"Izuku, you'll be late for school if you don't wake up," Inko shouted, loud enough for him to hear.
Izuku grunted, he barely slept the night before. After running in with the League of Villains and ultimately joining them, he was told to meet one of the members back at the location the next following day.
"And to top it off," Izuku thought, "All for One actually gave me a quirk. How could he even do that?"
His mind could barely contain the excitement of figuring it out fully. Izuku moved his left hand that rested on his bed and reached out to the ceiling as far as he could. He felt that he made actual progress into fulfilling his dream.
"To think so many people would become heroes only for the sake of fame," Izuku said quietly. "Ironic that they call themselves that when they care more about themselves. Or even worse, hurt others because they feel more superior."
Izuku laughed at the idea of Katsuki becoming a hero, and all the classmates that shunned him once they learned he had no quirk. Izuku stared at his protruding hand, before dropping it back down. His mind jumped back onto the conversation he had with All for One.
Izuku remembered the man hinting to him of what his quirk did. It had finally dawned on Izuku what All for One meant when he called it Reciprocity.
"It most likely happened when I got hit by Toga," Izuku pondered, raising his chest up from the bed. "When I got slapped by her, it was obvious that she felt pain the same time I did."
"Does that mean people feel the same pain if they physically hurt me?"
"Izuku!" The door to his room busted open, with his mother looking at him with an angry face. "I don't know what's been going on with you lately, but you're going to miss school if you don't leave in a few minutes," she said frantically. Inko looked at the room for the first time in a while. "What happened to all of your All Might merchandise?"
He looked at his mom before exhaling deeply. "I grew out of it Mom."
Inko looked at Izuku with a surprised gaze, then realizing she was holding him up from getting ready. "We're going to have a talk about all of this after school when you get back," she said, closing the door with a loud bang.
Inko was aware of her son acting strange ever since the incident that took place with Katsuki's death. She was worried that it had affected her son much deeper than she initially thought. "Is he getting enough sleep? He seems completely out of it lately," Inko thought to herself. She walked over to the kitchen and grabbed Izuku's lunch.
In his room, Izuku had put on his school uniform. He had forgotten what his mother told him. His only thoughts raced on the conceptualization of the new quirk he was given, and what he was to do this following afternoon.
He stopped to look at the mirror on the wall out of habit. It was a routine tradition for him to look at it every morning and tell himself he could be a hero.
"Not anymore I can't," Izuku muttered. He had thrown that life away, there was no turning back.
Inko marched over to her son's door upon realizing he had not exited yet. She opened it, revealing Izuku holding his hand near the handle.
"Oh, well glad to see you waking up," Inko apologized, handing him the lunch box. She looked at Izuku's face, yet felt no emotional response come out of him.
In that moment, she suddenly believed she had seen her son show a regretful look. But Izuku stopped her train of thoughts by hugging her unexpectedly. He did not say a word, only letting go of her once she repeated to him multiple times that he would be late.
Izuku stepped out of the apartment door, it was the last time he would ever see that place he thought. Izuku knew she cared for him on the outside level, never saying the things he needed to hear when he was depressed. But it was difficult to say goodbye to his mother. He did not wish to cause her any more trouble.
"I will never bother you again," Izuku said quietly, walking out of the apartment lobby. He knew him leaving would make his mother worry even more, but it was better than her finding out who he had become.
The morning had grown bitter cold outside. Izuku shifted his arms closer to his jacket, his legs grew sore as he treaded towards the hideout. "This better work out well," Izuku said bitterly.
He walked by the towering buildings covering the street below, wearing a face mask and hat that covered his hair. Preventing potential onlookers from recognizing him if the police put up a missing poster.
Several police sirens were heard in the distance, gradually getting louder. Izuku looked, seeing several police cars race past him on the road to a distant fire.
"Another villain attack?" asked one man to a woman. "It's awfully getting more frequent."
"I wonder if All Might will save the day," she replied with hope.
Izuku passed by them, pushing his head down as they looked at him for a moment. Izuku sighed with relief upon realizing they turned back to face the fire, still pointing towards the smoke that rose higher into the air.
No matter how hard Izuku tried, the name All Might echoed in his mind. Izuku remembered the man standing above him, telling him it was impossible to become a hero.
"It's not like he was wrong," Izuku said to himself. Somewhere deep inside his heart, he still believed that All Might was the perfect hero the world never deserved.
Eventually, Izuku approached the hideout, opening the door with a key Kurogiri had given him earlier. He could see the bartender pacing behind the bar, occasionally moving bottles around the shelves.
"Welcome back," Kurogiri said, upon noticing Izuku's arrival. "Giran is already here, but he told me to tell you to wait here until he comes back."
Izuku nodded and walked over to one of the couches. He noticed another person sitting in a carefree position, twirling a knife in his hands. Izuku sat down, not paying much attention to him.
"So, you really did join us?" the man asked with a condescending tone.
Izuku turned to face him. "Is that a problem?"
"Not necessarily, but I do not trust you Izuku Midoriya," said the man. "What proof is there that you really are one of us?"
"No need to show hostility Tomura. Save the little games for later," Giran said, coming into view. "He might be new, but I'll show him the ropes around here."
Tomura scoffed at Giran's comment. He placed the knife into a sheath, before tossing it at the coffee table. He looked at Izuku, "You are useless to me Midoriya. Don't expect me to buddy up with you just because Master took an interest in you."
Tomura stood up and left the bar, grabbing onto his neck. Giran walked over to Izuku, pointing to the knife. "I believe that is him declaring to you to prove yourself."
Izuku thought to himself as to how much of a child the man named Tomura acted in front of him. "And why should I take it seriously?" Izuku asked. "I wouldn't be surprised if he was held as an object ridiculed among most of you."
Giran smirked. "That may be so, but the boss wishes him to take the mantle in the near future. Best just to stay back and let him do his thing for now."
"For now?" Kurogiri asked him with a concerned voice. He had known Tomura ever since All for One brought him in as a child.
"Kurogiri, you're misinterpreting what I meant," Giran said, sighing audibly. He took out a cigarette pack from his jacket. "Tomura acts like a child often, but hopefully with his new position that will change for the better."
Kurogiri loosened his shoulders. "I see, sorry about that."
Giran placed a cigarette in his mouth, bringing a lighter in between his hands. He opened the top of the metal case, sliding his thumb over the ignition. A puff of smoke came out from his nose. "I suppose we should start heading out young man, otherwise we'll be running late on time."
Izuku rose up from the sofa, "Of course, uhm," he paused.
Giran heaved another puff of smoke. "You can call me Giran, it doesn't matter to me," he said, turning towards the exit. "Oh, and I think that knife is yours now. He did a similar thing to other recruits recently."
"No harm in that then," Izuku said casually. He picked up the holster and placed it in his pocket.
Izuku followed Giran into the entrance of a skyscraper he had never been in before. The staff whispered and hurried around after noticing Giran stepping in. Izuku was curious at the sight.
"Do they know you?" Izuku asked.
"To some degree," Giran admitted. "Granted it's only from a business perspective. They are not aware of the organisation."
They continued to walk to the front desk until the receptionist greeted them. "Welcome back Sir."
Giran nodded, looking at the man's face. "Is it alright if I smoke here?"
The receptionist stared at Giran with a blank look, regaining his composure immediately after. "Of course. Sir, you are one of our most valued partners. You need not even ask."
"No need to be so stoic. Let the old man joke around a little," Giran said, looking at Izuku to see a response. "Well anyways, I am here for a little shopping." He slid over a piece of paper on the table.
The receptionist glanced at it before smiling. "Glad to have you back. Please head over to the 23rd floor, and one of our associates will greet you there."
"Splendid," Giran replied.
"Sir." They were interrupted by the receptionist looking over the counter. "Is this boy with you?"
"Yes, yes he is." Giran smiled, revealing one of his front teeth missing. He gestured over Izuku to follow him.
The receptionist turned back towards his computer, grabbing onto a phone.
Izuku accompanied Giran over to a large elevator. "I hope that won't be a problem?" he asked.
"It's fine. I suppose they are surprised to see me not come alone here for once," Giran said amusingly. He pressed a button, calling down the elevator.
Izuku was amazed at what he had witnessed earlier. "Why was Giran known around here, and why so publicly?" Izuku thought with perplexity.
"Giran, was there a reason for you bringing me here?"
Giran looked at the boy beside him. "Of course there is. I brought you here because of your unique talents. But most importantly to prepare you for what you are going to face down the line."
A noise was heard above them, indicating that the elevator arrived. The doors opened, with a security guard stepping out. Bowing the moment he saw Giran.
"There will be no need to join us," Giran said to the bodyguard, gesturing that they wanted to be left alone.
"As you wish Sir."
Giran and Izuku stepped into the elevator. "I suppose I can now tell you why we are here," Giran told him. "The boss wants to get you some proper equipment, as he told me your quirk is centred more on the defensive side."
Izuku looked at the elevator door, he could barely make out his reflection.
Giran continued. "This place will provide you with everything you need once you meet your actual instructor. I initially wanted to have you work alongside me, but I feel that your expertise would serve better in another field."
In hindsight, Giran had an underlining feeling that the boy would overshadow his own work, but he saw potential in training him as something even more terrifying. "With his young age, it's definitely still possible to mould him," Giran thought, smiling at what the boy beside him could become.
Izuku had not given much thought at what Giran implied, yet he was still excited at the new life he was given. Izuku's line of thought was suddenly interrupted.
"I was impressed to find out that your analysis skills had nothing to do with your actual quirk. How did you manage to do that?"
"Well, I have always had a fascination for understanding quirks better. It's something I started doing ever since I was little."
Giran laughed. He was surprised at how unbelievable Izuku's answer was. "You really do surprise me, young man," he said, looking at the floor indicator above him.
"We're almost here. And one last thing." Giran turned towards the boy. "I suggest you come up with an alias for yourself whenever you have the chance. Don't want to be spreading your actual name around."
Izuku thought to himself. A codename was something he definitely needed if he wished to keep his identity safe.
They were greeted by a woman in her thirties as soon as the elevator doors slid open.
"The Gatemaster is waiting for you. Please follow me."
Giran glanced at Izuku, raising his eyebrows. "I'll do the talking. Only speak if they address you." He walked out of the elevator with Izuku following after him.
The woman opened a large set of wooden doors, revealing a wide circular room with an assortment of priceless furniture and paintings. In the middle stood the Gatemaster, adjusting his glasses. He placed a glass of whiskey on a stand to his left.
"Good afternoon Mr Giran. It's been a long time," said the Gatemaster, crossing his hands together. "What brings you here today?"
"I've brought someone along that I wish to be put in your care," Giran responded. He looked at the glass of alcohol, a large smile appeared. "You know me so well."
"Naturally," the Gatemaster said. He then focused his attention on Izuku. "And what sort of setup would this gentleman require?"
"Go through the usual," Giran noted, "but a quick and aggressive style would fit better I believe."
"Understood. Young man, please follow me."
Izuku looked towards Giran. "It's fine, I'll follow in once I finish that drink," Giran said.
Izuku followed the Gatemaster at a distance. They arrived at another set of doors, at which two servants opened sharply.
"An aggressive approach," the Gatemaster said quietly to himself. "In that case, I assume you have all the other bases covered."
Izuku attempted to respond but was left in a momentary shock from what the room presented. An assortment of weapons spanned across one wall. To his left, stood an old man wearing a tailored suit, patiently waiting for his cue.
The Gatemaster turned to face the old man, "Richard, we'll start off with the attire. Take your time with him."
The old man nodded, gesturing Izuku to come up to him.
"Please sit," he said with a raspy voice.
Izuku was not able to make sure of what he had witnessed in the span of five seconds. He never knew this kind of world existed.
"Please lift up your arms," Richard said, taking out measuring equipment. He wrote down the sizes spanning across Izuku's body.
The Gatemaster watched with interest at the boy who sat on the opposite side of the room. "Certainly, surprising that someone of his age has come here," he thought. "Giran must have taken a real interest in him."
Richard patted Izuku's upper shoulder with a mock-up suit. "I believe…" he paused, looking at Izuku's form. "That a vest would suit you well."
Izuku had no reason to question the man behind him. As he had no experience or proper opinions on the matter. The old man removed the piece of clothing from Izuku. He walked over to the Gatemaster with a piece of paper.
"You may leave Richard, thank you."
Richard bowed. Only leaving Izuku with the enigmatic man sitting in the corner.
"Well then, I believe it is time for the final portion. Always my favourite."
The Gatemaster placed his cigar on a desk. He stood up and walked over to the wall covered in weapons. "I am certain this is your first time seeing a gun, given the reaction you displayed earlier. However, I take it that you might have some preference?"
"I wouldn't know," Izuku responded silently.
"No matter," the Gatemaster said. "We'll start by looking at the sidearms."
A voice appeared by the door, "The best option for him." Giran leaned across the door, waving the finished glass.
The Gatemaster nodded. "In that case, we'll start by looking at something more compact." He moved his hand across several pistols, before selecting one, he moved forward and brought it to Izuku.
"This is the HK VP9SK, manufactured and built in Germany. It's a semi-automatic handgun with a 9mm caliber. Its design features ambidextrous controls, with twenty-seven customizable grip configurations. It comes in with standard iron sights and a new feature called charging supports. The magazines carry ten bullets, but we've found it able to hold eleven. A decent starter gun if you ask me."
Izuku stared at it blankly, barely being able to understand the information the man spewed out.
Giran laughed at the situation that unfolded. He picked his way carefully towards them. "He'll take that one. We're not the type of people to question your expertise," Giran said.
"Very well," said the Gatemaster. "Where would you like us to send everything to? The usual?"
"Yes," Giran told him. "However, I ask that you provide triple the amount of ammunition."
The Gatemaster nodded, placing the gun back onto the wall. "Then I bid to both of you farewell and a good day."
As they exited the room, Giran immediately wrapped his arm around Izuku's shoulder. "Not bad kid. Let's head back and meet the person who will be training you."
Inko sat in her living room, expecting her son to arrive soon. She still did not know how she would handle the situation properly, only playing out the scenarios in her head.
A sudden ring from the home telephone caught her off guard. Inko stumbled towards the phone, picking it up with frantic breathing.
"Hello, this is the Midoriya household," Inko said, holding the phone with both of her hands.
"I am the vice-principal from Aldera Junior High. Am I speaking to Ms Inko Midoriya?"
Inko was not certain why the school called her. "Yes, this is. Is everything alright with my son?"
"Miss, that is the reason for our call. Your son Izuku Midoriya was absent from school today. We are calling to confirm with you if he was not present due to an illness or other reason."
"Izuku left for school this morning," Inko said with a confused look. "He should've been at school. Are you sure it's not just a mistake on your end?"
The phone stayed quiet for a while. "It says here he hadn't arrived through the gate this morning. Which is confirmed through his homeroom teacher's attendance sheet. We also reviewed them for the other classes, and it plays out the same story."
Inko was in shock, she did not know what to do. "Since this is his first offence, we only wish to give Izuku a warning. Please let him know that absences without reasoning will not be tolerated. Thank you, have a good day."
The phone line died right after. Inko recalled her son's odd behaviour earlier in the morning.
"Izuku," Inko grieved. Tears began to swell in her eyes. "What happened?"
Her body instinctively moved towards her room. She opened her cupboard drawer, revealing the business card of the detective she last met with Izuku the week before.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it and now it only leaves for a lot more things to be addressed as the story goes on. Can't thank everyone enough for reading and it always makes me excited to see you guys follow and leave comments/reviews. It's always my favourite part, regardless of the context. Love you guys.