Dekiru 10: The Symbol Of Peace And The Protector Of Earth

by Phantomdanger

Izuku Midoriya, previously quirkless, was offered One For All by the greatest hero, but during training, he discovered the Omnitrix. Now his on the journey to be the greatest hero, the Symbol of Peace and The protector of Earth. It's Hero Time!

29. Chapter 26: Intermission!

Izuku stood face-to-face with Todoroki, the latter's stoic expression colder than any ice he could conjure. The hallway felt unnaturally still, as if the air itself had frozen under the weight of their confrontation. A nervous shiver ran down Izuku's spine.

Unbeknownst to them, two pairs of eyes watched from the shadows. Jirou and Bakugou. Kyoka had made sure to follow the two when Izuku had completed their task.

Trailing them through the crowded hallways, Kyoka managed to catch up just as they reached a secluded corner. As she leaned against the archway, her earphone jacks extended discreetly, picking up fragments of their conversation. However, her concentration faltered when she noticed Katsuki Bakugou standing a short distance away. His crimson eyes flicked toward her, sharp and unreadable.

"What the hell are you doing, Ears?" Bakugou muttered, his voice low but unmistakably irritated.

"Keeping tabs. What about you, Boom Boy?" Kyoka shot back, keeping her tone equally quiet.

"Tch." Bakugou grunted, crossing his arms but making no move to leave. His glare lingered on the two boys ahead.

Kyouka huffed silently and leaned against the archway. Her focus shifted back to the conversation.

'As much as I'd love to tell this jackass to piss off, I'm not blowing my cover. Midoriya probably doesn't need help, but Todoroki's been all over him today. What's his deal?'

Back in the hallway, Izuku shifted uncomfortably under Todoroki's piercing gaze. He forced a nervous smile. "W-We should get some food, don't you think? Before the line gets too long." His voice betrayed his unease, an almost desperate attempt to escape the weight of the moment.

Todoroki didn't budge. His voice was low, measured, and carried a weight that made Izuku's stomach churn. "I was overwhelmed today," Todoroki said, his eyes fixed on the ground. "So much so... that I broke my own pledge."

Izuku's gaze flicked to Todoroki's left hand, and as if sensing it, Todoroki slowly pulled it from his pocket. His fingers twitched, his scarred palm facing upward as if to present evidence of his own failure.

'He didn't use it,' Izuku thought, his stomach tightening. 'Even though it would've given him a massive advantage.'

Todoroki continued, his tone taking on an introspective edge. "None of them felt it. Or maybe they did, but they didn't understand. But I did." His heterochromatic eyes lifted to meet Izuku's, and the intensity in his gaze made Izuku feel naked.

"When you sent that flick," Todoroki began, his voice tightening. "I recognized it. I knew that power wasn't ordinary. Only someone who's spent their life under the shadow of an obsessed man like my father would know. A man who's spent years fixated on All Might. I've heard him describe that power. I've imagined it. And today, I felt it."

Izuku's throat tightened, his breaths coming in shallow gasps as sweat began to bead on his face.

"The villains who attacked us... One of them said something strange," Todoroki continued, his voice like ice spreading across a surface. "'You're his successor.' That's what he said, wasn't it?"

Izuku froze. His heart felt like it was going to leap out of his chest.

Todoroki's voice grew sharper, his words striking with precision. "They came to kill All Might. And yet, there's you. A boy with a connection to him that runs far deeper than teacher and student. Today, you used a power that matches my father's descriptions of All Might's strength. And there's more-your speech about becoming the Symbol of Peace..."

Todoroki's gaze bore into him, unwavering. "You didn't sound like someone chasing a dream. You sounded obligated, as if someone entrusted you. Even with the yelling."

Izuku opened his mouth, fumbling for words. "T-That was Rath," he stammered, grasping at straws. "He gets like that sometimes..."

Todoroki tilted his head slightly, unamused by the deflection. His expression didn't waver. Instead, his voice dropped lower, each word cutting deeper. "Are you All Might's chosen successor?"

The hallway fell into an oppressive silence. Izuku's mind screamed at him to deny it, to say anything, but his voice failed him. His wide, panic-stricken eyes betrayed him, and Todoroki's gaze narrowed, his lips tightening ever so slightly.

The unspoken truth hung heavily between them, louder than any words. Todoroki had his answer.

From the shadows, Jirou's eyes widened, her heart racing at the realization. Bakugou's scowl deepened, his arms tensing against his chest as if preparing for a storm.

...

"So, he chose you, huh?" Todoroki's voice was cold, and the words dripped with a kind of certainty. "To be the next Symbol of Peace. The person to surpass him." The last part was not a question-it was a statement, said with the finality of someone who had already decided the truth.

Midoriya's silence stretched out, speaking volumes to Todoroki and everyone else who was listening.

Bakugou's eyes widened for a brief moment, his usual scowl flickering with a hint of surprise. Kyouka, too, couldn't hide her shock as her earphone jacks twitched involuntarily at the weight of the revelation.

Izuku's heart pounded in his chest, but his throat felt like it was closing up. Todoroki didn't know about One For All, but he had gotten it right. Izuku was the one All Might had chosen, the one to follow in his footsteps. To take his place when he was gone.

The lump in his throat was suffocating, and for a moment, no words came out. He wasn't good at lying-he couldn't lie his way out of this.

If he won here, All Might would eventually reveal the truth to everyone regardless.

Todoroki's voice broke through his spiraling thoughts. "I'm sure you know that my old man, Endeavor, has been stuck as the number two hero for a long time."

Izuku snapped back to reality, confused but now deeply intrigued. "Endeavor...?"

"Yeah," Todoroki continued, his tone unwavering. "If you've got something from the number one hero, and his successor, then I've got even more of a reason to take you down."

Izuku's heart skipped a beat, the weight of Todoroki's words hitting harder than expected.

Todoroki's lips curled slightly, as though he were trying to mask his bitterness, but his eyes remained razor-sharp. "My old man... he has a relentless desire to rise above everyone. As a hero, he made a name for himself by using force, by crushing anything in his path. All Might, though, the living legend, the Symbol of Peace-he's been a constant reminder that my father couldn't surpass him. And that's an eyesore for him."

Izuku took a shaky breath, his mind trying to process everything. "B-Because he couldn't be stronger than All Might...?"

"Exactly," Todoroki responded, his voice low, as though speaking of something deeply personal. "My old man couldn't surpass All Might. So, he came up with a backup plan."

Izuku blinked, taken aback by the sudden shift in Todoroki's demeanor. The anger in his eyes was unmistakable now. His pupils narrowed, and a flicker of something darker burned behind them.

"What backup plan?" Izuku asked, his voice shaky as he tried to keep his composure.

Todoroki's glare bore into Izuku, his eyes cold and unwavering. "You've heard of quirk marriages, right?" he asked, his voice tinged with a bitterness that was hard to miss.

Izuku's pupils shrank in confusion. "W-Why would he...?" He stuttered, but then the pieces clicked together in his mind. His face paled as the realization hit.

Todoroki's gaze remained unyielding. "You seem to know about them," he continued. "Well, they became a problem for the second and third generations of superhumans. Choosing a spouse based solely on strengthening your own quirk and passing it onto your children... It's a twisted system."

"F-Forcing people into marriage..." Izuku mumbled, the words barely escaping his lips. His mind was racing, trying to connect the dots. "Y-You're not saying that Endeavor-?"

Todoroki's voice cut through the air, sharp and full of anger. "It's exactly what you think." He paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words sink in before he added, his voice growing colder, "He had the money, the status, the power to win over anyone he wanted-by force, if necessary. He's the number two hero. He can get away with anything."

Izuku's heart dropped into his stomach. The ground seemed to shift beneath his feet. He had idolized heroes for so long, placed them on a pedestal. They were supposed to be beacons of light in a dark world, symbols of justice and hope. He never expected the truth about the top heroes, especially the number two hero, the one right behind All Might, to be like this. That he would go so far just to surpass another hero? Just to play a twisted game of dominance?

The realization shattered something deep inside him. It felt as though his entire worldview was collapsing.

...

"My mother..."

The words hung in the air, slicing through the tension like a blade. Izuku stood frozen, his mouth agape and his eyes wide with shock. The world around him seemed to darken, and the truth hit him like a freight train. He couldn't respond, couldn't find the words. His thoughts were scrambled, struggling to make sense of what Todoroki had just said. It was as if a veil had been violently torn away from the hero society he once admired, revealing a side he wasn't ready to face.

S-So, he really did... Izuku thought, his heart sinking.

Todoroki's voice was laced with bitterness. "My damn old man... He's only trying to fulfill his own desires. He wanted to raise a hero to surpass All Might, to satisfy his own thirst for power."

Izuku's breath caught in his throat, his mind racing as Todoroki's anger became palpable. "Fuck him!" Todoroki suddenly yelled, his fists clenched tightly. His eyes were narrowed in pure, unbridled fury. "I'll never be that piece of shit's tool!" He reached up, his hand trembling as he touched the large scar on his face.

Izuku winced, not knowing how to react. Todoroki's voice cracked with emotion. "It's so damn annoying... He acts like he owns me, like I'm just some tool for him to use."

Todoroki's left palm pressed against his scarred face, his fingers tracing the evidence of his past. The raw anger and pain in his voice were palpable. "In my memories, my mother is always crying..." His voice faltered, but the bitterness remained. "She told me... 'Your left side is unsightly.' That was the last thing she said to me before she... she poured boiling water on me."

Izuku stood there, frozen, his heart pounding in his chest. Sweat began to bead on his forehead as he took in the weight of Todoroki's words. His pupils shook with disbelief. His mouth hung open, but no words came out. His mind was racing, but it was as if his brain couldn't process what he was hearing. The rawness of Todoroki's pain was suffocating.

Todoroki slowly lowered his hand from his face, and for the first time, his gaze met Izuku's directly. The anger in his eyes was unmistakable, but there was something else there-something deeper, something Izuku could understand, even if he couldn't fully grasp it.

Todoroki's voice was steady, yet tinged with a fierce resolve. "This is why I'm going to beat you. This isn't just about strength-it's personal. You have power equal to All Might in your forms. From the USJ attack, I know for a fact your flames burned hotter than his."

His eyes flashed with intensity as he spoke. "And the fact that you're All Might's chosen successor... That gives me all the reason I need to defeat you."

Izuku's breath hitched. He didn't know how to respond to that. Todoroki's words were cutting through him, but it was clear now that this wasn't just about power-it was about something much deeper for Todoroki.

"I will defeat you without using that old man's quirk." Todoroki's voice grew even more determined. His eyes burned with conviction as he spoke. "I'll become number one, without needing it."

Izuku felt the weight of those words press down on him. Todoroki's declaration wasn't just about rivalry-it was about rejecting the legacy of his father and forging his own path.

"I'll reject him completely... by winning first place, without it!" Todoroki finally declared, his voice resolute, the fire in his eyes unwavering.

...

A suffocating silence followed. From their hiding spot, Bakugou and Jirou were stunned into stillness. Bakugou's usual scowl faltered, a single bead of sweat sliding down his temple, while Jirou's hands trembled faintly, her earphone jacks coiling tighter around her wrists. Neither dared to speak.

'I'm shocked... He's living in a completely different world than I am. Even though we're aiming for the same goal, yet... we're so... different,' Izuku thought, unable to meet Todoroki's gaze. The sound of shuffling feet echoed through the tunnel as Todoroki began walking away, his hands stuffed in his pockets.

"Don't worry," Todoroki said, glancing over his shoulder. "I won't breathe a word about you being All Might's successor. Regardless of your status, I'll climb over you using only my right side. Bring out your best forms, Midoriya... because I will defeat you, no matter what."

Izuku swallowed hard, his wide eyes betraying the unease gripping him. 'If this were a comic... he'd be the main character with a tragic backstory. What can I even say to that?' he thought, watching Todoroki disappear down the corridor.

...

Izuku felt a heavy pit settle in his stomach. Todoroki's story lingered in his mind, a sharp contrast to everything Izuku had assumed about him. He thought Todoroki had it all-power, talent, and control-but the truth painted a far bleaker picture. In comparison, Izuku felt blessed.

"Todoroki, wait!" he called, his voice cracking slightly.

Shoto stopped mid-step and turned, his cold expression unchanged but his eyes focused intently on Izuku.

Izuku clenched his fists, forcing himself to speak with as little hesitation as possible. "I've always had people helping me!" he began, his voice rising with determination. "I-I don't think I'd be here without them. But... I want to be like All Might!"

His words gained strength as he pressed on. "I-I can't fully understand everything you've been through. I can't pretend to know your pain. But I can understand your convictions. Even then... I owe it to everyone who's stood by me, everyone who's believed in me, to give it my all. I've lost too much already, and I won't let myself fall behind again. So, what I said earlier still stands. I'll beat you, Todoroki... with everything I've got. Nothing less."

Todoroki studied him in silence for a moment, his icy expression giving nothing away. Then, he gave a small nod, turned, and continued walking down the hall.

...

Around the corner, Katsuki walked away with a scowl, muttering under his breath. "Please, that nerd's his successor? What a load of horseshit," he scoffed, the disdain clear in his voice as he disappeared down the hall.

Kyoka leaned against the wall, arms crossed as she processed everything she'd overheard. She pushed off with a sigh, walking toward Izuku.

"Hey, Green," she called out casually.

Izuku flinched in surprise, turning toward her. "J-Jirou!? H-How much did you hear?"

Kyoka raised an eyebrow at his attempt to play dumb. "What are you talking abou-?"

"Jirou, you have super hearing," Izuku interrupted bluntly, his tone bordering on exasperation.

Kyoka clicked her tongue, caught red-handed. "O-Okay, fine. Sorry," she muttered, her voice softening. "I was just... worried." She rubbed the ends of her earphone jacks together nervously.

Izuku frowned slightly, the disappointment evident on his face. Kyoka glanced down, guilt written all over hers.

"Promise me next time you won't eavesdrop," Izuku said firmly. "I know you're worried, but I'm okay." His expression grew serious. And I don't need her accidentally overhearing me and All Might talk about One For All.

Kyoka gave a small nod, not meeting his eyes.

"So... you heard all of that?" Izuku asked hesitantly.

"Yeah. And it's... that's all kinds of screwed up," she replied, her voice tinged with disbelief.

The two began walking, the silence between them heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"I still can't believe it," Izuku said, shaking his head. "The number two hero... doing something like that? I just-he's the number two hero!"

Kyoka nodded grimly. "Yeah... kinda scary when you think about it, huh?" she said, glancing at him.

Izuku turned to her, his brows furrowed.

"Like, if someone like Endeavor can get to the top with all that power-and have his dirty laundry swept under the rug-what does that say about hero society?" Kyoka said, her voice sharper now. "Makes you wonder what other heroes have gotten away with..."

A shiver ran down Izuku's spine at the thought. He shook his head quickly, trying to clear the image from his mind.

"You know," Izuku said after a pause, "I kinda thought Todoroki had everything." He stared at the ground, his voice quiet. "A powerful quirk, two parents... Honestly, I was jealous." He sighed. "But after hearing what he's been through..."

Kyoka gave him a sidelong glance, her expression softening.

"It... it makes my own problems feel insignificant in comparison," Izuku admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Kyoka stopped and grabbed his hand without hesitation, her touch grounding him. "Don't say that," she said firmly, her gaze unwavering. "Everyone's struggles are their own, and they matter. Yours included."

Izuku looked at her, surprised by her conviction.

She continued, her voice softening again. "Look, I don't know everything you've been through... but when you're ready, I'm here. My quirk was kinda made for that." A faint smirk tugged at her lips.

Izuku blinked before chuckling at the pun, the tension in his shoulders easing.

"And hey, if you don't want to talk to me, there's plenty of other people you can talk to," Kyoka added, her tone turning teasing. "Most of them happen to be hot girls, by the way."

Izuku flushed, his ears turning bright red. "Th-Thanks," he mumbled.

They both glanced down at their hands, suddenly realizing they were still holding on to each other. Startled, Kyoka quickly pulled away, her own face turning a deep shade of pink.

"Uhm, I'm really hungry," she blurted out, her voice a bit too loud. "We should go. A-And eat. Or something."

"Y-Yeah," Izuku stammered, rubbing the back of his neck as they began walking again, both pretending not to notice their reddened faces.

...

"Midori!" Mina Ashido's unmistakable voice rang out as she suddenly lunged at Izuku from behind, wrapping her arms around him. The unexpected weight made him stumble forward, nearly losing his balance. Kyoka stood nearby, her expression souring at the spectacle.

"A-Ashido?" Izuku stammered, startled, as Mina rested her head on his shoulder from behind.

"I've been looking for you everywhere!" Mina chirped before bounding around to face him, grinning ear to ear and clearly unfamiliar with the concept of personal space.

"Huh?" Mina tilted her head, finally noticing Kyoka standing beside him. Her cheerful expression faltered as confusion seeped in. "Wait... what are you two doing here? Alone?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.

Both Izuku and Kyoka flinched, their faces heating up.

"Oh, uh, w-well..." Izuku began, fumbling for words.

Kyoka cut him off with a pointed question, her tone sharp. "What are you doing here?"

..

Mina blinked before shaking off her hesitation, crossing her arms with an exaggerated display of confidence. "Oh, right! Well..." She leaned in closer to Izuku, her usual energy returning for a moment before softening again.

"I wanted to make it up to you, you know, for not joining your team during the cavalry battle," Mina admitted, her voice quieter now. Guilt flickered across her face, and she fidgeted with her hands. "I know you were counting on me... and I just bailed. I felt awful about it, but I didn't know how to say sorry."

Izuku blinked in surprise, taken aback by her sudden shift in tone.

"Oh, uh... you don't have to feel bad about that," Izuku said, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly. "I mean, it all worked out in the end, right? So don't worry about it."

Mina shook her head, her expression firm. "No, it's not okay! I let you down, Midori, and that's been bugging me this whole time," she said earnestly, her hands clutching her chest.

Izuku hesitated, unsure of how to respond, but before he could say anything, Mina's usual energy returned in full force. "But don't worry! I'm going to make it up to you, no matter what!" she declared, grabbing his arm with determination.

"Oh, uh... that's really not necessary-"

"Too bad! I already started!" Mina said with a grin. "I even got Ochako to grab some food for you while I kept looking!"

Right on cue, Izuku's stomach growled loudly.

"I... I could eat," he admitted sheepishly, his cheeks turning pink.

"Perfect!" Mina beamed, dragging him down the hallway. Kyoka frowned but quickly followed, muttering under her breath about people being "too loud."

As they walked, Mina glanced back at Izuku with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I got you some katsudon! Not just any katsudon, though-this is Lunch Rush's premium Golden Pork Sports Festival Special!" she announced dramatically.

Izuku's eyes widened, his mouth watering. "Golden pork... special? Isn't that super expensive?"

Mina waved his concern away with a laugh. "Oh, don't worry about that! Did I mention it's hand-breaded cutlets with a rich miso glaze-"

"Miso?!" Izuku interrupted, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Mina giggled. "Yep! And it's got a soft-boiled egg on top. Super fancy, huh?"

Izuku's lips quirked into a small, grateful smile as his stomach growled again. He opened his mouth to thank her when they rounded a corner and nearly bumped into Momo.

"Oh, there you are," Momo said, her usual composed expression softening with relief. "We've been looking for you, Midoriya."

"Wait... you were looking for me too?" Izuku asked, surprised.

"Of course," Momo replied matter-of-factly. "You expended a lot of energy protecting the flag earlier, and I would've felt terrible if you missed a meal because of it." She turned to Kyoka. "Jirou, I brought you a taro boba and a meat bun. I figured you might want something lighter."

Kyoka blinked in surprise before offering a small smile. "Oh... thanks, Yaomomo. That's thoughtful of you."

Momo nodded, then addressed Izuku again. "Midoriya, please sit with us. We saved you a seat, and Mina already handled your meal."

"Wow, thank you so much, Yaoyorozu," Izuku said, touched by their thoughtfulness.

Momo nodded, folding her hands neatly. "It's no trouble. Besides, we'll need to be in top shape for the next event, so it's important to eat now."

As the group started walking toward the cafeteria, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the hall.

"Yaoyorozu!" Kaminari called out, his voice frantic as he and Tsuburaba skidded to a stop in front of the group. Their eyes locked onto Izuku, and panic immediately flashed across their faces.

Crap! He's with her! There's no way they'll fall for it now! the two thought simultaneously.

"Yes? How can I help you?" Momo asked, tilting her head.

"Uh..." Kaminari stammered, glancing at Tsuburaba for support.

"Never mind!" they blurted in unison before retreating quickly, tears streaming comically down their faces.

"Don't worry," Kaminari whispered to his partner-in-crime as they disappeared down the hall. "We'll get them to wear it... we just have to wait until Midoriya's not with her!"

...

Izuku stepped into the cafeteria, the lively hum of chatter filling the air. The second and third years, who had been watching from their classrooms earlier, were now gathered for lunch.

As he followed Mina through the room, Izuku couldn't help but notice the way conversations shifted when he passed by.

"Did you see him? I've never seen a Quirk like that!"

"How does it even work? Does he have multiple Quirks or something?"

"Yeah, that Midoriya guy practically stole the show!"

The words weren't malicious, but they still sent a familiar unease crawling up Izuku's spine. The attention, even positive, reminded him of Aldera-of whispers behind his back, of people calling him names like "freak" with no hesitation. Even though these voices weren't cruel, the weight of so many eyes on him felt suffocating.

He swallowed hard, his breathing quickening for a moment before he shook his head, forcing himself to focus. It's not the same, he thought, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself. Slowly, the tightness in his chest loosened, and he pushed forward.

"Hey, over here!" Mina's cheerful voice cut through his thoughts as she grabbed his arm, tugging him forward.

"Whoa!" Izuku stumbled slightly, barely keeping up with her energy.

Mina led him to a connected table in the middle of the cafeteria. He blinked, taken aback as he saw most of the girls from Class 1-A and 1-B seated there, chatting animatedly. The sight made his stomach twist-not in fear, but in nervous anticipation.

He gulped, feeling heat rise to his face. A table full of girls? He was used to being around them in class, but this was different.

As he hesitated, scanning for a seat, Izuku's eyes landed on Iida. The familiar sight of his friend was a welcome anchor in the sea of unfamiliarity. He hurried to take the seat beside him, letting out a small sigh of relief.

Across the table, a few of the girls exchanged subtle glances, their expressions betraying a flicker of disappointment before they quickly masked it with smiles.

The group soon settled into a rhythm, eating and chatting among themselves. Mina kept up her usual energy, animatedly talking with those around her. Kyoka, seated a few chairs down, quietly sipped her taro boba, occasionally chiming in with a dry quip that earned a few chuckles.

...

""I can't believe you tricked us like that, Yaoyorozu!" Ochako exclaimed, puffing out her cheeks in an exaggerated pout.

Momo delicately picked up a bite of rice before responding, her tone calm. "I thought it was a logical strategy. Everyone seemed so eager to beat Midoriya, and considering he had the 10 million points..."

"She basically dangled a giant stack of meat in front of a pack of starving wolves," Kyoka added, gesturing to the group. Her expression was unimpressed as she pointed at them. "...And you all fell for it. Don't blame Yaoyorozu just because you were gullible."

The group groaned collectively, some shooting annoyed glances at Kyoka.

"She has a point," Yui said flatly, earning a series of irritated looks from around the table.

After a moment of silence, Ibara spoke up, her calm tone breaking the tension. "Though I must say, Midoriya..." She paused, brushing a vine across her face in an attempt to hide the faint blush that crept up her cheeks. She was seated across from Kendo, who sat next to Iida. "The fact that you managed to hold your ground against both hero courses was truly remarkable."

Izuku's face flushed slightly at the compliment.

"Totally!" Hagakure chimed in enthusiastically, her chair bouncing slightly as she leaned forward. "The way you fought as Spidermonkey was awesome! Nobody could even touch you!"

Izuku scratched the back of his neck, embarrassed. That was mostly thanks to Danger Sense... he thought, though he didn't say it out loud.

"Such a well-structured strategy," Iida said, adjusting his glasses. "Baiting everyone like that... even I fell for it. I should have been more prepared!" His tone carried a mix of shame and admiration.

Izuku frowned slightly, shaking his head. "I still don't feel comfortable being used as bait," he admitted. "Looking back, I kind of wish I'd used Fasttrack. Maybe Ghostfreak or Amphibian would've been better choices."

"But you were incredible!" Kinoko chirped, her grin wide. "The way you dodged and fought-shroomtastic!"

Yanagi nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "Your movements were so precise and fluid," she said. "How were you able to dodge attacks like that? It felt as though... you had a sixth sense."

"Ooh, like a... Dekiru tingle?" Ochako suggested brightly, her smile wide.

"Aw, that sounds adorable!" Toru added, practically glowing with excitement.

Izuku blinked, his face blank. On one hand, they thought it was cute; on the other hand, it sounded utterly ridiculous.

"That's a terrible name," Yui said bluntly, her monotone delivery slicing through the conversation like a knife.

Both Ochako and Toru recoiled as if physically struck, clutching their chests dramatically. "Harsh..." they muttered in unison, pouting in defeat.

The group chuckled lightly at their antics before settling back into their meals, the playful atmosphere easing Izuku's lingering nerves.

...

""Though I am curious-how were you able to dodge all of Shoda's attacks like that?" Yui asked, her monotone voice tinged with intrigue.

Tsuyu nodded in agreement. "And in the minefield, the way you moved... you dodged the mines before they even had a chance to go off, ribbit. It was like you knew exactly where they were."

"Speaking of the minefield," Itsuka interjected with a teasing grin, "you know it was completely reckless and stupid for you to blow yourself sky-high like that, right? Especially since you were already in the lead!"

Izuku blushed in embarrassment, rubbing the back of his neck. "Hey, if I didn't blow myself up, Iida would've passed me! So, yeah, I feel completely justified in my actions."

Tsuyu tilted her head. "Ribbit. But you didn't know Iida could go that fast," she pointed out.

"And he was still on the second-to-last obstacle," Momo added, crossing her arms. Her tone carried a mix of scolding and concern. "Frankly, it was reckless, foolish, and quite dangerous, Midoriya."

Izuku slumped in his seat, her words sinking in. His cheeks flushed as he mumbled an apology, but then Momo's face softened, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "But... it was kind of cool," she admitted, her voice quieter.

Izuku's head snapped up, his face bright red as he blinked at her in surprise. Momo cleared her throat quickly, turning her gaze to her plate as if nothing had happened.

Iida adjusted his glasses, breaking the moment. "Wait, is it true, Midoriya? Do you have some sort of sixth sense?" he asked, leaning slightly forward.

"Like a second quirk?" Kinoko chimed in, her voice curious.

"Uh... no!" Izuku blurted, waving his hands defensively. "I-It's not a quirk!"

The entire table stared at him, their expressions a mix of deadpan disbelief.

"God, he's terrible at lying," they all thought in unison.

"...Though it's kind of cute," the girls silently added, some of them averting their eyes with faint blushes.

Izuku, noticing the unimpressed looks, quickly tried to clarify. "I-It's not a secondary quirk, per se... Uh..." He fumbled with his chopsticks, gesturing aimlessly as he scrambled for an explanation. "Y-You know how my quirk works-well, the green electricity part, at least?"

Everyone nodded, waiting for him to continue.

"Yeah, it enhances your speed and strength, and it boosts your other forms too," Yanagi said, her calm voice offering a succinct summary.

Izuku nodded nervously. "Okay... so, would you say I have a super speed quirk and a super strength quirk?" he asked, looking at the group.

The table exchanged glances before nodding slowly, the logic clicking into place.

Izuku let out a sigh of relief, some of the tension leaving his shoulders.

"Oh, so it's not another quirk-it's just another application of your quirk?" Yanagi asked, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"Exactly!" Izuku said, nodding quickly. His heart was pounding, but he managed to keep his expression steady. "I-It acts like a secondary quirk, but it's really just another way of using it."

The group seemed to buy his explanation, nodding along as they returned to their meals.

"Ribbit, I guess that makes sense. Some quirks have secondary abilities that can act like separate quirks," Tsuyu said thoughtfully.

Izuku nodded, latching onto her explanation. "Yes! It's kinda like how Kaminari can store electricity in his body, or how Tsu can stick to walls. Some people's quirks are just sticking to walls or just absorbing electricity, so someone might think Tsu and Kaminari have two quirks!" He spoke quickly, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple as he tried to keep the focus off himself.

"Wait, how come you have this, uh... 'Dekiru tingle' now?" Momo asked, clearly still unconvinced.

"Can we just call it Danger Sense?" Izuku asked, wincing at the name.

Yui, taking her time enjoying some rice, muttered, "Hm... A little unoriginal, but definitely better than 'Dekiru tingle.'"

"If you had this Danger Sense, why were you surprised by the villains' attack at the USJ?" Momo pressed.

Tsuyu nodded in agreement. "Ribbit, yeah. If you had it back then, that villain wouldn't have been able to touch you, and you wouldn't have been so hurt," she said, her concern clear.

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, guilt creeping in as he noticed the worried expressions on their faces. "Oh... uh..." He hesitated, searching for an explanation that wouldn't blow his cover.

"Is it because you were at 8% of your quirk?" Yui asked flatly. Everyone turned to her. "I mean, you've been at 8% since school started. Maybe your limit has increased."

Izuku blinked, surprised at her deduction but also grateful for the lifeline. "Oh, yeah... Actually, yeah! I was stuck at 8% for so long, so when I push higher, more of my body gets enhanced-including my senses, giving me a... uh... Danger Sense, you could say." He lied, the pit in his stomach growing heavier.

Kendo, seated across from him, frowned with an annoyed yet concerned look. "Speaking of your 8%..." She folded her arms and leaned forward. "How could you not tell me you've been using only 8% of your quirk this whole time?" Her tone held a hint of hurt.

"And the fact that it results in broken bones," Iida added, adjusting his glasses sternly. "That's a detail you definitely shouldn't leave out when discussing your quirk, Midoriya!"

Yui raised an eyebrow as if unimpressed. "You guys seem surprised that he's been using 8%."

"Uh, yeah!" Setsuna said, throwing her arms up. "You've seen how powerful he is. The fact that he's only been using 8% is straight-up crazy!"

Kinoko nodded enthusiastically, her voice bubbly. "Yeah, shroom! If 8% is that strong, I can't even imagine what you're like at 100%! It's shroomtastic!"

Pony tilted her head, blinking in awe. "That means your real strength is, like... super scary, right?" She clapped her hands together excitedly. "Wow, Midoriya! You're so cool!"

Ibara, sitting more reservedly, nodded solemnly. "To restrain such immense power with discipline is truly admirable, Midoriya. Scripture teaches that strength without control is like a tempest without guidance-it only leads to ruin."

As she spoke, her words seemed to carry an almost angelic weight, and for a brief moment, the light above her seemed to glow brighter. "You possess not only strength but the wisdom to wield it sparingly. That speaks to a heart dedicated to virtue, not vanity."

Izuku's face burned red at the compliment. "Uh... thanks," he said shyly.

Ibara then turned to Yui. "Though, you don't seem surprised, Kodai."

"Oh, I'm not," Yui said calmly, popping another bite of rice into her mouth as everyone turned to her in shock.

"Wait-you knew?!" Kyoka asked, looking incredulous.

"Of course," Yui said simply, her tone as steady as ever.

"Why didn't you say anything more?" Kendo asked, a hint of exasperation in her voice.

Yui shrugged, her expression indifferent. "Hm... Well, I thought everyone knew. He mutters about using 8% all the time. I asked him, and he told me." She pointed her chopsticks lazily in Izuku's direction, making him blush slightly.

"It's kinda on you guys for not listening to him when he mutters," Yui added, her blunt statement hitting hard.

The girls collectively felt an invisible stab to their heart.

Setsuna, laughing at their reactions, leaned over to Izuku. "You're lucky she's so chill about this stuff. If it were me, I'd be pestering you for all the details 24/7."

...

Kendo felt a pang of guilt alongside some of the other girls. It wasn't as if they'd deliberately ignored Izuku's muttering or anything like that, but the realization that he might have mentioned his Quirk breaking his bones-and that they hadn't been paying enough attention-left a bitter taste.

"Though knowing your Quirk breaks your bones is kinda spooky," Yanagi said, her voice tinged with unease.

Izuku scratched the back of his head nervously. "Yeah, sorry I didn't mention it earlier."

Momo shook her head lightly, her expression softening. "It's alright, Midoriya. Though... does that explain your new Danger Sense?" she asked.

Izuku nodded. "Yeah, I think so. Though I'm still trying to figure it out myself. It kinda feels like I have a new sensory organ to work with."

"Man, that makes me a little jealous," Setsuna said, leaning back in her seat with a smirk. "First, you basically have a Quirk arsenal on demand, and now you've got Spider Sense too?"

Izuku chuckled awkwardly. "Well, yeah, but every time it activates, it feels like my head is getting stabbed."

Everyone winced in unison.

"Seriously?" Kyoka asked, her eyebrows furrowing. "Boy, that must suck."

"Oh no, Dekiru..." Ochako murmured softly, her hands clasped together in worry.

Izuku waved it off quickly. "I mean, it is painful, but not too painful. Though I'm still not sure how it works. Sometimes it just goes off randomly, and I can't even pinpoint what it's warning me about. Like in class, it'll suddenly activate, and-hm..."

He began to mutter under his breath, his chopsticks moving absently as he theorized. The girls around him exchanged quick glances, some unable to hide their growing smiles. Kendo, who had been quietly eating, suddenly noticed something.

Momo, seated across from Izuku, had her chin resting gently on her hand, her onyx eyes softening as she watched him speak. A faint, unbidden smile tugged at her lips, and she seemed entirely lost in the sight of him. Kendo raised an eyebrow, amused at how long Momo had been staring.

"Maybe the jolt of pain is my reflexes kicking into overdrive?" Izuku muttered, oblivious to the attention.

Kyoka, sitting to his left, kept glancing at him out of the corner of her eye, her earphone jacks twisting shyly around her pinky finger. Mina sat a few seats over, her bright, half-lidded gaze fixed on Izuku with a beaming smile, her hands clasped together as though she were holding back excitement. Ibara, seated near Kendo, had her vines wrapped tightly around her arms, her cheeks faintly flushed as she listened to his every word.

"Hey, Midoriya, mind if I try some of that pork? It looks really good," Toru asked, leaning slightly forward in her seat.

"H-Huh?! Uh... sure!" Izuku stammered, blushing furiously as he passed her his plate.

"Thanks! You're the best!" Toru chirped, her enthusiasm drawing a small chuckle from the group.

Before he could continue, Izuku suddenly winced, Danger Sense going off as he jerked his head toward Bakugou, who sat glaring at him from across the room.

"Ugh, it can get pretty annoying," Izuku said, rubbing his temples.

The girls all exchanged knowing looks before glancing in the same direction Izuku had turned. Sure enough, Bakugou looked as though he were seconds away from marching over to them.

"Whoa, check out Midoriya. Dude's quite the ladies' man," Sero joked, his voice drawing the attention of the other guys at the table.

The boys turned their heads, and their jaws collectively dropped as they saw the way the girls were gazing at Izuku.

"Man, this guy doesn't even realize it, does he?" Bonjo said, shaking his head in disbelief.

...

""Such a timid guy like Midoriya?! How?!" Kaminari blurted out, practically jumping out of his seat.

"Eh?! No fair, why does he get a harem?!" Mineta cried, tears streaming comically down his face.

Izuku's face exploded into a massive blush. "Wh-What?!" he stammered in shock, glancing around to realize he was, in fact, sitting surrounded by several of the girls from both Class A and B, alongside Iida.

"I-It's not what it looks like!" Izuku said, waving his hands frantically, his face burning red.

"Oh really?" Mineta accused, pointing a trembling finger at him. "You dare sit here with all the girls while we're out here suffering?! You're hogging them all to yourself like some kind of-of-!" He froze as the collective stares of both the boys and girls bore down on him.

"You bastard! Have you no shame taking all the girls for yourself like some kind of sexual deviant?!" Mineta shouted, ignoring Izuku's desperate attempts to calm him.

"M-Mineta, please calm down! You're making way too much noise!" Izuku pleaded, his voice rising in panic as more and more eyes turned toward their table.

"Oh, when you're starting your own damn harem? Hell no!" Mineta snapped. Then, as if in desperation, he turned to Momo with wide, teary eyes. "At least save me, Yaoyorozu! Please!"

"We're just friends, Mineta! Please stop!" Izuku insisted, practically begging at this point.

"Oh right, sure," Mineta retorted, folding his arms. "I'm supposed to just ignore the googly eyes the girls keep giving you?" He sniffled dramatically before turning to Kaminari for support.

"Come on, Mineta, you don't actually expect the girls from both classes to like Midoriya," Kaminari said, waving him off.

"Ah, yeah, no offense to Midoriya, but the guy doesn't really seem like the type to have a bunch of girls fawning over him," Tetsutetsu added. "No offense, Midoriya."

"None taken," Izuku mumbled, trying to sink lower into his seat.

"Midoriya's super manly," Kirishima interjected, "but he doesn't seem like the type to go for multiple girls. He strikes me as the guy who'd be completely loyal to one woman, ya know?"

Kodai shifted slightly in her seat, her normally calm expression faltering. Her heart sank a little at the thought.

"Yeah, plus," Kaminari said, "I can't see Midoriya dating a bunch of girls. He gets way too nervous around them. No way he's juggling multiple girlfriends. Can you even imagine if all the girls actually fell for him?"

Izuku felt that statement stab directly into his pride, leaving him slumped in silent defeat.

The girls' faces, however, lit up in varying shades of red. Momo adjusted her hair, tucking a strand behind her ear as she cleared her throat. "I don't know... it isn't that unbelievable," she said softly.

Mina, twirling a lock of her fluffy pink hair around her finger, chuckled nervously. "Y-Yeah... I don't think it's too crazy..."

Itsuka's eyes widened slightly as she glanced between the girls. The realization hit her hard as she noticed their flustered expressions, their nervous movements. Turning to Izuku, who seemed oblivious, a pang of guilt struck her heart. She thought back to her earlier resolve to confess her feelings and shook her head. No, Itsuka! You're just imagining things!

"Come on," Kaminari said with a laugh, waving dismissively. "There's no way both Class A and B are totally in love with Midoriya."

Pony, her face crimson, rubbed her feet against the floor shyly under the table. She stole a glance at Izuku, her voice barely above a whisper. "I... I don't know. Sometimes a girl falls for a guy without even realizing it..."

"Yeah," Mina said hesitantly, her eyes darting away. "And love doesn't really make sense, you know? Sometimes you just end up liking someone for no reason at all..." She quickly backtracked, waving her hands in a panic. "I-I'm not saying I'm in love with Midoriya or anything! I'm just saying love doesn't always have to make sense. To... you know... make sense..."

Toru nodded along, her voice unusually quiet. "Yeah... A girl can totally fall for a guy they wouldn't normally go for..." Her face flushed as she avoided looking at Izuku, her fingers fiddling nervously with the edge of her sleeve.

...

Kuroiro sat stiffly, his eyes flicking toward Kinoko, who was seated beside Izuku and smiling warmly at something he'd said. His usual calm demeanor cracked as a faint frown tugged at his lips.

Kaibara, picking up on the tension, decided to add his opinion. "I mean, I wouldn't want to fight him or anything, but the guy kinda seems like a wimp," he said, his tone dismissive.

Izuku visibly deflated at the comment, shoulders slumping slightly. However, Iida, ever the loyal friend, straightened his posture and gave Kaibara a perplexed look. "Wimp?" he asked, his tone incredulous.

"Well, yeah," Kaibara replied with a shrug. "The way that Bakugou guy talks to him-he barely seems to care. If it were me, I'd have punched his teeth in by now."

Iida adjusted his glasses sharply, his expression stern. "And that, Kaibara, is the difference between you and Midoriya. Do not confuse restraint with cowardice. A hero must know when to pick their battles."

Itsuka chimed in, her voice light but carrying a tinge of reproach. "Exactly. No offense, but if Midoriya got into as many fights as you're suggesting, the school would've turned into a morgue by now." She sent Izuku a small, reassuring smile, earning a slight blush from him.

Setsuna smirked, leaning back in her seat as she shifted her attention to Kaminari. "Plus, no offense, but Midoriya's got way better chances with the girls than you do," she said, pointing at Kaminari with a teasing grin.

"Hey! I've got more charisma than Midoriya!" Kaminari protested, practically leaping from his chair.

Setsuna shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure, but charisma isn't everything. Midoriya might be awkward, but that's half the appeal. No offense, but he's got the best shot at getting a girlfriend out of all of you."

Tsuburaba folded his arms, leaning back with a smug grin. "I don't see it. I've got pretty good game. Give me a month, and I'll have a girlfriend."

"Pfft!" Setsuna laughed, nearly doubling over. "Yeah, sure, keep dreaming. Look, girls like a guy who's real. Midoriya isn't out here trying to impress anyone, but he still manages to be a badass. And-" she pointed at Kaminari for emphasis, "-he doesn't flirt with every girl who walks into the room like someone else."

Kaminari shrank back slightly, grumbling under his breath, while Setsuna turned back to the group with a grin. "He's selfless, brave, and would probably walk through fire for any of us. That's what makes him stand out."

Izuku's face turned an alarming shade of red as his heart pounded in his chest. He ducked his head, staring intently at his food, wishing the conversation would move on.

Mineta, fists clenched in frustration, smacked the table hard. "DAMMIT, SHE'S RIGHT! HE HAS THE QUALITIES OF A DAMN HAREM PROTAGONIST!"

Izuku, flustered beyond belief, waved his hands in a panic. "M-Mineta, I promise I'm not a hare-" He froze mid-sentence, his head snapping toward the cafeteria doors as if he'd been struck.

His body went rigid, and a bead of sweat rolled down his temple. The girls immediately noticed his sudden shift.

"Uh... Dekiru, are you okay?" Ochako asked, her brows furrowed as she followed his line of sight to the door.

Izuku didn't respond. His fearful expression deepened as his hand unconsciously drifted toward the Omnitrix, his instincts screaming at him.

Iida placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Midoriya, what's wrong?" he asked, his voice steady.

Before Izuku could respond, the cafeteria doors swung open with a heavy thud. The room fell silent, a wave of tension washing over everyone as they turned to see the imposing figures of S.A.C.T. members entering the room. Their uniforms were pristine, their presence commanding, and their gazes scanned the room like hawks hunting prey.

The air grew heavy, and Izuku felt the weight of their stares settle on him.

...

The cafeteria fell silent as four individuals strode through the entrance. The air seemed to shift, tension rippling through the room like an electric current. Two men and two women made up the group, their presence dominating the space effortlessly.

All eyes locked on the man leading them—a tall figure with blonde hair cut in a buzz style, a long scar running diagonally across his face, and piercing blue eyes that seemed to drill into anyone they landed on. His gaze immediately locked onto Izuku, unyielding and sharp as steel.

"Holy shit, that's Lt. Steel," someone whispered, breaking the silence.

Murmurs erupted like wildfire among the students, each voice laced with awe, fear, or both.

"He's the leader of the main S.A.C.T. squad—the best of the best."

"A living legend... He's been part of every major operation for the last ten years!"

"His quirk makes him practically indestructible. They say he survived reentry from space!"

Izuku felt his Danger Sense flare, the sharp, stabbing warning pounding in his head like an alarm. His hand instinctively drifted toward the Omnitrix, his heart racing as he tried to process what was happening.

The rest of the team followed closely behind Steel. One was a short woman with pigtails, a disarmingly bright smile contrasting with her deadly reputation. Another was a tall woman with jet-black hair tied in a simple ponytail, her poised demeanor and striking resemblance to Yaoyorozu catching several students' attention.

The final member was a burly man with dark skin and a grim expression, his massive arms crossed as his sharp eyes swept across the room.

"That's Shotline! The sniper who can hit a target from miles away—she doesn't miss!"

"This is the All Might-level threat team..."

"Why are they here? Do you think there's a villain in the school?"

"Or maybe... they're after one of us."

Bakugou's smirk stretched wider as he leaned back in his seat. "Tch. Must be here for me. I mean, it makes sense—I'm the only one here who's got the power to rival All Might. Yeah, these extras wouldn't understand." He flexed his hand, the memory of Ashido's words gnawing at the edges of his pride.

But to his shock, the team didn't even spare him a glance. Their sharp, calculating gazes swept over him as if he didn't even exist. Todoroki, quietly enjoying his soba, felt their eyes briefly flicker to him before moving on. Then, they focused entirely on one table—on Izuku Midoriya.

The room seemed to hold its collective breath as Steel's heavy boots echoed against the cafeteria floor. Every step felt like a countdown.

"Midoriya," Steel said, his voice cold and commanding, like a hammer striking an anvil. "If you don't mind, I'd like a word."

Izuku's Danger Sense hammered relentlessly in his skull. His heart raced as he awkwardly stood, rubbing his wrist as he tried to steady himself. All eyes were on him as he followed Steel out of the cafeteria, the rest of the team falling in line behind them.

The whispers started as soon as the door closed behind him.

"Why him? Why Midoriya? He seems like good guy."

"Do you think he's... dangerous?"

"You saw him during the first two events he's been holding back but the guy is a powerhouse."

"They only go after people who could become world-ending threats!"

"Yeah, or those they think might turn into villains. That's their whole purpose—to stop potential threats before they even become a problem."

Mirio Togata, sitting with Nejire and Tamaki, leaned forward with interest.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Nejire whispered excitedly. "Isn't that Steel? And that woman with the ponytail—she single-handedly took down those villains with overpowered quirks during the Shibuya Incident!"

"Yeah, that team's the real deal," another student muttered. "They operate outside the Hero Commission. They don't take orders from no one."

"What does S.A.C.T stand for anyway?" Nejire asked shaking Mirio.

"S.A.C.T.—the Specialized Anti-Catastrophe Taskforce. Their job is to identify, monitor, and, if needed, eliminate anyone they see as an existential threat to global safety," Amajiki muttered quietly, his gaze fixed on the door.

"They're basically the ones who keep potential heroes with overpowered quirks in check," Mirio added, his usual cheer replaced by a rare seriousness.

"You would have to be one powerhouse to get their attention." Amajiki said.

"Didn't they stop that rogue hero who almost destroyed half of Europe? They don't just show up for anyone."

Meanwhile, the girls at Izuku's table exchanged anxious glances, their eyes following his retreating form. Ochako fiddled nervously with her fingers, while Momo's grip on her chopsticks tightened imperceptibly. Mina's usual smile faltered, and even Kyoka, who typically exuded calm, couldn't hide the slight furrow in her brow.

"I don't like this," Momo muttered, her voice low but filled with worry.

Pony, sitting a few seats away, whispered to Kinoko. "Why would they want to talk to him?"

"They only go after people who might one day rival All Might..." Kinoko murmured, her eyes wide. "Shroom, Midoriya...?"

Kyoka practically panicked."But Green isn't even dangerous he's powerful but not anyway villainous!"

As Izuku disappeared through the door, the murmurs grew louder. Legends and stories about S.A.C.T. floated through the cafeteria like ghostly echoes.

"They were the ones who stopped the rogue villain in Egypt. He was the number one hero at the time but seemed to lose it."

"They've got a file on everyone they think could one day go rogue."

"Yeah, they don't just take action. They observe for years, watching for any sign of a slip-up."

"Can't believe they would consider him a threat. He doesn't seem that powerful," one student whispered, his voice tinged with doubt.

"Yeah, but you didn't see him during the entrance exam. The guy is one powerhouse," another student added, his tone more serious.

"But Midoriya? He's like the nicest guy in the world," Kirishima chimed in, his usual enthusiastic grin replaced with concern as he looked around at his classmates.

"Tch. They only seem a threat because of that stupid quirk of his. Without it, he's just a stupid, useless quirkless Deku!" a student snapped, shoveling food angrily into his mouth. His words, however, didn't go unnoticed.

"That applies to you too, dumbass," Sero replied, rolling his eyes.

"Huh?!" the angry student shot back, clearly confused.

"Here's a reality check: without your explosions, you're just an angry blonde guy who yells 'die' all the time," Kyoka said flatly, crossing her arms. A few chuckles rippled through the cafeteria, some of the students trying to hold back their laughter.

"Shut up! I'll blow you up, earlobe bitch!" Bakugou shouted, his face turning red with fury.

"Not cool, Bakubro," Kirishima said, his voice serious, though he tried to hide the concern in his tone.

"Yeah, that was uncalled for," Ashido added with a frown, arms crossed. "You really need to chill."

Bakugou just scoffed and crossed his arms, gritting his teeth. "When I beat you all in the third round, they'll see how I'm an All Might-level threat."

Itsuka's face twisted into a scowl. "What a bunch of idiots. How can they see Midoriya as a threat?"

Yui nodded, just as confused. "Yeah, it doesn't make sense."

Momo frowned, her expression troubled. "I know. Midoriya's not like that at all. He's always been kind, selfless, and determined. It's hard to imagine him ever turning into something they'd need to monitor like that."

Sero, munching on some food, spoke up quietly. "Hm... he did turn the thing that was meant to kill All—" He paused as the group shot him a sharp look. "...Might into ash." His voice lowered, realizing the weight of what he had said.

The room fell into a tense silence at the mention of All Might's name.

"But Dekiru's not some villain, he's—ugh!" Ochako exclaimed, her hands clenched in frustration. "I don't get it! Why would they think he's a threat?"

"Maybe they're just trying to intimidate him or something," Kaminari offered, scratching the back of his head. "You know, make sure he stays in check."

Tokoyami, as usual, was the calmest of the group. "Yes. Midoriya's power is undeniable. Perhaps this is a scare tactic to make sure he doesn't become a danger."

Shoji nodded thoughtfully. "They're probably just shaken, especially since they've never seen a quirk like his before."

The girls seemed to relax a little, though there was still a lingering unease.

"With his quirk," Momo said quietly, "I can see why they might think it could be dangerous if it were to get out of control."

Ochako clutched her chest, a worried expression on her face. "Yeah, but it's not like Dekiru has any reason to be a villain. I don't get why they'd come after him like this... He's always been there for us, not the other way around."

...

Izuku stood nervously in front of Lt. Steel, the weight of the man's hardened gaze bearing down on him. Steel's arms were folded, his broad shoulders giving him an almost immovable presence.

The lieutenant didn't sit immediately. He let the silence hang, as if daring Izuku to break it first, before finally settling into the chair opposite the boy. His movements were slow, deliberate, and commanding, as though even sitting was an exercise in asserting control.

"I assume you know who I am," Steel said, his voice gravelly but firm, with a sharp edge that made Izuku flinch.

"Y-Yes, sir," Izuku stammered, his Danger Sense hammering in his head like an alarm. "You're Lt. Steel, the leader of the main S.A.C.T. unit... the most elite fighting force in the world."

Steel gave a curt nod, his cold blue eyes narrowing. "Good. Then I won't waste time explaining who I am. Unlike Japan, we don't buy into the fantasy that everyone is inherently just or that power automatically belongs in the hands of those aspiring to be heroes."

His tone grew heavier, each word landing like a blow. "People like you—people with power on your level—are exactly the kind we keep in check."

Izuku's throat went dry, and he couldn't stop the nervous gulp that followed. Steel noticed but said nothing, letting the moment stew before continuing.

"You," Steel said, pointing a finger that felt like a dagger, "are the perfect example. When we first got the report about a so-called 'Quirkless' boy suddenly manifesting nineteen different quirks..." He paused, leaning forward, his voice hardening. "I was ready to have the agent who brought me that intel committed to a mental hospital."

Izuku blinked, unsure if Steel was joking or deadly serious. Judging by the steely glint in his eyes, it was the latter.

"And yet," Steel continued, his tone turning almost incredulous, "here you are. In less than a year, you've not only developed this absurd array of abilities but have somehow gained a level of control over them that most Pro Heroes struggle to achieve with just one." He leaned back, shaking his head slightly. "Do you know how impossible that sounds? How dangerous that makes you appear to anyone with a shred of common sense?"

Izuku's heart sank further with each word.

Steel's piercing gaze remained locked on Izuku. "Power like yours isn't just rare—it's unprecedented. It places you in a category of threats most of the world desperately prays will never exist."

Izuku trembled slightly but willed himself to stay composed, though the intensity of Steel's presence was almost suffocating.

"Now," Steel continued, his tone flat but menacing, "do you mind telling me what our criteria are for those lucky enough to catch our attention?"

Izuku swallowed hard, forcing himself to speak despite the growing lump in his throat. "You... you determine who could become a potential threat," he said, his voice shaky but clear. "You classify them into ranks based on how dangerous they might be. You... study their power so you can neutralize them if they ever endanger humanity." Nervous sweat dripped down his face as he finished.

Steel's lips curled into a faint, humorless smirk. "They warned me you were sharp. Now, Midoriya..." His voice dropped, growing colder. "Whether you like it or not, you are dangerous. We've studied you. We've seen the footage. And let me tell you—what we saw was nothing short of terrifying."

...

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes narrowing. "The USJ incident. That display of strength when you fought the Nomu? You moved so fast you were practically invisible to the naked eye. The sheer strength you demonstrated was frighteningly impressive."

"You went toe-to-toe with something that was meant to kill All Might and walked away victorious. That's no small feat. And those flames..." He straightened, his tone darkening further.

"When you reduced that creature to ash, the sheer destruction you unleashed... And the fact you were holding back only demonstrates how powerful you are."

Izuku's breath hitched, his body trembling despite himself.

Steel's expression hardened further. "Let me guess—you weren't treated kindly before you got those quirks." It was less a question and more an accusation, but when Izuku remained silent, Steel sighed and shook his head.

"People can be cruel, and Japan..." He paused, his voice laced with disdain. "Japan prefers everyone to fit neatly into their little boxes. Quirkless? That makes you a nail sticking out. And your culture?" He scoffed. "It prefers to hammer down problems rather than deal with them. No offense, but that's a fact."

Izuku flinched at the harsh truth of Steel's words, memories of his past surfacing unbidden.

Steel didn't stop. "Now, I'm not going to sugarcoat this: the fact you were quirkless, the fact you're an emotional teenager, and the fact you now have the power to level a city block or turn supernova hot? That makes you dangerous—extremely dangerous."

He leaned forward again, his gaze cold and calculating. "Someone like you, with immeasurable power, who gained it out of nowhere and has only had it for... what, a year? Your growth is impressive, I'll give you that. But it's also terrifying. No normal person should be able to master that many abilities in such a short time. That's not natural—it's a red flag."

Steel stood, towering over Izuku, and began to pace slowly. "If you think you're the first 'late bloomer' we've seen, you're dead wrong. The most dangerous foes I've ever faced have been late bloomers. Take the Shibuya Incident from ten years ago." His voice grew grim. "The villain had an anger-based quirk that built up for twenty years. When it finally exploded, he tore through 145 Pro Heroes like they were nothing."

Izuku's stomach churned as he recalled the incident from his studies.

Steel stopped pacing and stared down at him, his tone cutting like a blade. "And how many civilians do you think he killed? How many lives were lost before we finally put him down?"

Izuku hesitated but finally whispered, "150,000."

Steel nodded sharply. "He was a lot like you, Midoriya. Meek, timid, the kind of guy people didn't take seriously—until he'd had enough. He snapped. He was only human, after all. But his power... his rage... turned him into a walking catastrophe."

Steel's eyes bore into Izuku, unyielding and cold. "I see that same terrifying potential in you. I don't even want to imagine what would happen if someone like you—someone with your kind of power—ever reached their breaking point. Whether it's a year from now, or ten years from now... if you do, may God help us all."

He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a deadly whisper. "But I'll promise you this: if that day comes, I will put you down. No hesitation. No second chances."

Izuku clenched his fists, his head lowered as he struggled to keep his composure. The words stung, but what hurt more was how much of it he couldn't deny. Memories of the bullying, the insults, and the isolation clawed their way to the forefront of his mind.

Steel, seeing the boy's reaction, shook his head slightly. "Don't take it personally, kid," he said, though his tone carried no warmth.

"History has shown us what happens when people like you—people who've suffered—suddenly gain immense power. They can become the worst kind of threat. And you?" He gestured toward Izuku. "You've proven, even in your human form, that you have strength comparable to All Might."

Steel turned his back to Izuku and began walking away. "You're powerful, Midoriya. Too powerful. And my team? We don't take risks. Not with people like you."

"Nothing personal," Steel said, his tone sharp. "I don't think you're a bad kid. But no one who's endured ten years of torment walks away from it without scars. No human is so forgiving that they can just shrug that off entirely. There's always something—resentment, anger, maybe even a need to prove something."

"We'll be watching you, especially during your fight with Bakugou. How you handle that will tell us exactly what we need to know about you."

With that, Steel turned on his heel and walked away, his words hanging heavy in the air like a warning.

Izuku sighed heavily."Oh, man." Izuku then turned in the opposite direction of Steel.

...

As Lt. Steel turned a corner, he came face-to-face with Principal Nezu, who stood with his hands clasped neatly behind his back, his expression unreadable.

"We will be keeping a close eye on him," Steel said without preamble, his voice firm and unyielding.

Nezu tilted his head slightly, his calm demeanor never faltering. "I can assure you, Midoriya is one of the most noble individuals I've ever encountered. His selflessness knows no bounds, and I believe you are making a grave mistake by doubting his intentions."

Steel met the principal's gaze with unwavering seriousness. "Maybe. But he's still an emotional fifteen-year-old with immense, unchecked power. If there's one thing history has proven, it's that humans can be their own worst enemy. Catastrophe doesn't come out of nowhere—it's often born out of good intentions or unresolved pain."

Nezu's eyes narrowed slightly at the implication, but he remained silent as Steel continued.

"Look, I'm not saying he's a bad kid. From what I've seen, he probably is as good as you say. But with the kind of power he has—strength that can level cities and flames hotter than anything we've seen—it would be irresponsible not to keep him on our radar. Power like that needs accountability, and if he ever loses control, it could cost countless lives."

Steel gave Nezu one last look before turning away. "I'll leave you with this: you might trust him completely, but we don't have the luxury of that kind of faith."

As Steel walked off, Nezu sighed deeply, his calm mask slipping ever so slightly to reveal a hint of worry. "Faith, Lt. Steel, is sometimes the strongest shield we have... and the hardest to maintain."

...

Izuku made his way through the halls, his mind still spinning from his conversation with Lt. Steel and the revelation that S.A.C.T. considered him a potential threat. "Me? A threat? Seriously? I know I'm strong, but... I don't understand... Why does it feel like I'm being punished for just trying to do the right thing?" Izuku groaned, frustration bubbling to the surface. He decided against returning to the cafeteria, unwilling to face the stares and whispers from his classmates.

Lost in thought, he suddenly tensed as a sharp, stabbing pain shot through his senses. Danger Sense?! Green electricity erupted around his body as he instinctively leaped into the air, flipping backward with precision and landing behind his attacker—

"United Surprise SMASH!" All Might's booming voice filled the hallway as his fist stopped inches from where Izuku had stood moments before.

"ALL MIGHT?!" Izuku shouted, his eyes wide with shock. "WHAT THE HECK ARE YOU DOING?!"

Izuku blinked, still trying to process the sudden change. "Uh, yeah, I'm... I'm fine, I guess..." His voice wavered as he nervously scratched his head. "But, seriously, what was that? Why did you attack me?"

"During the first two events, you reacted to attacks before they even landed," All Might continued, his tone shifting to something more serious. "Shoda's strike and that minefield—there was no way you could have seen them coming. You were aware of them... before they happened. It's like you have some kind of sixth sense."

Izuku frowned, looking down, still uncertain. "Yeah... It has something to do with One For All..." He hesitated, nervously glancing up at All Might. "And you're gonna think I'm crazy when I tell you this..."

All Might folded his arms, his usual cheerful demeanor replaced with an intense focus. "Try me."

Izuku took a deep breath and recounted his dream from earlier that morning. How he dreamt of the One For All users. How they spoke of some sort of entity keeping them from speaking with him.

...

"A previous One For All quirk? So it's some kind of evolved form of One For All...?" All Might asked, his voice filled with curiosity.

Izuku nodded. "It's called Danger Sense. They didn't give me a lot of information—just that it's awakened... but our conversation came to an abrupt end. They didn't seem able to talk to me for long."

All Might cupped his chin thoughtfully. "Well, at least it wasn't something like my master's quirk. Imagine floating around—people would raise eyebrows, especially with the Omnitrix on top of that. You've got everyone watching you closely now."

Izuku nodded in understanding. "Yeah, I had to explain it to most of my class. I told them that since my quirk enhances my body, with my new limits, I've also gotten an increase in my senses."

All Might raised an eyebrow. "Pretty good lie. You're getting pretty good at this."

Izuku blinked, a little unsure. "Uh... Is that a good thing?"

All Might looked a bit uncomfortable, scratching the back of his head. "Well, let's not dive into the moral ambiguity of it. Anyway, it seems like you're getting a pretty good handle on it."

Izuku chuckled. "Well, suddenly getting new powers on the fly isn't exactly new for me."

"Oh, right," All Might said, his gaze momentarily drifting toward the Omnitrix.

Izuku rubbed his temples. "But... it's annoying, especially since there's no off button. I wish it would just stop sometimes."

All Might folded his arms, his tone shifting into more of a mentor's mode. "It's a sense, right? Like hearing or tasting. You just need to focus on picking out the danger from everything else."

Izuku grimaced. "Yeah, but it feels like someone's stabbing me in the brain every time it goes off."

All Might patted Izuku on the shoulder, offering a reassuring smile. "How about we talk about it more later? The ability to possess the quirks of previous wielders... Even my master didn't know about this."

Izuku's eyes brightened at the thought. "Ooh, maybe I could use Brainstorm to come up with a few different theories about it!" His excitement was palpable. "Though I probably need a list of the previous quirks just in case..."

All Might chuckled, nodding. "Well, at least you're taking the fact that you've got a new quirk in stride, young man."

Izuku shrugged nonchalantly. "My forms sometimes come with abilities I didn't know about at first. Like... did you know Upgrade can travel through electrical lines? Amphibian can breathe underwater, and I didn't even know that until I tried it! I mean, after a few times, you kind of get used to it." His face practically sparkled with excitement.

All Might couldn't help but smile at the boy's enthusiasm. "You do seem pretty excited about it," he said, a chuckle escaping his lips. "But enough about that. You should head back to the arena. The third event's about to be announced."

Izuku's eyes widened as he realized how much time had passed. "Oh, right! By, All Might!" he called over his shoulder before running off down the hall, rounding the corner in a hurry.

All Might watched him go with a fond smile, shaking his head. "That kid..."

...

Izuku turned a corner, freezing mid-step when he came face-to-face with Class A and B girls dressed in cheerleader uniforms. The sight stunned him into silence, and the girls, equally caught off guard, froze in place.

"Eh?" Izuku blinked, his voice breaking the tense quiet.

"Eh?" the girls echoed, their surprise mirroring his.

A beat of awkward silence stretched between them before:

"EEHHHH!?" they all exclaimed in unison.

Izuku's face burned crimson as his mind raced, trying—and failing—not to acknowledge the scene before him. His eyes darted away, hands flying up to cover his face. Don't look, don't look, don't look!

"W-W-What a-are y-you wearing!?" he stammered, his voice cracking.

The girls immediately tugged at their uniforms, self-conscious under his gaze.

Kyoka hid behind her yellow pompoms, her face almost as red as Izuku's. "I-I can't believe you're seeing this," she muttered, mortified.

Ibara, turning as pink as her vines, used them to wrap around herself protectively. "T-This is most improper," she murmured, her tone laced with embarrassment.

Momo, usually composed, was a blushing mess. Of all people to see me like this... why him? she thought, wishing she could sink into the floor.

Tsuyu's blush was subtle, but she croaked out her feelings plainly. "Midoriya, you looking at us like this is a little embarrassing."

The girls nodded in agreement, their collective embarrassment only making Izuku's panic worse. He turned away quickly, holding his hands up in surrender. "S-Sorry! But... why are you all wearing cheerleader uniforms!?"

Kyoka buried her face further into her pompoms, unable to meet his gaze.

Tsuyu, taking the lead, responded, "Aizawa-sensei and Vlad King said it was for morale."

"Yup," Setsuna chimed in, her tone playful. Then, with a sly grin, she struck a deliberately sexy pose, arching her back slightly and placing a hand on her hip as she gave him a teasing smile. "What do you think, Midoriya? Do we look... motivating?"

"H-Huh? Aizawa-sensei and Vlad King said that?" Izuku asked, incredulous.

Mina, unable to resist, gave him a mischievous grin. She could practically see the steam rising from his head. "Yup! Cheer battles, Midoriya. It's all about keeping spirits high!"

Ochako, trying to hide her embarrassment, managed a small nod. "They said it was mandatory... for the girls," she added, tugging at the hem of her skirt.

"And we're totally going to beat Class A!" Setsuna declared confidently, throwing her pompoms into the air.

Pony joined in, shaking her pompoms with infectious enthusiasm. "Yeah! I was a cheerleader back in America during my freshman year. We're gonna wreck you overhyped losers!"

Itsuka sighed, her face still flushed. "Pony, please tell me you're not picking up phrases from Monoma again."

Pony hesitated, a guilty look crossing her face. "M-Maybe?"

Amidst the teasing and boasting, Izuku squinted suspiciously, a thought dawning on him. "Wait a second... Aizawa-sensei said this?"

The girls exchanged nervous glances, their bravado faltering.

"Uh... yeah," Toru said hesitantly, her voice trailing off.

Izuku raised an eyebrow, his tone growing more dubious. "The same Aizawa-sensei who doesn't even care if Kacchan refuses to wear a tie?"

The group froze, the realization hitting them like a truck. Their faces burned brighter as they tried to hide behind their pompoms.

"Aizawa-sensei doesn't even enforce dress code," Izuku added, crossing his arms. Their faces burned brighter as they tried to use their pompoms to shield their midriffs.

Izuku sighed, his tone now exasperated. "I-I'm almost afraid to ask, but... who really told you to wear these?"

The silence that followed was deafening.

--

...

"By Tsuburaba and..." Itsuka trailed off, her face twisting into an annoyed scowl. "Ugh..."

"Kaminari," Momo added, her voice tinged with exasperation, clearly unable to comprehend how they'd fallen for such a trick.

Izuku, still keeping his head turned away to avoid looking directly at them, blinked in disbelief. "Wait, you guys actually thought Aizawa would use Kaminari for something like this? I mean, I know he's not as bad as Mineta, but seriously, do you really think he would trust either of them to enforce a dress code, especially for something like this?"

The words hung in the air as all the girls flushed crimson, a wave of embarrassment washing over them.

A few girls sighed in frustration. Jirou flung her pom-poms to the ground with a dramatic gesture. "That asshole!" she growled, her face red with both anger and humiliation.

"Ugh! I can't believe we fell for this!" Kinoko huffed, shaking her head as she looked at the ground in disbelief.

Momo, on the verge of a breakdown, collapsed to her knees. "I can't believe I let him trick me like this... I even used my quirk!" Her voice was full of regret, and she tugged helplessly at her cheerleader outfit as if it would make the situation less awkward.

Izuku, his face still flushed from the entire ordeal, couldn't help but think about Kaminari—and Tsuburaba—those two pervs, both equally guilty of pulling off such a ridiculous prank. His internal thoughts finally got the better of him and he let out a small, barely contained chuckle.

"Pfft," the sound escaped before he could stop it.

The moment the sound left him, the girls' faces exploded into an even more intense blush. His little snort didn't go unnoticed.

Kyoka's face went beet red as she stormed toward him. "Did you just snort?!" she accused, her voice rising as her embarrassment gave way to irritation. She glared at him, cheeks glowing.

Izuku immediately clamped a hand over his mouth, his face even more flushed as he tried desperately not to laugh again. "S-sorry! I didn't mean it! I swear!"

Kendo marched over next, her eyes narrowing in a mix of embarrassment and frustration. "Oh, you think this is funny, Midoriya?" Her tone was challenging, but her cheeks betrayed the heat rising in them.

Izuku quickly put his hands up in defense, trying to shield himself from her glare. "N-no, it's not funny!" His voice was frantic as he stumbled over his words. "It's just... I think it's kinda funny that they actually managed to trick all of you..." His words trailed off, as he realized the truth behind his statement—this whole situation was a bit ridiculous.

The girls all blushed even harder, clearly embarrassed by his blunt honesty.

"I mean, they're literally the two biggest perverts in school," Izuku added awkwardly. "And they asked you to wear cheerleader uniforms... I mean, I don't want to point fingers, but..." His voice faltered a bit, realizing how inappropriate his comment sounded.

Tsuyu, tapping her finger thoughtfully on her chin, looked down for a moment before looking up at him with a resigned sigh. "Well, in hindsight... yeah, this one's kinda on us, ribbit."

...

Kyoka groaned and buried her face in her pom-poms. "Ugh!" she mumbled, peeking out just enough to glare at Izuku. "But you didn't have to laugh..."

Izuku turned bright red as her pouty expression caught him off guard. She looked almost too cute for her usual sarcastic demeanor, and his mind betrayed him by taking note of how the uniform fit her petite frame. The way it hugged her figure and highlighted her slender legs sent a jolt through him, and before he realized it, he had been staring.

Kyoka noticed his gaze, and though she immediately felt self-conscious, her heart skipped a beat. Her face burned as she whispered, "W-What are you looking at...?"

Izuku whipped his head around, mortified. "N-Nothing! S-Sorry!" he stammered, waving his hands frantically.

Before the awkwardness could escalate, Yui stepped forward, her expression as calm as ever. She adjusted her skirt slightly, then posed shyly in front of him, her hands behind her back.

"Ahem."

The sound of Yui clearing her throat snapped Izuku from his thoughts. He glanced up just in time to see her pose in front of him, a bit awkwardly but trying to hide the nervousness in her expression.

"Izuku..." she said, her voice softer than usual.

Izuku blinked rapidly, caught off guard by her sudden shift in demeanor. "H-huh?" he stammered, still flustered and a bit distracted.

Yui shifted a little, trying to compose herself, though there was a subtle hint of pink on her cheeks. "How do you think I look?"

Izuku's brain short-circuited as the words registered. His face exploded into an even deeper shade of crimson. "H-Huh?"

Yui tilted her head, her usual monotone voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. "I wanted to know your opinion... on how I look."

Izuku's mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water, his mind spinning wildly. "U-Uh, w-well, I, um... y-you look..."

"Ribbit... I know you're extremely nervous, but can you tell me what you think, regardless?" Tsuyu asked, her tone soft yet steady, her large, unblinking eyes fixed intently on his.

Izuku froze on the spot, his face turning a shade of crimson so deep it felt like his entire body was on fire. The sensation of her tongue wrapped around his arm was unexpected, and he struggled to find words, his heart pounding erratically in his chest.

Before he could stammer out a reply, the Omnitrix on his wrist emitted a series of rapid beeps.

"Huh?" Izuku murmured, his attention snapping to the device as the faceplate popped open with a click, followed by a sharp hiss as it sealed shut.

"Midoriya!" Tsuyu exclaimed, quickly retracting her tongue as a bright green light erupted, engulfing him in a glowing, pulsating sphere.

The sudden flash forced the girls to shield their eyes. Momo held up an arm protectively while Mina took a cautious step back.

"Ay, whoa, who's the new alien in town?" Izuku's voice emerged, deeper and laced with a confident Brooklyn accent. He glanced down at himself, his muscular, amphibian-like body a stark departure from his usual form.

Tsuyu's wide eyes locked on the new alien, her lips parting slightly. She tilted her head, her voice soft. "Ribbit... You're like me."

"A frog?" Setsuna asked, stepping closer and squinting at Izuku's alien form. "More like a frog who's been hitting the gym. Damn, Midoriya!"

...

Setsuna leaned against the wall, half-lidded eyes glinting with mischief. "Back on topic... So, Midoriya, do you think we look sexy or not? Since you're the only guy to see us in cheerleader uniforms," she teased, twirling her pom-pom lazily. "Bet you feel like one hell of a lucky guy to see us all like this."

Ordinarily, Izuku would've turned into a stammering, blushing mess, barely able to get a word out. However, this time was different.

Bullfrag stepped forward with a swagger in his stride, his wide grin showing off sharp teeth. Without a word, he pressed Setsuna firmly against the wall, his large frame towering over her.

The girl's grin faltered, her eyes widening in shock. Her breath hitched, and she involuntarily leaned back into the wall, her chest rising and falling more quickly than usual.

"Yeah, it is," Bullfrag said smoothly, his voice carrying a distinct Brooklyn twang, his golden eyes glinting with amusement as he took a step closer, the heat of his body radiating against hers.

The girls froze, their voices blending in stunned unison. "Huh?"

"You know," Bullfrag continued, his tone dropping an octave as his gaze roamed over Setsuna, his eyes narrowing slightly as he appreciated her appearance, "not gonna lie—you're lookin' real fine in that outfit, sweetheart." His gaze lingered longer than normal, making Setsuna's stomach flutter nervously, a blush creeping up her neck.

The room fell into a stunned silence, and Setsuna's body heated up, her palms growing clammy. Her legs wobbled slightly under the pressure, and she tried to steady herself.

"Did... did Midoriya just flirt?" Momo asked, her fan now frozen mid-wave as her face flushed red. She looked between Bullfrag and Setsuna, her heart racing in disbelief.

Setsuna blinked, still pinned against the wall as her mind tried to catch up with the situation. Her body trembled slightly, her muscles tense under the unexpected proximity. Then, a smirk crept across her face, though the faint blush on her cheeks betrayed her composure. "Oh? Pressing a girl against the wall? How scandalous of you," she teased, her voice tinged with forced confidence, but her pulse quickened, betraying her.

"Scandalous? Nah," Bullfrag replied, leaning in closer with a cocky smirk, his breath brushing against her ear. "This is just how I like to set the mood." His gaze traveled down her figure, his smirk widening as he noticed her body language shift. Setsuna's confidence faltered, and she couldn't ignore the heat in her chest as her breath caught in her throat.

"...Maybe you could use a little excitement in your life," Bullfrag added, dragging out the word "excitement" with a playful lilt, his lips curling into a confident, teasing grin.

The other girls stared, their mouths agape, completely unprepared for this bold side of Izuku. Their bodies stiffened in shock, and they exchanged uneasy glances.

Yui's normally stoic demeanor cracked as her eyes widened, sparkling with curiosity. A faint blush spread across her cheeks, and she bit her lip absentmindedly, wiping away a bit of drool as she watched the scene unfold, her chest tightening.

Kyoka fidgeted uncomfortably, her earphone jacks twitching nervously as she crossed her arms over her chest, her body tense with both confusion and something else.

"What the hell, Midoriya?" she muttered, Her face burned pink as she avoided looking at him directly, her hands shaking ever so slightly.

Tsuyu pressed a finger to her lips, her wide eyes darting between Bullfrag and Setsuna. "Ribbit... His forms change his personality...'

Setsuna gulped, her breath shallow, her body almost vibrating with the sudden rush of adrenaline. For once, it felt like Midoriya had the upper hand. "Oh? And what do you have in mind, pervert?" she asked, trying to maintain her teasing tone, though the nervousness in her voice betrayed her, her legs shaking slightly under the pressure of his proximity.

Bullfrag's grin only grew wider. Without hesitation, he extended his tongue, wrapping it around Mina and pulling her close with ease, his muscles flexing as he did so, showing off his strength.

"Whoa!" Mina yelped as she stumbled forward, her pom-poms falling to the floor. She found herself pressed against his other arm, her face turning a deep shade of lilac. She struggled slightly, her body flushed, her heart racing.

Bullfrag now stood between the two girls, his hands braced above their shoulders. His smirked."I think I got a pretty good idea of how we could make things... excitin'," he said, his tone dripping with charm, his breath warm against their faces.

Mina gulped, her voice trembling. "U-Um, M-Midori... We should probably leave now, you know?" she stammered, her hands weakly pushing against his chest, though her body still reacted to his nearness, her pulse quickening.

"Nah, doll face, you ain't goin' nowhere," Bullfrag said smoothly, his tone teasing yet assertive, making both girls blush even harder. His grin was cocky as he leaned down slightly, ensuring they felt the weight of his gaze.

"I mean, with the way you tease me all the time, a guy could start gettin' ideas," he continued, his golden eyes glinting with amusement as his gaze flicked between the two girls, his body swaying slightly with an easy confidence.

Ashido's and Setsuna's faces turned beet red as they tried to stammer out a response. Their bodies tensed, and they both unconsciously crossed their arms, trying to create some distance between themselves and Bullfrag.

"Hey, I'm just givin' back a little of the affection you gals always show me," Bullfrag said casually, shrugging as if it were the most natural thing in the world, his stance relaxed but still imposing.

Setsuna's heart raced as she tried to push him away, her confidence shaken. "Oh, come on, Midoriya—you know we just tease you because it's fun," she said weakly, her voice unsteady as she shifted uncomfortably.

"Y-yeah, it's not like we..." Mina's voice trailed off, her blush deepening, her heart pounding in her chest.

"But it's somethin' else when you do it," Bullfrag replied, his voice dropping to a sultry murmur as he turned his attention back to Setsuna. He leaned in so close that she could feel his breath on her skin, his body pressing firmly against hers, making her pulse race. "Makes a guy feel real special, y'know?"

Setsuna's heart pounded so loudly she was sure he could hear it. Her palms were sweating, and she felt her body tense, her chest tightening under the intensity of his gaze. She had always found Midoriya cute and fun to be around, but this bold, confident side of him was something else entirely. She pressed her pom-poms to her chest, trying to steady her breathing, her body betraying her.

"Just showin' my appreciation to all the sexy ladies who brighten my day," Bullfrag said, flashing a grin at Mina.

Mina's face turned an even deeper shade of lilac, her breathing growing quicker. "Ribbit... W-what's the matter, Mina?" Bullfrag said, dragging out her name in a low, husky tone, causing her body to quiver involuntarily.

The sound sent shivers down everyone's spines. "You seem just as flustered as Setsuna."

Setsuna and Mina both turned redder at the way he said their names, their bodies radiating heat from the intense attention.

Bullfrag chuckled, his grin widening. "Aw, look at you two. Cute an' all flustered," he teased, leaning in a little closer. "Didn't know I had this kinda effect on ya."

Setsuna and Mina both froze, their hearts pounding harder as the warm, tickling feeling spread throughout their chests.

Bullfrag shrugged, a confident smirk never leaving his face. "Youse asked me to call ya by your first names, didn't ya?" he said casually, his Brooklyn accent thick with playful arrogance. "I'm just followin' through."

"Y-You can call me by my first name, but... transform back first..." Setsuna stammered, voice shaky as she fumbled for words. Her pulse raced in her ears.

Mina, still stunned, tried to shake herself out of her daze. "Y-Yeah... b-but not like... not like... Not like that!" she blurted, her face burning lilac.

Bullfrag leaned in closer, his voice dropping low, almost a whisper. "Not... like what?" he teased, his words slow and deliberate as he could practically feel their hearts racing.

Both girls trembled slightly under his gaze, the heat rising in their bodies. Setsuna's mind was reeling, her heart thumping in her chest like a drum. What's happenin'... what's this feelin'? She felt herself blush even more and instinctively hid behind her pom-poms, her chest tightening as her emotions spiraled.

"Girls, let's leave... please..." Setsuna whispered, trying to steady her breath but failing. Her chest felt tight, like her heart was ready to explode.

Ashido's chest heaved as she tried to regain her composure, but every time she glanced at Bullfrag, her heart skipped a beat. "D-Don't look at me like that... dummy," she muttered, her voice betraying the warmth coursing through her body.

...

Bullfrag's attention shifted toward the other girls, his arms folding across his chest as a sly grin spread across his face. "Remind me to thank Kaminari and Mineta for tricking you guys," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "Seein' you all like this really made my day."

The girls' faces flushed red, and some of them instinctively hid behind their pom-poms, shifting nervously as their feet shuffled beneath them. Despite the new form, they all knew this was still Izuku, and his teasing had the same effect on them as always—he was tugging at their heartstrings in a way that made them blush uncontrollably.

Momo, still kneeling on the ground, felt a firm hand on her arm, helping her up. "Momo..." Bullfrag's voice sounded low and smooth as he spoke her first name, making her heart skip a beat.

"Don't mind those idiots," Bullfrag continued, his tone warm and casual as he looked at the other girls with a glint in his eye. "They only tricked you 'cause they know you always see the best in people, and that's one of your best qualities."

Bullfrag's gaze lingered on Momo, scanning her from head to toe. His grin widened, and he said, "We all know what your... best features are..."

Momo instinctively crossed her arms over her chest, her cheeks flaming with embarrassment. "D-Don't know why you're coverin' up, Momo," Bullfrag teased. "Your best quality's that sexy mind of yours, not your body."

Momo's knees wobbled, and her face burned even brighter. She quickly covered her face with her hands, trying to hide her flustered expression.

Bullfrag then turned his attention to Jirou, his eyes scanning her legs and body. Jirou felt a strange flutter in her chest, and she quickly crossed her legs, her face turning red. "Stop lookin', you idiot!" she snapped, her voice a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Bullfrag smirked, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sorry, couldn't help myself," he said with a wink. "You're way too damn seductive."

His teasing didn't end there. As he turned his gaze toward Tsuyu, something in his expression shifted. He stopped mid-motion, almost like a man who had found something he had been searching for.

His eyes softened as he looked at her, his mouth dropping slightly. "Oh my..." Bullfrag murmured, his voice filled with awe. "Asui..."

"Call me Tsu," Tsuyu replied, her voice cool and calm, though a slight blush painted her cheeks.

Bullfrag's grin stretched even wider as he leaned in closer, his eyes never leaving hers. "If you call me Izuku," he said, his voice low and teasing.

Tsuyu remained composed, her expression unchanging, though the subtle blush on her face grew a little more noticeable. Bullfrag didn't give up, his tone taking a bold turn. "Now, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, Tsu. Let's find a love hotel together."

The girls gasped in unison, their eyes wide in disbelief. Tsuyu, however, didn't flinch. She remained calm and collected, her finger tapping thoughtfully on her chin.

The silence stretched on as the girls waited with bated breath, anticipating Tsuyu's response. After what felt like an eternity, she spoke, her voice calm yet with an underlying hint of amusement. "Uh, Tsu?"

"Huh?" Tsuyu responded absentmindedly, still glancing at Bullfrag, as though she was seriously considering his offer.

At that moment, Ochako couldn't stand it anymore. She felt a mix of embarrassment and something else she couldn't quite name as she watched Tsuyu be so nonchalant about Bullfrag's flirtations. With a quick movement, Ochako grabbed Tsuyu's arm and pulled her away, her voice urgent. "Come on, Tsu, let's go!"

The other girls quickly followed suit, fleeing in embarrassment and flustered confusion, their faces bright red as they bolted toward the locker room.

"I-I-I can't believe he looked at me like that!!!!" The girls thought collectively, their cheeks hot with humiliation.

"I-I know Midoriya's transformation changed his personality, but..." Ashido groaned, her face still burning. "Ugh, this isn't fair! I was supposed to tease him! But he totally flipped the script on me! T-That... ugh!"

"Ashido, Setsuna, hope you both realize it's both your fault," Momo said dryly, her voice tinged with amusement.

The girls all gave Ashido and Setsuna slight glares, their faces still flushed with a mix of frustration and embarrassment.

Setsuna, still clutching her chest, stood there in a daze. Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of the events that had just unfolded.

'N-No way... Am I...' she thought, her heart thudding in her chest.

...

A green flash erupted from the tunnel as Izuku staggered out, his face contorted in mortification, eyes wide with cringing horror at the memory. His pulse was racing, and every part of him felt like it was on fire from the embarrassment.

"Ah, Midoriya," Iida called out as he noticed Izuku drop to his knees, clutching at the grass.

"Midoriya?! What's wrong? What happened?!" Iida asked, his voice full of concern. Izuku appeared to be in a state of utter humiliation.

"I... I..." Izuku winced, still cringing at the recollection. "I..." He managed to give a brief explanation of the events, leaving out the details about Bullfrag, but still clearly struggling with the memory.

"How deplorable," Iida said, shaking his head in disappointment. "I can't believe they would do such a thing."

"Y-Yeah..." Izuku murmured, still lost in his embarrassment.

"Get those foam fingers in the air! It's almost time for the last round!" Present Mic's voice boomed over the loudspeaker, cutting through the tension.

"At least the females in both classes won't be subjected to such humiliation," Iida muttered. "Honestly, don't they understand how detrimental it could be for them? Pros may not take them seriously if they wore those cheerleader uniforms..." Iida shook his head in disapproval.

"I highly doubt it would have mattered," Izuku said, clearly distracted by the memory.

Present Mic continued his announcements, updating the crowd about the students who hadn't made it to the finals, while giving everyone enough time to prepare for the final round. "Good news for everyone who didn't make the finals! Since this is a sports festival, we've prepared some super-fun side games that everyone can participate in!"

Izuku winced, and Iida and Shoji, who had approached, noticed his reaction.

"What's wrong?" Shoji asked, tilting his head in confusion.

"Oh, nothing," Izuku replied with a forced chuckle. "Just... take it from me, there's nothing worse than a patronizing participation game after losing."

"Hm, I see how that could be perceived that way," Shoji said, nodding in understanding.

"This is one of the reasons I avoided the sports festival back in middle school," Izuku muttered, more to himself than to anyone else.

Meanwhile, Mineta, Kaminari, and Tsuburaba stood nearby, their eyes practically sparkling with excitement. In Denki's case, sparks even danced around him as he practically bounced on his feet.

"No way you managed this," Mineta said, his voice dripping with a lecherous tone. He was practically drooling in anticipation.

"Yup, Yaoyorozu and Kendo totally bought it! I saw Yaoyorozu working on the uniforms!" Kaminari added, his eyes wide with excitement.

Izuku's eyes widened as the realization dawned on him. His lips curled into a slight, almost smug, smile as he anticipated their disappointment.

"And we even brought cheerleaders from America to get your blood pumping!" Present Mic announced.

Mineta rubbed his hands together, his eyes bulging with excitement. "Here it comes!!"

Suddenly, from the darkness of the tunnel, out strode a group of furious girls—Jirou, Kendo with her fists enlarged, and Ibara with her hair-like vines ready to lash out.

"You idiots," Kyoka growled, her voice full of anger.

Mineta's mouth went dry, and Tsuburaba's face paled in fear as the three of them stumbled back, instinctively terrified by the girls' furious expressions.

Kyoka, seeing Izuku still on the ground, his embarrassment palpable, felt her heart race at the earlier interaction. Her mind reeled, but then a grin slowly spread across her face. She stepped forward, holding back the other two girls. "Hold on, girls, I... I have a better idea," Kyoka said, making both Ibara and Kendo raise an eyebrow in confusion.

Tsuburaba, Mineta, and Kaminari bolted off in the opposite direction, no longer willing to risk further humiliation. Kyoka, however, made her way to Izuku, who was still crouched on the ground, his face a shade of crimson.

She tapped his head gently with one of her jacks. "Hey," she said, her own cheeks a bit flushed now.

"Hey..." Izuku replied, looking up at her. "Look, I'm sorry about—"

Before he could finish, Kyoka placed one of her jacks on his lips, silencing him.

"You wanna make it up to me?" Kyoka asked, her voice playful, a mischievous grin on her face.

Izuku raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, but he nodded slowly.

Kyoka's grin widened as she leaned in, the moment hanging in the air between them.

...

"Man, can't believe they didn't fall for it," Kaminari muttered, hands casually resting behind his head.

"How come they came after me?! I didn't do anything!" Mineta screamed, his face red with indignation.

Tsuburaba shrugged nonchalantly, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Eh, you're known as a pervert. You're never gonna shake off those previous antics. Everyone's just gonna think you're up to something shady, no matter what."

"At least we made it out—"

Suddenly, a blue blur rushed past them, so fast they couldn't even react. FWOOSH!

Before they could process what happened, the atmosphere around them changed. The next thing they knew, they were standing there in the middle of the sports festival arena, in their underwear. The crowd roared with laughter as the three boys froze, blinking in confusion.

"WHAT THE—?!" Mineta shouted, looking around frantically as his hands shot to cover himself. His face was bright red.

Kaminari stood there, equally confused. "What the heck?! Why are we—?" He glanced around, realizing the embarrassing truth.

Tsuburaba tried to make sense of it. "I— I don't even know what just happened!"

Then, in the blink of an eye, another blue blur zipped past them again.

FWOOSH!

In an instant, they were dressed in cheerleader uniforms, complete with pom-poms. The entire arena fell silent for a moment before bursting into even louder laughter. The sudden transformation left them utterly exposed and beyond embarrassed.

"HUH?!"

"WHOA, WHAT'S THIS? DENKI KAMINARI? MINORU MINETA? KOSEI TSUBURABA? ARE GOING FULL FANSERVICE!"

Class A and B couldn't stop laughing at the sight of the three boys now in full cheerleader attire, pom-poms in hand, standing awkwardly in the middle of the stadium.

"What are you guys wearing?!" Kirishima roared with laughter, nearly falling over from how hard he was laughing. "HAHAHA!"

Sero was almost doubled over, unable to control his laughter. "Oh my God! Show off them legs, Kaminari!!" he shouted. "HAHAHAHA!"

Kaminari, Mineta, and Tsuburaba tried to hide behind their pom-poms, faces burning from the overwhelming embarrassment. They knew full well what a sight they must have been.

"Pffy! Bwahahaha! Tsuburaba, what the heck are you wearing?!" Kaibara shouted, clutching his stomach as he laughed uncontrollably.

Monoma let out a loud, obnoxious laugh as he pointed at Mineta and Kaminari. "HAHAHAHAHAHHA!! This is gold! Look at them!"

The laughter from Class A and B continued to echo through the arena, with Mina and Ashido nearly doubling over from how hard they were laughing. "I can't even... This is too perfect!" Mina gasped between fits of laughter, clutching her stomach.

Kyoka stood with a smug look on her face as the three boys glanced at her, only to see a green flash and realize Izuku was walking towards her. They froze, eyes widening in realization.

"M-Midoriya... Y-You did this?" Kaminari stammered, still trying to process what had just happened.

"Why?" Tsuburaba asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Kyoka crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "You know damn well why, you idiots." She snapped. "Aizawa and Vlad King didn't order us to wear cheerleader uniforms!"

The three boys flinched at her sharp words, their faces burning with embarrassment.

Ibara passed by, shaking her head in disappointment. "To think you would misuse our trust for your own lustful fantasies... Truly unworthy of being heroes." With that, she whipped each of them across the face with a vine, leaving their cheeks red and swollen.

"I-Isn't that a bit much?" Izuku asked, watching with some concern as the boys recoiled from the strike.

Kyoka, still flushed, shot him a look. "You weren't wearing cheerleader uniforms a minute ago." Her voice was laced with irritation, though she clearly found the situation hilarious.

Izuku blushed slightly, nodding. "Fair enough," he muttered.

Momo folded her arms, her gaze turning critical. "You both should be ashamed of yourselves. Abusing the trust of your classmates like that. It's a good thing Midoriya found us when he did, or else we would have made complete fools of ourselves."

The three boys sniffled, the weight of their actions settling in. Realization hit them all at once, and Izuku began to back away slowly.

"MIDORIYA!!" they shouted in unison, their voices filled with betrayal.

"How could you betray us?!" Mineta wailed, his voice high-pitched. "This would've been perfect! But you just had to ruin it for all of us!"

Izuku shook his head, trying to avoid the intense stares of his classmates. "I somehow doubt every guy wanted to see a bunch of teenagers in cheerleader uniforms," Itsuka deadpanned, her arms crossed as she observed the chaos.

"That's because you have no taste! No ambition!" Tsuburaba shot back.

Kaminari blinked, suddenly realizing something. "Wait... Midoriya, that means you saw them!" He leaned forward. "Oh, please tell us everything!"

Mineta followed up with an eager grin. "I have to know who looked the hottest! Who had the best legs? Who was the sexiest?"

The girls, their faces flushed with embarrassment, looked at Izuku in silence, silently hoping for a response.

Izuku's face turned bright red at the attention. "Uh... well, look at the time, gotta go!" he stammered, suddenly sprinting away toward Midnight, his heart racing with discomfort.

The girls shot frustrated looks toward Izuku as he fled. "You could have at least said something..." Setsuna muttered under her breath.

...

"ALL RIGHT, EVERYONE! LET'S HAVE FUN COMPETING IN THE RECREATIONAL GAMES! WHEN THAT'S OVER, THE TWENTY-THREE FROM THE FOUR TEAMS THAT MADE IT TO THE FINAL ROUND WILL DUKE IT OUT TOURNAMENT STYLE, ONE-ON-ONE!" Present Mic's voice boomed across the field, bringing energy to the crowd.

"The last round is a tournament where we fight one-on-one, huh? I'm gonna stand on the stage that I watch every year on TV!" Kirishima said, his excitement practically radiating off of him. He was proud to have made it this far.

"Was it a tournament last year?" Mina asked, tilting her head in confusion.

"It's different every year, but there's always a one-on-one competition," Hanta explained. "Last year, it was a sports chanbara match."

"Now, let's draw lots to determine the bracket!" Midnight continued, her voice full of energy. "Once the bracket is determined, we'll have the recreational games, and then we'll get started! The sixteen finalists can choose whether or not they want to participate in the recreational games. I'm sure some of you want to rest or save your strength."

She turned to the first name on the list. "Izuku Midoriya!" she called.

Izuku stood up, his heart racing. As he moved forward, he noticed Todoroki staring at him, a determined look on his face. We're in different brackets. The only way I'll get to fight him is if we both make it to the finals... Todoroki thought, watching Izuku with a calculated expression.

"Huh? Who's Uraraka?" Bakugou asked, his eyes narrowing in irritation.

"We're in different brackets. The only way I get to fight you is if we both make it to the finals. Make it to the finals so I can beat you," Todoroki thought, before his mind wandered to the flames he had felt at the USJ—during their first battle trial—and the intense speed Izuku showed in the Quirk assessment. To his surprise, his hand began to shake. Why am I shaking? he thought, placing his hand over his face and taking a few deep breaths to calm himself.

"Shoto Todoroki."

As Todoroki snapped out of his thoughts, Billy Billions smirked and walked past him, catching Todoroki's attention. A scowl crossed Todoroki's face. He had never liked Billy. The way he spoke about people like they were his property, using his money and influence to get whatever he wanted—it all grated on him.

"I hope we can have a good fight," Billy said, his tone almost patronizing. "You and I, we're the same. Both of us have to live up to expectations."

"I am nothing like you," Todoroki snapped, his eyes blazing with fury. His words caught everyone's attention.

Jirou and Izuku exchanged a glance, both aware of Todoroki's past and the weight of his words.

"Everything about you disgusts me," Todoroki said, his voice filled with venom. "Someone like you should never be here." He walked away, his expression a mixture of anger and frustration.

"Man, I get his quirkless, but that wasn't necessary," a student from Class B commented.

"Yeah, I didn't think Todoroki was the type to act like that," Kaminari added, visibly unsettled.

"Are we sure that's the reason Billy has other... unpleasant attributes?" Momo mused aloud, looking at the others in confusion.

Izuku shook his head. "No, that's not the reason, trust me," he replied, though he was clearly unsettled by Todoroki's outburst. He walked away with Ojiro, his mind still lingering on the confrontation.

As they moved off, Izuku caught sight of Monoma smirking at him. If I beat Monoma, I'm going to fight Kendo, Izuku thought to himself, still processing the weight of the moment.

"Midoriya?" Monoma called, stepping toward him, his hand extended in an almost mocking gesture.

But before Monoma could get too close, Ojiro grabbed Izuku by the shoulder, pulling him away. "Don't let him touch you," Ojiro said firmly, his voice low.

Izuku raised an eyebrow. "But his Quirk doesn't work on me—"

"It's not his Copy Quirk I'm worried about," Ojiro interrupted, his gaze sharp as he scanned the area. Monoma smirked, clearly thinking he'd already won the match before it even began.

"You know, Midoriya, I'm honestly kind of jealous of you," Monoma began, crossing his arms and watching Izuku with a twisted expression. "Let's be honest—everyone has their eyes glued to you. Even S.A.C.T sees you as a potential threat to All Might. And I'm sure I'm not the only one who envies you."

Izuku blinked in surprise. "Huh?"

"I mean, how do you think your classmates feel? You're always showing them up in the fields they've worked their asses off to excel in," Monoma continued, a bitter edge in his voice.

Some of Class 1-A flinched, but Izuku remained confused. Showing them up? What is he talking about?

"Take Iida, for example. He's supposed to be the fastest in his year, but even with your transformations, you still outclass him in speed," Monoma said, his words cutting deep.

Then Monoma shifted his gaze to Momo, who looked visibly uncomfortable. "And Yaoyorozu, who prides herself on her intelligence, but you proved you're far smarter than her at the USJ."

Momo herself stiffened, feeling the sting of the comparison.

Monoma smirked, his words growing colder. "I could list off all the reasons, but when I beat you, it will be satisfying—not just for me, but probably for the rest of your class too. The guy who's shown them up finally getting beaten. I can already picture the satisfied looks on their faces."

He turned and walked away, leaving a tense silence behind him.

Ojiro, sensing an opportunity, grabbed Izuku's arm and gently pulled him away. "Let's just get out of here," he said quietly, guiding Izuku toward a quieter corner of the arena. Izuku glanced over his shoulder, seeing how the encounter had affected some of his classmates.

"I know I shouldn't be jealous, but I'm at least going to push myself," Momo thought, clenching her fist, her resolve hardening.

...

Izuku sat in the waiting room with Kirishima and Ojiro, the tension of the upcoming match hanging in the air.

"So, you think Monoma copied Shinso's quirk?" Izuku asked, his voice laced with curiosity.

Ojiro nodded. "Yeah. He came up to me when we were forming teams, asking me to join his. I turned him down, and when we shook hands... everything went blank. I was under his control for most of the Capture the Flag game."

"How do I beat someone like that?" Kirishima asked, clearly uneasy. "I mean, my quirk relies on getting close to my opponent."

Ojiro responded calmly, "You don't give him the chance to use it. He couldn't control me until we made skin-to-skin contact."

"Skin to skin? S-So all I have to do is just beat him up without touching his skin?" Kirishima said, relief creeping into his voice. "So I'll just aim for his clothes."

"Exactly," Izuku said. "But Monoma might copy a quirk just to get close to me."

"Huh? Aren't you worried that he might copy your quirk?" Kirishima asked, his brow furrowing.

Izuku hesitated. "He's tried, but it doesn't seem to work on me."

"Maybe it's because you have that support item?" Ojiro suggested.

"Y-Yeah." Izuku's voice trailed off, his mind racing with questions. "But that doesn't explain why he can't copy One For All. Kendo told me he tried, and he went off on a rant saying he felt absolutely nothing—no quirk at all."

"So, I just have to be careful not to touch him, or I'll lose for sure?" Izuku murmured, his hands tented in front of him as he started to feel the weight of the match ahead.

"Not exactly," Ojiro replied. "Even if he gets you, there's still a chance. For round two, I don't remember much, except when you sent that shockwave."

"Oh yeah! You flicked and sent that massive shockwave! Dude, I didn't know you could do that with just a flick!" Kirishima said, clearly impressed, though Ojiro looked a bit embarrassed.

"I think we were attacking, and suddenly a massive wind pressure blasted me into a tree. That's when I realized I was free," Ojiro explained.

Izuku's eyes brightened as he tilted his head, starting to piece things together. "So, the shockwave broke the control?"

"Maybe," Ojiro said with a shrug. "It's just a guess. Still, I don't know how much of a shock it would take to break his spell. In a one-on-one match, you can't rely on outside forces to help you."

"Got it. I'll have to figure it out on my own," Izuku said, determination creeping into his voice.

Ojiro stood up. "Anyway, man, I hope that helps. It's all I know."

"Yeah, it helps a lot actually!" Kirishima said, his mood lifting.

"Thanks, Ojiro," Izuku added, giving his friend a grateful smile.

Just as the conversation wrapped up, the door to the waiting room creaked open. Kodai stepped in, her usual aloof demeanor present. "Oh, there you are," she said, looking at the three of them with a raised eyebrow.

"Yui? Did you need something?" Izuku asked, watching as she pulled out a card that read "Broccoli."

Kirishima and Ojiro snickered while Izuku stood there, looking completely confused.

"Scavenger hunt," Yui explained. "My card says 'broccoli,' and I've got the perfect person for the task."

Izuku blinked, still uncertain. "You mean me? My hair doesn't really look like broccoli, does it?"

"I mean, she's not wrong," Ojiro chuckled, giving a playful grin. "Go ahead, Midoriya. You need something to take your mind off the match."

Izuku smiled, a bit relieved by the lighter moment. "Yeah, I'll be your broccoli. Can't let stress ruin the fun of the festival."

Kodai grinned and grabbed his hand, slipping the card behind her back. "Great. Let's go, my broccoli."

...

""HEY GUYS, ARE YOU READY?!" Present Mic's voice boomed, pumping up the crowd, who erupted into an even louder cheer. "A LOT'S HAPPENED, BUT NOW IT COMES DOWN TO THIS! A SERIOUS BATTLE WHERE YOU CAN ONLY DEPEND ON YOURSELF! THE THIRD EVENT OF THE SPORTS FESTIVAL!!"

Izuku stood in the tunnel, stretching as the deafening roar of the crowd filled the air. His gaze was fixed on the platform ahead, his heart pounding in his chest. I got this. Izuku... he thought to himself, cracking his knuckles.

"AUDIENCE! THE FINALS YOU'VE BEEN WAITING FOR ARE FINALLY HERE!!" Present Mic shouted, causing the crowd to go wild with excitement.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted his thoughts. "Oh, I found you." Izuku turned, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest when he saw none other than Miruko standing before him, a carrot in hand and a smirk on her face.

"M-Miruko?" Izuku stammered, spinning around.

Miruko eyed him, taking note of the obvious changes in his physique. He looked stronger, more confident, and held himself with a newfound poise.

"If it isn't Four Arms himself..." she smirked. "Didn't think I'd run into you again."

"Miruko?! I didn't know you'd be here!" Izuku blurted out, still a little caught off guard.

Miruko crossed her arms, her smirk widening. "What, you think a pro like me can't check out the up-and-coming competition? Here's some advice, kid—don't freeze up when someone says your name. Makes you look like a wimp."

Izuku scratched his head nervously. "I didn't think you'd remember, and you don't exactly seem like the type to scout. You don't like teams or working with others, so I figured you'd just... be doing your own thing."

Miruko snorted, a playful glint in her eyes. "Kinda hard to forget a guy who goes from a towering bruiser to... well, less scrawny, I guess." She raised an eyebrow, eyeing him critically. "And I've seen you turn into a whole bunch of guys."

Izuku blushed, feeling embarrassed but also a little proud.

"And as for scouting..." Miruko's smirk deepened. "Depending on how you do today, that might change." Her words hung in the air, and Izuku's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion that she might be interested in him as an intern.

"IN OUR FIRST MATCH, WE HAVE TWO CLASS RIVALS GOING HEAD-TO-HEAD! FROM CLASS B, THE GUY WHO CAN STEAL YOUR SHTICK WITH A TOUCH—NEITO MONOMA!!" Present Mic announced, and the audience erupted into cheers. Izuku flinched slightly before pushing himself forward.

"That's my cue!" Izuku said to himself, taking a deep breath as he approached the entrance. Before stepping out, he glanced behind him, catching Miruko's eye. She gave him a wink and a playful nod before she disappeared. His face flushed red, his heart racing as he stepped out into the arena, the buzz of the crowd surrounding him.

Izuku felt a surge of energy. I can do this. His thoughts focused, his body primed for what was ahead.

...

"VERSUS THE WALKING ABNORMALITY! HE CAME FIRST IN BOTH EVENTS! THE CLASS PRESIDENT OF CLASS 1-A!!" Present Mic shouted, his voice amplifying the excitement in the air. As Izuku stepped out, the roar of the crowd intensified, and it was clear: Izuku had become a fan favorite.

"YOU WANTING HEROES? HE'S GOT SEVERAL, AND EACH ONE IS SOMETHING SPECIAL! WE HAVE IZUKU MIDORIYA!!" Present Mic announced with energy that matched the cheers around them.

The crowd went wild as Izuku confidently walked toward the platform, Monoma striding in from the opposite side. His heart raced, but he focused, his steps steady.

The girls from both Class A and Class B watched with intense anticipation as Izuku moved forward.

You got this, Greenie!! Kyouka mentally cheered, her eyes locked on him.

"Good luck, Dekiru!" Ochako shouted from her seat, her voice filled with hope. She glanced at Itsuka, who was already on her feet, joining in the excitement.

"MIDORIYA, KICK HIS ASS!!" Kendo yelled, her voice full of enthusiasm. Yui held up a brightly colored sign that read, Good Luck Izuku! Her quiet support still rang loud with love for their classmate.

"Show him what you've got, Izuku!" Momo added, her voice clear and confident.

The crowd was in an uproar as Izuku reached the platform, the powerful crackle of One For All surrounding him in arcs of green lightning. His stance was firm, every muscle focused as he took a deep breath.

"It's Hero time!"

...

Any feedback would be appreciated, whether it's complimenting the story, pointing out something wrong, or just giving out a suggestion.

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