Arc 1: Fresh Faced Fools

Chapter 4: Motivations

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Monoma collapsed onto the mat, his breath coming in ragged gasps, his hair disheveled, and beads of sweat rolling down his face. He wore only a pair of black shorts and a white t-shirt, having chosen this attire to avoid dirtying his usual clothes. A few feet in front of him stood Itsuka, dressed in a blue shirt and matching sweatpants. Though she was a bit sweaty, she appeared to be in far better shape than Monoma.

With a smile, Itsuka looked at him and asked, "You know, I'm glad you want to improve your hand-to-hand combat skills, but I have to ask, why?"

Monoma took a moment to catch his breath before replying, "I have to be better," He replied. "I need to make sure that the next time I face Midoriya, I win,"

Itsuka rolled her eyes playfully. "Why are you so obsessed with beating Midoriya all of a sudden? Did he really hurt your pride that much?" she teased.

Shaking his head, Monoma's expression turned serious. "It's not about my pride, Kendo," he told her. "It's about what he represents and what I failed to achieve," he said, his voice tinged with sadness.

Itsuka frowned, confused. "Huh? What do you mean?" she asked.

Monoma sighed deeply. "Kendo, do you remember what people used to say about me in middle school?" he asked, his voice quieter now.

Itsuka nodded slowly, her expression somber. "Yeah, I remember," she replied softly, the weight of old memories hanging in the air between them.

Monoma nodded a hint of bitterness in his voice. "Everyone said someone like me, someone whose Quirk relies on the power of others, could never become a hero," he began. "They said I'd never achieve what those with truly powerful Quirks could, their words got to me, Kendo, they made me feel powerless, less than what I knew I could be... I failed in staying strong,"

Itsuka's expression turned glum as she listened. "Monoma, you can't blame yourself for letting their words get to you," She said. "We all let the opinions of others affect us at some point,"

Monoma looked up at her, frustration and sadness mingling in his eyes. "Then why does he smile so brightly?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Who?" Itsuka asked, curiosity piqued.

"Midoriya," Monoma replied, his tone laden with frustration. "He was born without a Quirk, born without power, and yet he seems unfazed by it. Unfazed by the words of those who called him useless, called him weak... He stayed strong, even when there was no one to believe in him. And I hate that about him."

Itsuka furrowed her brow in confusion. "Why?"

"Because I want to know how," Monoma admitted, his voice growing more intense. "How did someone like him do what I couldn't? How could someone like him continue to fight and smile despite no one having his back?"

Itsuka's eyes widened slightly as realization dawned on her. "He represents what you wish you could be, doesn't he?"

Monoma slowly nodded, the weight of his envy evident. "Yes," he confessed. "I wish I was like him. I understand that he probably suffered from others' words, maybe even more than just words, possibly physical pain too. He might have felt completely alone in this world. But instead of letting it all hold him back, he pushed forward with that damn smile I saw him wearing on the first day... and I can't help but hate him for it."

Itsuka let out a long sigh, her expression softening with empathy. "I'm sure there are things holding Izuku back, just like there are things that hold everyone back," she said gently. "Everyone's got a curse, Monoma,"

Monoma looked at her, a mix of frustration and gratitude in his eyes. "Maybe you're right," he said quietly.

"Anyway, I'm thirsty," Itsuka said, wiping the sweat from her forehead. "Water?" she offered.

Monoma nodded, grateful for the break.

Itsuka gave him a quick nod and headed to her kitchen to get some water. As she left, Monoma stared at the ground, her last words echoing in his mind on repeat.

"Everyone's got a curse, Monoma."

Monoma shook his head and let out a dry chuckle. Leaning back, he gazed up at the ceiling, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. "What kind of curse could someone like him have?" he muttered to himself, his voice tinged with bitterness. His eyes narrowed as he continued to glare at the ceiling of the training room. "I doubt there's a curse out there... that could hold him back," he added, the frustration clear in his tone.

Lost in thought, Monoma barely noticed Itsuka returning with a glass of water. She handed it to him, her eyes studying his troubled expression. "Here you go," she said softly, sensing the weight of his emotions.

"Thanks," Monoma replied, taking the glass and sipping slowly. The cool water provided a brief respite from his inner turmoil.

After sitting for a few minutes, basking in the cool air, Itsuka smiled and walked over to Monoma. She patted him on the shoulder, a spark of encouragement in her eyes. "Alright, let's finish up this training session," she said. "We've still got work to do."

Monoma nodded, his resolve hardening. "Right, let's do this," he replied with renewed determination.

Both set their glasses to the side and assumed fighting stances. Monoma's eyes burned with a fierce determination, fueled by his desire to become a better fighter, to stand a chance against Midoriya, and ultimately, to become stronger...

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"You're a good kid, Izuku... You're strong, so help people," Oguro said, his voice frail yet filled with conviction. "It's fine if all you do is reach out a hand. Just help people whenever you can... even if you're lost, or they're ungrateful, help them anyway..."

Izuku looked at him with a confused expression. "Oguro-san?" he asked, unsure of the sudden intensity in the old man's words.

Oguro's eyes softened as he continued, "Die being surrounded by people... Don't end up like me..." He paused, his breath shallow. "Can you... promise me, Izuku?"

Izuku was stunned for a moment, the weight of the request sinking in. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his emotions. "I... I promise, Oguro-san," he said, his voice trembling with emotion.

A faint smile touched Oguro's lips. "Good..." he whispered.

Suddenly, the heart monitor beside the bed let out a shrill, continuous beep.

Izuku shot up, his eyes wide with panic and his breathing quickened. But as he looked around, he realized he was back in his room, and the noise was coming from his alarm clock. He quickly moved over to it and turned it off, his heart still racing from the vivid nightmare.

He let out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair as he tried to shake off the lingering sense of dread. Memories of that day flooded back, and he couldn't help but reflect on Oguro's words.

'I thought I was past that...' he thought, sitting back down on his bed.

The promise he had made weighed heavily on his mind, a reminder of the responsibility he carried. Despite the time that had passed, the memory of Oguro's final moments remained etched in his heart, urging him to keep moving forward, to help others, no matter the cost.

'That's why I decided to go to UA, why I'm becoming a hero... to make sure Oguro-san's promise is fulfilled,' Izuku told himself, determination swelling in his chest. 'I'll be the hero who helps anyone he can... because that's what he wanted, and that's what I'll do,'

Izuku glanced at his clock and saw that it was time to get ready for UA. He quickly got out of bed and began changing into his uniform, making sure to put on his forest green hoodie underneath his UA blazer. The hoodie was important to him, much like his shoes, both were gifts from his guardian, well, adopted mother/big sister, Komari Ikoma.

Komari had been Izuku's "guardian" since he was 11, taking him in when she was just 19 and living in a small flat. He had run away from the orphanage after its destruction, and she offered him a home. She officially adopted him when he turned 13 and she turned 21.

Since they had begun living together, Izuku had tried his hardest to help and protect Komari. Back then, she was bouncing from job to job while studying to be a teacher. Thankfully, they had help when they ran into Iwao Oguro, a man who lived in the same complex as them.

Iwao offered to watch Izuku some nights to help take the burden off Komari, while also teaching Izuku how to fight. The young boy had seen him in action one night, sparring with one of his students, a young guy named Koichi Haimawari.

With both being trained by Iwao, Izuku and Koichi quickly became fast friends. Koichi became like an older brother to him, offering advice and support. Izuku was thrilled when Koichi became a sidekick to a Pro-Hero, the previous number 1 in the US, Captain Celebrity. However, this new role meant that it was rare to see him, a bittersweet reality for Izuku.

Despite the rarity of their meetings, the bond they had forged remained strong. Iwao had been instrumental in shaping Izuku into the fighter he is today, imparting invaluable knowledge and techniques. When they first started training, Iwao had been taken aback by Izuku's raw strength. Even without a Quirk, Izuku's innate power and determination shone through, surprising his mentor with how strong he could be with hardly any formal training.

Under Iwao's guidance, Izuku honed his physical abilities and developed a strategic mind. Each sparring session, and every piece of advice, had molded him into a formidable fighter. Iwao's mentorship was not just about combat; it was about building character and resilience, preparing Izuku for the path of a hero.

Meanwhile, Komari had her own journey. With Iwao's support in watching over Izuku, she had managed to get her teaching degree and had been working at an elementary school for a year. Her perseverance and dedication were a constant source of inspiration for Izuku, reminding him of the strength they both drew from each other and their unconventional family.

As Izuku walked out of his room, ready for the day ahead, he paused in the doorway of the living room. There, on the couch, was Komari, sound asleep. She had probably stayed up late grading papers or preparing lessons, as she often did. Izuku felt a surge of affection and gratitude for her. She had given him a home and a family when he needed it most.

Quietly, he approached the couch and gently draped a blanket over her. He stood there for a moment, watching her sleep, and felt a renewed sense of purpose. 'I'll make you proud, Komari, and you as well, Oguro-san,' he thought. 'I'll make sure all your sacrifices and hard work are worth it!'

Izuku walked out of the apartment and made his way downstairs. As he reached the bottom, he heard a small honk in front of him. Looking up, he saw none other than Setsuna, perched on her dark green Vespa, which had a sidecar attached.

Setsuna was decked out in a pair of black-tinted goggles and a German flak biker helmet. She pushed the goggles up onto her helmet, revealing her sharp smile. "Yo! Yo!" she greeted with her usual enthusiasm.

Izuku blinked in surprise, not expecting to see her. "Tokage? What are you doing here?" he asked, still processing the unexpected sight.

Setsuna grinned wider. "Well, I thought since you and I both live kind of far from campus, I'd pick you up today instead of you having to take the train," she explained cheerfully. "So, whaddya say, Midori? Wanna go for a ride?" she asked with a playful wink.

Izuku's face lit up with a bright smile, grateful for the thoughtful gesture. "You bet!" he replied eagerly.

He walked around and settled into the sidecar. Setsuna handed him a pair of black-tinted goggles to match hers. "Here, you'll need these," she said, her tone teasing but kind.

Izuku put on the goggles, feeling a mix of excitement and gratitude. Setsuna started up the Vespa, the engine purring to life. As they began to drive towards UA, the wind rushing past them, Izuku couldn't help but feel giddy with delight. Riding in the sidecar was a new experience for him, and he relished the sense of freedom and adventure it brought.

"Thanks for this, Tokage!" he shouted over the noise of the Vespa, his voice filled with genuine appreciation.

"No problem, Midori!" she shouted back, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Hold on tight!"

As they sped down the road, Izuku felt a wave of warmth wash over him, happy that he was able to experience as well as share it with Setsuna.

To Izuku, it felt like today was going to be a good day—a day he'd never forget. The crisp morning air, the thrill of the ride with Setsuna, and the sense of camaraderie filled him with hopeful anticipation. As they weaved through the streets towards UA, he couldn't shake the feeling that something significant was on the horizon.

And he was right. This day would indeed be unforgettable, not just for him, but for everyone.

Because today marked the beginning of a tragedy...

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Daikaku Miyagi, a seasoned news anchor, sat at his desk, a somber expression on his face as the broadcast began. He took a deep breath, steadying himself before delivering the grim news.

"Good evening. We bring you shocking news tonight. Earlier today, villains launched an attack on students of UA High at the Unforeseen Simulation Joint Arena," he began, his voice carefully controlled. "Details are still emerging, but reports indicate that it was a sudden and unexpected assault within the confines of the school's property. While many of the villains have been apprehended, some managed to escape."

Daikaku paused, glancing down at the teleprompter. The next line made his heart sink, but he knew he had to continue. It was his duty to inform the public, no matter how painful the news.

"With a heavy heart, I must inform you that out of the 20 students present at the incident, only 19 have survived," he said, his voice faltering slightly. "Tragically, one student has lost their life."

The weight of the announcement hung heavy in the air. Daikaku felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He had reported many tragic events over the years, but the loss of a young life was always the hardest to convey. It left a small scar on his soul each time, a reminder of the fragility of life and the senselessness of violence.

He took another deep breath, striving to maintain his composure for the viewers at home. "Authorities are currently investigating how the villains managed to infiltrate the arena, and security measures at UA High are being reassessed to prevent future incidents. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available..."