Chapter 20 Healing
Izuku's Level (25) Stats and SkillsStatsPhysical: 330 (400 With magical equipment.)
Body: 160
Mind: 250
HP: 40000 (Body 100)
SP: 1600 (Body 10)
MP: 2500 (Mind 10)
SkillsHand-to-hand (Passive, Level 10 Maximum )
Adds 1000 to all hand-to-hand attacks.
Increases proficiency with combat techniques like strikes, blocks, and grapples.
Nimble (Passive, Level 10 Maximum )
Enhances agility and reflexes, allowing for inhuman feats like parkour and acrobatics.
Can leap higher and land without injury.
Psychic Enhancement (Active, Level 10)
Increases melee attack damage by 1000 for 10 minutes.
Cost: 100 MP.
Telekinesis (Active, Level 10)
Allows the movement of objects with a weight limit equal to 100 times MP spent.
Can launch objects as projectiles.
Cost: 1 MP per use .
Power Strike (Active, Level 10)
Delivers a devastating blow that deals 1000 bonus damage.
Cost: 25 SP.
Stunning Strike (Active, Level 10)
Stuns an opponent for 5 seconds 12 charges ( 1 use regained per 10 minutes)..
Healing Magic (Active, Level 5)
Heals 500 HP.
Cost: 25 MP.
Recovery Skills (Passive)
Stamina Recovery (Level 5): Regenerates 250 SP per minute..
Mana Recovery (Level 5): Regenerates 125 MP per minute.
HP Recovery (Level 5): Regenerates 250 HP per minute.
Telepathy Max (level passive)
The ability to communicate mentally within a range of one mile per point in his mind stat.
The ability to read minds within line of sight.
Utility Spells (Cantrips)
Cleaning Spell: Removes stains and dirt from surroundings.
Minor Illusions: Creates small, harmless visual illusions.
Light: Summons a small ball of light.
Psychic Constructs (Active, Level 10)
Create objects out of psychic energy. Leveling up increases the size of constructs
Base cost: 10 MP (depending on size).
For attacking constructs: 100 MP.
Damage equals Izuku's physical damage stats.
All physical skills apply to these constructs.
Wrapping constructs around limbs boosts physical damage by 1.5x.
Flurry of Blows (Active, Level 10)
Doubles movement speed for 10 seconds.
1.5x bonus damage to physical attacks.
Charges: 12.
Cooldown: 10 minutes (1 charge regenerates per 10 minutes).
Precognition level 10:
Costs 100 MP; allows you to predict the next five seconds for one minute. Duration is one minute per level . Requires line of sight.
Light Feet level 10:
Grants a 10% speed boost per level.
Mental Image (Active, Level 3)
Allows Izuku to manipulate the target's psyche, creating convincing illusions.
Effects include altering how others perceive him (appearance and voice) or creating phantom voices and images.
Users can target multiple enemies equal to their level.
MP Cost: 100 MP per activation.
Psychic Wings (Active, Level 3)
Grows a pair of wings made of psychic energy, allowing Izuku to fly.
Flight speed and maneuverability are based on his Physical stat.
Duration: 30 minutes (10 minutes per level).
MP Cost: 100 MP per activation.
Peak Body (Passive, Level 5)
Enhances Izuku's Physical and Body stats, granting a 250 bonus (50 per level).
Represents optimized strength, endurance, and durability.
Hardened Fist (Passive, Level 5)
Enhances unarmed attacks by bypassing 1000 defense (200 per level).
Works in conjunction with hand-to-hand skills and psychic constructs for devastating blows.
Counter (Level 3)
When the user successfully evades or deflects an attack, the next strike deals 1.5x damage.
The second successive attack deals 2.0x damage, and the third deals 2.5x damage.
Maximum chain: 3 hits.
Higher levels will increase the damage multiplier or allow additional chained attacks.
Mei's Level (10 ) Stats and SkillsStatsPhysical: 90
Body: 85
Mind: 250
HP: 3500 (Body 100)
SP: 350 (Body 10)
MP: 850 (Mind 10)
SkillsWeapon Infusion ( Passive, Level 5)
Adds Mind stat to weapon damage (250).
Increases damage by 500 for infused weapons.
Crafting Mastery (Passive)
Boosts success rate and efficiency in crafting weapons, armor, and gadgets.
Gunsmithing (Passive, Level 5)
Reduces crafting time for firearms and increases their base damage by 30%.
Tinkerer's Insight (Passive)
Allows the quick identification of weaknesses in mechanical and magical devices.
Weapon Wheel (Utility, Level 5)
Enables the storage and instant access of up to 15 weapons.
Armor Smithing (Passive)
Improves the crafting of durable and magical armor pieces.
Potion Brewer (Passive)
Enhances the potency of potions.
Grants the ability to craft unique elixirs (e.g., blood substitutes, stamina potions).
Spell-Casting Gun Infusion
Allows the user to channel spells through weapons, using them as conduits for magic.
Infused spells enhance weapon effects or add elemental damage.
Pocket Storage (Passive)
Creates a personal storage space. The size begins as a 5x5 room and increases by 5 units per 5 points of the Mind stat.
Can store non-living items.
Living Servant (Passive)
Enables the creation of an artificial robot that acts as a controlled servant.
The servant can perform simple tasks or assist in combat, obeying the user's mental commands.
Spell Crafting (Passive)
Enables the user to create custom spells for utility, combat, or defense.
Spells are linked to the user's Mind stat and require MP to cast.
Magical Trinkets (Passive)
Allows the user to craft magical items such as boots, necklaces, rings, amulets, and hats imbued with magical properties.
Crafting depends on the user's Mind stat and resources.
Transmogrify (Utility)
Allows her to transmogrify equipment at Will.
Toga's Stats and Skills (Revised)
Level: 15
Race/Class: Kitsune/Dragon (Illusions and Fire Specialist)
Transformations: Baby Dragon, Young Dragon, Half-Dragon, Full Dragon.
Stats:
Physical: 200
Body: 150
Mind: 180
HP: 15000 (Body 100)
SP: 1500 (Body 10)
MP: 1800 (Mind 10)
SkillsIllusion Mastery (Passive, Level 10 - Maximum)
Enhances the realism of illusions, making them harder to distinguish from reality.
Illusions can now create sensory feedback (e.g., heat, sound).
Foxfire Manipulation (Active, Level 10 - Maximum)
Summons mystical flames for offense or utility.
Fire deals 1000 damage, burns persist for 5 seconds (damage scales with Mind).
Cost: 50 MP per use.
Dragon Transformation (Active, Level 5)
Grants 30% Physical and Body stats while transformed (scales with transformation type).
Duration: 15 minutes.
Cost: 200 MP.
Gains abilities like Dragon Roar (stuns enemies) and Flame Cloak (AoE fire damage while active).
Dagger Proficiency (Passive, Level 10 - Maximum)
Increases dagger attack speed and accuracy by 30%.
Adds 1000 to all dagger-based attacks.
Kitsune Agility (Passive, Level 10 - Maximum)
Increases movement speed by 50%.
Enhances reflexes and parkour-like maneuvers.
Flame Surge (Active, Level 10)
Unleashes a wave of fire in a 10-meter radius, dealing 1000 AoE damage.
Cost: 100 MP.
Mana Recovery (Passive, Level 5)
Regenerates 150 MP per minute.
HP Recovery (Passive, Level 5)
Regenerates 250 HP per minute.
Fire Veil (Passive, Level 5)
Surrounds her body in a protective fire during transformations.
Enemies take 500 burn damage when attacking her in melee.
Foxfire Barrage (Active, Level 5)
Rapidly fires five smaller fireballs, each dealing 500 damage.
Cost: 50 MP per fireball.
Dragon Roar (Active, Level 5)
Releases a deafening roar in any dragon form, stunning enemies in a 10-meter radius for 3 seconds.
Cost: 50 MP.
Force Illusions (Active, Level 5)
Illusions become semi-tangible, able to deal 500 damage and interact with the environment.
Cost: 50 MP per illusion.
Rumi's Stats and SkillsClass: Quirk User (Rabbit Quirk)
Level: 35
Stats:
Physical: (800 bunny body 500) =1300
Body: (700 bunny body 500) = 1200
Mind: 200
HP: 130000 (Body 100)
SP: 12000 (Body 10)
MP: 2000 (Mind 10)
SkillsBunny Speed (Passive, Level 10)
Increases speed by 100% (10% per level).
Allows for unparalleled agility in both combat and exploration.
Bunny Dash (Active, Level 10)
Boosts speed by 200% for 10 minutes.
Melee attacks deal double damage while active.
Cost: 100 MP per activation. After use ten minute cooldown.
Hand-to-Hand (Passive, Level 10)
Increases martial arts attack damage by 1000.
Enhances proficiency with strikes, counters, and grapples.
Power Strike (Active, Level 10)
Delivers a devastating blow that deals 1000 bonus damage.
Cost: 50 SP per strike.
Bunny Body (Passive, Level 10)
Grants a bonus of 500 to Physical and Body stats.
Bunny Hop (Active, Level 10)
Allows Rumi to execute an additional jump mid-air, increasing her jump height/distance by 100 meters (10 meters per level).
Cost: 25 SP per jump.
Lightning Reflexes (Passive, Level 5)
Enhances reaction time by 25%, allowing for near-instant dodges and counters.
Kinetic Recovery (Passive, Level 5)
Regenerates 250 SP per minute.
Allows for faster recovery during extended fights.
Double Kick (Active, Level 10)
Executes two rapid kicks, each dealing 1000 damage.
Cost: 100 SP per activation.
Tremor Stomp (Active, Level 5)
A powerful stomp that creates a shockwave, dealing AoE damage of 500 and staggering enemies within 15 meters.
Cost: 200 SP per activation.
Bunny Grace (Passive, Level 5)
Increases balance and precision in all movements.
Reduces stamina consumption for running and jumping by 25%.
Eri's Stats and SkillsLevel: 5
Class: Chronomage (Time Magic Specialist)
Stats:
Physical: 60
Body: 60
Mind: 80
HP: 6000 (Body 100)
SP: 600 (Body 10)
MP: 800 (Mind 10)
SkillsRewind (Active, Level 2)
Allows Eri to reverse damage taken by allies within a certain radius.
Can rewind injuries or effects up to 2 minutes prior. Heals 200 damage per level.
MP Cost: 100 MP per activation.
Slow (Active, Level 3)
Creates an area-of-effect (AoE) that slows all enemies within a 10-meter radius by 15%.
Duration: 10 seconds.
MP Cost: 100 MP per activation.
Never Happened (Active, Level 3)
Rewinds time for a single target to remove all status effects, such as poison, burns, or paralysis.
MP Cost: 100 MP per activation.
Heightened Perception (Active, Level 2)
Enhances the target's perception, making everything appear in slow motion from their perspective.
Increases reaction time and accuracy.
Duration: 30 seconds.
MP Cost: 50 MP per activation.
Rewind Delay (Passive, Level 2)
Places a delayed Rewind effect on a target. If the target takes more than 1000 damage, they are healed for that amount instantly. Heals 500 per level.
Can only be applied to one target at a time.
Force Beam (Active, Level 3)
Fires a concentrated stream of force energy, dealing 300 damage (100 damage per level).
MP Cost: 50 MP per activation.
Force Wall (Active, Level 2)
Creates a solid wall of force energy to block attacks or provide cover.
Duration: 20 seconds or until destroyed (HP scales with Mind stat).
MP Cost: 100 MP per activation.
Cantrip Spells (Utility):
Light: Summons a glowing orb of light to illuminate dark areas.
Cleaning Spell: Instantly cleans dirt or stains in a 1-meter radius.
Minor Repair: Fixes minor damages to objects, such as tears or cracks.
The midday sun hung high above the beach, casting golden light over the rolling waves. Melissa Shield stood in the sand, her fists raised in an uneven stance, her chest rising and falling heavily. Sparks of lightning crackled faintly around her arms and legs as she shifted her weight, throwing a punch that was wild and overextended. Izuku dodged effortlessly, his movements fluid and controlled, sidestepping her attack with almost unnatural precision.
"Melissa," Izuku said calmly, holding up his hand to stop her next punch. "Your form is way off. You're wasting energy with every swing."
Melissa groaned, dropping her fists and running a hand through her blonde hair. "I know! I just can't seem to get it right. Uncle Might always made it look so easy."
Izuku smiled, his voice gentle but firm. "He's been a hero for decades. You've had your quirk for what—two weeks? Cut yourself some slack."
She clenched her fists, sparks flying off her knuckles. "But you're making this look so easy! You're dodging everything like it's nothing!"
"That's because I've been training non-stop for months," Izuku replied, stepping closer. "It's not just about having a strong quirk or a lot of power. Technique matters just as much—maybe even more."
Melissa frowned, her shoulders slumping. "I feel like I'll never catch up…"
Izuku reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Hey, don't think like that. You're doing great for someone who's only had this power for a few weeks. You're strong, Melissa. You just need to work on control and precision. It takes time, but you'll get there."
She sighed, nodding reluctantly. "Okay, fine. Show me what I'm doing wrong again."
Izuku stepped back, gesturing for her to mirror his stance. "Alright, first, square your feet. You want a strong base so you don't lose balance when you punch."
Melissa adjusted her stance, glancing down at her feet. "Like this?"
"Better," he said, nodding. "Now keep your elbows tucked in. It protects your ribs and makes your punches faster. Don't telegraph your moves."
She tried another punch, her form tighter this time. Lightning crackled as her fist cut through the air, creating a small shockwave that stirred the sand. Izuku nodded approvingly. "Much better. Now try a combination—jab, cross, then a kick."
Melissa followed his instructions, but her movements were still clunky. Izuku dodged each attack effortlessly, weaving around her punches and sidestepping her kick with ease.
She let out a frustrated growl, stamping her foot. "This is impossible! Even with this quirk, I can't land a single hit on you!"
Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "Melissa, it's not impossible. You're just comparing yourself to someone who's been training relentlessly with someone who pushes me to my limit every day."
Melissa blinked, her frustration giving way to curiosity. "Someone who pushes you? Who are you talking about?"
"Rumi," Izuku said, his tone softening slightly as he mentioned her name. "She's my girlfriend."
Melissa tilted her head, confusion written across her face. "Rumi? I thought Mei was your girlfriend."
Izuku's face flushed slightly, and he coughed awkwardly, waving his hand. "Uh, no, no. Mei's a good friend! Rumi's… well, she's different."
Melissa smirked, folding her arms. "Different how? Now you've got to tell me."
Izuku quickly changed the subject, pointing to the sand. "Let's focus on your training, okay? Your form is improving, but you're still using too much power in each attack. It's not about hitting as hard as possible every time—it's about hitting effectively."
Melissa rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Fine, fine. But you're not off the hook. I'm asking about this Rumi later."
"Deal," Izuku said, grinning as he raised his hands to signal for her to continue. "Now, let's see that jab-cross combo again, but this time, keep your energy steady."
For the next hour, they sparred under the sun, Melissa's attacks growing sharper and more controlled with each passing minute. Her frustration began to fade, replaced by determination and focus. By the time they finished, she was exhausted but smiling.
Izuku handed her a bottle of water, watching as she downed it in one go. "See? You're already improving."
Melissa wiped her mouth, looking at him with newfound respect. "Thanks, Izuku. I don't know how you stay so patient, but I really appreciate it."
He smiled, his eyes glinting with determination. "I just know how much potential you have. You've got three days until the U.A. entrance exam. Let's make them count."
Melissa nodded, a spark of lightning dancing between her fingertips. "Let's do it."
As the waves lapped at the shore, they prepared for another round, their shared determination fueling them for the challenges ahead.
"Alright, Melissa," he said, taking a step back. "You're doing great, but I want to show you something important."
Melissa raised an eyebrow, still panting. "What now? You've already shown me how bad I am at this."
Izuku shook his head, smiling. "Not bad—just learning. But fighting isn't always about going one-on-one. Sometimes, you're up against a group, and you've got to stay aware of everything around you."
He raised a hand, and a faint glow surrounded him as his telekinesis activated. From the nearby pile of equipment, several small metallic balls floated into the air, hovering around him like orbiting moons.
Melissa's eyes widened. "Whoa. What are you—?"
"Lesson two," Izuku interrupted, flicking his wrist. The balls shot toward her in quick succession, one after another. "Dodge these."
Melissa yelped and ducked under the first ball, spinning to avoid the second. She managed to swat the third away with a clumsy punch, her body twisting awkwardly. "Izuku! You could've warned me!" she shouted.
"Where's the fun in that?" Izuku replied, his grin widening. He flicked his fingers again, sending another volley of balls her way. This time, they came from multiple angles, forcing her to jump, twist, and spin to avoid them.
Melissa gritted her teeth, narrowly dodging a ball that whizzed past her ear. "This isn't fair! You're not even moving!"
"Exactly," Izuku said, his tone playful but serious. "When you're fighting, it's not always about brute strength. Awareness is just as important. You need to know where every attack is coming from—and how to react."
The balls began to move faster, their trajectories more unpredictable. Melissa lunged to the side, deflecting one with her forearm while ducking another. She was improving, her movements less frantic and more calculated.
"Good," Izuku encouraged. "Keep your head up. Watch their patterns. Anticipate the next move."
Melissa glared at him between dodges. "You're enjoying this way too much."
"Maybe a little," he admitted, laughing softly. He flicked his wrist again, sending all the balls at her at once.
Melissa gasped, instinctively throwing up her arms. Sparks of lightning crackled around her as she spun in place, deflecting most of the balls with surprising precision. When the last one flew toward her, she managed to catch it mid-air, holding it triumphantly.
"I did it!" she said, grinning. "I actually—"
Another ball grazed her shoulder, making her yelp. She glared at Izuku, who stood with a sheepish smile. "Never celebrate too early," he said. "Lesson three."
"You're the worst," Melissa groaned, tossing the ball back at him.
As they continued, Melissa began to move with more confidence, dodging and deflecting the metallic balls with growing ease. "You know," she said between breaths, "you mentioned Rumi earlier. Who is she, really?"
Izuku hesitated, focusing on the balls as they hovered around him. "She's… someone who means a lot to me."
Melissa smirked, sidestepping a ball. "That's vague. Come on, give me something. Is she the reason you're so ridiculously strong?"
He sighed, realizing he wasn't going to dodge this question like he dodged attacks. "Yeah, she's part of it. Rumi's… intense. She's always pushing me to be better, to go further than I think I can. She doesn't accept anything less than my best."
Melissa dodged another ball, her curiosity piqued. "Sounds like a handful. What's she like?"
Izuku paused, a small smile forming as he thought about Rumi. "She's fearless. Strong. The kind of person who doesn't back down from anything or anyone. She's… amazing."
Melissa stopped for a moment, almost getting hit by a ball before she jumped back into motion. "You really like her, huh?"
Izuku scratched the back of his neck, his cheeks tinting red. "Yeah. I do."
Melissa grinned, her playful tone returning. "Well, she better watch out, because I'm catching up to you. Give me a few weeks, and I'll be dodging all your tricks."
Izuku laughed, sending another wave of balls her way. "We'll see about that. For now, focus on the training. You're getting better every second."
As the sun dipped closer to the horizon, their sparring session continued, Melissa's movements growing sharper and more precise with each passing moment. While Izuku held back to let her improve, he couldn't help but feel a spark of pride in her determination. For all her struggles, Melissa was proving that she had what it took to stand alongside heroes and he would do everything in his power to help her get there.
the faint orange hues of the setting sun painting the beach in a warm glow. Melissa stood in front of him, her hands resting on her hips as she tried to catch her breath. Despite her exhaustion, she smiled brightly.
"Thanks for today," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "But… can we train again tomorrow?"
Izuku chuckled, grabbing his bag. "Sure. We can do some training tomorrow. But…" He looked at her apologetically. "I can't spend the whole day training. I've got other obligations."
Melissa nodded in understanding, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "That's fair. I get it. But even a little more training will help. I feel like I'm starting to figure things out thanks to you."
Izuku smiled at her determination. "We'll work on it. Little by little."
As he turned to leave, something crossed his mind. "Hey, are you living in Japan now?"
Melissa's face lit up. "Yeah! I moved here recently. Got an apartment near U.A. I figured it'd make things easier once I start classes."
"That's great," Izuku said, genuinely happy for her. "It'll be good to have you around. Well, I'm heading back to my warehouse now. Let's aim for an early session tomorrow, alright?"
"Deal," Melissa replied, giving him a playful salute. "See you tomorrow, Broccoli Boy."
Izuku waved goodbye, his mind already shifting to the next day's plans as he began the walk home. The streets were quiet, the faint hum of city life in the distance. He found himself thinking about the progress Melissa had made and what more they could achieve with time. Despite his reservations about how overwhelming her new quirk could be, he admired her determination to master it.
…
When Izuku finally reached the warehouse, he opened the door and was greeted by the familiar sight of his chaotic yet cozy home. Rumi was lounging on the couch, absently flicking through her phone, while Mei tinkered with a new gadget at her workstation. Eri was sitting cross-legged on the floor, humming to herself as she worked on a drawing.
"Hey, I'm back," Izuku said, dropping his bag near the door.
The warmth of the scene immediately shifted when he noticed someone sitting at the kitchen table. His body tensed as his gaze met the figure of his mother, Inko Midoriya, sitting quietly with her hands clasped in front of her. She looked slim, her body a little toned.
"Mom?" he said, his voice laced with irritation. His expression darkened as he stepped further inside, closing the door behind him. "What are you doing here?"
Inko stood, her face a mixture of determination and hesitation. "Izuku… I needed to see you."
Izuku stood by the doorframe, his arms crossed, his emerald eyes piercing and cold. "Why now? It's been months."
Inko flinched at the venom in his voice, her hands wringing nervously. "I've been trying to reach you," she said, her voice trembling. "I've been calling, leaving voicemails, sending texts. I even tried setting up an appointment, just like you asked—to stay within the boundaries you set—but I haven't gotten a single response. Nothing, Izuku."
He remained unmoved, his gaze hardening as she continued.
"I've been waiting for months," Inko said, tears beginning to pool in her eyes. "Giving you space. Respecting what you wanted. But… I think it's time. Time for us to talk. Time for us to fix this."
Izuku's jaw clenched, his arms tightening over his chest. "I don't think I'm ready."
Inko's face crumpled, her tears finally spilling over. "Izuku, please," she begged, her voice cracking. "I know I messed up. I know I failed you as a mother. But I've been trying so hard. I just… I need us to start somewhere."
He shook his head, his voice cold and firm. "Look, Mom. I appreciate you coming over, but you need to leave."
She stood up, her legs shaky as she took a hesitant step toward him. "Izuku—" she reached out to hug him, but he immediately stepped back, his body rigid.
"No," he said, his tone like steel. "I told you. I'll call you when I'm ready."
Her face broke, the weight of his words crushing her. "Are you ever going to be ready?" she asked, her voice rising in desperation. "I know I did something horrible. I know I didn't support you when you needed me the most. But the only time I hear anything about you now is from strangers. I hear you're taking Mitsuki and her husband out for dinner, introducing them to Mei—and I… I just want to know why. Why can't I be part of your life? Why can't I just get something from you?"
Izuku's hands balled into fists, his knuckles white. His voice was low, filled with restrained fury. "Because I'm not ready. And I'm not going to ask you to leave again. Don't make me call the cops."
Inko's face twisted with anger as her tears fell freely. "Why are you doing this?" she shouted, her voice filled with pain. "I just want to be your mother again! I want my little boy back!"
Izuku's restraint snapped, and his voice roared back, filled with years of pent-up resentment. "I'm not your little boy! You lost that the moment you threw me away! The moment you didn't trust me!"
The warehouse fell into a deafening silence, the tension thick enough to suffocate. Inko stood frozen, her tears streaming as Izuku's words hit her like a physical blow. She stumbled backward, her hand covering her mouth as sobs overtook her.
The girls, who had been silently watching, now stepped forward. Rumi's red eyes were narrowed with a mix of anger and discomfort, her arms crossed as she leaned against the wall. Mei, however, moved first.
She walked up to Izuku, her steps deliberate, and placed her hands gently on his shoulders. Her touch was grounding, steadying. "Izuku," she said softly, her voice a soothing balm to the chaos around them.
Izuku's chest rose and fell heavily as he tried to calm himself. Mei moved closer, placing herself directly in front of him, blocking his view of his mother entirely. Her hands slid down to his sides, her thumbs brushing lightly over him as she anchored him in the present.
"It's okay," Mei whispered, her voice steady. "Breathe."
He took a shaky breath, his fists slowly unclenching. Mei cupped his face gently, her fingers cool against his heated skin. She leaned up and kissed him softly, a simple act that pulled his focus away from the rage boiling inside him.
When they broke apart, she rested her forehead against his, her yellow eyes
locking with his green ones. "Rage doesn't look good on you," she said softly, her lips curving into a faint smile.
Izuku exhaled slowly, his hands instinctively coming up to rest on her waist. His voice was quiet, almost a whisper. "I'm sorry."
Mei shook her head. "Don't be. You're allowed to feel what you feel. But don't let it consume you."
Behind them, Inko wiped at her face, her sobs softening into quiet sniffles. She watched the interaction between Izuku and Mei, the closeness and warmth between them something she hadn't seen in her son in years. It hurt, but it also gave her a flicker of hope that he wasn't as broken as she feared.
Rumi finally spoke, her tone blunt but not unkind. "Lady, I think you should go. He's not ready. You heard him."
Inko hesitated, her gaze lingering on Izuku. When he didn't look at her, she nodded shakily. "I'll… I'll leave. I just… I'm sorry, Izuku."
Without another word, she turned and left, the sound of the door closing behind her echoing in the silence. Izuku stood still, Mei's hands still cradling his face as he closed his eyes, his breathing slowly evening out.
Rumi walked over, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. "You okay, Broccoli Boy?"
He nodded slowly, opening his eyes to look at her and Mei. "Yeah," he said softly. "Thanks."
Mei smiled, brushing his cheek with her thumb. "That's what we're here for."
Eri peeked out from behind Rumi, her small voice breaking the tension. "Papa? Are you okay?"
Izuku crouched down, pulling her into a hug. "Yeah, Eri. I'm okay."
Izuku made his way to the oversized beanbag chair in the corner of the warehouse, plopping down with Eri nestled securely in his arms. Her tiny hands clung to his shirt as she looked up at him with curious red eyes.
"Papa," she asked hesitantly, tilting her head, "was that Grandma?"
Izuku froze for a moment, unsure how to respond. He opened his mouth but closed it again, sighing deeply. "I… I don't know, Eri," he said quietly.
Eri's face scrunched up in confusion. "What do you mean? She looked like a grandma."
Mei, ever perceptive, walked over and draped her arms around Izuku's neck from behind, hugging him as he sat. "You're going to have to call her back eventually, you know," she said softly, her chin resting on his shoulder.
Izuku raised an eyebrow, looking up at her. "Why? I'm happy. I'm really happy here. I don't need her. I don't want her."
He pulled Mei closer with one arm while holding Eri tightly with the other. Mei leaned into him, her voice gentle but firm. "You're holding on to something heavy right now."
Eri immediately protested, looking up at them with wide eyes. "I'm not heavy!" she declared indignantly.
The room broke into soft laughter. Mei ruffled Eri's hair. "No, no, not physically heavy, sweetheart. I mean his heart is heavy."
Izuku glanced at Mei, her pink hair catching the light and her bright yellow eyes filled with concern. She always had a way of grounding him, no matter how tumultuous things felt. He smiled softly at her, his earlier tension slowly melting away.
Rumi, who had been leaning casually against the wall, finally chimed in. "Yeah, I agree with that. That anger you had? It wasn't the kind that burns hot. It was more like… sad anger." She shrugged nonchalantly.
Izuku blinked, his confusion evident. "Sad anger? What does that even mean?"
Rumi smirked. "Eh, I'm not going to get all philosophical. You've got a little girl in your arms, so I'll keep it simple." She nodded toward Eri, who was now resting her head against his chest.
Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "Yeah, let's not dive into that right now."
He glanced around, realizing something—or rather, someone—was missing. "Where's Toga?"
Mei answered, sitting down beside him. "She went out to meet some friends. She'll be back later."
Izuku nodded, leaning back deeper into the beanbag chair. He closed his eyes for a moment, exhaling slowly. "Okay, I'll call her," he said after a long pause. "Just… give me an hour or two. I need to decompress first. Then I'll deal with it."
The others nodded, respecting his need for space.
After a brief moment of quiet, Izuku sat up slightly, his mind shifting to the next day. "I still need to fulfill Melissa's request tomorrow. Rumi, are you okay with taking over my sparring lessons for her?"
Rumi's ears perked up, and she turned on her heels, her red eyes gleaming with excitement. "Hell yes! That's going to be awesome. I'm going to beat the crap out of her."
Izuku gave her a half-hearted glare. "Go easy on her, Rumi. She's still learning."
Rumi waved him off, smirking. "No promises. By the way, who's Melissa?"
Izuku leaned back, running a hand through his hair. "She's someone I met on a trip to I-Island. She's new to using her quirk—it only awakened recently. She needs help with combat training and figuring out how to control it. She's planning to attend U.A., or at least she's trying to get in."
Rumi's red eyes gleamed with interest. "So, a rookie with a new quirk, huh? Perfect. She's going to learn how to use it real quick because I'm not holding back."
Izuku sighed, knowing Rumi's intensity but appreciating her dedication. "Just don't break her, Rumi."
"No promises," she said again, grinning wickedly.
Eri, who had been watching quietly, suddenly perked up. "Papa, can I play some video games now?"
Izuku smiled warmly and kissed her on the forehead. "Of course, sweetheart."
Eri hopped off his lap and made her way to her own beanbag chair, grabbing a controller and putting on her headset. She loaded up her favorite RPG, joining her regular team. The screen lit up, showing her playing alongside two other players: Master Hand, a DPS, and Shadow Avoid, a tank. Eri played the healer, her soft voice scolding her teammates through the mic whenever they messed up.
"Master Hand, you said a no-no word again!" Eri exclaimed, her tiny voice filled with authority.
"Sorry! Sorry! I didn't mean it!" Master Hand's voice replied, sounding sheepish.
Eri nodded firmly, even though they couldn't see her. "Okay, but if you say it again, I won't heal you next time."
Izuku chuckled at the exchange, watching her scold her teammates while maintaining her focus on healing. Despite her small stature, Eri had a commanding presence when it came to her games. He patted her head gently as he passed by, heading toward his room.
Once in his room, Izuku lay down on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day swirled in his mind—his confrontation with his mother, the comforting support of his found family, and the weight of emotions he had carried for so long. He exhaled slowly, pulling out his phone.
After a moment of hesitation, he tapped on his mother's contact and made the call. The phone rang twice before she picked up.
"Izuku?" Inko's voice was soft, cautious but hopeful.
"Hi, Mom," Izuku said, his voice steady but carrying a hint of guilt. "I… wanted to talk."
Inko's breath hitched, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. Then she said, "I'm so glad to hear your voice."
"I wanted to apologize," Izuku said, sitting up on the edge of his bed. "What I did earlier… it wasn't okay. I let all these feelings I've been holding onto overwhelm me. Anger, hate, resentment, all of it just came rushing back when I saw you. I know that's not healthy. I know I acted immaturely, and I'm sorry."
Inko's voice was trembling, but he could hear the relief in her tone. "I'm sorry too, Izuku. I failed you in so many ways, and I've been trying to make up for it, but I know it's not something I can fix overnight. Thank you for calling me."
"I want to move forward," Izuku continued. "I'm… happy now. Really happy. But I also know I need to let go of some things if I want to keep moving forward. So, I was wondering… if you'd like to get breakfast with me tomorrow?"
There was a pause, and then Inko's voice came through, filled with a mix of joy and emotion. "I'd love that."
"There's a ramen place nearby," Izuku said. "It's small, but the food's great. We can meet there."
"That sounds perfect," Inko said, her voice softening. "Thank you, Izuku."
"Thank you," he replied, feeling a small weight lift from his chest. "I'll see you tomorrow."
After ending the call, Izuku leaned back against the wall, letting out a deep sigh. He felt lighter, like he had finally taken the first step toward healing a part of himself that had been fractured for so long.
When he returned to the main room, Rumi raised an eyebrow. "You look less broody. Did you finally call her?"
"Yeah," Izuku admitted. "We're meeting for breakfast tomorrow."
Mei gave him a thumbs up, her goggles pushed onto her forehead. "Good. I didn't like that look on your face earlier. This one's much better."
Eri glanced up from her game. "Are you feeling better, Papa?"
Izuku crouched down and kissed her on the forehead again. "Yeah, Eri. I'm feeling better."
Izuku crouched down and kissed Eri on the forehead again. "Yeah, Eri. I'm feeling better."
Eri smiled briefly before her focus returned to the game. Her expression quickly soured as her teammate, Master Hand, started yelling into the headset.
"You're the worst healer ever! Why do you even bother playing?" Master Hand shouted.
Eri puffed up her cheeks, gripping her controller tightly. "I'm a great healer! You just suck as a DPS!"
The bickering escalated, their voices overlapping as they hurled jabs at each other.
"You don't know how to play this game!" Master Hand yelled.
Eri shot back, "You sound like a child!"
"I'm not a child!" Master Hand roared, clearly offended.
"Well, I am a child," Eri said with a huff. "What's your excuse?"
The voice of Shadow Void, their tank, cut through the argument with a deep chuckle. "She's got you there, Master Hand."
Master Hand screamed in frustration. "I'm not a bad DPS! I'm doing my job, killing and destroying everything!"
Eri smirked, her confidence growing. "Yeah, that's your job, but not running in by yourself like a dumb-dumb. That's the tank's job, to get aggro and keep the enemies off me while I heal. You just want all the glory!"
The argument devolved into a chaotic mess of shouting, with Master Hand yelling, Shadow Void laughing, and Eri firmly holding her ground. Despite the noise, Izuku watched with an amused smile, letting her handle it.
After they finished their last quest, Eri leaned back in her beanbag chair, sighing dramatically into her headset. "Master Hand, you suck and you smell. Shadow Void, you're cool, talk to you later."
She logged off, pulling off her headset with a satisfied grin. "Papa, can we have dinner now?"
Izuku picked her up, settling her on his hip as he nodded. "Yeah, let's eat."
Dinner was simple but hearty, rice, grilled fish, and roasted carrots. Eri chatted happily about her game between bites, clearly still amused by her earlier argument. Mei chimed in occasionally, while Rumi focused on eating, her red eyes occasionally flicking to the door.
"Toga still isn't back," Izuku commented, glancing toward the entrance.
"She's probably staying over at a friend's again," Rumi replied nonchalantly, taking another bite of fish.
Izuku nodded, not too concerned. "She usually texts if she'll be gone longer. I'm sure she'll check in."
After dinner, the group cleaned up quickly, and the day's fatigue began to set in. Izuku sprawled on the couch, his body sinking into the cushions. Mei and Rumi joined him, cuddling up on either side. Mei's hand traced lazy circles on his chest while Rumi's fingers brushed along his back.
"Comfortable, Broccoli Boy?" Rumi teased, her voice low and playful.
Izuku smirked, leaning into her touch. "Very."
Mei giggled, her lips brushing against his ear. "Good, because we're not done yet."
Before he could respond, Mei kissed him deeply, her hands sliding up to cradle his face. Her lips were soft but insistent, and Izuku found himself melting into the kiss. When they finally broke apart, Rumi wasted no time, pulling him toward her for a kiss of her own. Her approach was fiery and passionate, her lips demanding and her hands firmly gripping his shoulders.
One kiss turned into another, then another, growing deeper and more intense. Their tongues intertwined, breaths mingling as they lost themselves in the moment. Izuku's hands wandered instinctively, sliding down to squeeze their behinds, earning playful gasps from both girls.
"Careful," Rumi whispered against his lips, her red eyes glinting mischievously. "You're going to start something you can't finish."
Izuku chuckled, leaning his forehead against hers. "With you two, it's always worth it."
Mei pouted playfully, tugging him back toward her. "Hey, don't forget about me."
He kissed her again, this time slower, savoring the moment. As the evening deepened, the three of them stayed tangled together, the warmth of their connection filling the room.
Eri walked into the room, her little arms crossed and a look of exaggerated disapproval on her face. "Ew, gross," she declared, scrunching her nose.
The trio on the bed immediately straightened up, with Izuku sitting upright, trying to act casual. "Oh, hi, Eri," he said, a little too cheerfully.
Eri tilted her head, curious. "Hi, Papa. Can I sleep in your bed again?"
Izuku's expression softened, and he smiled warmly. "Of course, sweetheart. Come here."
She climbed onto the bed and snuggled between him and Rumi, wrapping her small arms around Izuku's chest. "Papa, you're the best," she said contentedly. Then, blinking up at him with innocent curiosity, she asked, "What were you doing with Bunny Mama and Mei Mama?"
Izuku froze, his cheeks reddening slightly as he stumbled over his words. "Uh… we were just, um, hugging. You know, family stuff."
Eri looked unconvinced. "It didn't look like just hugging."
Izuku let out an awkward laugh. "Okay, okay. Sometimes grown-ups hug and show affection in different ways. It's something that's for adults, and you don't have to worry about it right now, okay?"
Eri blinked. "So you hug different when you're a grown-up?"
Rumi leaned in, her tone light and reassuring. "Yep, Eri. Adults sometimes have special hugs. But don't worry, you'll learn all about it when you're older."
Eri nodded thoughtfully, snuggling back into Izuku's chest. "Okay. That's weird, but okay."
Mei, sitting nearby, couldn't help but chuckle. "Kid, you're too smart for your own good sometimes."
Eri yawned, her small voice breaking the moment. "Can we sleep now?"
Izuku smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Of course, sweetheart. Let's all get some rest."
Next morning
Izuku woke up early, careful not to disturb the others as he slipped out of bed. He got dressed quietly, smoothing out his shirt and glancing back at Eri, who was still curled up with Mei and Rumi.
Before leaving, he leaned down to kiss Eri softly on her forehead. "See you later, kiddo," he whispered. Then he kissed Mei and Rumi gently on the cheek, smiling as they stirred slightly, their sleepy murmurs filling the quiet room.
Stepping out into the fresh morning air, Izuku felt lighter. Today, he would take another step toward mending his relationship with his mother, and moving forward with the life he was building.
Izuku sat at the ramen shop, his hands trembling slightly as he waited for his mother to arrive. The comforting aroma of fresh broth and noodles filled the air, but he could barely focus on it. He clasped his hands together tightly, trying to calm his nerves. His chest felt tight, the mix of anticipation and lingering anger making it hard to breathe.
When she finally arrived, Inko Midoriya entered the shop with a bright smile. "Izuku," she said warmly, her eyes lighting up at the sight of him.
He forced a polite smile as she sat down across from him. His emotions were bubbling beneath the surface, but he took a deep breath, closing his eyes briefly to center himself. In and out, just like Rumi taught me.
The waiter came by, and they ordered their bowls of ramen. Inko broke the silence first, her voice gentle. "How have you been, Izuku? I've missed you so much."
Izuku kept his eyes on the table for a moment before answering. "I'm… doing well," he said, his voice measured. "I've been accepted into the support course at U.A., and in a few days, I'll be trying out for the hero course as well."
Inko's face lit up with joy. "Izuku, that's wonderful! I'm so proud of you. It sounds like you're really following your dreams."
He nodded stiffly, his hands curling slightly around the edge of the table. "Yeah. It's been a lot of work, but I've had good people supporting me."
She smiled softly. "I'm glad to hear that. You deserve all the happiness in the world."
They sat in silence for a moment before she continued. "I've been doing well too. I've… started seeing someone. He's kind and understanding."
Izuku raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's… good. What about Dad? Have you heard from him?"
Her expression faltered, and she hesitated before answering. "We haven't spoken in years, Izuku."
He blinked, surprised. "What do you mean? Last I checked, you and Dad were great."
Inko shook her head slowly. "No. We haven't been good in a long time."
Izuku's brows furrowed. "Did Dad… leave?"
She nodded reluctantly. "Yes. He… left us a while ago. I didn't tell you because I wanted to protect you."
Izuku stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor. "Why didn't you say anything?! What the hell, Mom?" His voice rose, but he caught himself, taking a deep breath and sitting back down. "I'm sorry," he muttered, his fists clenched. "I shouldn't have shouted."
Inko's eyes filled with tears. "It's okay. I just… didn't want to burden you with it. He wasn't… He wasn't who I thought he was."
"What happened?" Izuku asked, his voice quieter but no less intense.
She hesitated, her voice trembling. "He decided to stay overseas. He said some… hurtful things before he left. Things I could never forgive."
"What kind of things?" Izuku asked, his green eyes narrowing.
Inko took a shaky breath. "He… He said he didn't want a quirkless son."
The air seemed to go still. Izuku's hands gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles white. Then, he let out a short, bitter laugh. "What an idiot. A no-good, rotten scumbag."
Inko reached out a hand toward him, but he pulled away reflexively. "I'm sorry, Mom. Not now."
Her face fell, and she slowly pulled her hand back. "I understand," she whispered.
The waiter brought their ramen, and they ate in silence for a while, the tension lingering. Eventually, Inko tried to lighten the mood. "So, do you have a girlfriend?"
Izuku froze for a moment. Not one girlfriend. Three. But he wasn't about to explain that. "Yeah. Mei."
Inko's smile returned. "She's a lovely girl. I can see why you're with her. She seems to really ground you."
Izuku smiled faintly. "She's the reason I even agreed to this meeting. She's too good for me."
Inko tilted her head, curious. "Why would you say that?"
He rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, she's brilliant, and she pushes me to do my best. She's the reason I'm in the support course. We're always working together, making babies…"
Inko choked on her tea. "I-Izuku! Babies?! You're too young for that!"
Izuku looked at her, confused. "What? No, I mean inventions. We call them 'babies' because they're like creations we put our hearts into."
Her face flushed red with embarrassment. "Oh. Oh, I see. That's… That's good then."
Izuku scratched his head, still confused about her reaction. "Yeah. We work hard on them every day. It's kind of our thing."
Inko took a deep breath, laughing nervously. "Right. That's… great. I'm glad you have someone like that."
The rest of the meal passed in a slightly lighter tone, though both of them were aware there were still things left unsaid. When they finally stood to leave, Inko hesitated. "Thank you, Izuku. For giving me a chance."
Izuku nodded, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "Sure… but it's a process," he replied, glancing at her before deciding to shift the conversation. "So… did you meet the others yet?"
Inko blinked in surprise, then shook her head. "No, not really. When I got to the warehouse, the bunny girl—Rumi, right?—just pointed me to a chair and told me to sit down. She didn't say much, just kind of shrugged when I said I was there to see you. She seemed busy."
Izuku chuckled. "That sounds like her."
"I saw the little girl, though," Inko added, her expression softening. "She was playing video games when I came in. Later, she switched to drawing. She seemed very sweet."
"And Mei?" Izuku prompted.
Inko's face broke into an amused smile. "Oh, Mei was… Mei. She didn't even look at me—she was rambling something about inventions and using words I couldn't even begin to understand."
Izuku laughed, shaking his head. "That sounds exactly like Mei."
Inko's tone turned hopeful. "Do you think I could get to know them better? I mean, I only really know Mei. I'd like to meet the others properly."
Izuku's expression softened. "Yeah, I think we can make that happen. You'll meet Rumi—she's my favorite bunny girl—and Eri, my precious little princess. Oh, and there's a third, but I don't think she'll be back until later tonight."
Inko looked delighted at the prospect. "I'd love that."
As they walked toward the warehouse, Izuku suddenly facepalmed. "Wait… I forgot. Rumi's training Melissa right now, so it'll just be Eri and Mei at home."
"That's fine," Inko said with a smile. After a moment's hesitation, she asked, "By the way… who is that little girl? And why is she with you?"
Izuku's smile faltered slightly, and his eyes took on a more guarded look. "Sorry," he said gently, his tone firm but not unkind. "I'm not comfortable explaining that right now. Please understand."
Inko paused, realizing she had touched on something sensitive. "Of course, Izuku. I didn't mean to overstep."
He nodded, appreciating her restraint, and they continued walking toward the warehouse in silence for a moment.
When they arrived at the warehouse, the door creaked open to reveal Mei at her workstation, goggles on her forehead, hair slightly frazzled as she worked on a new project. Eri was sitting on a beanbag chair in the corner, drawing something with intense focus, her tongue poking out slightly in concentration.
"Hey, I'm back," Izuku called out as they stepped inside.
Eri looked up and immediately brightened. "Papa!" she shouted, jumping off the beanbag and running toward him.
Izuku crouched down and caught her in a hug. "Hey, princess. Did you have fun while I was gone?"
Eri nodded enthusiastically, holding up her drawing. "I made a picture of all of us!"
He smiled as he admired the colorful artwork. "That's amazing, Eri. You did a great job."
Eri noticed Inko standing nearby and tilted her head curiously. "Who's this?"
Izuku placed a hand on Eri's shoulder, his voice soft. "This is my mom, Eri. Your grandma."
Eri's eyes widened. "Grandma?" She looked up at Inko with curiosity. "Hi, Grandma."
Inko's heart melted at the title, and she crouched down to Eri's level. "Hi, Eri. It's so nice to meet you."
Eri smiled shyly, hiding slightly behind Izuku.
Mei looked up from her workstation and waved enthusiastically. "Oh, hey, Mrs. Midoriya! Welcome back! Did you two have a good talk?"
Inko smiled, her earlier nerves fading in the warmth of the warehouse. "Yes, we did. Thank you, Mei."
Mei grinned, pushing her goggles up. "Awesome! Well, make yourself at home."
Inko and Eri sat on the floor of the warehouse, surrounded by toys and drawings that Eri was proudly showing off.
"Look, Grandma! I made this one yesterday," Eri said, holding up a crayon drawing of what looked like a hero saving the day.
"That's wonderful, Eri," Inko said warmly, admiring the picture. "You're very talented."
Eri beamed at the compliment before digging through her toys. "And this is my favorite toy! His name is Sir Snuggles." She held up a plush bunny with floppy ears.
Inko chuckled, taking the toy and pretending to make it bow. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Sir Snuggles."
Eri giggled, clapping her hands. "Grandma, you're funny!"
They moved on to video games, with Eri eagerly explaining the controls to her grandmother. Inko struggled at first, her character constantly falling off the screen, but Eri was patient, laughing softly as she guided her. Soon, they were both giggling and having a blast.
On the other side of the warehouse, Izuku and Mei were huddled over their workstation, tinkering with a new gadget. The sound of laughter from Inko and Eri reached them, making Izuku glance over. He couldn't help but smile, though there was a lingering unease in his chest.
Mei noticed and nudged him with her elbow. "You okay, Broccoli Boy?"
Izuku sighed, tightening a bolt on the device. "I think so. It's just… weird seeing them together. But it feels right, you know? Like we're finally moving forward."
Mei placed her hand on his, stopping his work. She leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his lips. When they broke apart, she smiled. "You're doing great, Izuku."
Before he could reply, she kissed him again, this time more passionately. He felt his tension melt away as he kissed her back, his hand finding her waist. When they finally pulled away, she was smiling mischievously.
"Let's move somewhere a little more private," she whispered.
Izuku raised an eyebrow but followed her as they moved to a quieter corner of the warehouse. Once there, Mei wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply, her body pressed against his. His hands rested on her hips before sliding down to gently squeeze her behind. Mei let out a small squeak, pulling back slightly with her face flushed.
"What's gotten into you?" Izuku asked with a smirk.
Mei looked away, her cheeks turning even redder. "Well, I was just thinking, you know… about that hotel incident with you and Toga. I'm not saying I'm ready yet, but… maybe someday."
Izuku cupped her face, kissing her softly. "You don't have to worry about that. Take your time. I love you, no matter what."
She smiled back at him, her golden eyes shimmering with affection. "I know you love me, and my butt, you pervert."
Leaning closer, she whispered in his ear, "Maybe I'll call you Daddy… in a fun way."
Her face turned bright red as she realized what she'd just said. She quickly turned her head, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Um, yeah. Forget I said that."
Izuku couldn't help but laugh, pulling her closer and pressing a kiss to her neck. "You're so adorable when you're flustered."
"Stop it!" Mei protested, though she was laughing too. She quickly changed the subject. "Come on, let's go make some babies!"
Izuku blinked, his eyes widening in surprise. "Uh, Mei—"
She rolled her eyes, already anticipating his misunderstanding. "No, no! Invention babies, you pervert."
He chuckled, shaking his head as he followed her back to their workstation. "Whatever you say, genius."
After a few hours
As Inko walked out of the warehouse, she turned to wave one last time at everyone. "Goodbye, everyone! It was lovely meeting you all!" she called cheerfully.
Eri waved back enthusiastically. "Bye, Grandma! Come back soon!"
Izuku smiled and nodded at her. "Take care, Mom."
Once she stepped outside, Inko pulled out her phone, dialing a familiar number. The call was answered after a few rings by a gruff, half-asleep voice. "You woke me up. What do you want?"
She smiled, unbothered by his tone. "Shota, I was wondering if you'd like to have dinner tonight?"
There was silence on the other end before he grumbled, "I've got nutrition packs. I'm fine."
Inko pouted, even though he couldn't see her. "Really? Are those nutrition packs better than my cooking?"
More silence followed, and then came his reluctant reply. "…No."
She giggled triumphantly. "Then come over and have a hot meal with me. No excuses."
Eraserhead sighed heavily. "Fine. What time?"
"Seven," she replied cheerfully. "Don't be late."
He let out another grumble before ending the call, and Inko walked off with a satisfied smile.
Back at the warehouse, Rumi returned, practically bouncing through the door. "Whew! That Melissa girl's got some potential," she said, plopping down onto the couch. "She can definitely take a few punches and kicks."
Izuku chuckled as he received a text from Melissa. Her message read: Never again. Seriously. NEVER AGAIN.
He smiled, replying with a quick Good job, Melissa! Keep at it! before pocketing his phone. Turning to Rumi, he gave her a thumbs up. "Sounds like you did great."
Rumi grinned, stretching her arms. "Of course I did. Who do you think you're talking to?"
"I've got roasted carrots and some carrot cake for dinner," Izuku said, gesturing toward the kitchen. "Specially for you, Bunny Mama."
Rumi's ears perked up at the mention of carrot cake. "You know me so well, Broccoli Boy."
As the group settled in for a quiet evening, Izuku received another text, this time from Toga: Staying a bit longer at my friend's place. I'll be back for the U.A. entrance exam, though. Promise!
He smiled and texted her back: You better be. I love you, and stay safe.
Moments later, his phone buzzed again, and his face turned bright red as he quickly tilted the screen away. Toga had sent a spicy picture along with the message: Miss you~ heart emoji
Rumi, who had been casually glancing over his shoulder, caught a glimpse and smirked. "Pervert."
"It's not—ugh, it's not what you think," Izuku stammered, locking his phone and tucking it into his pocket.
Rumi rolled her eyes but chuckled, clearly amused. "Whatever you say, Broccoli Boy."
The rest of the evening passed peacefully. They enjoyed their dinner, laughed at Eri's antics, and spent time together as a family. Izuku felt a sense of calm as they wound down, appreciating the quiet moments of joy and connection. Whatever challenges awaited them, he was confident they'd face them together.
Inko's dinner
Inko and Shota sat across from each other at her dining table, the soft glow of the overhead light creating a cozy atmosphere. The scent of freshly cooked fish and steamed rice lingered in the air as they quietly ate for a few moments.
Inko broke the silence, her voice warm and grateful. "Thank you again for suggesting that workout routine, Shota. It's really helped me."
Shota, his usual monotone voice steady, responded without looking up from his plate. "It's no problem. You seemed like you were under a lot of stress, and stress eating doesn't help. Exercise does."
Inko smiled, her cheeks slightly pink. "Well, yes, I know that. But I just didn't have any motivation. You know, with everything going on with my son and… other issues." She trailed off, her fingers nervously fiddling with her chopsticks.
Shota grumbled softly, taking another bite of fish. "I get it. So… has he still been ignoring your calls?"
Her expression brightened slightly, though there was a hint of embarrassment. "Well… yes. I mean, no. I mean, okay, he wasn't answering for a long time, but yesterday… we met for breakfast."
Shota raised an eyebrow, finally looking up from his food. "Huh. That's progress."
Inko nodded enthusiastically. "It is! We talked, and… I think we're on the path to healing. I didn't tell you before because I didn't want to jinx it, but it went better than I could have hoped. And I have you to thank for that. If you hadn't told me to visit him, even if he wasn't answering my calls, I don't think I would have worked up the courage."
Shota shrugged, his expression neutral. "You made the call. You deserve the credit."
Inko shook her head, her smile unwavering. "No, really, Shota. I was so nervous I'd mess everything up. But it was the right call. Thank you. You've helped me so much, and I don't know how I could ever repay you."
Shota held up a hand to stop her. "You're rambling."
Inko's face flushed. "Oh. Right. Sorry."
"Don't apologize," he said flatly, taking another bite. "He's going to be attending the hero course exam soon. I'll keep an eye on him. I won't treat him any differently, but if something happens, I'll make sure he's safe."
Inko's eyes softened, and her voice was full of gratitude. "Thank you, Shota. That means a lot to me."
"It's no problem," he replied, his tone as casual as if they were discussing the weather.
As the meal wound down, Inko grew curious. "So, Shota… I've talked a lot about my life. What about you? Do you have anything you're passionate about?"
He paused mid-bite, setting his chopsticks down and staring at her for a moment. "Cats."
Inko blinked, then chuckled softly. "Cats?"
"Yeah," he said simply, his tone unchanged. "They're quiet, low-maintenance, and don't demand too much attention. Perfect pets."
"Well," Inko said, a playful smile forming, "I didn't know you were such a softie."
Shota gave her a side-eye but didn't comment, instead reaching for his tea. She giggled again, enjoying the rare glimpse into his personal life.
"Oh, wait," she said suddenly, standing up and moving toward the kitchen. "I almost forgot—I got something for you."
Shota watched curiously as she returned with a small container. She opened it to reveal neatly packed pieces of salty licorice.
"Since you said this was your favorite last time, I made sure to pick some up," she said with a proud smile, sliding the container toward him.
His lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile as he grabbed one of the pieces and popped it into his mouth. "Thanks," he said, his tone softer than usual.
Shota's lips twitched into the faintest hint of a smile as he grabbed a piece of salty licorice and popped it into his mouth. "Thanks," he said, his tone softer than usual.
Inko's smile brightened, a warm glow spreading through her chest. "You're welcome. I thought you might appreciate a little treat after all the help you've given me."
Shota nodded, chewing slowly. After a moment of comfortable silence, he asked, "So… how's your exercise routine going? Sticking to it?"
Inko chuckled lightly, setting her chopsticks down. "Mostly. Some days are harder than others, but I think I've been doing well. It helps having a goal to focus on."
He raised an eyebrow. "And that goal is?"
"To be the best version of myself," she said with a smile, then added with a laugh, "And to keep up with Izuku if he ever invites me to train with him."
Shota smirked. "That's ambitious."
Inko shrugged. "I have to start somewhere, right?"
As they finished the meal, Inko gathered the dishes, insisting on cleaning up. "You sit," she said firmly when Shota started to stand. "You're my guest, remember?"
He leaned back in his chair, watching her with mild amusement. "You don't have to fuss over me."
"I don't mind," she replied, humming softly as she tidied up. When she returned, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. "So… would you like to stay a little longer? Maybe watch a show or a movie? I have a few good ones recorded."
Shota glanced at his watch, his brow furrowing. "I should get back to work."
Her face fell slightly, though she quickly tried to cover it. "Oh, of course. I understand."
He sighed, running a hand through his messy hair. "I guess I can stay for a little while. Maybe catch a quick nap before I head out."
Her face lit up, her smile returning in full force. "Really? That's wonderful! I'll set something up right now."
She chose a lighthearted movie and settled on the couch. Shota surprised her by lying down and resting his head on her lap, using it as a pillow. He closed his eyes, letting out a quiet sigh of relief.
"This isn't too weird for you, is it?" he asked, one eye cracking open.
"Not at all," she said softly, her hand instinctively moving to his hair. She hesitated for a moment before running her fingers through the messy strands, gently smoothing them. "Your hair is so unruly. Do you ever brush it properly?"
He smirked without opening his eyes. "I'll do it next time I come over. Happy?"
"Very," she said with a small laugh.
They chatted quietly for a few minutes about mundane things—her favorite recipes, his love for cats, and the odd quirks of their respective lives. As they talked, his voice grew quieter, his responses slower, until he drifted off to sleep.
Inko smiled down at him, unable to resist continuing to comb her fingers through his hair. He let out a low, contented groan in his sleep, and her heart softened. It felt nice, having someone to care for, even in this small way.
When his watch alarm eventually beeped, Shota stirred, blinking groggily. He sat up, stretching his arms with a soft grunt. "I should go," he said, his voice still heavy with sleep.
Inko stood as well, smoothing her skirt nervously. "Thank you for coming over, Shota. It really means a lot to me."
He nodded, grabbing his coat. "It was a good meal. Thanks for having me."
As he moved toward the door, Inko hesitated, her heart racing. Just do it, Inko. Don't overthink it.
She stepped closer, intending to kiss him lightly on the cheek, but misjudged the height difference. Instead, her face collided with his chest, and she froze, mortified.
Shota looked down at her, confused. "Are you okay?"
Her face turned scarlet as she quickly stepped back, waving her hands. "Yes! Yes, I'm fine. I just… um… I've been a little clumsy lately. Sorry about that."
He blinked, clearly unsure what had just happened but unwilling to press the issue. "Alright. Take care of yourself, Inko."
"You too!" she said, her voice a little too cheerful as she opened the door for him.
As soon as he left, she groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Stupid, stupid, stupid!" she muttered to herself. But even as she chastised herself, a small, hopeful smile crept onto her face. Maybe next time.
U.A Hero course exam
The sun was shining brightly over U.A. High School as prospective students gathered nervously outside for the entrance exam. Among them was Izuku Midoriya, standing confidently despite the mild buzz of nerves in his chest. He was dressed sharply in his white Yakuza-inspired outfit—complete with his kinetic gauntlets, utility belt, and grappling hook holstered at his side. The crispness of his attire contrasted with the chaotic energy of the students around him.
He checked his phone, waiting for a message from Toga. Still running late. Be there soon! the text read. Izuku sighed, pocketing his phone and muttering under his breath, "Of course she's late. Classic Toga."
He started walking toward the entrance, his thoughts swirling with a mix of excitement and apprehension. He was so distracted that he didn't notice a crack in the pavement ahead. His boot caught on it, and he stumbled forward, his balance completely thrown.
Before he could hit the ground, a light sensation washed over him, and suddenly, he wasn't falling anymore. His body felt weightless, like he was floating. A soft but firm hand grasped his arm, steadying him. The weightless sensation vanished as quickly as it came, and he found himself back on solid ground.
"Oh! Sorry about that!" came a cheerful voice.
Izuku turned to see a girl about his age with short, brown hair and a bright smile that deepened the dimples on her cheeks. She wore the standard U.A. uniform, and her round, rosy cheeks gave her an almost ethereal glow.
He straightened himself and smiled warmly. "No need to apologize. Thank you for saving me from face-planting in front of everyone. My name's Izuku Midoriya."
The girl waved off his thanks, her smile widening. "It's no problem at all! I'm Ochaco Uraraka. Nice to meet you!"
Her energy was infectious, and Izuku found himself smiling wider. "Well, Uraraka, you've got a good quirk. Saved me from a pretty embarrassing moment."
She giggled. "Glad I could help! So… what's with the outfit?" She gestured to his white Yakuza suit, the gauntlets catching her eye. "Are you trying out for the Villain course or the Hero course?"
Izuku laughed, shaking his head. "Hero course. Though I guess this doesn't exactly scream 'friendly neighborhood hero,' huh?"
Uraraka tilted her head, studying him with a thoughtful expression. "No, it's just… different. But in a good way! You look like you mean business."
He smirked. "I guess that's one way to put it."
A loud chime echoed through the courtyard, signaling that it was almost time for the orientation to begin. Uraraka's eyes widened. "Oh no! We're going to be late!"
Izuku checked his watch and nodded. "You're right. Thank you again, Uraraka. I'll see you inside."
She waved as they both hurried toward the building. "Good luck, Midoriya!"
"You too!" he called back over his shoulder, his smile lingering as he disappeared into the crowd.
Author's Note:
Hey everyone! Thank you so much for your continued support, it really means the world to me! I know some of you were probably hoping to dive straight into the U.A. Hero Course entrance exam this chapter, but I didn't want to cram it in and make this one overly long. Plus, I felt the pacing would benefit from dedicating an entire chapter to the high-stakes action and intensity of the exam.
Don't worry, though, next chapter will jump straight into the action! We'll get to see our favorite broccoli boy, Izuku, show off all that training he's been doing (and maybe surprise a few judges along the way).
On a more heartfelt note, I'm so glad to see the progress between Izuku and his mom. Healing takes time, but with Eri in the picture, I think there's hope for this family to rebuild what was lost. She's truly the glue holding everyone together, isn't she?
Oh, and as for Rumi, well, let's just say there might be a spicy bunny scene in the next chapter. No promises, but I know some of you are waiting for it.
Thanks again for all your support and for sticking with me on this journey. See you next chapter, where the action heats up, the stakes rise, and Izuku takes one more step toward becoming the hero he's destined to be!
Stay awesome,