she opened the door wider. "Of course, please come in."

Aizawa stepped inside, taking a seat on the couch. The apartment was cozy and meticulously clean, with small, heartfelt touches scattered throughout—family photos, a vase of flowers on the table, and neatly arranged cushions. It was a place that felt like home.

"So," Aizawa began, leaning back slightly, "what's your relationship with your son like right now?"

Inko's smile faltered briefly, but she quickly composed herself. "Oh, it's great. I mean, he hasn't called in a while, but I'm sure he's just busy. He's such a determined boy, always working toward his goals. I'm… just getting used to empty nesting, that's all."

Aizawa nodded slowly, his gaze steady. "Have you been aware of his recent activities?"

"Yes, mostly," she replied. "I was scared when I first heard about some of the things he's been involved in, but I'm happy that he's safe now." She paused, her hands fidgeting slightly in her lap. "I didn't hear about the… incident at the time. Not directly. Even after he got back from his trip, He didn't tell me that he saved David Shield and his daughter."

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, the mention of David Shield catching his attention. "You're talking about the incident with All Might?"

Inko nodded. "Yes. Mitsuki told me about it after the fact. She mentioned it when Izuku invited her and her husband out for dinner. She declined, though. Said she was too busy with work."

Aizawa leaned forward slightly, his elbows resting on his knees. "That must have been difficult for you to hear."

"It was," Inko admitted, her voice quiet. "But I've learned that Izuku keeps a lot to himself. He doesn't want to worry me, and I understand that. Still…" She trailed off, her eyes distant for a moment before she forced another smile. "He's my son. I just want him to be happy."

Aizawa studied her for a long moment, feeling a pang of sympathy for the woman. She was clearly proud of her son, but there was an undercurrent of sadness and longing in her words. "What was his home life like, if you don't mind me asking?"

Inko blinked, slightly taken aback by the question. "It was good, I think," she said after a moment. "He was always so bright and eager, even as a little boy. He'd spend hours studying heroes, dreaming of becoming one himself. But… things changed after he found out he was quirkless." Her voice wavered slightly. "He still worked hard, but there was always this… sadness in him."

Aizawa nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I see. Thank you for sharing that."

Inko looked at him curiously. "Do you think he'll be okay? At U.A., I mean."

Aizawa straightened up, his tone firm. "If he's anything like what I saw in that video, he'll do more than okay. He's got potential, Mrs. Midoriya. A lot of it. It's just a matter of channeling it in the right direction."

Inko smiled, though the worry in her eyes remained. "Thank you, Mr. Aizawa."

He stood, adjusting his scarf. "I'll check in on him. And I'll make sure he knows you're proud of him."

Her smile brightened, and she stood as well, seeing him to the door. "Thank you. I really appreciate it."

As Aizawa stepped out of the apartment and made his way toward the warehouse address.

Aizawa walked down the crowded street, his scarf loosely wrapped around his neck and his cell phone pressed to his ear. He moved with his usual nonchalant stride, his eyes scanning his surroundings as he spoke.

"Yamada," Aizawa began, his voice low and even. "I need you to look into something for me. The kid—Izuku Midoriya. He had an incident with All Might. Can you dig up the details?"

On the other end of the line, Present Mic's lively voice crackled through the phone. "Oh? An incident with All Might, huh? Gimme a sec, Shota. I'll check the hero database."

Aizawa waited, hearing the faint clacking of keys as Present Mic worked. His pace slowed as he passed a street vendor, the smell of grilled skewers wafting through the air.

"Okay, got it!" Present Mic's voice suddenly boomed. "Listen to this. The kid was involved in a hostage situation during that whole I-Island Tower incident. Turns out he, Melissa Shield, and one of his companions managed to stop Sam, David Shield's assistant. Kid played a major part, taking down the tower's security systems and even freeing heroes from the robots that were holding them down."

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, his stride slowing further. "So, he wasn't just some reckless kid causing trouble?"

"Nope!" Present Mic exclaimed. "If anything, he's looking more like a hero in the making. Maybe he's not Yakuza at all—just a nice kid trying to help out."

Aizawa frowned, processing the information. "Still doesn't explain why he's on this… unconventional path."

"Here's the kicker, though," Present Mic continued, the excitement in his voice unmistakable. "Turns out, U.A. already vetted him. His recommendation for the support course came from All Might himself. And get this—he passed the support course exam, and he's also trying to get into the hero course."

Aizawa came to an abrupt stop, his brow furrowing as he let out a long sigh. "So, the kid's not a troubled youth after all. But he does have potential. More than I expected."

"Shota," Present Mic said, his tone light but firm, "you're making this way more complicated than it needs to be. Look, I don't see any problems with this kid's behavior. Sure, he got into a fight, but let's not forget we accepted that crazy bunny girl. What's her name again? The one who picks fights with everyone? Her track record's worse than his."

Aizawa groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Rumi. And you're not wrong, but I still think a talk is necessary. He needs to understand that his actions, no matter how well-intentioned, have consequences."

Present Mic chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "Fine, fine. Have your heart-to-heart, Eraser Dad. Just don't scare the kid too much. He might already be hero material."

Aizawa grumbled under his breath but eventually conceded. "I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Yamada."

"Anytime, Shota!" Present Mic replied before the line disconnected.

Aizawa pocketed his phone and continued toward the warehouse. As he approached, his sharp eyes scanned the area, his years of experience as a pro hero making him hyperaware of his surroundings. He climbed effortlessly onto the rooftop of a nearby building, his movements silent and deliberate.

As he crouched on the roof, he spotted Izuku just down the street, carrying a little girl on his back. She had white hair and red eyes, and her laughter rang out like a melody as she clung to him.

"Faster, Papa! Faster!" Eri squealed, her arms wrapped tightly around Izuku's neck.

Izuku laughed, his voice filled with joy. "Alright, hang on tight! Here we go!" With a burst of speed, he bolted down the street, his steps light but powerful.

Eri's giggles grew louder. "You're so fast, Papa! You're the fastest ever!"

Aizawa, still perched on the rooftop, couldn't help but smile faintly at the scene. It was rare for him to feel a sense of warmth, but watching Izuku interact with the little girl stirred something in him. He's good with her, Aizawa thought. Maybe Yamada's right. Maybe this kid really doesn't need as much guidance as I assumed.

He continued to follow them silently, his sharp gaze observing every detail. Despite his initial doubts, Aizawa felt the faintest flicker of admiration for the boy. Whether or not Izuku realized it, he already had many of the qualities of a true hero.

Izuku strolled into the bakery with Eri perched happily by his side. The air inside was warm and sweet, filled with the aromas of freshly baked pastries. Eri's wide red eyes sparkled as she pointed to the display case.

"Papa, look! They have cheesecake! Is it made of cheese?" she asked, tilting her head curiously.

Izuku chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Not exactly, but it's really good. Want to try it?"

She nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"

They picked out a variety of treats—cheesecake for Eri, along with muffins, carrot cake, and a slice of red velvet for later. Izuku paid for the sweets, his demeanor calm, though he couldn't shake the unsettling feeling creeping up his spine. Someone was watching them. He glanced over his shoulder subtly, his sharp eyes catching a faint shadow on the rooftop across the street.

As they left the bakery, Izuku pulled out his phone, quickly texting Rumi.

Izuku:
I'm being followed. Need your help. At the bakery near the warehouse. Be ready.

Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he knelt to Eri's level and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Eri," he said softly, his tone serious, "I need you to go to the bathroom and lock the door. Don't come out until Rumi or I knock, okay?"

Eri's expression shifted, her excitement replaced with fear. "Papa? What's wrong?" she asked, clutching the cheesecake box tightly.

"It's okay," he reassured her, giving her a small smile. "I just need you to be safe. Can you do that for me?"

She hesitated but nodded, her voice quiet. "Okay, Papa." She turned and hurried toward the restroom, her small form disappearing behind the door.

Izuku stepped out through the back exit of the bakery, pulling a mask over his face to conceal his identity. The cold air hit his skin, but he barely noticed, his focus locked on the rooftop across the street. He climbed the fire escape quickly and silently, his movements fluid and precise. As he reached the roof, he saw him—a man in black with disheveled hair and a familiar scarf draped around his shoulders.

Aizawa's sharp eyes scanned the street below, confusion flickering across his face as he realized Izuku was no longer there. "Where did he go?" he muttered to himself.

Before he could react further, he felt a sudden pull on the back of his collar. Izuku had looped a length of sturdy restriction cloth around his neck, yanking him backward with surprising strength. Aizawa's body slammed into the concrete rooftop, his head bouncing slightly against the hard surface.

Izuku wasted no time. He moved swiftly, attempting to bind Aizawa with the same rope, but Aizawa was faster. He grabbed the knife hidden in his boot and sliced through the bindings with practiced precision. Freeing himself, he rolled to his feet and launched a powerful kick toward his masked attacker.

Izuku dodged, barely evading the strike as he twisted his body to the side. His voice was cold and steady as he spoke. "Who are you? Why are you following me?" His gloved hands clenched into fists, ready for the next move.

Aizawa adjusted his stance, his eyes narrowing. "Izuku Midoriya," he said quietly, his tone carrying an air of authority. "Nice to meet you."

The words barely registered before Izuku charged, his body low as he aimed a kick at Aizawa's ribs. Aizawa sidestepped, avoiding the blow, but Izuku followed up with a quick jab, forcing Aizawa to retreat.

That was exactly what Izuku wanted. He pulled a flashbang from his pocket and tossed it at the ground between them. Aizawa shielded his eyes, reacting quickly, but the intense light still momentarily disoriented him.

Seizing the opportunity, Izuku closed the distance, grappling Aizawa's forearm and activating the thin electric gloves he'd slipped on earlier. The current surged through Aizawa's body, his muscles tensing involuntarily as pain shot through him. His knees buckled slightly, but he managed to recover, throwing a wild punch that connected with Izuku's jaw and sent him stumbling backward.

Aizawa's scarf lashed out like a serpent, aiming to bind Izuku, but Izuku reacted in an instant. With a flick of his hand, he used telekinesis to slow the scarf mid-air, just enough to dodge and land on his feet. He finally realized who he was fighting.

"I know who you are, Eraserhead," Izuku said, his voice calm but firm, his masked face tilting slightly. "Why are you following me?"

Aizawa steadied his breathing, his sharp gaze fixed on the boy. "Why did you attack me?" he countered.

Izuku took a deep breath, his gloved hands lowering slightly. "I thought you were after the girl. That's why I attacked you."

Aizawa's expression softened ever so slightly, though his guard remained up. "And why would I be after her?"

Izuku hesitated, his body tense as he weighed his words. "Because people are after her."

Aizawa opened his mouth to ask another question, but Izuku had already thrown down a handful of smoke pellets. The dense cloud enveloped the rooftop, and by the time Aizawa cleared it, Izuku was gone.

Standing alone on the rooftop, Aizawa let out a sigh. He's not reckless. He's protective. He glanced down at the street, spotting Eri peeking nervously from the bakery window, and made a mental note to tread carefully moving forward. "This kid," he muttered, "has more layers than I expected."

Turning away, Aizawa made his way down from the roof, a plan forming in his mind for their next encounter.

Izuku stepped quietly back into the bakery, his keen eyes immediately spotting Eri near the counter. She was standing on her tiptoes, looking anxiously out the window. As soon as she noticed him, she ran to him, hugging his leg tightly.

"Papa! Are you okay? Did something happen?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Izuku crouched down, gently placing a hand on her forehead as if checking her temperature. "I'm fine, Eri. But I asked you to stay in the bathroom. Why didn't you listen?"

Eri fidgeted, looking at the floor. "It was… stinky," she mumbled, her cheeks puffing out slightly.

Izuku raised an eyebrow, seeing through the excuse immediately. "Eri, tell me the truth."

Her shoulders slumped, and she looked up at him with guilty eyes. "I just… I just wanted to make sure you were okay," she admitted, her voice small. "You're super nice, Papa, and if you get hurt, I have to heal you, right? I got the cool class now!"

Izuku sighed softly, his stern expression melting as he picked her up and held her close. "Yeah, I know, sweetheart. Thank you for worrying about me. But I need you to stay safe, too, okay? That's the most important thing."

Eri snuggled into his chest, nodding. "Okay, Papa."

He kissed her on the forehead and smiled. "Let's head back to the warehouse. Rumi's probably wondering where we are."

Taking out his phone, he quickly texted Rumi: Headed back now. All good.

When they arrived at the warehouse, the warm smell of home greeted them. Rumi was already sitting at the table, a fork in hand, waiting eagerly for the sweets. Mei was tinkering with something at her workstation, and Toga was lounging on the couch, her fox tail lazily swaying.

Izuku set the bag of treats on the table, letting everyone pick their favorites. "Here," he said with a smile, "we earned this."

Rumi immediately snagged the carrot cake, practically glowing as she took a bite. "Mmm, so good," she mumbled through a mouthful.

Mei grabbed a chocolate muffin, taking a big bite before giving Izuku a thumbs-up. "Perfect. Just what I needed!"

Toga, meanwhile, picked up the red velvet slice, delicately nibbling on it with a mischievous grin. "You really spoil us, Broccoli Boy."

Eri sat beside them, carefully poking at her cheesecake with a fork. She took a small bite and paused, her expression thoughtful. "It doesn't taste like cheese at all," she declared.

Izuku laughed, ruffling her hair. "No, it doesn't. But it tastes good, right?"

Eri nodded enthusiastically, her cheeks puffed with another bite. "Yeah, Papa! It's really yummy."

As they ate, Izuku leaned back in his chair, exhaustion finally catching up with him. He ran a hand through his hair and began explaining what had happened. "So, there was someone following us. Turned out to be a pro hero—Eraserhead. We had a… brief fight on the rooftop before I realized who he was."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, her fork pausing mid-air. "Eraserhead? That guy's pretty serious. Why would he be after you?"

"I don't know," Izuku admitted, rubbing his temples. "But for some reason, I'm on his radar. He didn't seem hostile, but we need to be careful. Everyone has to be on their best behavior. No drawing attention to ourselves."

The room fell quiet for a moment as everyone absorbed his words. Then Toga broke the silence with a sly grin. "Guess we'd better start acting like model citizens, huh? You think I can pull it off?"

Rumi snorted. "Not a chance."

Even Eri giggled, her red eyes sparkling as she leaned against Izuku's arm. "We'll be good, Papa. I promise."

Izuku nodded, his tense posture softening. "Good. Let's just lay low for now."

As they finished their treats, Eri wandered over to Toga and snuggled into her fox tail, burying her face in the soft fur. "Fox Mama, can we have cuddles?" she asked, her voice muffled.

Toga chuckled, wrapping her tail protectively around the little girl. "Sure, but only if Papa joins us."

Eri turned her big, pleading eyes toward Izuku. "Papa?"

Izuku couldn't resist her expression and smiled. "Alright, alright. Let's do this."

He scooped both Eri and Toga up effortlessly, carrying them over to the giant bean bag chair in the corner. With a playful plop, he sat down, settling them into the soft cushions. Rumi joined a moment later, pulling Mei along with her. The small family curled up together, laughter and warmth filling the room.

For a while, all the stress of the day melted away, leaving only the comfort of being together. Izuku held Eri close, her tiny hands clutching his shirt as she drifted off to sleep, her face nestled against his chest.

In that moment, surrounded by his makeshift family, Izuku felt a rare sense of peace. No matter what challenges lay ahead, he knew they'd face them together.

UA

Aizawa Shota stood in the principal's office, arms crossed and his usual scowl firmly in place. Across from him, Principal Nezu sat perched on his oversized chair, his paws resting lightly on the desk. The two had been in a calm but heated discussion for the past ten minutes, the tension in the room palpable.

"I'm saying," Aizawa began, his voice firm but measured, "that a boy his age attempting to balance both the support course and the hero course is reckless. It's going to burn him out before he even gets started. He has too much potential for us to let him waste it by spreading himself thin."

Nezu tilted his head, his calm, ever-smiling demeanor unshaken. "Potential is precisely why I believe it should be left to his decision, Aizawa. Izuku Midoriya has already shown remarkable aptitude in both fields. Limiting him to one course when he has expressed interest and capability in both would hinder his growth, not foster it."

Aizawa's scowl deepened. "You didn't see what I saw. That kid is driven, sure, but he's also carrying a lot of anger. If we don't guide him properly, he's just going to self-destruct."

Nezu steepled his paws, his dark eyes gleaming with quiet intelligence. "And yet, you also acknowledged his potential. His determination. Perhaps this dual path is exactly what he needs—a structured challenge to channel that drive constructively."

Aizawa opened his mouth to argue again, but the door creaked open, and Midnight stepped in, followed closely by Present Mic.

"Am I interrupting something?" Midnight asked, her crimson lips curling into a sly smile as she glanced between the two. "You both look so intense."

Present Mic grinned, throwing his arms wide. "What's going on? Shota's scowling extra hard today."

Aizawa pinched the bridge of his nose, groaning softly. "Midoriya. I'm saying he shouldn't be juggling both the support course and the hero course. It's too much for one kid."

"Ah, the broccoli-haired kid," Midnight said, settling onto the couch in the corner. "He's the one you mentioned before, right? The Yakuza boy who isn't actually Yakuza?"

"He's not Yakuza," Aizawa snapped, glaring at her. "That's not the point."

"Whoa, calm down, Shota," Present Mic said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Nezu's probably got this all figured out already. Right, Principal?"

Nezu chuckled softly, his ever-present smile unwavering. "I do believe Midoriya's choice is a calculated one. While I understand Aizawa's concerns, I trust the boy's ability to handle the workload. He's already demonstrated remarkable adaptability."

"But at what cost?" Aizawa shot back. "Just because he can handle it doesn't mean he should. He's going to exhaust himself, and when that happens, he'll either give up or break down."

"Or," Midnight interjected, leaning forward with an arched brow, "he'll rise to the occasion. Aizawa, you're always so quick to think the worst. What if this is exactly what he needs to push himself to the next level?"

Present Mic nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, man! He's already got a leg up. I mean, didn't you say he managed to fight you off during your little rooftop encounter?"

Aizawa frowned but didn't deny it. "He's resourceful. I'll give him that."

"Resourceful?" Midnight repeated with a smirk. "Coming from you, that's practically high praise."

"Focus," Aizawa snapped, shooting her a glare. "My point is that someone needs to keep an eye on him. He's not just some overachieving kid—he's carrying baggage. If we don't guide him properly, we're failing him."

Nezu nodded thoughtfully, tapping his claws gently on the desk. "And who better to keep an eye on him than you, Aizawa? If you feel so strongly about his potential, perhaps you should take a more active role in mentoring him."

Midnight's eyes sparkled mischievously. "Oh, I like that idea. Eraserhead, the reluctant mentor. It's got a nice ring to it."

Present Mic burst out laughing. "Yeah, man! You're practically the poster boy for tough love. Midoriya's lucky he's got you looking out for him."

Aizawa sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck. "You're both impossible."

Nezu smiled, his tone light but firm. "I think we can all agree that Midoriya is a unique case. His potential is undeniable, but so are the challenges he faces. Aizawa, I trust you to ensure he stays on the right path."

Aizawa nodded reluctantly, though his scowl remained. "Fine. But don't expect me to sugarcoat anything."

Midnight grinned. "Oh, we wouldn't dream of it."

Present Mic gave Aizawa a playful nudge. "You're gonna do great, Shota. Just don't scare the poor kid too much."

Aizawa rolled his eyes but didn't respond, already mentally preparing himself for the task ahead. As much as he hated to admit it, Nezu was right—Izuku Midoriya was a student worth investing in. And if guiding him meant ensuring he reached his full potential, then Aizawa was ready to step up. Even if it meant putting up with his overly cheerful coworkers.

The next day after school.

The sun was dipping low in the sky as Izuku lounged on the oversized bean bag chair in the warehouse. Eri was nestled beside him, her small hands gripping a game controller as she focused intently on the fighting game displayed on the nearby TV. Her brows furrowed in concentration as she mashed buttons, her character executing flashy combos on screen.

Izuku's phone buzzed on the armrest, breaking the quiet hum of the game. He glanced at the screen, his expression hardening when he saw the caller ID: Mom. For a moment, his thumb hovered over the answer button, but he let it ring until it went to voicemail. He sighed, running a hand through his hair before shaking his head and picking up the phone again. Scrolling through his contacts, he selected a familiar name and hit the call button.

A few rings later, Mitsuki's lively voice came through the line. "Hey, Izuku! How've you been, kiddo?"

He smiled softly. "I've been great, Mitsuki. Thanks for asking. Actually, I wanted to ask if you and your husband would be interested in going out for dinner sometime. My treat. I know a great restaurant—high-quality steaks and even better because it's free for you two."

Mitsuki chuckled, a warm, motherly tone in her voice. "Oh, sweetie, that's kind of you, but I don't think we can accept. Besides, we should be the ones taking you out! You're the one who just got into U.A."

Izuku's smile faltered slightly, and his voice softened. "Thank you, Mitsuki. But I still feel like I owe you. You were there for me when things got tough, especially after you found out Kacchan was bullying me."

There was a brief silence on the other end before Mitsuki spoke again, her tone more serious. "How's your mom been, Izuku?"

Izuku looked away, though she couldn't see him through the phone. "She's been… great," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Mitsuki's voice took on a sharper edge. "Uh-huh. Izuku, don't lie to me. Why don't you take your mom out for dinner instead? She'd probably love that."

"I will," he replied quickly. "Eventually. I've just been busy, you know, with work… being a photographer and all."

Mitsuki's deadpan expression practically radiated through the phone. "Right. Photographer. Look, have you been going to therapy like you're supposed to?"

Izuku rubbed the back of his head, feeling the familiar guilt creeping in. "I've been fine, Mitsuki. I don't really need it anymore. I'm doing great, honestly."

"Kid," she began, her voice soft but firm, "therapy was helping you, right? Even if you're feeling better now, it's something you should keep up with. You've been through a lot, and it worries me when you just stop going."

Izuku sighed deeply, his free hand resting on Eri's head as she continued mashing buttons, oblivious to the conversation. "I'm sorry, Mitsuki. I didn't mean to make you worry. I just… I'm in a really happy place right now. I've got people around me who make me truly happy. You're one of those people, and I wanted to repay you, but if you don't want it, that's okay. I understand."

Mitsuki's sternness melted into a smile. "Fine, I'll drop the subject for now. But you did it, Izuku—you made it into U.A. I'm so proud of you. Though I'm a little surprised you didn't go straight for the hero course."

Izuku chuckled, relaxing a bit. "I will. In a few months, I'll be ready to switch to the hero course. Just needed to get my footing first."

"I'd love to see that," Mitsuki replied warmly. "But I've gotta get going soon. How about this? I've got some free time next week. Let's plan a dinner. I'll bring Masaru, and you bring one of those girls you're interested in."

Izuku blinked, his face turning bright red. "W-which one?"

"Ohhh, we've got a little player here!" Mitsuki teased, laughing. "I've been keeping an eye on your social media, you know. You've got, what, three girls hanging around you all the time? Which one's your girlfriend, huh?"

Izuku practically fumbled the phone, his voice rising an octave. "I-I gotta go! Sorry, Mitsuki! Bye!" He hung up quickly, his face burning with embarrassment.

On the other end, Mitsuki chuckled to herself. "Wow. That's what gets him? Too cute," she said with a grin. "At least we'll have some fun at dinner later."

Izuku set his phone down, still flustered, and leaned back into the bean bag chair. Eri, noticing his expression, paused her game and looked up at him. "Papa? Are you okay?"

He smiled, brushing a hand over her hair. "Yeah, I'm fine, Eri. Just… grown-up stuff."

Satisfied with his answer, Eri went back to her game, her tiny fingers mashing buttons with determination. "Look, Papa! I'm winning!"

He chuckled, letting the warmth of the moment wash over him. For now, everything felt just a little brighter.

Izuku sat cross-legged on the floor of the warehouse, his system screen glowing faintly before him. Eri was nestled beside him, her small hands idly playing with the ends of her white hair as she occasionally glanced at his screen. Izuku, meanwhile, was deep in thought, his green eyes scanning the options in the system menu.

His focus was on the Fighting Styles section. It was unlike anything he'd expected. These weren't traditional martial arts like karate or taekwondo but rather strange, unique techniques with their own flair and mystique.

He scrolled through the list, muttering some of the names under his breath. "Ki Martial Arts… Animal Martial Arts… Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock… Explosive Fist…"

Eri peeked over his arm. "Papa, those sound funny. What's Fist of Flowing Water? Does it make your fists turn into water?" she asked innocently.

Izuku chuckled, ruffling her hair. "Not quite, Eri. It's more about how you move—flowing, smooth, and strong. Like water can carve through rock."

Eri tilted her head, her curiosity evident. "That sounds cool! Are you gonna pick it?"

"I think so," Izuku replied, his eyes lingering on the option. "And maybe Ki Martial Arts too. They both sound… different. I feel like they'll complement each other."

With a determined nod, he selected both styles, wincing slightly as a significant chunk of his XP disappeared. Even so, he still had plenty left to spare. Closing the system menu, he checked his stats, confirming his level and noting that his current abilities seemed to align well with his choices.

Standing up, Izuku swung his arms experimentally, mimicking the fluid movements described in the Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock technique. His arms moved like a river, flowing smoothly before snapping sharply, creating a cracking sound as they cut through the air. The force was enough to make the nearby curtains sway.

Eri clapped excitedly, her red eyes sparkling. "That's so cool, Papa! It's like you're fighting invisible bad guys!"

Izuku grinned at her encouragement, turning his attention to the second style. Closing his eyes, he focused on his inner energy, trying to sense the Ki within him. Slowly, he became aware of a faint sensation—like a warm light pulsing in his chest. It was subtle, almost elusive, but undeniably present.

He swung his fist forward, channeling his energy. His punch moved faster than before, but the power felt incomplete. He frowned, his movements faltering. "It's… not the same. I can feel something, but I can't quite grasp it yet."

Eri tilted her head, watching as Izuku closed his eyes again. He slowed his breathing, inhaling deeply and exhaling in measured intervals. The world around him began to shift in his perception. He could feel the faintest traces of energy—his own and everything around him. It was short-range, but it was there. His body hummed with potential, and with a sharp exhale, he launched forward, his body blurring with speed. His punch struck the air with a satisfying whoosh, the force rippling outward.

But as quickly as it came, the energy drained, leaving him breathing heavily. He wiped the sweat from his brow, sitting back down and shaking his head. "This one… this one's different. It's not just physical. It takes something more—focus, control… my mind."

He opened his system menu again and allocated more points into Mind, increasing it to 200. As the adjustment locked in, he felt an immediate difference. His perception of Ki became clearer, sharper. He could feel it flowing through him and even faintly sense it in the air around him. The discovery made him smile. "It's everywhere," he muttered. "Everything's connected to it."

He pulled out his phone, quickly searching for articles and guides on meditation. "If I can learn to meditate properly," he thought aloud, "I can connect with it better. The more in tune I am, the more effective it'll be."

Eri, ever curious, climbed into his lap and looked at his phone. "Papa, are you reading something fun?" she asked, her voice bright.

He laughed softly. "Not exactly, Eri. I'm learning how to sit still and focus."

"Like a game?" she asked, her eyes lighting up.

"Sort of," he said, smiling. "You sit really quiet, close your eyes, and try to feel everything around you. It helps you stay calm and strong."

Eri giggled and sat cross-legged next to him, imitating his pose. "Okay, I wanna play too!"

Izuku closed his eyes and began humming softly as he followed the steps outlined in the article. Eri, thinking this was part of the "game," hummed loudly along with him, occasionally adding exaggerated sound effects like, "Hummm… swoosh! Pow!"

He cracked an eye open, looking down at her with an amused grin. "Eri, you're supposed to be quiet."

She covered her mouth with her hands, her red eyes wide. "Oops, sorry!"

He laughed and ruffled her hair. "It's okay. You're doing great."

Together, they sat there, one focused on connecting with the flow of energy around him, the other simply enjoying the fun of "meditation." In that moment, the warehouse felt like a sanctuary, filled with warmth, laughter, and the promise of growth.

A few hours later

Izuku sat on the bean bag chair, carefully reviewing the system menu as Eri tugged lightly on his sleeve. "Papa," she said softly, her red eyes looking up at him, "can I go to a dungeon with you?"

Izuku blinked, lowering his screen to meet her gaze. "No, Eri. It's too dangerous. The system didn't even give you a tutorial dungeon because it agrees with me. You're not ready for that."

Eri's shoulders slumped, her lips forming a small pout. "But… I wanna adventure, Papa. I wanna fight monsters and keep you safe!"

Izuku's resolve wavered at her earnest words, but he shook his head firmly. "I know you mean well, sweetheart, but it's not safe. I can't let you get hurt."

Before he could protest further, Rumi strolled into the room, stretching her arms above her head. "Wife," she teased, smirking as she plopped down next to him. "Come on, let the little one play. We'll both go with her, and between the two of us, she'll be fine. Right, Eri?"

Eri's face lit up, and she nodded eagerly. "Yes! I can keep Papa safe! I promise!"

Izuku frowned, his hands rubbing his temples. "No, Rumi. It's dangerous. She's just a little girl."

"Yeah, a tough little girl," Rumi countered with a smirk. "Besides, it's just a level-one horde dungeon. We can handle it."

Eri stepped forward, grabbing Izuku's leg and looking up at him with the biggest, most heart-melting puppy dog eyes he had ever seen. Her lips quivered slightly as she added softly, "Papa, please… Eri wants to protect Papa."

Izuku groaned, closing his eyes to resist the combined assault of his wife's confidence and his daughter's innocent determination. "No, no, no…" he muttered to himself. "I can't put her in danger."

When he opened his eyes again, the three of them were already standing outside the dungeon portal. Izuku stared at the glowing entrance, his jaw dropping in disbelief. "God damn it…"

Rumi clapped him on the back, laughing. "Too late to back out now, Broccoli Boy! It's a level-one dungeon. We've got this."

Eri saluted enthusiastically, a wide smile on her face. "Yes, Papa! Eri will use her magic to help! I can make you faster and slow down the bad guys!"

Izuku sighed deeply, looking at the two of them. Eri was dressed in a pristine white robe adorned with intricate clock designs, the ticking motif echoed in the wand she held—a slim, elegant staff topped with a small, ticking clock. Her excitement was infectious, even if it made him nervous.

"Fine," Izuku finally relented. "But you stay close, Eri. Always stay within reach."

"Yes, Papa!" she chirped, practically bouncing with excitement.

The dungeon portal glowed faintly as they stepped through, the world around them shifting into a dimly lit, decrepit graveyard. The air was thick with the smell of decay, and low groans echoed ominously in the distance.

"Zombies," Rumi said, cracking her knuckles. "Classic. This'll be fun."

Eri clutched her wand tightly, her robe swishing as she spun around to look at everything. "It's spooky!" she said, her voice tinged with awe rather than fear.

Izuku glanced at the dungeon's interface, which displayed the details of the challenge: Three Waves. Horde of Zombies. "Alright," he said, focusing. "Let's do this quickly. Stay close, Eri."

The first wave emerged—a shuffling group of ten zombies, their rotting forms dragging themselves toward the trio.

Izuku moved first, his body flowing like water as he employed his Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock. His arms whipped through the air with fluid precision, each strike cracking like a whip as he took down the zombies one by one. His movements were graceful yet devastating, the zombies collapsing in heaps with each blow.

"Wow, Papa!" Eri cheered. "You're so cool!"

Rumi leapt into action, her speed blurring as she dashed into the horde. With a powerful sweep of her leg, she took out five zombies in one fluid motion, their bodies crumpling like paper. "Easy!" she said, flashing a confident grin. "Who's next?"

Eri raised her wand, her face lighting up with determination. "Eri's turn!" She cast a spell, her voice steady despite her excitement. A shimmering aura surrounded Izuku and Rumi, their movements suddenly sharper and faster.

"Whoa!" Rumi exclaimed, darting forward with incredible speed to land a powerful kick. "This is awesome, kiddo!"

Eri giggled, spinning on her heel as she cast another spell. A nearby zombie slowed to a crawl, its movements sluggish as if stuck in molasses. "Got it!" she said triumphantly.

The second wave hit—this time fifteen zombies. Izuku dashed forward, his movements enhanced by Eri's magic. His strikes became blurs of precision, his ki martial arts allowing him to sense and anticipate every zombie's move. He whipped his hands across the air, delivering devastating blows that shattered bones and sent the undead sprawling.

Rumi, meanwhile, jumped high into the air, landing a powerful downward kick that created a shockwave, scattering several zombies. "Keep up, Broccoli Boy!" she teased, her grin wide.

Eri wasn't idle either. She pointed her wand at a zombie and cast a basic Force Bolt spell, the shimmering orb of energy striking the undead and sending it tumbling backward. "Take that!" she said proudly, looking back at her father for approval.

"You're doing great, Eri," Izuku said, smiling as he dispatched another group of zombies. "But stay close!"

By the third wave, the number of zombies doubled. The battle became more intense, but the trio worked seamlessly together. Eri's magic boosted their speed and slowed down the zombies, while Izuku and Rumi delivered relentless attacks.

When the last zombie fell, Eri spun in place, her robe twirling. "We did it, Papa! We're the best team ever!"

Izuku knelt down, pulling her into a hug. "Yeah, we are. You were amazing out there, Eri."

Rumi ruffled Eri's hair, her grin full of pride. "Told you she could handle it, Wife."

Izuku sighed, shaking his head but smiling. "Alright, alright. You were right. Just… let's not make this a habit, okay?"

Eri saluted again, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, Papa!"

As they left the dungeon, the glow of victory surrounded them, and for the first time in a while, Izuku felt that their little family was unstoppable.

…

Months passed in a blur of laughter and camaraderie as Izuku, Eri, Rumi, Mei, and Toga settled into a routine that felt almost like normal family life. Between dungeon runs, sparring sessions, and quiet evenings watching movies or playing games, they grew closer with each passing day. But the looming U.A. entrance exams cast a shadow over their peaceful existence, a challenge Izuku had been quietly preparing for.

Three days before the exam, a loud knock echoed through the warehouse. Izuku glanced up from the system screen he was reviewing and made his way to the door. When he opened it, he froze in surprise. Standing there with a bright smile was Melissa Shield.

"Melissa?" he said, blinking in confusion.

Before he could react further, Mei suddenly appeared, shoving Izuku to the side with surprising force. "MELISSA!" Mei shouted, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she lunged forward, wrapping the blonde in a tight hug.

Melissa staggered back, laughing as she hugged the pink-haired menace. "Mei! It's so good to see you!"

Mei grabbed Melissa's hand and began pulling her inside. "Come on! I have so many new babies to show you!"

Izuku sighed, brushing himself off as he followed them back into the warehouse. Melissa was already being dragged to Mei's workstation, where gadgets and prototypes littered the table. Mei held up a strange pistol with a gleam in her eye. "This is my Pistol Net Launcher! It can immobilize targets in seconds, perfect for crowd control! What do you think?"

Melissa raised her hands defensively, laughing nervously. "It's… amazing, Mei! But I actually came here to talk to Izuku."

Mei pouted, crossing her arms. "Fine, but only after you promise to test a few of my babies later."

Melissa smiled warmly. "Of course."

Turning back to Izuku, Melissa gestured toward the door. "Can we go somewhere private to talk?"

Izuku nodded. "I know a place. Let's go."

….

A short while later, they were seated at a cozy ramen shop, the warm, savory aroma of broth filling the air. Izuku was already halfway through his bowl, slurping noodles with enthusiasm, while Melissa sat across from him, barely touching hers. She fidgeted with her chopsticks, her usual confidence replaced with nervous energy.

"So," Izuku said, breaking the silence, "what's on your mind?"

Melissa hesitated, then took a deep breath. "I have a quirk now."

Izuku paused mid-slurp, his eyes widening. "Wait, really? That's great!"

Melissa didn't share his excitement. "It's… not as great as it sounds. I don't know how to use it, and every time I try, I end up breaking one of my arms or legs."

Izuku winced. "Ouch."

"I was thinking about designing some support equipment to help," she continued, "but then I realized… doesn't that defeat the purpose? If I'm always relying on equipment, I'll never actually master the quirk."

She rambled on, her voice growing more frantic. "I don't even know if I'm doing it right. Uncle Might, All Might, has been trying to help, but honestly, he's not the best teacher when it comes to quirks. I just…" She trailed off, looking down at her uneaten bowl of ramen.

Izuku set his chopsticks down and gave her a reassuring smile. "No problem. I'll help you figure it out. Let's go somewhere discreet."

The beach was quiet, the sound of waves crashing against the shore creating a peaceful backdrop. Melissa stood in the sand, her arms crossed as Izuku watched her intently.

"Okay," Izuku began, "show me how you've been using your quirk."

Melissa nodded, taking a deep breath. She focused, and a faint glow surrounded her body as she channeled her energy. With a sudden burst, she threw a punch at the air, but the force caused her arm to jerk violently. She yelped in pain, cradling her elbow.

"That's what keeps happening," she said, frustrated. "It's like I can't control it."

Izuku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I think I see the problem. You're putting too much energy into one spot. It's like…" He hesitated, then shook his head. "Never mind. Think of it like water flowing through a hose. If all the pressure builds up in one place, it bursts, right? You need to spread the energy evenly through your whole body."

Melissa frowned. "Evenly?"

"Yeah," Izuku said. "Try focusing on distributing the energy. Let it flow everywhere, not just to your arm or leg."

Melissa nodded hesitantly, closing her eyes to concentrate. This time, she felt the energy spread through her body like a gentle current. She threw a punch, then a kick, her movements fluid and controlled. She smiled brightly as she jumped into the air, landing smoothly.

"I did it!" she exclaimed.

Izuku grinned. "See? You've got this."

But after a few more attempts, Melissa's movements slowed, and she collapsed onto her knees, panting. "Okay, that's exhausting."

"That's because your body isn't used to it yet," Izuku said, helping her up. "It takes time. You've got three days before the entrance exam. I'll train you until then."

Melissa looked at him, surprised. "You'd do that for me?"

"Of course," Izuku said, placing a hand on her shoulder. "What are friends for?"

Melissa's expression softened, but she quickly smirked. "Better than Uncle Might. He's been trying to help, but honestly… he's kind of bad at it."

Izuku laughed, imagining All Might's awkward attempts at teaching. "Well, we'll make sure you're ready. Let's get to work."

As the waves lapped at the shore, the two of them began training, Melissa's determination growing with each passing moment. For Izuku, it was another step toward helping someone unlock their potential, a task he was more than happy to take on.

Author's Notes:

Thank you all for sticking with me! Next chapter, I'll go into more detail about everyone's current levels and progress. Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the system mechanics. The U.A. the entrance exam is coming up, and I'm planning to show how Toga and Izuku handle their challenges. Afterward, we'll dive into a fun (and chaotic) battle royale for the Broccoli Boy's affection, featuring the final girl. It's going to be a blast to write, and I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I will!

As for Izuku and his mother, I've been stepping away from the drama for a bit, but I'm debating whether it's time for them to start healing, or if it's better to leave things unresolved for now. Let me know what you think about that.

Oh, and you'll want to keep an eye out for a certain homeless-looking hero (cough Eraserhead cough) who's going to be keeping tabs on Izuku during the exam. He'll definitely add an extra layer of tension and hilarity.

Also, a little heads-up: there will be some lemon scenes in the future, so stay tuned for those as well. Thanks for all the support, you all make this so much fun to write!