- My Hero Academia 180 degrees. -
41. Where the UA entrance exam ends, Uraraka wakes up in the hospital, there are some social changes, and classes begin.
"Enough," came Yoichi's soft voice as everything faded to black. "You have to wake up."
"Enough! Wake up already!" Bakugo's irritated voice rang out, this time clearer and more real, as the steady sound of rain suddenly filled the air. "I already told you I'd pay you back a thousandfold, so don't act surprised!"
Izuku slowly opened his eyes, feeling the cold ground beneath him. The first thing he noticed was Bakugo's right arm—hanging limp, dripping blood, and alarmingly bruised in deep shades of purple. Despite the evident pain, Bakugo remained standing, his gaze hardened, his usual scowl in place as he gripped his arm like he refused to show weakness.
A few steps away, Toshinori watched the scene with a serious expression. Kirishima stood beside him, holding onto him firmly, his face tight with concern. On the other side, Shinso was restraining the unconscious boy from earlier.
A lump formed in Izuku's throat as a wave of emotions crashed over him. He didn't understand why, and he wasn't sure what had happened, but something inside him screamed that, somehow, all of this was his fault. His face twisted with emotion, and before he could stop them, tears welled up and spilled over.
But then, a sharp voice cut through his thoughts.
"Stop crying about everything all the damn time!" Bakugo snapped, frustration laced in his tone. "I still hate you! No matter how hard I try, I don't want to accept you!"
Toshinori, watching the scene unfold, let out a quiet sigh. What a way to start… I think I made a mistake. But his gaze shifted to something unexpected—a glowing figure appeared behind Bakugo, placing a hand on his shoulder. Yoichi, the first wielder of One For All, stood there as if guiding him. Though it seemed only Toshinori could see him.
Izuku trembled, his body weak from tension and nerves. He swallowed hard, feeling a warm trickle down his face. When he pressed a hand to his right side, he realized he was bleeding—but oddly, he felt no pain. Staring at the blood on his glove, his eyes lifted back to Bakugo's injured arm. The blonde bared his teeth in a fierce expression before shouting again:
"I've always hated the way you look at me! It feels like you're constantly reminding me how weak I am!"
Izuku tried to push himself up, but his legs shook violently beneath him. He collapsed again. A second attempt, and he barely managed to stand, unsteady and wavering. Still, something deep inside him told him he had to do this—that it was important.
Bakugo averted his eyes for a brief moment, as if sensing Yoichi's presence. When he spoke again, his voice had lost some of its harshness.
"But… I think you… you've always been someone who pushes me forward, someone who doesn't stop—even when everything seems impossible. And because of that… I've always felt inferior to you."
Izuku froze, completely stunned by what he was hearing. His eyes widened, lips parting slightly in shock. Bakugo, his posture rigid, continued speaking.
"My way of treating you… it was my way of protecting myself from that feeling." He hesitated, clenching his good hand into a fist. "But now I understand. The way you live… it's always made me want to be better. And, as much as I hate to admit it, that hatred I felt—it wasn't really for you."
Izuku took an unsteady step forward, an unfamiliar pull guiding him closer. He didn't know why, but he had the overwhelming urge to reach out—to touch Bakugo's wounded arm, as if that simple action could somehow ease the pain of their past. Bakugo, however, remained resolute.
"I've been an idiot this whole time. I hurt you. I was cruel to you. Everything I said, everything I did…" He swallowed hard, his fingers tightening. "But now I know. You've always been there, standing right in front of me. And, even though it's hard for me to say this… I wouldn't mind walking beside you."
Izuku felt his ears clear as if something had been blocking them—because suddenly, the sound of the rain grew louder.
Toshinori and Kirishima exchanged a knowing look, a faint smile tugging at their lips as they watched Izuku finally step closer to Bakugo. Without hesitation, he reached out, his fingers gently brushing against Bakugo's injured arm—a touch both careful and meaningful.
Izuku pressed his forehead against Bakugo's shoulder, his eyes slipping shut as tears mixed with the rain, flowing freely. Bakugo, after a moment of hesitation, tilted his head slightly toward him and muttered low enough that only Izuku could hear:
"I'll take half the responsibility for what All Might decided. So don't you dare carry all of it alone, idiot."
"All… Might?" Izuku repeated softly.
The hero continued watching them, now with a soft smile, but in the blink of an eye, Toshinori found himself witnessing an unexpected scene. In the background of Midoriya and Bakugo's inner world, Yoichi and All for One were engaged in a tense conversation. Their figures were an echo of their bodies from a distant past, yet the intensity of their words resonated powerfully in the present.
'It seems that, in the end, you imposed your will, as always,' Yoichi spoke first, his tone calm but filled with reproach. 'And even though you claim you did it for me, I believe, deep down, you did it for yourself. A part of you feared death, and you wanted to leave behind a remnant in this world, something that would perpetuate your existence, especially after your successor abandoned you.'
All for One curved his lips into a cold smile before responding.
'Don't misunderstand me, little brother. Everything seems to point to my will being doomed to fail, and I have no intention of insisting more than necessary. But on the other hand'—he shifted his gaze toward Midoriya, whose figure stood prominently in the foreground—'this boy's determinations have a peculiar way of coming true. However, they do so in an ironic manner. Whether he realizes it or not, I also tried to spare him from suffering by showing him the shortest path. But, as you can see, humans love to believe they have control over their destinies when, in reality, those destinies are already written from the moment they are born.'
Yoichi observed him seriously, his eyes reflecting both sadness and resolve.
'If you truly believed that,' he replied in a grave voice, 'you would have let us both die at birth under those circumstances. Or at the very least, you would have abandoned me, given how weak I was. But you didn't. You chose to fight, and so we both continue to exist.'
All for One let out a short, joyless laugh.
'In the end, you and I were also born as humans in this world. The instinct for self-preservation is as primitive and basic as the desire to cling to what we care about. That's why it affected me so much when you chose to leave instead of staying by my side.'
'There was no way to stand by your side when you were so manipulative and cruel,' Yoichi answered with a trace of bitterness. 'And now I realize that in over a hundred years, you haven't changed one bit. That's why One for All will continue to stand against your will.'
All for One narrowed his eyes, his tone laced with menace.
'Oh, really? And what will you do when the decisive moment comes? Do you think All Might will allow them to eliminate the one he chose as his successor?'
Before Yoichi could respond, a third voice rang out with determination.
'I won't allow it.'
It was Daigoro Banjo, stepping forward with a resolute gaze.
'After what happened to Nana Shimura's grandson, we couldn't just stand by and watch another child fall under your influence.'
All for One cast Banjo a cold, condescending look as he continued speaking, making a promise:
'That's why I will protect Izuku Midoriya's heart from now on, to ensure he doesn't suffer the same fate as little Tenko Shimura.'
'It's amusing how you so-called heroes can't stop interfering in matters that are purely family affairs.'
Banjo didn't waver, standing firm.
'Like the Eighth said: the essence of a hero is to meddle where they're not called, isn't it?'
The words hung in the air. When all three turned their gazes toward Toshinori, the connection to that deeper plane shattered in an instant. Toshinori blinked, returning to the present, the weight of that scene still heavy on his mind.
...
Uraraka's dream continued in a hazy, nebulous scene:
The adult Uraraka shifted restlessly in bed, feeling the sheets tangle around her body every time she tried to get comfortable. The room was dimly lit, and the vastness of the bed became more apparent, as if loneliness somehow amplified its size.
Reaching out to the empty space where Deku usually slept, she couldn't help but sigh. Then, checking her phone, she saw that it was already midnight.
She still agreed with the Dekus that this arrangement was for the best. They would sleep on the new, spacious sofa bed in the living room, while she stayed in her regular bedroom. That way, they could ensure a peaceful coexistence among the three of them.
However, as she pressed her hands against her face, trying to dispel the lingering warmth in her cheeks, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had made a mistake by letting things go too far with one of them that afternoon. She closed her eyes, but the fragments of what had happened returned with vivid clarity.
It had all happened so suddenly. On their way back from the supermarket, they had taken advantage of a store's discounts, and with Bakugo's Halloween party just around the corner, they couldn't resist buying costumes. Deku had chosen the outfit of a medieval fantasy explorer, while she had opted for an alchemist sorceress dress that matched his. The idea of trying them on at home had seemed fun... until they found themselves face-to-face.
The image of Deku, his outfit making him look more daring, was burned into her mind, just as her own reflection in the mirror was—her dress giving her the appearance of someone sweet yet elegant. They both blushed as they took each other in, and before she knew it, the distance between them had disappeared as they touched and then shared a kiss that deepened until everything else faded into the background.
She wanted to believe there was nothing wrong with it; after all, they were a couple and had been living together for some time. But the memory of the other Deku—the one who had spent the afternoon visiting his mother—left a trace of guilt in both of them.
It was absurd, they knew, because technically, they were the same person. But they couldn't ignore the feeling that they had excluded one of them, and that thought unsettled them now.
Suddenly, a whisper broke the silence of the night. Uraraka tensed at the sound of two voices and immediately sat up, moving toward the door with silent steps. She opened it just enough to see the living room, bathed in the soft glow of the moonlight, where the two Dekus lay on the sofa bed, speaking in hushed tones.
"Mom made our favorite dish. And it looks like she really loved the flowers we chose for her," murmured the Deku who had gone out that afternoon, his tone warm and cheerful. "She doesn't seem to be lacking anything for now."
"I'm glad to hear that," replied the other Deku, lying on his side and watching him closely.
The first one closed his eyes with a peaceful smile.
"It was nice visiting her after so long. But tell me, how was your day?" he asked gently. "Did you find everything on the list? Were you able to stay within budget?"
The Deku who had stayed home after shopping shifted uncomfortably, partially covering his face with the blanket. His reaction didn't go unnoticed, but his counterpart gave him time to respond.
"We found everything, and… Uraraka showed me a way to save money using the supermarket app," he answered quietly, avoiding eye contact.
The other Deku smiled sincerely.
"That's great. It seems like she always knows those kinds of tricks to save money."
However, the silence that followed was too heavy. The Deku who had spoken first watched as his counterpart completely covered his face before whispering, almost inaudibly,
"By the way… when we got home… Uraraka and I… we touched each other a little."
A bolt of tension seemed to split them apart. The Deku who had spent the evening with his mother held his chin, then covered his mouth, trying to process the information and analyze how he felt about it.
"Oh… I see…" he finally murmured, a bit seriously. "R-really?"
"Yeah…"
From her spot behind the door, Uraraka felt a strange weight settle in her chest as she listened to the confession. Through the small gap, she suddenly saw the Deku closest to her smile as he watched his counterpart remain buried under the sheets.
"I-I'm sorry…" the confessing Deku whispered.
"There's no need to apologize. We knew from the start that this could happen," the other replied in a cheerful, reassuring tone. "After all, you are me, and I am you. And I still trust that Hatsume will find a way to merge us back together."
Uraraka let out a soft sigh along with the other Deku, releasing some of the guilt weighing on her.
"What a relief that you're taking it this way," the confessing Deku said, finally peeking out from under the covers. Despite his words, there was still a hint of guilt in his eyes. "Although… I still feel kind of bad. I wish there were a way for us to be even."
Uraraka couldn't help but blush at that, feeling warmth spread across her cheeks.
"I think I understand why you'd feel that way," his counterpart admitted, mirroring the same flush, though he tried to hide it by covering his mouth and looking away. "Maybe… only if you want to… you could tell me what happened. After all, we promised to share anything important about our day. And maybe Uraraka is hoping we repeat something from today."
The Deku who had confessed thought for a moment before nodding cautiously.
"Alright," he agreed, though he still seemed uncertain. "But only if you promise this won't bother you."
"I promise," the other assured him, his smile radiating confidence.
Uraraka, still listening from her hiding spot, held her breath as the voice of the Deku recounting the experience grew softer. As she tried to lean in closer to hear, she noticed that the other Deku was starting to blush visibly.
"S-so… it was kind of like roleplay?" the listening Deku murmured, trying to process what he was hearing. "I never thought Uraraka would want to try something like that."
"It wasn't exactly that," his counterpart clarified nervously. "It's not like we were acting as characters from the Middle Ages or anything. It was just the costumes at first, but then… we forgot about them."
"I see…" The other Deku averted his gaze, his face burning with embarrassment. "Though… I have to admit, I'm a little jealous."
"You promised you wouldn't be bothered."
"I'm not upset, I promise," he chuckled softly. Then, with a hint of curiosity, he added, "If you want… you can keep telling me."
The Deku recounting the experience hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. Once again, he began whispering even lower, and his counterpart leaned in to hear better.
The other Deku blushed intensely, bringing a hand to his mouth as if that could suppress his reaction.
As the first one spoke, his confidence grew, though his face remained bright red, until he seemed to reach the climax of the story.
"W-wait!" the other Deku suddenly interrupted, his face completely flushed. "I don't think I can listen to much more."
"Oh..."
Both fell silent for a few seconds, an air of awkwardness and something inexplicable lingering between them.
"Maybe we should try to sleep now," the listening Deku suggested, still avoiding direct eye contact.
"Yeah, maybe that's for the best," the other Deku replied in a more neutral tone.
"Good night."
"Rest well."
One of the Dekus turned to the left, while the other settled to the right. But the stillness of the room brought them no rest; both remained awake, staring into the darkness and struggling against their chaotic thoughts.
Uraraka carefully closed the hiding spot's door, making sure not to make a sound. She tiptoed to her bed, her face still as red as a tomato from what she had just overheard. However, a strange warmth replaced her embarrassment as she curled up under the blankets. For the first time that night, she felt like she might actually fall asleep.
An hour passed, yet the Dekus were still trapped in their own insomnia.
Suddenly, the door to Uraraka's room creaked open again, barely audible in the quiet of the night. Two pairs of feet silently crossed the threshold—one moving to the right side of the bed, the other circling around to the left.
Uraraka, still awake, slowly opened her eyes, and her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she felt the familiar warmth of two bodies settling beside her. Before she could react, the arms of both Dekus wrapped around her gently, embracing her with overwhelming warmth.
This was too much!
"What… happens now…?"
The Uraraka from the real world woke up by punching herself hard in the face—an unconventional but effective method she had adopted after numerous experiences with Deku-related dreams. However, what she never expected was to find herself in a completely different place.
The room around her wasn't hers; the white walls, the blinking monitors, and the sharp smell of disinfectant indicated that she was in a hospital. But the most unsettling thing wasn't the change in scenery—it was the presence of Kai Chisaki, standing just a meter away from her bed, watching her with a mix of surprise and cold serenity.
"A defense mechanism?" Chisaki asked in a neutral tone, referring to the blow she had given herself to wake up.
"No… well…" Uraraka tried to answer, barely able to form words.
Chisaki closed his eyes for a moment as if contemplating something. When he opened them again, his gaze turned more intense—almost chilling. There was something about his calmness that made Uraraka's skin crawl.
"You could say…" Kai murmured in a rough voice, beginning to remove the glove from his right hand, "...that you were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. But I haven't forgotten that I still owe you a favor. This will settle our debt."
"Aren't mobsters supposed to put on their gloves when they're about to commit a crime?!" Uraraka exclaimed in a strangled gasp, squeezing her eyes shut and holding her breath.
Her heart pounded wildly. Her mind, tangled in fear and confusion, barely managed to recall a scene from the past—the image of Shigaraki's hand disintegrating that ball with a single touch.
Time seemed to freeze for an instant. Then, the silence was shattered by a wet, sickening sound. Blood began to spread across the room, staining the walls and floor in a grotesque display.
Out in the hallway, one of Chisaki's assistants stood guard, patiently ensuring that no one else entered.
...
The sun began to peek through the clouds, and for a moment, Toshinori took it as a good omen.
"I thought I specifically told all three of you not to get into any more trouble," Aizawa announced his presence, walking toward them with firm steps, accompanied by several people. His tone was as severe as ever, but this time there was a hint of exhaustion in his gaze. "And I said that especially for you."
"Aizawa..." Toshinori responded, lowering his head in evident remorse. "This is all my fault."
"Why am I not surprised?" Aizawa replied, crossing his arms with a look of reproach and boredom. "This is why I never agreed with what you proposed from the start."
"I'll explain everything later, calmly," Toshinori whispered, trying to defuse the tension.
"You better," Aizawa replied, and his expression made it clear that the matter was far from over.
It was then that Izuku noticed something that momentarily made him forget everything that had happened.
"The Wild Wild Pussycats, the top specialists in mountain rescue with over twelve years of experience... and a little kid?" he muttered, surprised to see the group accompanied by a child now running toward them at full speed. Instinctively, Izuku grabbed Bakugo and pushed him slightly forward, as if trying to shield himself.
"What the hell is wrong with you? Are you scared of a little kid now?" Bakugo growled, glaring at him. His tone was annoyed, but there was also a hint of confusion.
Izuku couldn't respond because the boy, carrying a first-aid bag slung over his side, stopped in front of Bakugo and looked up at him with determination.
"You look pretty bad. Hold still," the boy said softly, extending his small hands toward Bakugo's injured arm.
Both Bakugo and Izuku watched in disbelief as Bakugo's arm slowly began to heal. The cracked and bruised skin gradually returned to its natural state, though the process seemed slightly uncomfortable. For a moment, as Katsuma worked, his eyes met Izuku's. The boy gave him a shy smile, and something in that gesture made Izuku feel a spark of hope, as if his heart, weighed down by everything, could beat lightly again.
The rain had completely stopped, leaving behind a less somber atmosphere. Bakugo cautiously tested his arm, opening and closing his fist.
"It still hurts a little, but it works," he muttered, flexing his fingers.
"Let me wrap it up," Katsuma offered, rummaging through his bag.
"I'm fine for now," Bakugo replied firmly, nodding toward Deku. "Take care of this guy before he loses an eye."
Katsuma nodded and turned to Izuku. Wanting to make things easier, Izuku sat down on the ground and let the boy examine his wound. It didn't hurt, but the dried blood on his face indicated the injury wasn't just superficial. Katsuma extended his hands again, concentrating as a faint glow surrounded his palms. Izuku watched him intently.
"Wow... You're a real hero. I wish I could be like you," Izuku said, offering a sincere smile.
The boy blushed slightly and looked proud.
"Thank you," Katsuma murmured with a timid smile.
Kirishima approached alongside Bakugo, concerned for Izuku's condition, while in the distance, the adults silently observed the scene.
"You had it well hidden, Aizawa," Toshinori commented in a low tone, leaning slightly toward his colleague. "You didn't even tell the other teachers, did you?"
Aizawa glanced at him from the corner of his eye before letting out a long sigh.
"I don't want the students or the teachers assuming that this kid will be there to fix their recklessness like they did with Recovery Girl. He's just learning how to use his Quirk, and I promised his father we wouldn't let him overextend himself."
"Where did you find him?" Toshinori asked, trying to ease the tension with some casual conversation.
Aizawa kept his serious expression as he replied, "It was luck. Vlad found this little one and his sister when I sent Class 2-B to Nabu Island as punishment."
"I see..." Toshinori murmured, picturing Vlad forcing his students to train under the scorching sun while he enjoyed a lemonade under a beach umbrella.
"Don't you think it's time to let them come back?" Toshinori interjected with a slight conciliatory smile.
"No. I don't."
Aizawa's response was dry and firm as he kept walking, making it clear he wasn't open to discussion. Then, he sighed, recalling Toshinori's previous request and how this wasn't the first time he had tried to persuade him about something.
"A surprise villain? I'm against it," Aizawa had said curtly that day in the faculty room.
"There could be multiple fake villains. Heroes always have to be on alert. I want them to understand that from the start. Besides, it wouldn't be bad to give a second chance to those who underperformed in the physical exams. You yourself said the previous test format didn't account for Quirks that aren't strength-based."
"You know full well that I've never liked lying to students," Aizawa responded with a bored expression. "That will only make them distrust U.A. in the long run or make decisions based on assumptions about what we tell them. It's best to be clear from the start."
"So, you don't want to lie to them..." Toshinori said. "Does that also apply to the supposedly expelled Class 2-B?"
Aizawa ended up sighing, silently admitting that he had lied to everyone about expelling that class so the others would take things more seriously.
"It will be counterproductive if a real villain appears in the future and they think it's just another test," Aizawa warned. "But if you insist, the responsibility will be yours."
Puffing up his chest, All Might let out a pleased laugh, satisfied that Aizawa had accepted his idea.
"Everything will be fine," All Might assured him.
Back in the present, Mandalay, the leader of the Wild Wild Pussycats, observed the devastated terrain with a mix of admiration and concern before commenting, "I'm surprised that so many students who failed the physical exam had the courage to face the fake villains."
Her tone carried both respect and disbelief.
Her gaze shifted to the unconscious young man, while little Katsuma tried to wake him with gentle movements and touching determination. Mandalay sighed before adding, "I think we'll need to pay extra to the stunt actors we hired. They were in real danger, despite our safety guarantees."
She paused, crossing her arms as her eyes reflected genuine concern. Then she continued, "And we should also apologize to the second-year Shiketsu students who helped us."
Aizawa nodded. "I'll leave it to you."
Mandalay lowered her ears and claws, as if already exhausted.
"Alright."
...
The phone trembled slightly in Izuku's hands as Uraraka's sweet voice resonated through the receiver, trying to calm him.
"Don't worry. I'm really fine," she assured him, her serene tone failing to ease the worried expression on Izuku's face.
He was back home, with his mother quietly crying behind him. The anxiety he felt wasn't just from what he had seen on the news, but from the video showing Uraraka on the bullet train—exhausted but heroic as she helped save people. It was clear she had been at her limit, and that wouldn't let him relax.
"I'm coming to see you right now!" Izuku announced, his determination making his mother even more nervous.
On the other end, a brief silence stretched before Uraraka responded.
"I'd like to see you too and hear how your exam went, but... I think it's better to wait. The city is in chaos today," she said with a calmness that felt too controlled. Something was off—he could feel it in the weight of her words.
"The news says the gas took away a lot of people's Quirks..." Izuku started cautiously, choosing his words as if they were fragile glass. "Did you—?"
"Don't worry," she interrupted, her tone attempting to be reassuring. "I still have my Quirk."
Izuku let out a relieved sigh.
"That's a relief!"
However, Uraraka remained silent for a moment before adding, her voice so soft it made his heart pound harder,
"But, you know? I think what protected me from losing my Quirk was the pink blouse you gave me. It felt like you were with me, protecting me."
Izuku blinked, surprised. How did she manage, in the middle of such a chaotic situation, to find a way to make him feel better?
"I apparently used it to cover my face while helping people in the train cars," Uraraka continued. "Honestly, everything happened so fast that I don't remember the details very well. Though, thinking about it... maybe that's for the best."
"I see..." Izuku murmured, trying to process her words.
Just then, Uraraka's father's voice could be heard in the background—gentle but firm.
"Ochako, it's time for you to rest."
"Ah, right... Deku, I—"
"It's okay," he interrupted softly. "Get some rest. Say hi to your parents for me..."
"I will. See you soon."
"See you... Ah, and... I'm really glad you're okay."
"I'm glad too. I hope you are as well."
The sound of the call ending left Izuku in a strange silence, the phone still pressed against his ear. His mind wandered as his fingers tightened around the device.
"She could have lost her Quirk..." he thought, feeling a knot form in his stomach at the mere possibility.
And then, a voice echoed inside him—his own, but tinged with a darker shade:
"If she had lost it... maybe she would never leave me."
The thought hit him hard, and he slowly lowered the phone, staring at his reflection in the dark, inactive screen. The realization unsettled him.
"Where did that come from?" he whispered to himself.
His gaze drifted toward the window, but he found no clarity there.
Was that really his thought? Or was it something else—some lingering influence of All for One still dormant inside him?
...
Narration from Izuku Midoriya's Point of View:
The day after the events that shook the bullet train intersections, a press conference was held to address what had happened and respond to the many questions that had arisen in the public's mind. The auditorium was packed, filled with reporters, analysts, and concerned citizens worried about the implications of the attacks. At the center of the room, several key figures stood out—among them, U.A.'s current principal, Shota Aizawa, with his severe demeanor and piercing gaze, and former principal Nezu, whose exceptional reputation had led him to run for mayor of the city.
The session proceeded in an orderly manner until it was time for former Principal Nezu to speak. He stepped in to answer a question, his calm voice contrasting with the palpable tension in the air.
"I highly doubt that the attack was specifically targeted at the aspiring heroes traveling that morning to take the U.A. entrance exam," he stated, turning his head toward Aizawa, who responded with a slight nod, supporting his assessment. "If that had been the intention, they would have used more direct methods to reach them. The way the gas was distributed suggests a meticulous plan, designed to create the greatest possible impact among the general population without targeting any specific group."
Nezu's words stirred murmurs among those present, but before anyone could intervene, a reporter—ignoring the session's protocols—stood up with his hand raised and spoke without permission.
"Throughout this session, I've noticed that you keep referring to those affected by the gas as 'victims.' Setting aside those who lost their Quirks, do you really believe this term is appropriate, considering the positive effects the gas has had on some heteromorphs who were unhappy with their appearance and suffered from discrimination?" he asked, his tone reflecting both defiance and irritation.
The atmosphere grew uncomfortable immediately. Some attendees exchanged nervous glances, while others frowned. Aizawa was the first to respond, his voice heavy with indignation.
"Are you even a real reporter, or are you just someone trying to get attention and go viral? Tell me, is someone recording you here to post this online?"
As the security officer approached, the reporter remained unfazed, pulling out his identification and holding it up firmly. In the photo, his face was that of a rooster. His expression didn't change as he spoke.
"I'm asking because I was personally affected by the gas. Yes, I had to deal with the bureaucracy to update my identification documents, but that's nothing compared to finally feeling 'normal.' In my opinion, those responsible for this are heroes, not criminals. Punishing them would be a mistake."
The reporter's statement further heightened the tension in the room. Aizawa opened his mouth, ready to retort with something sharp, but he was stopped by a slight gesture from Nezu, whose calm expression contrasted with the palpable tension.
"I fully understand the feelings of many of those affected, and it's valid to have differing opinions," he began, so calmly that even the reporter sat back down. "However, we must not let our differences divide us as a society. If this compound, or a variant of it, can be beneficial for certain people, and doesn't present risks in the short, medium, or long term, it would be reasonable to consider it for controlled use in specific cases. But we cannot ignore that, for many, the transformation was a distressing process. We must not forget that fundamental laws were broken, and those responsible must face a fair trial for their actions."
Nezu's words marked a turning point in the conference, but also reflected the complexity of the problem. In the following days, an unexpected social phenomenon began to develop. Heteromorphic hikikomoris, who had previously lived in isolation, began gathering at the bullet train stations, as if seeking some kind of connection or a repetition of what had happened. However, their presence sparked a series of conflicts: from blockages at the stations to verbal and physical altercations, and even scams, where unscrupulous individuals promised to sell fake versions of the supposed transformative compound.
The situation escalated quickly, becoming unsustainable. As a result, several institutions and companies began to implement measures to ease the crisis, offering dorms in their facilities, housing subsidies, and hotel accommodations. U.A., following this example, decided to establish dorms for its students. New admissions would be assigned to shared rooms, a decision that, although practical, also represented a significant shift in the student dynamic.
This logistical adjustment was but a small step in a problem that seemed much deeper and more long-lasting. The wounds from the attack were still fresh, and answers were still far from being reached.
Perhaps that's also why news like the attack on hero Endeavor's house and the discovery of a second property with "League of Villains" painted on all its walls went unnoticed by some people.
There wasn't much talk either about what had happened during the entrance exam itself, or the processes used to select the new students, especially considering some of the tests were left incomplete.
It was a week after the events that I received a simple acceptance letter, yet I still felt a sense of emptiness. As if I had been accepted for reasons other than the abilities I had tried to demonstrate.
...
Izuku walked alone along the path that led to the entrance of U.A., his steps reflecting his nervousness. The tension was evident in his shoulders and the stiffness in his walk. He couldn't help but feel anxious, and the worst part was that it was probably noticeable. A part of him wished Uraraka were there, like she always had been. However, he knew she had made plans with Tsuyu to go together on the first day of classes. It made sense, after all; it had been a while since they had spent time together as friends, and he couldn't deny that he had monopolized a lot of Uraraka's time lately. Still, he couldn't shake the feeling of being a little lonely.
As he walked on, a familiar figure caught his attention in the distance. His eyes lit up as he recognized him, and his body moved almost reflexively.
"Kirishima! Wait!"
The redhead quickly turned at the sound of his voice, breaking into a wide grin as he saw Izuku approaching.
"Ah! Midoriya! Hey!" he responded enthusiastically, seeing him get closer. "I see your hair still isn't fully grown out, but it doesn't look bad. Though, I have to say, you've got a bit of a rebellious vibe, especially with that eye scar. Have you thought about keeping it that way?"
Izuku blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting such a comment.
"Uh... hey," he said, trying not to seem too nervous. "How've you been? I haven't seen you since... that day."
"Oh, right... that day..." Kirishima repeated, lowering his tone slightly. His expression turned more serious, and Izuku couldn't help but feel a strange sensation in his stomach. They both knew that a lot of strange things had happened that day, and the memory still remained an enigma in many ways.
Izuku took a deep breath before speaking cautiously.
"Kirishima... could you tell me what happened that day?"
The question, filled with formality, seemed to shake Kirishima, who looked at him with some discomfort before responding.
"What? They still haven't told you?" he asked incredulously. "Oh right, we're talking about Bakugo, and you know how he is... he's not exactly someone who talks about these things. Except for that weird kind of apology he gave you. I still don't believe it. It was like someone else put words in his mouth."
Izuku remained silent, his eyes fixed on Kirishima, urging him to continue.
"Well..." the redhead said finally, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "I was a bit far, so don't trust what I say too much, but... I swear I saw you lying on the ground like... dead. Suddenly, something started coming out of your mouth. It was this black, thick liquid, like tar. It started spreading, growing rapidly until it became huge."
"Black tar...?" Izuku repeated quietly, remembering with unease the moment when he felt like he was suffocating during his encounter with All for One.
Kirishima nodded slowly.
"Yeah, but that wasn't all. As soon as I saw it, I started feeling this discomfort... like something was crushing my heart. It was like falling into total despair, such an overwhelming feeling that it's still hard for me to process."
Izuku listened attentively, but when he saw Kirishima clutch his chest, he couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt.
"I don't know why, but I think those were your feelings, Midoriya. Is it possible that you've ever felt that desperate?"
Izuku looked down at the ground, unable to answer.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked..." Kirishima quickly apologized, trying to ease the tension. "But regarding Bakugo, I remember he reacted immediately. He saw you in that situation and rushed to save you, as if his body moved on instinct. Visually, it was very similar to what happened with the mud monster, and I think he noticed that too."
They both stopped walking, and after a moment of silence, Izuku cautiously asked:
"Kirishima... you..."
The redhead nodded without hesitation.
"Yeah, I admit it. I was there when Bakugo was attacked by the mud monster. And like everyone else, I stood frozen, unable to do anything while he struggled to breathe. I felt pathetic afterward. And the worst part is, this isn't the first time it's happened to me."
Izuku thought for a moment before responding.
"I don't know how I would've reacted back then either... I probably would've had so many conflicting feelings that I wouldn't have been able to move."
Kirishima glanced at him before continuing.
"It's understandable, given the complicated relationship you both have. But since that day, I decided to follow Bakugo and learn from him. I pretended to find him by chance in Best Jeanist's hero induction course, and even though I usually correct him on his attitude, deep down, I really admire his determination."
The conversation took a lighter turn, and Kirishima, with a spark of hope in his eyes, declared:
"No matter how long it takes me, someday I'll be able to act without hesitation. I'll protect the people who matter to me, and I'll do it without regrets."
Izuku smiled at his friend's determination.
"That sounds... like something a real man would do," he said, trying to match Kirishima's style.
"Exactly!" the redhead exclaimed, raising his fist enthusiastically.
"Hey! You said you were going to pick me up, and you never showed up!" Ashido's voice interrupted their conversation as she hurried toward them.
"What? Wasn't it tomorrow?"
"It was today! Today is the day! Remember? Like the song!"
"And how was I supposed to know that?"
Izuku began to slow his steps almost imperceptibly, allowing his friends to walk ahead. He wanted to give them space, though he had his own reasons for doing so. A small smile crept onto his lips as his mind wandered.
Will the day come when Uraraka and he could trust each other enough to argue about something?
The thought seemed as improbable as it was amusing. In his imagination, they were face to face, shouting with such passion that it felt like a scene from a drama. He could picture them gesturing, and Uraraka frowning to look angry. However, no matter how hard he tried to build that mental scene, he couldn't imagine what they would be arguing about.
"Our first... couple's argument..." he thought to himself, barely aware of the words leaving his mouth.
The thought hung suspended in his mind, like a cloud that wouldn't fully dissipate. And then, another idea hit him.
"And our first reconciliation...?"
A blurry image began to form... until his body leaned forward without warning.
The impact was abrupt. His hands barely cushioned the fall as a slight pain shot through his knees and palms. And he couldn't even blame it on untied shoelaces, to top it off with his usual clumsiness.
What a great start to his first step toward becoming a hero...
Around him, some students walked past without a second glance. There were no mocking remarks, but no one stopped either. It was understandable. After all, who would want to associate with a first-year student so peculiar, with such a strange appearance and obvious clumsiness? Izuku sighed as he tried to pick up the pieces of his dignity.
It must be bad luck to start this way...
Suddenly, a presence passed by his side, interrupting his thoughts. Someone had stopped a step ahead, his figure shadowed by the sun, but extending a firm and determined hand.
"C´mon...Deku"
Izuku looked up, and his eyes widened in surprise as he recognized the voice and face.
There was something in their expression that was hard to decipher. It didn't seem mocking, but it wasn't sympathy either. It was more of a mix of seriousness, impatience, and something else... something Izuku couldn't fully define. He hesitated for a second, wondering if this was some kind of trap, but in the end, he began to extend his hand.
It was strange, but as Izuku was about to reach for his hand, he slightly raised his gaze, and something caught his attention: a white line stretched across the blue sky over the academy's entrance.
For a moment, the tension and confusion faded, replaced by a curious sense of peace.
One day, a plane flew by
Far above us
That's such a vivid memory
But it doesn't mean anything, why?
Despite what Kacchan had said about walking beside him, he seemed determined to make him follow his back without even looking at him. It wasn't something new for Izuku, but still, he couldn't help but smile a little.
...
That night, I cried
I only wanted to become stronger
And to do that, I'll seek
The courage I need
As they reached the entrance of the building, Bakugo stopped for a moment. He glanced to the side, snorted with impatience, and continued on as if he were now alone. Izuku, intrigued, followed his gaze in the same direction and then saw her.
...
That cruel fate was already set
It will appear before me someday
If I can breathe for just a moment
Then nothing else will matter, in my heart
Uraraka was there, chatting with some girls, her new uniform perfectly fitted to her figure. It looked incredibly good on her. But what really caught his attention was the way the cherry blossoms floated around her, their petals fluttering through her brown hair as if nature itself wanted to frame her.
...
Once more
"Go further, further"
Someone inside me sings
With incredible passion
Izuku's heart started pounding, and heat rushed to his face as she caught his gaze. Suddenly, it felt like he hadn't seen her in a long time. Or maybe, as if he was seeing her for the first time.
...
Your eyes are always red from crying
I'll smile so you never get sad
A song to become a hero
I'll raise this sign of peace
And the story will continue
He took a hesitant step, feeling like his legs might betray him, but he focused on keeping his balance with all his strength.
...
I could say I wanted to protect you, but
I knew you weren't that weak
On the contrary, I was the weak one
You've always been important to me
He was so absorbed in his own whirlwind of thoughts that he didn't even greet Tsuyu as he passed by her, although he was sure she'd understand. For a moment, he thought he saw Todoroki too.
...
Since the day I said "I will survive alone"
Crying with my mouth wide open
I've changed, you can laugh at me
I was afraid of being alone
Uraraka watched him approach. There was something in his expression that completely disarmed him. Was it his imagination, or did she start blushing too while hiding her hands behind her back?
...
I'll kick and bite, even if I can't breathe
In my head and stomach, there's a mess
The arrogant and pretentious disappears
Now I want to feel your heart
"How could she like me looking like this?"
Insecurity hit him. With part of his hair missing and the scar deforming one side of his face, he struggled to believe anyone could look at him that way. But the shine in Uraraka's eyes didn't fade.
...
We
And our hands one day
Will reach the distant sun
Before dawn, we'll laugh
Only two meters away, Izuku tried to compose himself. He forced a smile, trying to act normal, but then the wind gently blew, making Uraraka's skirt sway to the side. And as she continued looking at him with that expression, all his effort crumbled.
...
We'll paint ourselves in a strong blue
And toward the other side of the dark city
We'll run hand in hand
He felt the blood leave his body, only to concentrate on his face.
He forgot how to breathe.
He forgot how to move.
He even forgot his own name.
...
I'll steal and write a future with you
And make a story with no unexpected twists
It was her who closed the distance, taking a few steps toward him with her briefcase in front. She seemed nervous, as if somehow she was holding something back too.
...
The noisy and rough days
Where I wore myself out and hurt, now
Come alive brilliantly through your words
Then, in a clumsy movement, she tripped as she reached him.
...
With my soul asleep like in a cocoon
I left my dreams half-eaten
I'll recover them once more
Izuku smiled without being able to help it, feeling that his own nervousness was reflected in her. But his blush didn't fade.
...
Once more
"Go further, further"
Someone inside me sings
With incredible passion
Without thinking too much, their hands met halfway. Their fingers finally touching in front of their faces, as if that simple contact was enough to say everything they couldn't express with words.
...
Your eyes are always red from crying
I'll smile so you never get sad
A song to become a hero
I'll raise this sign of peace and
The story will continue
...
I'll steal and write a future with you
And make a story with no unexpected twists
Author's Notes:
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