Kamui Woods tilted his head slightly, the most smug grin barely hidden beneath his mask. "Well, well..." he drawled, turning his attention to Mt. Lady. "Seems you bet on the wrong horse."
Mt. Lady's fists were clenched at her sides, her face nearly as red as her costume. "Don't push it, Woods," she growled, glaring daggers at him.
"Oh, I'm pushing it," Kamui said, his tone oozing satisfaction. He tapped the side of his mask. "And just so you know, I am smiling under here. Very smugly, I might add."
"Ugh!" Mt. Lady huffed, her glare intensifying.
Kamui cleared his throat, extending his hand toward her. "Ahem. That'll be 20,000 yen, if you don't mind."
Mt. Lady's shoulders slumped slightly, the defeat evident in her posture, but she quickly recovered, leaning closer to Kamui with a sly, seductive grin. She trailed her fingers along his chest, her voice dropping to a sultry purr.
"It seems I have forgotten my wallet in another costume... but maybe there's another way I can pay you back?" She pressed against him, her ample chest brushing against his torso.
Kamui's deadpan reply was immediate. "Yeah, no." He took a step back, holding his hand out more insistently. "I want my money."
Mt. Lady clicked her tongue in frustration, her seductive act vanishing in an instant. She pulled out her wallet with exaggerated annoyance, muttering under her breath. "Fine. Here, happy now?"
As she handed over the cash, Death Arms, who had been watching from the sidelines, chuckled. "So, your wallet wasn't in another costume this time, huh?"
Mt. Lady's eyes snapped toward him, her voice a mix of embarrassment and fury. "Shut up!"
Kamui Woods carefully counted the yen, nodding in satisfaction.
"Pleasure doing business with you," he quipped before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving Mt. Lady fuming behind him.
...
...
"...I am here," Izuku whispered softly to himself, the words weighing heavy on his heart.
"Midoriya." Iida's voice broke through his thoughts, making him jolt upright.
"Y-Yeah?" Izuku stammered, his face reddening. "S-Shouldn't you guys be heading over to watch the ceremony?"
Yui, sitting at the edge of his bed, shook her head calmly. "! "You blew up three stadiums. They're repairing what they can."
"And the top three are out of commission," Iida added, adjusting his glasses. "Either you, Todoroki, or Bakugou needed to wake up before anything could proceed."
"Plus, the audience is still too stunned after that crazy dragon attack you pulled to mind waiting," Kyoka chimed in, her tone dry but impressed.
"I've never seen anything like it!" Toru exclaimed. "Your flames—wow—they were unreal!"
"Yeah, dude, they were crazy gorgeous!" Mina added enthusiastically. "It was like this rainbow of fire! You went whoosh, and Todoroki was all freeze, and then you were like 'nuh-uh!' and boom!" She mimicked dramatic explosions with her hands, grinning brightly.
Izuku rubbed the back of his head, wincing at the lingering phantom pain. "Y-Yeah... trying to get him to use his left side was probably pretty reckless in hindsight."
"You... you were trying to force him to use his flames?" Ochako asked, her tone incredulous.
Momo and Kyoka exchanged guilty glances, which didn't go unnoticed by Pony.
"Wait, you two knew about this?" Pony exclaimed, looking from one girl to the other in disbelief.
Kyoka scoffed, crossing her arms and turning away. "I told him it was stupid, dummy." Her voice was laced with exasperation, but there was a hint of worry behind it.
Momo flushed, clearing her throat as she tried to compose herself. "I-I was against his plan, of course," she said, though the way she avoided everyone's gaze suggested otherwise.
"Midoriya," Tsuyu said, her blunt tone cutting through the noise.
"Why would you do something so reckless?"
Iida pushed his glasses up, his expression stern and disapproving. "Indeed, Midoriya. You could have ended the match far more efficiently. Drawing it out like that was both foolish and unnecessary."
Izuku flinched under their combined scrutiny, his gaze steady but his shoulders tense. "I-I know..." he stammered. "But... he just looked so sad. I thought... maybe if I could help him..." His voice trailed off, unsure of how to defend himself further.
Before anyone else could speak, Toshinori's voice broke through the tension from the doorway. "Yes, it was certainly foolish, Young Midoriya," he said, his tone firm yet kind."But remember this: meddling where you don't need to is the essence of being a hero." He gave Izuku a thumbs-up, his signature smile warm and encouraging, before walking out of the infirmary.
Izuku blinked, stunned, as Toshinori's words sank in.
"Though, I must admit," Momo said softly, her voice thoughtful. "Despite Todoroki's reluctance to use his flames, that was one of the rare times I've ever seen him smile."
Kyoka nodded, leaning against the wall with her hands tucked in her jacket pockets. "Yeah, I'll give you this: for a fight that was completely insane and almost got everyone killed, it kinda felt like something out of a rivalry movie."
"Foolish or not," Iida added, his tone stiff but with a faint hint of approval, "pushing a classmate to reach their full potential does reflect heroic qualities. Even if the approach could use... refinement."
"Though," Pony interjected, tilting her head innocently, "a lot of people think you're kind of a battle-crazy lunatic now."
"W-Wait, what?!" Izuku yelped, his face turning red.
"Come on, dude," Kyoka teased, smirking. "You literally threw Todoroki back into the ring until he used his flames. Can you really blame them?"
Izuku slumped, dejected, as everyone chuckled.
"I'm just glad you didn't lose it like you did with Bakugou," Itsuka said, her voice calm but firm. The room grew tense at her words.
Izuku's expression tightened, but he didn't look away. "Y-Yeah," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the guilt bubbling inside him. "Me too."
Noticing his shift in demeanor, Toru jumped in with an attempt to lighten the mood. "Hey, Midoriya, what was going on with you back there?" she asked, leaning forward eagerly. "You were different—like, I don't know, your flames were insane, but you looked..."
"Happy," Yui said bluntly, her calm voice cutting through the room.
Ochako nodded, her brows furrowed. "Yeah... you were smiling. Like, really smiling. I've never seen you like that before."
Izuku blinked, his blush deepening. "I-I don't know... I just felt incredible," he admitted. "For once, I didn't want to hold back. It was like... like I was finally giving it everything I had." A small, uncertain smile crept onto his face.
Tsuyu's gaze lingered on him, her eyes thoughtful yet sharp. "Powerful," she said flatly.
Izuku nodded hesitantly. "Yeah... powerful... And... I guess... There isn't... really a word I could use I guess."
The girls exchanged quiet, uneasy glances, their concern palpable despite their small smiles.
"Midoriya," Tsuyu said after a pause, her tone soft but unyielding. "You know I don't sugarcoat things. Do you mind if we talk about your fight with Bakugou later?"
Izuku stiffened, but his eyes remained steady on hers. "After the ceremony," he said, his voice firm.
"Alright," Tsuyu said simply, though her gaze lingered a moment longer before turning away.
A rough cough from the far end of the infirmary broke the silence, drawing everyone's attention. Bakugou stirred in his bed, his crimson eyes barely open but still blazing with his signature fury.
The room fell silent as Bakugou's glare locked onto Izuku. Izuku, still sitting upright in his bed, didn't look away. His emerald eyes met Bakugou's fiery stare head-on, the tension between them crackling like an unspoken challenge.
...
Bakugou's hateful eyes locked onto Izuku. "Deku," he spat, his voice low and laced with venom, though weakened by a cough.
The tension in the infirmary was palpable. The girls exchanged uneasy glances as Izuku quietly turned and left without another word.
Bakugou didn't stop him. He just sat there, silent, his fists trembling at his sides.
The fight replayed in his mind, every second burning into his memory. It wasn't a fluke. It wasn't luck. Deku had won—undeniably, unquestionably. No cheap ring-out, no lucky shot.
He'd been outclassed.
Every strike, every move, every calculated step Deku took tore through the pride Bakugou had built for years. Speed. Power. Technique. Strategy. It wasn't even close. Deku hadn't just beaten him—he'd obliterated him.
Bakugou's breaths quickened, his chest tightening. His vision blurred as tears began to spill, unbidden and unrelenting. He clenched his fists until his nails dug into his palms, but no amount of pain could silence the truth screaming in his head.
For years, he had convinced himself that Deku was beneath him, that no matter how hard the nerd tried, he'd never catch up, let alone surpass him. But now?
Now he couldn't even lie to himself.
"He didn't even transform," Bakugou whispered, his voice hollow and broken as he stared blankly at the ceiling.
The words hung in the air, echoing in his mind like a cruel reminder. Deku hadn't needed to rely on the alien creatures. He had done it as himself.
Izuku Midoriya had beaten him.
...
...
Cheers echoed throughout the stadium as the first-year students gathered in the middle of the arena for the closing ceremony. However, two notable individuals were missing: Iida, who had left abruptly due to a family emergency, and Izuku, still recovering in the nurse's office after his grueling final battle.
Fireworks burst overhead, illuminating the sky as Midnight strode forward, her voice brimming with excitement.
"All first-year events for this year's U.A. Sports Festival have officially concluded! And now, it's time for the award ceremony!" She cracked her whip, pointing toward the center of the field.
More fireworks erupted as thick fog and confetti filled the area. Slowly, three silhouettes appeared on the rising podiums.
On the third-place podium stood Bakugou and Pony, sharing the spot due to the nature of their rankings.
"Whoa," Sero muttered, his brows furrowing. "Is Bakugou okay?"
"He's way too quiet," Kaminari added nervously. "No yelling, no swearing... it's kinda creepy."
"He looks... defeated," Sato said, his tone heavy with concern.
Bakugou stood motionless, his head bowed. His fists hung limply at his sides, no sparks, no tension. His usual fire was completely snuffed out, replaced by a hollow stare at the ground. The aura of invincibility he carried seemed shattered.
Kirishima glanced at him, his expression etched with worry. "Man... that fight with Midoriya must've hit him hard."
In stark contrast, Pony beamed brightly, her fluffy tail wagging with excitement as she waved to the crowd.
"Well, at least someone's happy," Kyoka remarked dryly.
"Pony's got the right idea. She fought hard to get here," Momo said, offering a soft smile toward the cheerful horned girl.
On the second-place podium stood Todoroki, his eyes fixed on his palm in quiet introspection. His thoughts swirled with the memories of his match against Izuku—the boy who had pushed him past his limits and left him questioning his resolve.
And finally, at the highest podium, stood Izuku. His stance was slightly nervous, a sheepish smile on his face as he tried to maintain his balance despite the lingering aches in his body.
Bakugou's gaze flickered upward, landing on the massive scar carved into the stadium, his eyes tracing the crescent-shaped crater marring the battlefield. His throat tightened.
"What the hell did this...?" he muttered hoarsely, his voice barely above a whisper.
All eyes turned to him, then slowly shifted to Izuku. Their expressions ranged from awe to fear. Izuku blinked, confusion flashing across his face before realization dawned.
"Wait, you're telling me... I did all of this?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in comedic horror.
The stadium went dead silent. The audience, his classmates, Midnight, and Cementos all stared at him with identical deadpan expressions. All Might buried his face in his hand. Even Todoroki raised an eyebrow.
"Seriously, dude?" Kaminari sighed, crossing his arms.
"Really, Midoriya?" Sero added.
Izuku's face turned bright red as he stammered, "I-I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to—! I'm sorry, really!" He tried to bow in apology, only to wince as the motion sent a sharp jolt through his body.
Momo pinched the bridge of her nose, exasperated. "Oh, Izuku..."
Kyoka snorted, covering her mouth as she tried to suppress her laughter. "How can someone so smart be such a complete idiot?"
Ochako giggled beside her, her cheeks puffing out as she struggled to hold it in.
"Ahem!" Midnight's sharp voice cut through the moment, snapping everyone's attention back to her. "Now, let's move on to the medal ceremony!" She raised her whip dramatically. "The presentation of medals will, of course, be done by this man—!"
A loud, powerful laugh echoed through the stadium as a familiar figure leaped into the air from the top of the stands.
"I have brought the medals!" All Might boomed as he landed with a mighty thud.
"—our very own All Might!" Midnight shouted over him, her excitement matching his energy.
They both paused, the awkward silence stretching between them. All Might scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "Uh, sorry for interrupting you."
Midnight waved it off, handing him the medals. "Now then, All Might, please proceed, starting with third place!"
All Might approached Pony first. Her wide, starry eyes gleamed as she accepted her medal, her tail swishing behind her.
"Young Tsunotori," All Might began with a warm smile, "you've proven today that you are both strategic and courageous. Learn from this experience, and you will grow even stronger."
Pony nodded eagerly, her grin widening. "Thank you! I'll do my best!"
All Might stepped forward, his eyes settling on Bakugou. The boy didn't look up. His head hung low, shoulders trembling under the weight of a defeat that clearly cut deeper than any wound.
"Young Bakugou," All Might began, his tone soft but firm.
Bakugou didn't respond. He stood rigid, fists clenched at his sides, staring at the ground as if the stadium didn't exist. His usual fire, his defiant rage—it was gone, replaced by a quiet that felt heavier than any scream he could have unleashed.
"Even though you placed third, it's nothing to be ashamed of," All Might continued, kneeling slightly to meet Bakugou at eye level. "This was your first Sports Festival, and you fought valiantly. Sometimes, even the strongest among us must reflect. Use this as an opportunity to grow, to better yourself."
Bakugou's hands shook at his sides. His breaths were shallow and rapid, memories of his match flashing through his mind like taunts.
He didn't even transform.
The thought stabbed at him relentlessly. Izuku hadn't used his transformations, and still, he had overwhelmed him. Bakugou's pride, his belief in his own superiority—all of it felt like it had been crushed underfoot. His heart pounded painfully in his chest.
All Might gently placed the bronze medal around Bakugou's neck, the metallic clink echoing in the deafening silence. For a moment, it felt as though Bakugou would snap.
But instead, he muttered, his voice barely audible. "...Let's just get this over with."
All Might's brow furrowed, but he nodded. "I know it's difficult now, but every failure is a step forward. Remember that, Young Bakugou."
Bakugou stayed silent, his head still bowed. All Might started to turn away but paused when Bakugou spoke again.
"Hey, All Might. Can I... ask you something?" Bakugou's voice was low, hesitant in a way All Might had never heard before.
All Might turned back to him, his expression softening. "Of course."
For a moment, Bakugou hesitated. His trembling hand moved to his pocket, pulling out something small and worn: an All Might trading card. The edges were frayed, the colors slightly faded—evidence of years of admiration.
He stared at it, his teeth gritted as he turned it over in his hand. His lips parted, but no words came.
"Bakugou?" All Might asked gently.
"...Never mind," Bakugou mumbled, quickly shoving the card back into his pocket.
All Might's eyes widened slightly, but he decided not to press further. He gave Bakugou a small pat on the shoulder. "It's okay. Take your time to process this. You'll come out stronger."
Bakugou nodded stiffly, but the cracks in his armor were clear. His shoulders slumped, his steps heavy as he returned to his podium.
As All Might moved on, he glanced back briefly at Bakugou. The boy remained silent, his gaze fixed on the ground.
...
"Young Todoroki, congratulations on second place!" All Might declared warmly as he placed the silver medal around Shoto's neck.
"I'm assuming you had your reasons for not using your left side until your match with Midoriya," he added, his tone both curious and encouraging.
Todoroki's gaze shifted briefly to Izuku before returning to All Might. "Midoriya... he made me see something during our fight," he admitted. Izuku blinked in surprise at the unexpected acknowledgment.
"I think I've lost my way," Todoroki continued, his voice heavy with self-reflection. "I've spent so much time rejecting one half of myself, believing it would free me from my father's shadow. But Midoriya... he reminded me that this power is mine to shape, not his. I've always wanted to be a hero, someone like you, but my path... it's still unclear. I can't just forget everything or move on like it's that simple."
His words carried a deep sense of conflict, but also a flicker of determination. He clenched his fists. "There's still something I need to confront—something I have to resolve for myself."
All Might studied him for a moment, then smiled with pride. "I've never seen this look on your face before, Todoroki. It suits you," he said, stepping forward to embrace the young hero-in-training.
"I won't ask for details," he continued, his voice steady, "but I believe in you. Whatever challenges lie ahead, I know you'll find your way. Keep moving forward—you can do it."
...
All Might turned to Izuku, his smile radiant and proud. "Young Midoriya," he said, his voice ringing out across the stadium.
Izuku straightened instinctively, his heart pounding as All Might approached.
"You've shown us all your heart—your relentless spirit, grit, and courage. Even when the odds were against you, you stood tall, pushed forward, and fought with everything you had. Well done."
Izuku's face turned red as he stammered, "I-It wasn't that much..."
All Might chuckled, raising an amused eyebrow. "Humble, even after taking the top spot. That's admirable, Young Midoriya."
He placed the gold medal around Izuku's neck, the cool metal brushing against his skin. Izuku's hands instinctively rose to touch it as the weight of the moment hit him.
He had done it. He had won.
For a second, everything else faded—the noise of the crowd, the pressure of the moment. It was just him, the medal, and the memories of how far he had come. From a quirkless kid who once stood on the sidelines, dreaming of being a hero, to standing here, at the top, with the world watching.
But I don't deserve this, Izuku thought, the shame creeping back.
All Might's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. The hero turned to the audience, his voice booming. "Today, these students have shown us the makings of a bright future! But even the brightest heroes have moments they must reflect on. And that is what makes them stronger!"
All Might then looked back at Izuku. His gaze softened, reading the turmoil in the boy's eyes. "Young Midoriya," he said, his tone gentler now, "do you have anything you'd like to say to everyone?"
Izuku froze, his heart hammering. His breath hitched as he looked around the stadium. Thousands of eyes were on him—expecting, waiting.
Was this it? Was he supposed to declare himself? Was he supposed to say he was here?
He stepped forward, gripping the microphone tightly. His knuckles turned white as he tried to steady his trembling hands.
"I..." His voice cracked, and he hesitated. The memories surged back—his rampage against Bakugou, the anger he had buried deep inside, the moment he had let it all boil over.
"I..." His head bowed, and his grip on the microphone tightened. "I'm... sorry."
The stadium went silent. The audience, All Might, even his classmates—all stared at him in stunned surprise.
Izuku took a deep breath, forcing himself to continue. "Today, I was supposed to represent the first years of U.A.—to show that we're the next generation of heroes. But instead..." He paused, the weight of his guilt pressing down on him. "I let anger get the best of me. I lost control. I hurt people—my teachers, my classmates. I put others in danger."
The words felt heavy as they left his lips, but Izuku knew they needed to be said. He straightened slightly, though his eyes stayed fixed on the ground.
"A hero should never let their emotions cause unnecessary harm, especially not to their peers. What I did today was disgraceful and unbecoming of someone aspiring to follow in All Might's footsteps." His voice wavered but held steady enough for the audience to hear the regret and shame in every word.
"I'm sorry," Izuku said again, bowing deeply, his hands gripping the edges of the podium. "To my classmates, my teachers, and everyone watching today, I promise this: I will do everything in my power to earn back your trust and respect. I will work harder. I will learn from my mistakes. And I will become the kind of hero who makes people feel safe—just like All Might."
He straightened, tears brimming in his eyes but a determined fire burning within them.
The silence stretched for a heartbeat longer before someone in the crowd shouted, "That's real hero talk!"
A young girl in the audience began clapping enthusiastically. "He's so cool! He's really humble!"
Her enthusiasm sparked a wave of applause that rippled through the stadium. Soon, cheers erupted, growing louder with every passing second.
"To admit his faults in front of the entire nation... That takes real courage," a man in the crowd commented, his tone thoughtful.
"Humility like that is rare, especially in someone so young," another woman said, nodding in approval as she joined the applause.
Izuku's classmates watched from the sidelines, each reacting in their own way.
Ochako wiped her eyes, smiling as tears slipped down her cheeks. "That's just like Deku," she whispered, her voice brimming with pride.
Mina grinned and cupped her hands around her mouth to yell, "You're awesome, Midoriya!"
Todoroki stood silently, giving a subtle nod of respect. "He's different from most people," he murmured to himself.
Momo adjusted her posture and smiled softly. "He didn't even stutter this time," she said, her admiration evident.
Kinoko Komori clutched her hands together, her gaze fixed on Izuku. "When the festival started, he could barely speak to everyone, but now... he's standing here like a true hero," she thought. A faint blush spread across her cheeks as she smiled slightly. "Midoriya-kun really is amazing."
As the applause continued, All Might stepped closer to Izuku, placing a firm but gentle hand on his shoulder. "Young Midoriya," he began, his tone warm and reassuring, "you're not the first aspiring hero to make mistakes during the Sports Festival, and you won't be the last. Letting emotions get the better of you is part of growing as a hero."
Izuku nodded silently, his chest tightening with both relief and lingering guilt.
All Might smiled knowingly, leaning in slightly. "That's why you're here—to learn, to stumble, and to grow stronger because of it. Even the greatest heroes weren't perfect when they started out." He gave Izuku a playful wink. "To admit your mistakes takes more strength and humility than you might realize."
Izuku's lips curled into a small, grateful smile.
The applause finally began to settle as All Might turned to address the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, let me say this: today's podium winners have given us an incredible show of perseverance, strategy, and heart! But don't forget—the Sports Festival isn't just about who takes first place. It's about competing, pushing each other to improve, and climbing higher with every step. The next generation of heroes is sprouting before our eyes!"
He raised a hand theatrically, his voice booming with enthusiasm. "Now, I have one more thing to say! Everyone, join me on this! Ready? Go—"
"—Thanks for your hard work!" All Might shouted.
"—Plus Ultra!" the crowd roared back in unison, their energy electrifying.
An awkward silence fell. Before being broken
"What?! It should've been, plus Ultra! there, all might!" Everyone yelled again before booing at All Might.
"Well, I thought everyone worked hard..."
The crowd booed as Midoriya was about to step down.
...
Midoriya walked beside with Pony to the main entrance holding g their medals.
"I didn't think I'd get this far." Pony said smiling ear to ear."Third place?" Pony said squealing before she suddenly hugged him.
Izuku blushed profusely. Before he patted her on the back shyly."Y-Yeah it feels surreal."
He walked alongside Bakugou was ahead his hands in his pockets in absolute frustration, Todoroki was looking at his own medal as they walked.
Izuku turned and saw Endeavour who glared at them. Endeavour seemed to glare slightly at Izuku but turned to Shoto.
"Er...Pony how about we... Go somewhere else." Izuku said.
"Huh? Why–Whoa!" Pony said before Izuku yanked her away from the impending awkward tense situation.
"So you're not gonna tell me to get our of your way this time?" Endeavour asked with his arms folded.
"Without control over your flames going out all is dangerous, but you've finally put your childish rebellion." Endeavour said opening up his arms."And do not let Izuku Midoriya keep you down. All Might has done that to me, I will be damned if you follow the same pattern."
"But aside that you will be ready, to replace me. Even surpass me. Work at my side after you graduate! I will work guide you down the path of the mighty!" Endeavour said reaching out his hand.
"I haven't put aside anything." Shoto said. Endeavour looked bit surprised "As if could be turned that easily." Shoto said.
"It's just..." Shoto paused."In that moment... In that instant...I forgot all about you." Shoto said as he walked passed him.
"Whether that's a good, bad if something in between... That's something I'll have to think about."
...
Midoriya walked alongside Pony toward the main entrance, both clutching their medals tightly.
"I didn't think I'd get this far!" Pony exclaimed, her face practically glowing with excitement. She held up her medal and squealed. "Third place? Can you believe it?" Without waiting for an answer, she suddenly threw her arms around Izuku in a tight hug.
Izuku froze, his entire face burning bright red. He awkwardly patted her on the back, barely managing to compose himself. "Y-Y-Yeah... it feels surreal," he stammered.
Ahead of them, Bakugou stormed toward the exit with his hands shoved deep in his pockets, his frustration visible in every step. Todoroki lingered behind, his expression unreadable as he stared at his medal.
As they neared the exit, Izuku's gaze flicked forward—and there stood Endeavor. The towering hero loomed near the entrance, his sharp eyes briefly landing on Izuku before turning toward Shoto. His stern expression seemed to harden further as he stared at his son.
Izuku's pulse quickened, and he turned to Pony hurriedly. "Uh... Pony, how about we... go somewhere else?"
"Huh? Why—Whoa!" Pony yelped as Izuku grabbed her wrist and gently pulled her away from the brewing tension.
"So, you're not going to tell me to get out of your way this time?" Endeavor's deep voice rumbled as Shoto stepped closer.
Shoto didn't respond immediately, prompting Endeavor to continue. "Without control over your flames, you're a danger to everyone. But now, you've put aside that childish rebellion," he said, his tone firm but with a faint note of satisfaction. He opened his arms slightly in a self-assured gesture. "And don't let Izuku Midoriya hold you back. All Might overshadowed me, but I'll be damned if you follow the same path."
Stepping forward, Endeavor extended a hand. "You're ready to surpass me, Shoto. Work at my side after you graduate, and together, we'll forge the path of the mighty."
Shoto's expression darkened as he met Endeavor's gaze. "I haven't put aside anything," he said coldly.
Endeavor blinked, taken aback.
"As if I could be swayed that easily." Shoto paused, his eyes narrowing. "In that moment... I forgot all about you."
Endeavor's expression shifted into something unreadable as Shoto continued, his voice steady. "Whether that's good, bad, or something in between... that's something I'll have to figure out for myself." Without another word, he brushed past Endeavor and walked away.
Meanwhile, Izuku and Pony came to a stop around the corner, Pony pouting slightly. "Aw, I wanted Endeavor's autograph! Do you think Todoroki could convince him? He never gives them out!"
Izuku let out a sigh of relief. "Trust me, Pony, it's better that we weren't there for that conversation."
Pony tilted her head, confused, but before she could respond, their classmates rushed toward them.
"Midoriya!" Kirishima grinned widely as he approached, slapping Izuku on the back. "That was super manly, dude! And your apology to Bakugou? Even manlier!"
Tetsutetsu joined in with a grin, his eyes glistening with emotion. "Yeah, man! What happened with Bakugou was kinda rough, but you showed real remorse. That takes guts! So manly!" He held out a fist, which Izuku hesitantly bumped with a small, appreciative smile.
"Thanks," Izuku said quietly.
Ojiro nodded respectfully. "It was honestly terrifying watching you go berserk like that, especially when you fought the teachers. But... you and Bakugou have a history. I'm not in a position to judge you, and I won't."
Shoji added calmly, "Though some might not feel as comfortable, try not to let it get to you."
Izuku's shoulders sagged slightly in understanding, but he gave Shoji a grateful nod.
"Your fight gave me goosebumps!" Kaminari exclaimed, shivering dramatically. "Literal goosebumps!"
"That dragon move you pulled?" Mineta interjected, trembling slightly. "It was terrifying! But awesome!"
"How did you even pull that off?" Toru asked curiously, tilting her head. "I've never seen you practice anything like that!"
Izuku blushed and stammered, "Oh, uh, I-I've been w-working on it in s-secret and it was kinda a last-minute thing—"
Before he could embarrass himself further, two familiar figures approached: Itsuka and Setsuna, both grinning as they joined the group.
"I keep forgetting just how strong you are, Midoriya," Itsuka said with a proud smile as she clapped him on the shoulder.
Izuku's blush deepened under her praise. "Th-Thanks, Itsuka..."
Setsuna smirked and leaned in slightly. "And now you're officially the hottest guy in school," she teased, her grin sharpening as Izuku's face somehow turned an even deeper shade of red.
"H-H-Hottest?!" he stammered, his voice cracking.
"Yup," Setsuna replied, clearly enjoying his reaction.
"Yeah, man," Ojiro said, though his tone was more serious. "You're incredibly strong, but please... don't ever use that dragon move on us. It was terrifying."
Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck. His thoughts wandered as he murmured to himself, Why would Dad even make a move like that?
"You were shroomtastic, by the way!" a cheerful voice suddenly chimed in. Izuku turned to see Kinoko standing far too close, her face lit up with excitement.
Izuku stumbled back slightly, startled by her energy. "T-T-Thank you?" he managed.
Even Monoma chimed in, though his praise was more begrudging. "Midoriya's performance was... above average," he muttered before gesturing at Pony. "But hers was far more impressive."
"Coming from him, that's high praise," Itsuka said with a laugh.
Monoma huffed and walked away, leaving Izuku red-faced once more as Itsuka leaned closer, studying him with an amused expression. "Your face is really red. You sure you're okay?"
"Y-Y-Yeah! I'm fine!" Izuku squeaked, waving his hands defensively.
Itsuka smirked and leaned in even closer, batting her eyes playfully. "Your face says otherwise," she teased.
"I-Itsuka, y-you're too close!" he stammered, his eyes darting around.
"I know," she replied with a small blush of her own.
Izuku's heart pounded in his chest. He took a shaky breath, trying to steady his nerves, and hesitated for a moment before speaking. "H-Hey, Itsuka... D-Do you mind if we talk? Alone?"
Itsuka blinked in surprise but quickly nodded. "Sure," she said, waving to the others. "I'll catch up with you guys later."
As they walked away, Izuku's mind raced with panic. How do I do this? Do I just... ask her? Why does this feel more terrifying than fighting a Nomu?!
From behind, a few of the girls exchanged curious glances, an uneasy feeling settling in their stomachs.
Ochako hesitated for a moment before trailing after them, a few others quietly falling into step behind her. The sight of Izuku asking Itsuka to talk alone stirred a flicker of panic among them. After all, they knew Itsuka had already confessed her feelings to him.
In the shadows nearby, a blonde boy stood with his fists clenched, blue electricity sparking faintly around him. Ishida glared at Izuku with eyes full of contempt, his expression dark with barely contained rage.
...
"Come on, Ishida, let's just leave him alone," one of the boys muttered, glancing nervously toward the main building.
"Yeah, man, he's not even alone," another chimed in, his voice shaky.
Naomi, standing close to Ishida, tugged at his sleeve with growing unease. "Please, Ishida, let's go. We're going to get in trouble if someone sees us."
Ishida's glare snapped to her, and without hesitation, he backhanded her across the face. "Shut up, you useless idiot!" he barked, his voice cold and venomous. Naomi stumbled, clutching her cheek as tears welled up in her eyes.
Turning back to the others, Ishida's expression twisted into something unhinged, his eyes gleaming with manic fury. "You all don't get it, do you? I have a powerful Quirk, and that means I can do whatever the hell I want! I've got licenses! My word is law! Do you know how much I've gotten away with since I got them? Months of this shit, and no one's dared to stop me."
The bullies recoiled, their earlier bravado completely drained as Ishida loomed over them, his palms crackling with electricity.
One of them hesitated before speaking. "But Deku... he's strong too. And he's at U.A. You can't just—"
"I said shut the fuck up!" Ishida roared, his voice a thunderclap of fury. Sparks flew wildly from his hands, leaping to the ground as his breathing grew ragged. The ground beneath him began to blacken, scorched by stray jolts of electricity. "I am strong! I am the hero here! That worthless piece of shit doesn't deserve to be at U.A. or anywhere else! Do you know how hard I worked to get where I am? And he gets handed everything because he got lucky?!"
"Ishida, man, this isn't the time—" one of them started, his voice rising with panic.
"Shut up!" Ishida barked, stepping closer, sending a dangerous arc of electricity between his hands. "Deku isn't better than me! You hear me?! That fucking loser doesn't deserve anything! He doesn't deserve U.A.! He doesn't deserve to be happy! I am the hero here!"
The bullies flinched as the air around Ishida grew heavier, charged with his growing fury.
"I'm going to wipe that smug look off his face," Ishida growled, his tone venomous. "Because I can. And because I want to."
The group exchanged uneasy glances, unsure whether to stay or flee. But none of them dared speak again as Ishida's manic energy pulsed through the space, leaving an ominous silence in its wake.
...
Izuku continued walking, his nerves making every step feel heavier. His heart pounded so loudly in his chest he was sure Itsuka could hear it. He rubbed the Omnitrix anxiously, his thoughts spiraling. 'Come on, Izuku. Stop freaking out! It's just Itsuka. You can do this. Just calm down...'
Itsuka, walking beside him, glanced his way and frowned slightly. "You okay?"
Izuku jolted, his face flushing as he stammered, "Y-Yeah! I-It's just... just... uh..." He fumbled for words, avoiding her gaze as if it might burn him.
Itsuka raised a brow but placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "Hey, it's alright. You don't need to be so nervous around me."
Izuku exhaled a shaky breath, slumping his shoulders slightly. He looked so defeated and flustered that Itsuka thought he almost resembled a lost puppy. She bit back a smile and waited patiently for him to speak.
"I..." Izuku finally began, his voice trembling. "When I was fighting Ka—uh, Bakugou..."
Itsuka's expression grew serious at the mention of the fight. She tilted her head slightly, waiting for him to continue.
"W-What made me stop... what snapped me out of it when I lost control..." Izuku paused, struggling to form the words. His face burned red as he finally said, "I-I couldn't stop thinking about you."
Itsuka's eyes widened, her breath catching in her throat.
As Itsuka processed his words, her face flushed a deep shade of red, her heart hammering wildly in her chest.
She instinctively raised her hands to her cheeks, trying in vain to cool the heat spreading across her skin.
Izuku gulped, fidgeting nervously with his hands. "I was so mad at Bakugou, but I kept thinking about how you would see me. About how you'd feel if you saw me like that..." His voice trailed off as he glanced away, too embarrassed to meet her gaze.
Behind a nearby corner, a small group of their classmates listened intently, each girl's heart caught in her throat.
Ochako clutched her chest tightly, her lips trembling as she watched Izuku pour his heart out. 'He thought about her during the fight?' The words hit her hard, a strange ache settling in her stomach.
Mina's normally bubbly expression faltered as she leaned against the wall, her arms crossed.
'Come on, Mina. You knew she liked him... but still, why does this hurt so much?' She felt a pang of jealousy, but also something deeper—an uncomfortable mix of guilt and longing.
Momo fidgeted with her hands, her usual composure cracking as she bit her lip. 'He's so sincere... so vulnerable...' She couldn't tear her eyes away, her cheeks heating as she wondered if she'd ever have the courage to be that honest with him.
Kyoka, standing further back, had her arms crossed tightly, her fingers tapping anxiously against her arm. She tried to keep her expression neutral, but her earphone jacks twitched slightly, betraying her nerves. 'Why does this feel so weird?' she thought.'Ugh man I feel like a total bitch for overhearing them!'
Even Toru, usually so cheerful and carefree, stood quietly with her hands clasped behind her back. She shifted awkwardly, her invisible presence blending into the background as she struggled to process her emotions.
Back in the clearing, Izuku continued, his voice soft but filled with earnest emotion. "I just—I wanted to say I'm sorry," he said, his green eyes shimmering with sincerity. "You're the first person to ever tell me that you... uh..." He hesitated, unable to get the words out.
"That I love you?" Itsuka finished for him, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izuku jolted, nodding quickly, his face glowing red.
Itsuka pressed her hands against her cheeks, her heart thundering as she tried to calm herself.
"And... when someone as amazing, incredible, and strong as you can see me that way..." Izuku continued, his voice gaining a hint of confidence. "It made me realize how much I've been letting people like Bakugou control how I see myself. But you... you've always seen the real me. And I... I just want to be worthy of that."
From their hiding spot, Kyoka's grip on her arm tightened. Her lips parted slightly, but no words came out. Her heart felt heavy, and she hated how much his words resonated with her.
Momo's hands trembled as she clutched the edge of her uniform.
Toru shifted uneasily, her invisible form curling in on itself. 'I thought I was okay with just a small moment with him... but seeing this...' She bit her lip, fighting the sudden urge to cry.
Izuku took a deep breath, steeling himself for what he wanted to say next. "And... I was wondering if you're free this Saturday?!"
Itsuka's eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. Her voice caught in her throat as silence stretched between them.
Finally, she took a shaky breath, her tone soft but firm. "If I'm being honest, seeing you like that... I didn't like it, Izuku."
Izuku's shoulders slumped, his head bowing in shame.
"It wasn't like you to lash out like that," Itsuka continued, her voice tinged with hurt. "You were too violent. Watching you beat Bakugou so harshly, using the moves I taught you... it was so..." Her lips quivered as she tried to find the right word.
"...Disturbing," she admitted quietly. "And horrible."
Izuku winced, guilt washing over him like a wave.
"But..." Itsuka stepped closer, taking his hands in hers. Her voice softened, and her eyes glistened with emotion. "What really broke my heart was knowing how much you've been bottling up. The fact that you exploded like that... it scares me, Izuku."
She squeezed his hands gently, her voice trembling slightly. "I don't want you to go through that alone anymore. If something's bothering you—anything—you have to talk to me. Please, don't let it get that bad again. I don't want to see you like that ever again."
In the shadows, Ochako pressed a hand to her mouth, tears welling in her eyes. He's so lucky to have her... she thought, though her heart ached bitterly at the realization.
Mina looked away, rubbing her arm nervously. Why does this feel so unfair? she thought, swallowing hard.
Kyoka's earphone jacks curled tightly around her hands as she bit her lip.
Momo closed her eyes, taking a deep breath to calm herself. 'I should be happy for them... so why do I feel so conflicted?'
Toru's voice was barely a whisper, unheard by anyone. "I wish I could say that to you too, Izuku..."
Back in the clearing, Izuku nodded slowly, his eyes shimmering with gratitude. "I... I promise, Itsuka. I'll try."
Itsuka's cheeks reddened as she gave him a small, warm smile. "And about Saturday..." she said, her voice growing softer, "yeah, I think I'm free."
Izuku's face lit up, his earlier nerves replaced with a shy but genuine smile.
...
From the shadows, Ishida's face twisted into an unhinged snarl, his eyes locked on Izuku like a predator stalking prey. His voice dripped with venom, rising to a deranged crescendo.
"You useless piece of shit. Think you can humiliate me? I'll make sure you regret ever standing in my way!" He advanced, his hands crackling with barely contained electricity. "You think that stupid watch makes you special? That it turns you into someone worth noticing? No! You're still the same Quirkless loser you've always been!"
Ishida's breathing grew ragged, his words devolving into a mantra. "I'll break that watch... I'll break you. I'll beat you senseless because I can! I have a hero license! That means I can do whatever the fuck I want!"
As he moved closer, his steps faltered, and his expression cracked. He seemed desperate, clinging to some delusion. "I'm strong... I'm powerful... Bakugou's strong..." His voice trembled as he muttered, half to himself. "H-He just had an off day. I can beat him. I can beat him..."
But his bravado began to waver, the memory of Bakugou's crushing defeat in the Sports Festival replaying in his mind. The sight of Izuku's transformation, the sheer force of his abilities—it gnawed at Ishida, driving him further into madness.
"I can beat him..." he whispered, his hands trembling.
"Excuse me."
The calm, monotone voice cut through the hallway like a knife. Ishida snapped his head toward the source, his psychotic expression twisting further as he turned to face the man approaching.
"Huh?" Ishida sneered, sizing up the disheveled figure. "Who the hell are you? Some hobo?!"
The man, his long black hair falling over his shoulders and dark bags under his piercing eyes, stopped a few feet away. His presence was quiet, yet suffocating.
"Are you Ishida Shimida?" the man asked, ignoring the insult.
Ishida's sneer deepened. "Yeah, I am. What's it to you? I said fuck off before I fry your ass!"
"I just needed verbal confirmation," the man replied, his tone calm and utterly unaffected.
The rest happened in a blur. Izuku barely registered the flash of movement as Aizawa's capture scarf shot out, coiling around Ishida's arms. The crackling electricity disappeared, and Ishida let out a sharp cry as he was yanked forward.
"AAAH! WHAT THE HELL?!" Ishida screamed, thrashing against the scarf.
Aizawa's grip tightened, his voice cold and cutting. "You're the one who attacked my student, Izuku Midoriya. And you're the same one who threatened Momo Yaoyorozu with assault, correct?"
"I didn't do shit!" Ishida spat, struggling to free himself. "If you're talking about Deku's bitch, I never said anything like that!"
Aizawa pulled out his phone, hitting play on an audio file. Ishida's own voice filled the corridor—every threat, every vile word about Izuku and Momo was laid bare.
Ishida's face went pale. "T-That's fake! That's not me!"
Aizawa didn't flinch. "Taka Naomi confirmed everything—your harassment, blackmail, and now this attack. She's not the only one. Several students have come forward with their statements as well."
"No way..." Ishida whispered, his confidence shattering. "Naomi wouldn't... She loves me!" His voice cracked, desperation seeping through.
"She did the right thing," Aizawa said coldly. "Unlike you."
Ishida tried to speak, but Aizawa yanked him forward, causing him to stumble and fall to his knees. He didn't stop there, dragging Ishida down the hall with no regard for his frantic protests.
"P-Please!" Ishida's voice broke into a pathetic wail. "I didn't mean it! I made a mistake! I'll apologize to them! I-I'll do anything! Please, don't ruin my life! I'm begging you!"
Aizawa didn't respond, his expression unmoving as he hauled the flailing Ishida down the hall. His cries echoed, growing weaker with distance.
...
Izuku and Itsuka's faces were burning red, both trying to process what had just happened. Itsuka coughed into her hand, attempting to act cool despite the heat rushing to her cheeks.
"S-So..." she began, shifting her weight awkwardly. "Just asking... were you, uh, asking me on a date?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Izuku's mind reeled back to his father's advice, his heart pounding in his chest. His face turned impossibly red. "I-I... Yes..." he admitted in a small voice, barely able to meet her eyes.
Behind the corner, Ochako, Momo, Kyoka, Toru, and Tsuyu were still crouched, all equally flustered as they eavesdropped.
"Can't believe he actually asked her out," Kyoka muttered, her face a mixture of redness and frustration. Her heart clenched painfully, though she'd never admit it out loud.
"Yeah... I didn't think he would," Toru added, her invisible features carrying a note of frustration. "He just seems so... I don't know. It's like... he's slipping through our fingers."
Momo sighed softly, her brows furrowed. She felt the same, though she struggled to put her feelings into words.
"Guess Midoriya is a little braver than we give him credit for," Tsuyu said bluntly, her voice calm but carrying a slight hint of resignation.
Izuku's phone buzzed in his pocket.
Izuku fumbled with his phone, answering nervously as Itsuka tilted her head in curiosity.
"H-Hey, Melissa!"
"Izuku, congratulations!" Melissa's cheerful voice rang out, almost startling him with its energy.
Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, chuckling awkwardly. "Thanks, but I wasn't really that—"
"But you were incredible!" Melissa cut him off, her enthusiasm evident. "Papa was so impressed! He said you reminded him of Uncle Might!"
Izuku's face flushed deeply, and he laughed softly. "That's... kind of overwhelming to hear. I mean, I didn't think it was that impressive."
"It was!" Melissa insisted, her voice bright. "That finishing move alone was amazing! And that sonic howl technique you did—it was so creative. Did All Might teach you that?"
"No, actually," Izuku admitted with a sheepish grin. "I made it up myself. All Might even said he was jealous he didn't think of it first."
Melissa giggled on the other end, her voice soft and full of admiration. "Making Uncle Might jealous? That's a huge accomplishment! Only Papa's ever managed to do that before."
Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, All Might isn't exactly known for his brains, so I guess it's not that surprising."
Melissa's laughter came through the line again, but after a moment, her tone shifted. There was a pause before she spoke, her voice gentle. "Hey, Izuku... are you okay?"
Izuku blinked, caught off guard by the question. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"
Melissa hesitated, then sighed softly. "I saw your fight with that Bakugo guy. From what I've seen of his personality... it's not hard to figure out he's been giving you a hard time for a long time."
Izuku stiffened, his free hand curling into a fist. "Oh... you saw that?"
"Of course I did," Melissa said gently. "Izuku, the Sports Festival is broadcasted worldwide. Everyone saw it."
Izuku's shoulders slumped as he leaned against a nearby wall. "Talk about a huge fail... I was supposed to show everyone that I've arrived—that I'm a hero in the making. But instead, I showed them... how destructive I can be." His voice cracked slightly as he added, "I didn't even win... I just..."
"Hey," Melissa interrupted softly, her voice kind but firm. "I'm not judging you, okay? I can see he's put you through a lot, and I understand why you did what you did."
"You do?" Izuku asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Well... I don't condone it," Melissa admitted honestly. "It was too excessive, and it was cruel—more than it should've been. No one should ever hurt someone else like that, no matter the reason."
Izuku nodded slightly, his expression falling. "Yeah... I know."
"But," Melissa continued, her voice warm and understanding, "I also know that I don't fully understand your situation. I've lived on this island my whole life. I've been lucky. Most people here don't hate me or look down on me. I've never had to deal with someone like Bakugo."
Izuku let out a hollow laugh. "Wish I could relate. I think I could write a whole list of people who hate me, back-to-back, and it still wouldn't be enough to cover it."
Melissa giggled softly, her tone lightening. "That many people, huh? You must be more popular than I thought!"
Izuku snorted despite himself, rubbing his forehead. "Yeah, sure. Popular for all the wrong reasons."
Melissa giggled on the other end which brought a smile to Izuku.
A small, genuine smile spread across his face. "Thanks, Melissa. That... means a lot."
"Anytime," Melissa said cheerfully, her tone brightening again. "Now, enough of this serious stuff. When are you coming to visit me on I-Island? Papa and I are dying to see you again!"
Izuku chuckled, his earlier tension melting away. "I'll have to check my schedule. You know how busy being a hero student can be."
"I'll hold you to that!" Melissa teased. "Don't forget to call me, okay? And congratulations again—you really were amazing."
As the call ended, Izuku let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. The girls peeking from the corner exchanged glances, each wrestling with their own thoughts.
"Who the hell is Melissa?" Kyoka muttered, her earphone jacks twitching irritably.
"Someone who knows him too well," Toru said, her invisible features betraying a hint of jealousy.
"Yeah," Momo added quietly, her hands clenched. "We'll need to ask him later."
For now, though, they watched as Izuku stood there, lost in thought, the faintest of smiles still lingering on his face.
...
Back in Class 1-A, the students sat quietly, waiting for their teacher to arrive. Izuku sat at his desk, turning the gold medal around in his hands. A small smile flickered across his face, a hint of pride warming his chest.
The atmosphere in the room, however, was far from celebratory. Most of the students sat tensely, stealing occasional glances at Bakugou. The blonde sat hunched over his desk, his body wrapped in bandages, glaring down at the surface as if willing it to crack.
Kirishima glanced at him sympathetically, though the tension in his brow revealed his own unease. The class hadn't caught the entire exchange after the final match, but the fragments they'd overheard painted a troubling picture: Bakugou had accused Izuku of looking down on him, and Izuku, in turn, seemed to harbor genuine hatred for his former childhood friend.
...
The silence broke when the classroom door slid open. Aizawa stepped in, his usual tired expression in place, though a faint smudge on his shoe drew Kaminari's attention.
"Uh, sir?" Kaminari asked, pointing. "There's... something on your shoe."
Aizawa looked down, noticing a faint smear of blood and a chipped tooth stuck to the sole of his boot. "The trash," he said flatly before walking to the podium.
The class exchanged uneasy glances as Aizawa scratched the back of his head. "Good work during the Sports Festival," he began, his tone even. "Originally, you were supposed to have two days off. However, thanks to certain... destructive tendencies," his eyes shifted briefly to Izuku, "that break has been extended to three or four days."
"Huh? Why's that?" Sero asked.
"Because someone thought it was a good idea to put several holes through the stadium," Aizawa said bluntly.
The class processed the statement before turning to Izuku. The boy turned crimson and hunched his shoulders, wishing he could disappear.
"The second and third years will have to wait until repairs are made before they can hold their festival," Aizawa continued, his tone sharp.
"Extended break! Sweet!" Mina whispered to herself with a grin.
"Scouting reports from pro heroes will be waiting for you when you return," Aizawa said, his eyes scanning the class. "Until then, enjoy your time off. Except for you two." His gaze landed firmly on Izuku and Bakugou. "Midoriya. Bakugou. Stay behind."
Izuku and Bakugou flinched at the weight of Aizawa's gaze, both knowing there was no escape from his scrutiny.
"What you two did today was appalling," Aizawa began, his tone cold and unrelenting. His eyes shifted to Izuku. "Midoriya, I'll start with you. While I can understand the circumstances, I do not condone your actions. You lost control, and in doing so, you crossed boundaries no aspiring hero should ever cross. I have no doubt that out of everyone, you feel the most shame and disgust over what you did to Bakugou."
Izuku's head hung low, his voice barely audible. "I do... I'm so sorry."
"Good," Aizawa said sharply, not letting up. "Acknowledging the severity of your actions is the first step, but it's not enough. You'll write a formal apology of no less than 1,000 words to both Midnight and Cementoss for what you did."
"Understood," Izuku murmured, his hands trembling.
Aizawa's piercing gaze shifted to Bakugou, whose scowl deepened as he stared at his desk. "Bakugou," Aizawa said, his voice dropping to a sharper edge. "Your actions were reckless, dangerous, and utterly disgraceful for someone training to be a hero. The explosion you unleashed against Sero was not only excessive—it was reckless to the point of endangering his safety."
Bakugou shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his face darkening. He refused to look up, but Aizawa could see the cracks forming in his composure.
"You've proven just how little restraint you have and how far you still need to go to understand what it means to be a hero," Aizawa continued, his words cutting like a blade.
Bakugou's fists clenched tightly, his usual fiery defiance replaced with a hollow frustration. He sighed heavily, his voice barely above a mutter. "I get it..."
"Do you?" Aizawa pressed, his voice cold and sharp, laced with an edge of irritation. "Because this isn't just about you losing your temper or being frustrated. It's about the lives you nearly jeopardized with your utter lack of control."
Bakugou flinched slightly but didn't argue, his scowl deepening as he stared harder at the desk.
"You will both serve detention," Aizawa said, his voice taking on an authoritative finality."Bakugou."
"You'll serve two weeks of detention," Aizawa said, his voice unyielding. "And it won't just be sitting around. Cementoss will oversee a series of control drills specifically tailored to address your lack of restraint.
Bakugou's shoulders tensed, but his usual sharp retorts were nowhere to be found. Instead, he let out another sigh, his voice subdued. "Fine."
"Midoriya," Aizawa said, turning back to Izuku. "You'll serve three weeks. The way you brutalized Bakugou and attacked Midnight and Cementoss was far beyond excessive. That kind of behavior is unacceptable, no matter the circumstances."
Izuku nodded quickly, guilt etched across his face. "I understand, sir."
"You will not serve detention in the same location," Aizawa added, his tone softening just a fraction. "It's clear the two of you need distance from one another right now, and I will make sure that's enforced."
He paused, watching Bakugou closely. The usual fire in the boy's eyes was nowhere to be seen, replaced by an unsettling silence. Aizawa raised an eyebrow, noting the shift.
"Take this time to reflect," Aizawa said firmly. "Both of you. If something like this happens again, the consequences will be far more severe. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir," Izuku said immediately.
Bakugou muttered something under his breath before finally speaking up. "Yeah... I get it."
"Good," Aizawa said, his tone final. "Dismissed."
...
Izuku and Bakugou walked in silence, the weight of the recent battle hanging in the air between them. As they reached the foot of the stairs, they split off, each heading in their own direction. Izuku's footsteps were slower than usual, his thoughts weighed down by the encounter. As he walked out of U.A., he heard Kaminari's voice carrying through the air.
"Hey! We should throw a party tonight! What do you guys think?" Denki shouted, getting everyone's attention.
"I'm down for it!" Sero replied eagerly, his voice full of excitement.
"Whoo! Let's party!" Ashido chimed in. "We can play Spin the Bottle!"
"Yeah, why not? It'll be fucking awesome!" Awase added from the crowd approaching the bus, before suddenly looking a bit sheepish. "Except for the whole Spin the Bottle thing..."
Ibara, walking just behind him, gave him a light slap on the shoulder. "Language," she said sternly, giving him a disapproving look.
The discussion seemed to grow louder as the students from both Class 1-A and 1-B eagerly talked about the party. Some were already making plans for games and activities, others simply looking forward to having fun. However, as the group grew more excited, Bakugou could be seen walking away, his gaze distant and his posture slumped. His mood was clearly defeated. Without a second thought, he hurled his bronze medal into the trash can before continuing on his way, eyes fixed on the ground.
Izuku glanced over at Bakugou, guilt gnawing at his insides as he watched the blonde walk off. He couldn't help but feel bad, despite everything.
"You shouldn't feel too bad," Momo said as she walked beside him, her voice calm and reassuring. She studied Izuku carefully, sensing his internal conflict. "You won the gold, Izuku."
"Huh?" Izuku blinked, snapping out of his daze. He was still lost in the buzz of the conversation around him. "I… I think I went too far back there, with Bakugou…"
Momo smiled softly, her eyes gentle. "No, I meant about winning. You still earned that medal."
Izuku glanced down at his gold medal, his expression still bitter. "I know... But it just doesn't feel right. The way I won… I feel like I just beat him down without mercy. It wasn't... it wasn't how I wanted it to go." He sighed heavily. "I won, but now I feel hollow. Like I turned into someone I didn't want to be. Like I'm just another version of Bakugou."
Momo gently nudged him with her elbow, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, you're not screaming at me and calling me names, so I don't think you're exactly like Bakugou," she teased. Izuku chuckled bitterly, appreciating the effort but still feeling conflicted.
"I know... But I still feel guilty, you know? I didn't just beat him in the fight. I really hurt him. The things I said…" Izuku looked away, his gaze distant. "I guess it just feeds into the idea that I've been looking down on him this whole time."
Momo nodded thoughtfully, glancing at the rest of the class as they continued to talk excitedly about the party. "I understand why you'd feel that way. But sometimes people project their insecurities onto others. Bakugou's actions—his anger and pride—they're his way of dealing with losing. I'm sure he doesn't see it any other way."
Izuku sighed again, still feeling uneasy. "Yeah, I get that... But the things I said to him, how I acted—it's like I gave him more fuel for his anger. Like I've confirmed in his mind that I've been looking down on him all along." He paused for a moment. "I just... I don't know if I can fix it."
Momo gave him a sympathetic look, her hand lightly brushing against his arm. "Izuku, you're doing the best you can. You don't have to fix everything right away." Her voice softened. "And you're not like him, okay?"
Izuku smiled faintly at her words, though the weight of guilt still lingered. "I hope so," he muttered quietly.
Momo tilted her head and, after a brief moment, asked, "Izuku... were you quirkless?"
Izuku froze, his eyes wide with surprise. He turned to her, his heart skipping a beat. "Wh-What made you ask that?"
Momo seemed hesitant, her expression softening. "I'm not trying to pry into your past or anything. It's just... there's something about the way you look sometimes, like you're carrying something heavy. And I wanted to know if you'd be willing to share it when you're ready."
Izuku blinked at her, his breath catching for a moment. He wasn't used to someone being so open and understanding about his past. "I—" he paused, taking a breath, "I don't really talk about it much... but thank you." He managed a small smile, the weight on his chest feeling a little lighter now that someone cared.
"I'm here if you ever want to talk, okay?" Momo added quietly.
"Thanks," Izuku replied, giving her a grateful nod.
She gave him a small, reassuring smile. "No worries." Then, her face brightened with an idea. "How about we go and enjoy the party? It'll be fun!"
Izuku raised an eyebrow. "A party? You sure you're ready for that?"
Momo's excitement was contagious as she nodded eagerly. "I've never been to a high school party with everyone. Do you think it'll be like the ones in those shoujo mangas I read?" Her eyes sparkled with curiosity.
Izuku sweatdropped. "I'm not sure what you've been reading, but I've never been to one either, so I guess we'll find out."
Momo's eyes lit up as she continued to ramble about the different party activities she'd seen in manga: "Spin the Bottle, Truth or Dare, maybe even some games like musical chairs or tag! I've read about all these things, and I'm so excited to try them!" She kept talking about various party games as they walked together, the sun setting behind them, painting the sky in shades of orange and pink.
...
Hosu city, the night sky twinkled like a thousand eyes staring down at Ingenuim, his helmet off, the cool night air brushing against his skin as he smiled, watching his little brother replaying their past battles. "We should probably cut this patrol short tonight," he said, his voice low, almost uneasy.
His sidekick nodded, glancing around with a nervous frown. "Er... Sir, why are there so many heroes out here tonight? I swear I saw at least a dozen pro heroes during my patrol."
Ingenuim's eyes narrowed, sensing something was off. "Yeah, I noticed that too," he muttered, his tone becoming sharper. "They're all heading towards Shinka Memorial Park, east of Hosu. Doesn't seem like a coincidence."
Before his sidekick could respond, a voice cut through the still night air.
"Yo! Ingenuim!" the voice called out with an almost frantic edge.
Ingenuim turned, his hand instinctively reaching for his gear as he saw Thunder Lash. The pro hero looked like he had something urgent on his mind, sweat visibly beading on his forehead, his eyes darting around the street, clearly on edge.
"Thunder Lash?" Ingenuim asked, his voice laced with suspicion.
"Still on patrol, huh?" Thunder Lash forced a laugh, but it was tight and nervous. "Anyway, I was wondering if you could point me to Shinka Memorial Park. Got some stuff I need to take care of there."
Ingenuim's gaze sharpened. "Shinka Memorial Park? Yeah, it's just a few blocks north. Head down this road and you'll see the entrance near the main fountain. But... what's got you rushing there at this hour? There's something off about tonight."
Thunder Lash hesitated, his grip tightening around something in his hand—a white letter. "Uh... I got an invitation," he said quickly, his voice a little too high-pitched, almost as if trying to convince himself more than Ingenuim.
He looked down at the letter, a golden embroidered infinity symbol on the seal, before quickly stuffing it back into his jacket. "Anyway, I need to go, thanks man."
Before Ingenuim could respond, Thunder Lash lashed out with his electrical whip, the crackle of electricity filling the air as he swung away into the night, leaving a faint trail of sparks.
"Hey, wait!" Ingenuim shouted, but the sound of Thunder Lash's retreating swing was already drowned out by the wind.
Ingenuim stood frozen for a moment, a gnawing feeling crawling up his spine. There was something wrong...
He didn't waste another second. With a sharp movement, he donned his helmet, the weight of the moment sinking in.
He took off running, his feet pounding the pavement as his thoughts raced. 'Something's going to happen tonight. I can feel it.'
His heart rate quickened as he noticed more pro heroes heading in the same direction.
He turned a corner, heading for Shinka Memorial Park, but before he could make it very far, a suffocating presence washed over him—a presence filled with malice.
He skidded to a halt, his senses flaring, scanning the darkness. In the distance, a dark vehicle with the symbol of a knight emblazoned on its side sat ominously, like a shadow waiting to strike.
'What's that stench?' Ingenuim thought, his nostrils flaring. It was a sickly, metallic scent. It made his blood run cold.
Suddenly, a voice shouted from the vehicle, making the hairs on the back of Ingenuim's neck stand up.
"Akaguro—Hero Killer Stain!" the voice bellowed, echoing through the empty streets.
Ingenuim's eyes widened in recognition. 'Stain? He's back?' He thought, a wave of dread flooding his chest. Stain had been silent for weeks, but now… now something had changed.
The bloodlust in the air was palpable— thick, it was suffocating.
The back door of the vehicle creaked open. Inside, a man, heavily restrained and with an iron mask covering half of his face, was shoved forward.
"You claim to purge the world of false heroes," a voice hissed from the shadows, dripping with venom. "This world is polluted with these so-called heroes. The time has come to cleanse it."
Enoch, the one speaking, stepped forward, and Ingenuim's blood ran cold as he saw Stain, a twisted, sadistic grin creeping across his face. The moment he saw it, a chill crawled up Ingenuim's spine.
Suddenly, a dark, oppressive presence surged behind him, sending a shiver down his back.
"You will be my messenger," Enoch sneered, his voice thick with cruel anticipation. "You will carry my message to the world. A message that this is the fall of the heroes and the rise of a new empire."
Stain's restraints shattered like brittle paper, and his crimson-bladed swords gleamed under the dim lights of the street.
Ingenuim's heart hammered in his chest, his instincts screaming at him to act, but before he could move, Stain appeared behind him in a blur. His blade—crimson and deadly—sank deep into a nearby hero's back with a sickening crack.
"I've waited far too long," Stain's voice rasped, his words chillingly calm. "Now, I will mark my return with the blood of these false heroes. This world will know my name again."
As Ingenuim's vision blurred, the weight of the moment crashing down on him, he collapsed to the ground, the pain radiating through his body as he struggled to stay conscious...
...
Confetti exploded into the air as Setsuna, Hagakure, Pony, and Ashido all grinned, their faces filled with excitement. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the thrill of victory and anticipation for what came next.
"Congratulations on our first Sports Festival!!" Mina shouted, her voice full of enthusiasm as she threw her hands up, catching a handful of confetti.
"This is just the beginning!" Iida added, his posture rigid but his smile bright as he pumped a fist into the air. "The pros were watching us today, and I'm sure each and every one of us caught their attention. Now, how do the kids say… er, 'Let's party like there's no tomorrow!'"
The rest of Class 1A cheered in agreement, caught up in the infectious energy of the moment.
"That's right! Let's make this night unforgettable!" Toru's voice rang out from the group, as she was bouncing with excitement. "We've earned this!"
Pony's eyes sparkled with joy as she clapped her hands together. "We're one step closer to becoming pro heroes!" she said, grinning wide. "Let's celebrate like we just won the whole thing!"
Kinoko, a little more reserved but still beaming, added softly, "I… I can't believe we did it. All of us. This is just the start, right?" Her cheeks flushed as she glanced around at her classmates, her hands nervously twisting together.
The dorms buzzed with energy as students from Class 1-A and 1-B mingled, laughter and music filling the air.
Brightly colored streamers crisscrossed the ceiling, confetti scattered across the floor, and the smell of various snacks wafted through the room. It was the perfect celebration after their hard-fought Sports Festival.
Setsuna grinned, her sharp teeth flashing as she sauntered toward Izuku, who was standing awkwardly near the refreshment table. The green-haired boy had his hands full with a soda can and a plate of snacks, his expression a mix of nervousness and confusion as he watched his classmates revel in the festivities.
"Hey, champ," Setsuna teased, sliding into his personal space with practiced ease. "Shouldn't the U.A. MVP be the life of the party?"
Izuku's face flushed a deep red, and he instinctively raised his hands in defense. "T-Tokage, please... I-I'm fine just watching!" he stammered, stepping back only for her to close the gap.
"Oh no you don't," she said, effortlessly prying his hands down with a smirk. "You've been tense all day, Midoriya. Relax a little, will you?"
Before Izuku could respond, Mina suddenly appeared at his other side, her usual grin lighting up her face. "Yeah, Midori! You've gotta let loose! You were amazing today!" she said, leaning in as if to emphasize her point.
From behind, Toru popped up seemingly out of nowhere, gently plopping a colorful party hat onto Izuku's head. "Come on, have some fun!" she said cheerfully, her invisible form bouncing with excitement.
Izuku glanced around nervously, feeling the combined pressure of their smiles. His classmates were scattered throughout the dorms, clearly enjoying themselves.
Kaminari and Kirishima were challenging each other to an arm-wrestling contest, cheered on by a hyped-up Sero.
Yui from Class 1-B stood near the window with Kinoko, who was nervously nibbling on a mushroom-shaped cookie as she watched Pony animatedly recount a moment from the festival.
Even Iida, who was normally a stickler for rules, was laughing alongside Ochako as they decorated a table with snacks shaped like their quirks.
"Alright, alright," Izuku finally relented, scratching the back of his neck with an awkward laugh. "I guess it couldn't hurt to join in."
The moment he said it, a cheer erupted from nearby classmates. Setsuna gave him an approving smirk. "That's the spirit!" she said, grabbing his wrist and dragging him toward the center of the room. "Now let's see if the U.A. Champion can actually have fun."
...
Setsuna quickly shoved a cold soda into Izuku's hand, a sly grin curling her lips. "You need to blow off some steam, my dude. Relax a little," she said, her voice teasing.
Leaning in, she whispered, "I know a really good way to blow off steam." She deliberately emphasized the word "blow," making Izuku stiffen. His face turned scarlet as he fumbled with the can.
"S-Setsuna!" he stammered, his voice breaking slightly.
Her laughter was light and mischievous as she grabbed his arm. "Come on, Midoriya, stop overthinking and let me help you have some fun!" With a firm but playful tug, she led him to the center of the dance floor.
The music pulsed through the room, and Setsuna moved effortlessly to the rhythm, her body flowing with the beat. She pulled him closer, their faces mere inches apart, her warm breath brushing his skin.
"Just keep your eyes on me," she instructed with a wink,
Izuku hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding louder than the bass of the music.
But then he began to move, his steps awkward at first. As he matched Setsuna's rhythm, his confidence grew, and he started to enjoy himself.
His earlier anxiety melted away, replaced by the steady beat of the music, his heart pounding against his chest from the eyes on him.
"That's it," Setsuna said with a grin, her eyes never leaving his. "You're getting the hang of it!"
"Come on, let's kick it up!" she said, spinning him around as Izuku seamlessly transitioned into the moves Mina had once taught him. His body flowed effortlessly.
Around them, the rest of Class 1-A and 1-B began to join in, laughter and cheers filling the air. Some, like Tokoyami and Yanagi, preferred to watch from the sidelines, but most of their classmates threw themselves into the fun.
Setsuna's gaze softened as she watched Izuku, her half-lidded eyes gleaming with something she couldn't explain.
Despite the weight of the day, he was beginning to loosen up, and she couldn't help but feel a flutter in her chest as his usual shyness gave way to something far more genuine.
As the night continued, Izuku couldn't help but notice Ibara keeping her distance, always casting nervous glances in his direction, yet never making an effort to engage with him. She remained at arm's length, her body language closed off.
Curious, Izuku followed her as she stepped onto the balcony, her eyes distant, lost in the night sky.
"Shiozaki?" Izuku called out, his voice gentle.
Ibara flinched at the sound of her name, quickly turning to face him.
"Yes, Midoriya? Did you need something?" Her voice was soft, but there was a clear hesitation in her eyes.
Izuku looked uncomfortable, unsure of how to approach her. "Uh... No, it's just that..." he trailed off, his face flushing slightly. "It's nothing. I'll just leave you be."
Ibara's heart tightened at his retreat, and before he could step away, her vines gently wrapped around him, preventing him from leaving.
"Please... don't go," Ibara said, her voice almost pleading. "Stay with me for a moment."
Reluctantly, Izuku walked back toward her, standing beside her as they both gazed at the starry sky in silence.
"I... I'm sorry," Ibara began softly, her eyes lowered, as if praying for the right words. "I've been keeping my distance because I didn't want to add to your burdens. I can see the weight of your heart, and I didn't want to be another source of it."
Izuku looked at her, guilt and shame swirling within him. Her words struck deep."D-Don't worry about it."
"I... I honestly didn't know how to respond to what you did to Bakugou," Ibara said, her voice trembling slightly, but firm. "I cannot condone that kind of brutality. Violence is never the answer, and the way you beat him... it was unnecessary. Even when faced with someone like Bakugou, a hero should rise above such anger."
Izuku's heart sank at her words, his hands trembling slightly. He knew she was right."Yeah me neither."
"I understand that you were frustrated, but revenge should never be the reason we fight," Ibara continued, her voice quiet but resolute. "As a hero, your actions should be driven by compassion, not retribution. Vengeance is a path that leads only to darkness, and I pray you never lose sight of the light that guides you."
Her vines gently loosened around him, and she stepped a little closer, her gaze filled with quiet, earnest sincerity. "I don't want you to carry the burden of regret, Midoriya. You have a noble heart, and I believe in you. But I ask you to remember that true strength comes from mercy, not violence. Can you promise me that?"
Izuku swallowed, feeling a warmth spread through him at her words. "I... I promise," he said quietly, his voice soft but firm.
Ibara smiled, the expression gentle and warm, but there was a glimmer in her eyes that made Izuku's heart skip a beat. She moved closer to him. "Then... I hope you don't mind enjoying the moonlight with me," she said with a small, shy smile that made her seem even more delicate than usual.
Izuku felt a small dusting of pink on his cheeks, but he couldn't look away from her. Her presence felt so calm and soothing.
...
Meanwhile, inside the lively party, Class 1-A was enjoying the festivities, their laughter and chatter filling the air. But a sudden wave of unease swept through the room.
Phones buzzed in unison, and the news quickly spread, filling the air with tension. The headline flashed across the screens, the words cutting through the joy like a knife:
"40 WERE CLAIMED BY ME, THE MESSENGER! I, THE TOOL THAT WILL PURGE THE SCUM OF THIS WORLD WHO CLAIM THE WORD HERO!"
A heavy silence descended over the group, their faces draining of color as the gravity of the situation set in.
And then, as if on cue, Aizawa stood, his expression unreadable but stern. He turned to Iida, gesturing for him to follow.
Iida's eyes widened, but he nodded and followed his teacher, a deep sense of dread creeping up his spine. The others exchanged uneasy glances, their instincts telling them something was terribly wrong.
...
A/N: Any feedback would be appreciated, whether it's complimenting the story, pointing out something wrong, or just giving out a suggestion.
What's your favorite fight?
Which alien would you like to see more of?
How do you feel about the fights and the powers used in them?
Are there any specific powers you wish were explored more?
Which fight do you think had the most impressive power display?