Chapter V: Grudges and Suspicions

The lockers were bustling with banter after the dreaded apprehension test. The threat of expulsion courtesy of one AEraserhead was more than enough to rattle those who didn't know the truth… or at least thought they knew the truth even if it was all just a ruse. Still, knowing that none of them would get expelled made everyone determined to not slack off from now on.

That same feeling of relief was also experienced by Izuku Midoriya. It was a good thing he didn't hold back during the assessment, or it was goodbye to his heroic dreams. Meanwhile, his ghostly sensei was praising him for showing some flare during his turn at the ball throw. The kid could hear the silver-haired man cackle in delight at putting Bakugō, a.k.a. the Angry Pomeranian, in his place. However, when Gojo saw the Uraraka's score in that part of the assessment, it served as his ammunition for another round of teasing.

"Please, Gojo-sensei," Izuku pleaded. "You're embarrassing me."

"Why should you feel embarrassed?" Gojo playfully asked. "She got a score of infinity while your power is Infinity. You two are basically meant for each other!"

"Honestly, I respect you, Gojo-sensei, but how does that make any sense?"

"Oh, come on. I see how you look at her," stated the ghost. "There are sparkles around her when you stare at her… and don't lie because I see what you see."

That only made Midoriya's face heat up and cause steam to rise from his head.

"Yo, Midoriya!"

Luckily, the greenette was saved from his torment when Kirishima approached.

"Hi… uhm…?"

"Eijirō Kirishima," the redhead answered. "I've got to say, your quirk kind of looks the same as Kazui's with that whole wisp-like thing."

Everyone in the lockers except for Kazui had their eyes on Izuku. There were indeed similarities between his quirk and that of the young reaper. The only difference was that his was smoky and green in color while Kazui's had two or three that looked like dancing flakes.

"I wonder how you're going to explain this to them, Izuku," thought the young hybrid as he listened to the conversation.

"A-Actually, that wispy thing you saw was just a side-effect of my quirk," answered the greenhead.

"What do you mean?" Ojiro, a student with a tail quirk, questioned.

"My quirk is called Limitless. It lets me manipulate space."

"That explains the teleportation!" exclaimed the student with eyeglasses, which startled the others. Seeing what he did, he quickly apologized. "Sorry about that. The name's Tenya Īda, by the way. I would also like to apologize for accusing you of misconduct during the entrance exams."

"It's okay," Midoriya assured while waving his hands. "No harm was done!"

"So, what does your quirk actually do?" This time, it was the tall silver-haired multi-armed student, Mezō Shōji, who asked.

"Well," Izuku sheepishly scratched his head before answering, "I can do a lot of things like teleportation, attract, and repel objects… that sort of stuff. However, I can use those abilities more effectively thanks to my eyes."

"Your eyes?"

Izuku removed his black-tinted glasses and showed his eyes.

"Whoa!"

A shared gasp from the boys came once they saw Izuku's crystalline eyes.

"Those must be the prettiest eyes I've ever seen," remarked Kaminari.

"So, those eyes of yours help you control your quirk?" the muscly Rikidō Satō inquired.

"More like refine," Izuku clarified. "However, if I use these eyes for too long, I tend to suffer information overload."

"I see. Very interesting," Īda expressed. "It still has its drawbacks despite the power. Such an interesting quirk you have, Midoriya."

"I'll say." Kirishima slung his arm over Izuku and gave the shy greenette a wide smile. "With you, Kazui, Todoroki, and Bakugō, our class will no doubt be the manliest!"

"DON'T LUMP THAT SHITTY NERD WITH ME, DAMMIT!" Bakugō suddenly yelled.

However, none of them minded the constantly-irate teen and continued interacting with Midoriya.

Izuku was a little embarrassed with all the attention he was getting. Ever since his diagnosis as a quirkless individual, he was nothing more than the butt of everyone's bullying. That mere fact alone had turned him into a social outcast; never experiencing any sort of praise from his peers.

Now though, he was the center of attention. His new classmates were giving him kind words and lauded him for his performance. At first, Izuku thought it was because he now has curse energy. However, it was quickly dispelled by Gojo's words.

"It's not about having the power, Izuku. It's about knowing how to use that power. Power is meaningless without the knowledge to use it. In other words, it's the person that makes the hero and not the power."

It was those words from his ghostly mentor that made him rethink. It wasn't about him having curse energy, it was about how he used that power bestowed on him. He thought deeply about it, and he was right. Anyone can wield a power, but it was how it's used that defines the person. The quirk is just the superficial aspect of what makes a hero and what truly matters were your intentions and resolve.

While Izuku was getting all sorts of compliments from his classmates, two people were eyeing him with utmost scrutiny.

"Damn you, stupid Deku," Bakugō seethed internally. The ash blonde didn't like the fact that Izuku outshone him. After all, he was supposed to be the best, right? "I don't know how you managed to get a fucking quirk, but it won't stop me from putting you in your place."

Meanwhile, unlike the Explosion user, Todoroki was looking at Izuku curiously. He may look detached from his classmates, but it didn't mean he wasn't observant. While he was already interested in Kazui Kurosaki, it was now shared with Izuku Midoriya.

"There's something strange about those two," thought the half-and-half. "Kurosaki and Midoriya's quirks are oddly similar and equally powerful. Good. If I beat them, then I can prove that I'm strong enough to be a hero without using the bastard's quirk."

"Izuku, wait up!"

The young sorcerer turned around to see Uraraka sprinting towards him with Īda, Yaoyorozu, and Kurosaki behind her.

"Oh. Hey, guys. What's up?"

"Infinity girl over there wanted us to go home together; not that I mind," Kazui answered with a shrug.

"We found out Uraraka goes to the same train station as us," Īda added. "So, I suggested that we all go home together."

"I usually wait for my butler to come here and pick me up, but I guess for today, I'll be taking the public transport," Momo stated. This made Kazui eye her mischievously.

"Stop reminding us we're poor, Momo," Kazui remarked with a chuckle.

Momo just slapped the hybrid and said, "Stop teasing me, Kazui."

"While it is true that Yaoyorozu is exceedingly wealthy, it doesn't mean you get to tease her, Kurosaki," Tenya reprimanded.

"It's just friendly banter, Īda," Kazui replied. "No need to get uptight, but if you insist, then I'll just tease Ochako and Izuku over here."

"Huh?" the two cinnamon rolls exclaimed.

"Don't act so surprised, you two. I heard what Ochako said to Midoriya when she saw his eyes."

"Oh?" Momo was curious. "What did she say?"

Kazui only said one word. "Pretty."

Tenya, Momo, and Kazui stared at the two aforementioned people and saw their heads covered by their hands. If you look closely enough, one could see steam rising from their ears. They clearly remembered how close they were at that time.

Seeing as it got the desired effect, Kazui couldn't help but lightly laugh at his embarrassed classmates.

"Kazui, you're such a meanie!" the brunette said while her hands still covered her face.

The reaper was about to retort when the rich girl pinched his ear and pulled it toward her. "Ow, ow, ow!"

"That's enough, Kazui," Momo chastised, sounding like an annoyed parent.

Tenya agreed. "Despite the serious nature you've shown, you're quite mischievous."

Once finally free, Kazui rubbed his sore ear and replied, "Something that my mother used to do to me. Heck, I remember my father getting all flustered just being teased by my mother."

"Hey, Kazui," Izuku called, still red-faced. "Do you live with your parents, or are you from outside the prefecture?"

Kazui's grin slowly faded into a thin line. He hung his head and thought of the family he lost years ago. "I'm an orphan, Izuku."

The greenette gasped, as did the others.

"My parents were Ichigo and Orihime Kurosaki. My father worked as a translator for foreign tourists and dignitaries while my mother managed a small bakeshop. I also had a grandfather and two aunts: Isshin, Yuzu, and Karin Kurosaki, respectively."

"What happened to them?" Ochako asked the somber hybrid quite hesitantly.

"We were out on vacation years ago, visiting the graves of my uncle, Kaien Shiba, and his wife, Aunt Miyako," the reaper answered. "On the way back, our car was hit by a truck. It happened so fast that when I woke up, I was in the hospital and was told that I'm the only survivor."

"Do you have any other relatives?" Momo inquired.

"Aunt Kūkaku and Uncle Ganju. Sadly, they died a year before my parents."

Izuku felt like he wanted to slap himself. How could he ask something so insensitive? "I'm so sorry, Kazui," the sorcerer quickly apologized. "I shouldn't have–"

"It's alright, Izuku," Kazui assured. "You didn't do anything wrong."

"We didn't know, Kazui," Uraraka muttered. "I never thought you lived on your own."

"How do you manage to get by?" asked Tenya.

"Us orphans get a monthly subsidy from the city government," answered Kazui. "It's not much but it's enough for me. I don't like to spend much, anyway."

The world seemed to grow quiet after Kazui's revelation. Unlike the young hybrid, Momo, Tenya, Izuku, and Uraraka still have their families to return to. Hearing the loss one of their classmates suffered made them appreciate the fact that they still have a father, mother, and/or siblings. Izuku and Ochako specifically are grateful that, despite not seeing his father for the greenette or being financially burdened for the brunette, the two could still see their parents once they return to the comfort of their home.

"You're not alone, Kazui," Izuku suddenly whispered. Everyone, especially Kazui, looked at him. "You're with us now, Kazui. You're not alone. You're surrounded by friends who will be there for you if you need anything."

"Midoriya's right, Kurosaki," Īda concurred. "All of us are here for you."

"That's right, Kazui!" Ochako beamed. "We know we can't replace your parents, but it doesn't mean that we won't do our part to make you feel that you belong with Class 1-A."

Finally, Kazui felt his hand being held. He looked to his side and found Momo staring at him with a light smile. "Do you remember what you said when we first met? You said that you were just a call away if I ever felt lonely. Now, I'm saying the same thing to you, Kazui. If you ever feel like you're all by yourself and you need someone to talk to, I'm just a call away."

Kazui looked at his classmates – his friends and found their gesture to be very heartwarming. It's true that he already accepted the fact that his mother, father, and relatives have passed on, but it didn't mean that he never felt a hole in his heart where they should be. Knowing that Izuku, Ochako, Momo, Tenya, and the entirety of Class 1-A would be there for him puts a genuine, heartfelt smile on his face.

"Thank you, everyone," said Kazui with honesty. "Hearing you say those things made me remember the last thing my father told me."

Curious, Momo further inquired. "Oh? What would that be?"

"That I'd be the protector to all my friends," was the reaper's genuine answer. He looked at Momo and asked, "Do you still remember the meaning of my name?"

The raven-haired girl nodded. "It means 'The Brave,' right?"

"Yeah. My father's name, Ichigo, meant 'The Protector,' and he lived up to that." Kazui couldn't help but reminisce about the memories of his father and all he's helped. "There was no one that he wouldn't help. No matter how small that may be, he'd be there in a heartbeat. He was our guardian, our angel…our protector."

"He wanted you to have the same morals as he did," Izuku guessed. He knew his guess was correct when Kazui beamed at him.

"You're right." Kazui looked at everyone with him right now. "…And I'm intending to keep that promise knowing that I have all of you with me."

Kazui was immediately swarmed with hugs from the two girls plus unrelenting praise from the uptight Īda. All the while, Izuku just stared at his orange-haired classmate in admiration. Those words alone were the very definition of heroic; one that he would strive to emulate as his hero's journey moves forward.

"What do you think, Gojo-sensei?"

Only Midoriya was aware that Gojo was listening. Even the Honored One was impressed at the young reaper's resolve; something that he missed during the era that he once lived.

"I know I said to be wary of him, Izuku, but that was only because he was an unknown in this world," the spirit explained. "However, I have no doubt that, just like you, he will never abandon a comrade in a time of need." Gojo's face now carried a smirk. "He's a friend, Izuku, and one that will be there for you and everyone else."

"I think so too."

What made the following day special was the Heroics Class they will be undertaking. Izuku looked around seeing everyone giddying with excitement.

"I'm so excited!" squealed Mina while chatting with the rest of the girls. "Who do you think would be our Heroics teacher?"

"I'm sure it's not Ms. Kayama or Mr. Aizawa," Tsuyu replied. She thought for a moment, and nothing came up. "I got nothing, ribbit."

"I heard from Class 1-B that theirs' was Teacher Vlad," Hagakure chimed. "Kendo, their class representative, said that they just had an hour-long discussion on hero regulations."

"Well, that's kind of boring," Kaminari expressed from his seat. "I was hoping that we'd do something more exciting than just a lousy old lecture. OW! What was that for!?"

Jirō's audio jack earlobes were posed for another strike. "Idiot," she said. "Teachers just don't throw us into something before we're briefed with the basics."

"That's not how I was trained," Kazui thought when he remembered the grueling time he had under his father's bucket hat-wearing mentor. Suddenly, he sensed a strong energy signature for a human approaching their classroom. "Guys!" All eyes turned to him. "Our Heroics teacher is coming," he revealed. "Get back to your seats."

This was proven true when Class 1-A heard heavy footsteps just outside their room. Everyone got to their seats and waited for their teacher. What they didn't expect though was who that teacher will be.

"I AM COMING THROUGH THE DOOR…LIKE YOUR AVERAGE PERSON!"

The class was stunned but quickly cheered now that their teacher was the Number 1 hero of Japan.

"All Might's out teacher!?"

"No way!"

"This is so awesome!"

"He's even wearing his Silver Age costume."

That said, there was one who found the entrance all too over-the-top. "The heck!? Slamming the door open and yelling at the top of your lungs is far from normal."

All Might look at Kazui and chuckle in slight embarrassment. "Hehe…right." With that out of the way, the brawny hero marched confidently in front of the students. His ever-present grin sparkled brightly while his cape flowed without wind for some reason. "Remember, students, a flashy entrance is always a great way to show confidence and remind people that everything is going to be okay." All Might reached behind his pants and took out a set of flashcards. "Heroics Training! This subject will give you a taste of what you, aspiring heroes, will be experiencing in the field! And the first of these lessons would be…" Taking out one of the flashcards, he flipped it and showed what was written to the class. "Battle Training!"

Almost everyone, especially the boys, became excited with the prospect of combat. One particular student had a sinister glare directed at the young sorcerer.

As for Izuku, while he expected to fight in the line of hero work, he was looking forward to rescuing people and providing assistance.

"Sometimes fighting and saving people fall under the same category, Izuku," Gojo reminded his successor.

"I know, sensei."

"However, for this exercise, you'll need these!" Pressing a button on a remote had randomly pulled out, the walls of the classroom slid open and revealed twenty silver suitcases, each one numbered "1" to "20." "Under the Quirk Registry and the Equipment Request forms you filled out before the start of the classes; I present to you your hero costumes!"

Even those who were barely interested became thrilled. Although it was the Support Department who made them, they had input in the creation of their costumes, making them theirs.

"Wait a minute," Sero suddenly interrupted. "There's a total of twenty-one of us yet the suitcases are only twenty."

All Might counted the number of cases and found there was one missing. "Oh, dear. Did I forget one of the student's costumes?"

"No, you didn't, All Might-sensei." It was Kazui who answered. "And don't worry, I have it all handled."

The Number 1 Hero took the boy's words and simply nodded. "Alright! Head to Training Ground Beta once you're suited up! I'll be seeing you there!" He then left the classroom and headed for the training area.

Everybody else went to the lockers to change into their costumes.

It took a while, but Class 1-A managed to gather in Training Ground Beta. The site was a ruined city similar to the one from the entrance exam. One of these buildings served as a monitoring station where All Might and those not doing the test could watch what was happening.

In terms of costumes, most of them lingered more on functionality than fashion; the majority of which maximizes the utilization of one's quirk. Others pay homage to their favorite heroes while some simply want to look cool.

For Izuku, his costume was dedicated to all Jujutsu sorcerers of the past, especially those who went to Tokyo Jujutsu High School. He consulted Gojo on the designs of his alma matter's uniform and the suit he usually wears, and from there, sketched his own version.

The design was generally similar to the standard uniform of Tokyo Jujutsu High with some modifications combined with Gojo's own suit. It was a dark blue – almost black – button-up blazer jacket with long sleeves paired with similarly colored combat pants with pockets for useful items. Underneath that was a green sleeveless hoodie with a rather high collar. Finishing his get-up was the emblem of Tokyo Jujutsu High on the back of his costume, carefully stitched as per Midoriya's instructions, a pair of sturdy steel-toed shoes, and his signature blindfold.

"I like what you did there, kid," Gojo commented feeling proud that his successor was paying homage to jujutsu sorcerers. "All I can say is… if my students from four hundred years ago were alive today, they'd be proud of you."

"Thank you, Gojo-sensei."

After walking out of the corridor, Izuku was greeted by his fellow classmates all admiring the design of his costume.

"You look sick, man," Kaminari remarked as he approached Midoriya. "I guess I'm not the only one who went for something simple."

"Thanks, Kaminari," said the greenette sheepishly. He scanned the others and examined their costumes. Just as he suspected, functionality was the priority. That said, sometimes functionality led to rather… strange designs.

Examples were Yaoyorozu and Hagakure. Considering the black-haired girl's quirk, she needed a costume that exposed the most skin possible, ergo the extremely revealing costume she had. As for the invisible girl, he only had gloves and boots on.

…Yeah, she was stark naked.

It seemed that Izuku wasn't the only one who noticed. Mashirao, the one with the tail quirk, was blushing from the fact that he had a naked girl beside him. The successor of Satoru Gojo shook his head to rid himself of any perverted thoughts.

"Maybe talking to either Kazui or Ochako can take my mind off what I – Oh, god help me!"

What lay before our green-haired sorcerer was Ochako Uraraka wearing a black and pink bodysuit that did nothing to hide the curves she had underneath. She was also wearing pink foamy boots and wrist guards that had some kind of handle design on them. The gravity girl also had a silver belt, neck guards, and a pink helmet with a curved visor.

Noticing the prominent blush on Izuku's face, Gojo couldn't help but begin teasing his protégé.

"You are so screwed, Midoriya."

"Not helping, Gojo-sensei!"

Uraraka chose this point to bounce in front of Izuku. His eyes weren't just focused on her face, it was also eyeing other things on her that bounced.

"Your costume looks cool, Izuku!" the brunette complimented. With her boots on, she was roughly the same height as Midoriya.

"Thanks, Ochako," replied the green-haired boy still red-faced. "Your costume…"

"I know. It's kind of embarrassing." Uraraka now sported the same blush as Izuku. "I should've specified for something more than just a bodysuit that helped relieve my nausea. Hehehe."

"Y-Yeah…" Not knowing what to say, Izuku was glad All Might bailed him out.

"Young Kurosaki, I know you said you have it managed, but where is your costume?"

"Seems like the extra doesn't have one," quipped Bakugō with a smirk.

Kazui wasn't concerned though. "Relax, teacher. Like I said…" Black wisps began oozing off him. "I got this."

The young hybrid was suddenly engulfed in a shroud of black energy laced with red and gold. The sudden appearance of the flakes caused everyone to step back. Eventually, the colorful display subsided to reveal Kazui in different attire.

The carrot top was now wearing a white turtle-necked tunic under a white military trench coat with shoulder straps and adorned with golden buttons with five-pointed cross engravings. The collar of the trench coat was covered in a gold fur-like material. This attire is bound by the waist with a black belt with an intricately-designed buckle and is worn over white trousers and trench boots. Finishing off this outfit was the white ankle-length high-collared cape that had the same five-pointed cross embroidered on the back.

The transformation left everyone's jaws hanging, even All Might. Kazui simply smirked at them and said, "I don't need a costume because I wear my power."

After a full minute of stunned silence, Kirishima shattered it.

"THAT…WAS…AWESOME!"

"Dude, you look like a soldier or something!" exclaimed Satō.

"More like a priest," Tsuyu added.

"I think I'd call this costume Sternritter or 'Star Knight' but, thanks, guys. However, there's still one thing I need to do." Kazui removed his cape and walked towards Yaoyorozu.

"Can I help you, Kazui?"

The reaper flung his white cloak around the raven-haired beauty and said, "Your costume barely has any cloth in it. I suggest wearing a cape like myself. Also…"

Kazui pointed in a certain direction and when Momo turned, she saw Mineta ogling her with drool on his face. A cute squeak escaped her mouth and she quickly covered herself with Kazui's cape. What the two didn't know was Mina and Hagakure giggling at their interaction.

Wanting to get this show going, All Might cough into his hand and gets everyone's attention. "Looking good, students!" he complimented Class 1-A. "I have no doubt all of you will make a great impression during your debut." He took out a note card and examined it; clearly serving as his lesson guide. "Before we begin, here's a tip – while the most sensationalized hero events happen in the open, the truly dangerous villains perform their dastardly deeds in the shadows; away from the public thus giving them the advantage.

"This will be our scenario; a villain has procured a powerful bomb enough to blow up an entire city. The heroes must locate the bomb and disarm it before the timer runs out." All Might then looked at his students. "This class will be paired into two groups; Heroes and Villains. The Heroes' job is to locate the bomb and simply touch it which would count as disabling it. You can also succeed by taking out the Villains before time's up. The Villains will do whatever it takes to prevent the Heroes from accomplishing their objective by either capturing the Heroes or letting the clock run out. Any questions?"

Immediately, multiple inquiries were thrown at the hulking hero.

"Sir, how will you decide the pairings?" Momo asked with her hand raised.

"Will you threaten us with expulsion like Aizawa-sensei?" Uraraka questioned.

"Isn't this a bit advanced for us?" Sato inquired.

"How much do I get to hurt them?" Bakugō asked with a sadistic smile.

"Does this cape make me look good?" Aoyama inquired.

"Oh, brother," Gojo, Izuku, and Kazui sweatdropped at the last question.

Overwhelmed, All Might tried to stop the deluge of questions. "My quirk is Superstrength, not Superhearing!" With the students now calmed down, he produced a tablet similar to Aizawa's from the first day. "Now, pairs will be generated using a randomizing program installed in this tablet. Once that's done, the results will be displayed on the screen before you. Considering that your class has an odd number of students, one team will be having three members."

Fiddling with the electronic device, he ran the program and got the results after ten seconds. The pairings were quickly displayed on the screen for all the students to see.

To Izuku's surprise (and utter joy), he was paired up with Ochako. It seemed that he wasn't the only one who was happy since the girl herself bounced to him with excitement.

"I can't believe we were paired together," Uraraka said ecstatically. "What are the chances!?"

"I know, right?" Izuku replied until his face turned red all of a sudden.

The gravity girl saw this and wondered what happened. "Huh? Why is your face so red? Are you sick?"

The truth is, Gojo made a sly comment that bordered on the inappropriate side. The boy already reprimanded the spirit, but the image now lives rent-free in his head.

Meanwhile, Kazui and Momo looked at each other with the same grin.

"Who would've thought we'd be teamed up together?" Kazui said to his partner.

"I'm just glad I'm not alone with Mineta over there," stated Momo and shivering a bit. "I don't know what kind of trouble I'd end up in if it was just me and him."

"Don't worry," the hybrid assured. "I'll make sure he doesn't do anything perverted while I'm here. You can even wear my cape for today."

"I appreciate it, Kazui," Momo sincerely thanked him.

"As for the matchups," All Might once again ask for the students' focus, "I'll be using the same randomization program and show the results on the screen."

After a few seconds, the matchups were displayed on the screen. The moment Izuku saw who he'll be fighting against, years of bullying and torment came rushing into his head. Taking a side glance at his primary tormentor, the greenette saw Bakugō enjoying the look of terror on his face.

"The first match would be Midoriya and Uraraka as Heroes against Bakugo and Īda filling the role of Villains," the Number 1 Hero declared. "Villains, you may now proceed into the specified building while the Heroes wait outside. Both teams will be given five minutes to prepare their strategies and earpieces for communication."

With the instructions given, the four mentioned students were handed their coms and proceeded to the testing area.

During the walk to the testing site, Ochako noticed her partner hasn't said a word to her since the announcement of the matchups. While it was evident that Midoriya was a shy individual, he was open to those close to him like Kazui, Momo, Tenya, and herself.

"Something must be wrong," she thought. "Izuku, are you alright? You know you can tell me anything that's bothering you."

There was a slight fidget from the greenette. He didn't want to involve Ochako of all people in his problems, but he needed to get this out of his chest.

"Tell her, Izuku," Gojo advised. "There's nothing wrong with letting your friends know your problems."

Taking his mentor's advice, Izuku turned to his partner and said, "It's Kacchan."

"Kacchan?" asked Uraraka not knowing the name.

"Bakugō," the sorcerer clarified. "He and I… have some bad history. Let's just leave it at that."

Uraraka didn't question any further. She wasn't the type of person to pry into someone's personal issues. That said, she wasn't also the type of person who'd offer help to a friend in need.

"Hey, if you need someone to talk to, to hesitate to come to me. Okay?" That gesture of kindness earned Uraraka a sincere smile from the greenette. Now, though, they needed to focus on the test. "We have five minutes to strategize. Any ideas on how to do this?"

"Kacchan will no doubt come after me," Izuku stated. "I'm not afraid of getting hurt since I have Infinity active all the time."

"Oh, you mean that force field thing?"

"Yeah. So, leave Kacchan to me. As for Īda, he's less effective in tight spaces, meaning he'll be guarding the bomb. Can you use your quirk on yourself?" Ochako nodded. "Then try to sneak through one of the windows on the upper floors. I'm pretty sure the bomb is located on the upper floors, so we use the element of surprise and sneak up on them."

"Got it!"

"Time's up, everyone!"All Might said through the speakers. "Your five minutes of preparation is over. Let the Battle Training begin!"

Giving her the signal, Izuku saw Ochako float herself up the building. He then proceeds inside to confront his childhood bully. Once inside, he tapped his earpiece and called the gravity girl.

"Ochako, are you in?"

"Yeah. I'm on the third floor right now. So far, no one seemed to notice me."

"That's good. Stick to the plan and if things go sideways, call me."

"Will do."

Izuku continued through the hallways of the abandoned building. he could hear footsteps drawing closer to where he's at until he rounded a corner. No one was there. It was quiet…too quiet.

"Are you afraid?" Gojo questioned.

"To be honest, I don't know," responded Izuku.

"It's alright to be afraid, Izuku. Bakugō spent years tormenting you; reminding you of your powerlessness. However, you're not powerless anymore. He's not your friend but just a random bully that needs to be taken down a peg or two. People like that need a rude wake-up call and knowing your emotions, you want to be the one to do that."

He's right. All these years, he wanted nothing more than to prove to Kacchan and his tormentors that he meant something; that they were wrong in doubting him. The only thing that held him back was that he let their words get to him.

But now, it's different.

Suddenly, the wall next to him exploded. Out from the hole, Bakugō emerged with a smirk at his handy work.

"Heh, I told you I'd put you in your place, you piece of shit," sneered the ash blonde after that surprise attack. However, his smile turned to surprise when the dust cleared to reveal Izuku unscathed. "The fuck!?"

"It's going to take more than that to beat me, Bakugō."

"I knew Bakugō was an asshole, but I don't know why he has all that resentment for Izuku," Kazui remarked while he and the rest of Class 1-A were watching the feeds. "As far as I can see, Izuku's one of the nicest boys in our class."

"Whatever grudge he has on Midoriya, Bakugō better prepare because that expression on Izuku's face tells me he's had enough," Momo added.

"The blast alone should've done some damage to Midoriya but he's practically spotless!" Kaminari exclaimed after seeing his green-headed classmate with no injuries from the attack. "How did he do that?"

"Do we have audio, Sir All Might?" inquired Jirō.

"We do, actually," replied the hero before pressing some buttons on the control board.

Once the audio became audible, they fell silent and focused on the potential conversation between the former friends.

The Explosion user stood in front of Izuku growling at the fearless look in his victim's eyes. Who the hell does this loser think he is?

"Just because you got some fancy quirk, doesn't mean you're above me, Deku," stated Bakugō with venom. "You're just a stepping stone for me to become Number 1."

Izuku wasn't fazed. "I used to admire you, Kacchan. I truly did. You were strong and determined; you were this larger-than-life beacon that I aspired to emulate." He took a step forward, then another, and then another. "I wanted for both of us to be friends again, but you just stepped on me. And you know what's funny, I let you do this to me. You made me afraid of you when I had no reason to be. It was wrong what you did to me and, even though I can't change what happened in the past, I can move forward from you." He then stopped five feet away from his childhood tormentor. "You're no longer my friend, Bakugō. I have real friends now that won't judge me for who I am. Not only that, but I've also met someone who gave me the gifts to become a hero. You may have been what I strived to reach before, but what I have now is worth more than you will ever be."

"Are you done, shitty nerd?" questioned the ash blonde. "Did you get all that out of your system? Because you still won't be able to beat me, you little shit. I don't care if you managed to move on from me when all you ever were… was just a worthless quirkless nobody."

"…And quirkless people don't have the right to be heroes, correct?" Izuku finished the latter's sentence. "That's where you're wrong. I have powers and I will use them to become a hero. And lastly, you're not just fighting a hero…"

Izuku pulled his blindfold down, revealing the majestic Six Eyes as he glared at Katsuki. He widened his stance, raised his fists for battle, and let his curse energy materialize over his body.

"You're fighting a Jujutsu sorcerer!"

A/N: ModernRogue11 here and I've got to ask if I'm doing the whole feud between Izuku and Bakugō here. Also, you noticed that Kazui's chosen hero costume is a modified version of the Wandenreich Soldat garb. I chose this since I found the aesthetic appealing and had this air of authority. On the topic of costumes, since his attire is connected to his Fullbring, he can switch costumes if he wished to. We already have the Sternritter, so I'll also be introducing the Espada and then his Soul Reaper garb.

By the way, how come none of you took notice that Momo has knowledge of curse energy and jujutsu sorcerers? I would've thought that it was one of the first things you'd ask in the comment section.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this update, and please keep the comments coming. It's your input that helps improve this story.

That's all for now. See you soon!