Izuku paced back and forth in Principal Nezu's office, his heart hammering in his chest as he tried to process the bombshell that had just been dropped on him. His thoughts raced, and the knot in his stomach grew tighter with each passing second.

"Okay, let's just... recap," Izuku said, his voice unsteady. He stopped mid-stride, turning to face the two figures in the room: All Might and Principal Nezu, who sat calmly sipping tea.

"Vilgax," Izuku began, the name alone sending a chill down his spine. "The most dangerous being in the universe... is coming to Earth."

"Correct," Nezu replied, his tone measured.

"And he's coming for the Omnitrix," Izuku said, holding up his wrist, the alien device gleaming faintly. "The same Omnitrix that is permanently attached to me."

"Also correct," All Might confirmed, his expression grim.

Izuku stopped pacing for a moment, his hands clenching into fists. "This is the same Vilgax who's killed heroes—heroes who are just as powerful, if not more powerful, than you, All Might?"

"Yes," All Might replied solemnly, his eyes dark with the weight of his admission.

"And you've faced him before," Izuku said, his voice rising slightly. "And... you lost?"

All Might hesitated for a moment before nodding, his fists tightening. "Yes."

Izuku gulped, his throat dry, his heart hammering so loudly he thought it might burst from his chest. He resumed pacing, his movements more frantic now. "O-Okay... okay... How long do we have? How long before he gets here? How long do I have to prepare?"

Nezu and All Might exchanged a somber glance, their silence louder than any words. The weight of their expressions sent a cold shiver down Izuku's spine.

...

"YOU DON'T KNOW?!" Both Class 1-A and 1-B shouted in unison, the room erupting in chaos.

"Back up! You're telling us that some dangerous alien is coming here for Midoriya, and you don't know when?!" Toru exclaimed, her body shaking with alarm.

"You can't honestly expect Dekiru to fight this guy, can you?" Ochako asked, her voice trembling as she clasped her hands together, struggling to keep her composure. Her heart ached at the very thought. "This is insane... he shouldn't have to go through this alone."

"Yeah, we know Midoriya is uber strong, but this guy has beaten All Might before!" Kaminari added, his voice cracking slightly.

"Midoriya may not stand a chance," Tokoyami said grimly, his usual calm demeanor faltering. "If this foe is truly so monstrous that he's a scourge throughout the galaxy... and from what you've told and shown us, he's defeated heroes who rival All Might's strength. How can one expect Midoriya to face that alone?"

Kyoka's voice joined in, sharp with concern. "How can you guys expect him to fight this guy? It's insane!" she snapped, her earphone jacks twitching with anxiety.

"He could appear at any moment," Monoma sneered, his usual smugness faltering beneath a thin veneer of mockery. "And what can we do? Sit around like extras, twiddling our thumbs, utterly useless!"

"We're at his mercy!" Shishida growled, his voice deep with frustration. "Running on his schedule, and you think we should just carry on like everything's fine?!"

Ibara's hands trembled as she stepped forward, her voice filled with worry. "Midoriya's already carrying so much responsibility. To ask him to face something like this—it's not...It isn't..."

Setsuna, usually lighthearted, frowned deeply, crossing her arms. "This is seriously messed up. We're talking about some galactic-level tyrant. And what—you're just leaving it all on Midoriya to handle?"

"I—I know he's strong, but this isn't fair," Mina stammered, her usual fiery energy faltering as she looked at Izuku with deep concern. "He shouldn't have to fight a monster like this on his own. If there's anything we can do, we have to help him—no matter what!"

Tsuyu nodded, her usually relaxed posture tense with worry. "I don't care how dangerous this alien is, kero. If Midoriya's in danger, then I'm going to be right there with him."

Bakugou punched his palm, smoke billowing from his clenched fists. "Then let's go after this bastard! No more waiting!"

Itsuka stepped forward, her eyes alight with determination. "Yeah, we get the jump on him and hit him with everything we've got!"

Kamakiri, always one for a bold plan, chimed in eagerly. "With Midoriya, All Might, and some top-tier pro heroes, we can totally take this guy down!"

Bakugou's voice was full of anger. "I want to personally take this bastard down. He beat All Might, and I want to fight him—"

"Enough," Aizawa interrupted sharply, his tired eyes narrowing as he stepped forward. "Believe me when I say this: you don't want to pick a fight with Vilgax."

Bakugou scowled, his jaw tightening, but Aizawa continued before anyone could argue. "This isn't a matter of gathering a ragtag team of pros to take him down. Many have tried that exact plan, and all of them failed. Miserably."

Midnight's usual playful demeanor was absent, replaced by a grim seriousness. "There are entire graveyards on other planets filled with heroes who thought the same. Facing Vilgax head-on isn't bravery—it's suicide."

Present Mic folded his arms, his usual boisterous energy subdued. "And don't forget little listeners, the guy's got an army. A real army, with tech and forces way beyond anything we can handle, he isn't called a warlord for nothing."

Aizawa's tone was icy and matter-of-fact. "Our world isn't unique. We're not the first to have heroes—or even a Symbol of Peace like All Might. And in every case, they fell to Vilgax. Fighting him isn't just foolish. It's suicidal."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words pressing down on everyone.

"And don't misunderstand why we're telling you this," Aizawa said, his tone cutting. "This isn't about recruiting you to help Midoriya. I was firmly against the notion and would've preferred if you stayed in the dark."

Bakugou glared, his teeth clenched. "What, you think we're a bunch of weaklings?"

Aizawa didn't flinch, his voice cold and blunt. "Yes. You're first years. Your current level of skill isn't enough to take on something like this."

"I know you all care about Midoriya," Midnight said, stepping forward with a more gentle but firm tone, her hands clasped together as if to convey the weight of her words. "But right now, at your current level, it's best you stay out of it. This isn't an insult to your abilities." Her voice softened, almost maternal. "It's a matter of safety."

Ochako's eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "But... you're letting Deku fight alongside you... isn't that just as dangerous? He's our friend, and we want to protect him, too."

Momo nodded, her voice steady despite the tremor in her hands. "Izuku has done so much for us. We can't just stand by and watch him face this alone."

Aizawa sighed heavily, his gaze softening just slightly. "We're not letting him fight. The fact that he's involved at all..." He hesitated, his hands clenching tightly. "It makes me ashamed to call myself a hero. But we don't have a choice."

Midnight stepped in, her voice quieter but no less firm. "The Omnitrix is fused to Midoriya's DNA. Nothing—no tech in the universe—can remove it."

"And that thing is basically indestructible," Power Loader added. "We could drop every nuke on the planet on it, and it wouldn't so much as crack."

"So you're telling us there's no way out," Todoroki said flatly, his mismatched eyes reflecting a quiet frustration. "No way to remove the Omnitrix. No way to stop Vilgax from coming. And no way to guarantee victory."

"Pretty much," Sero muttered, slumping against a nearby wall. "Talk about the odds being stacked against us."

"It's terrifying..." Pony whispered, her ears drooping. "How are we supposed to just stand by and do nothing? Izuku... I don't want him to get hurt."

Ibara clasped her hands together, her green hair swaying gently as she bowed her head in prayer. "Midoriya, has shown so much courage and selflessness. It pains me to see him burdened with this trial. I will pray for your safety..."

Bakugou was seething, his fists clenched so tightly that his knuckles turned white. His whole body trembled with barely contained rage.

"I-I assume you have a plan in mind?" Momo asked, her voice wavering slightly as she smoothed her skirt out nervously. She tried to steady herself, but her thoughts kept circling back to Izuku her heart twisting at the thought of him being thrown into danger.

"You're not just planning to send Izuku to face this monster alone without... without something concrete in place, right?"

Aizawa raised an eyebrow at her hesitation, his gaze shifting to Midnight. "Actually, we do have a plan," he said, his tone a matter-of-fact.

...

Izuku's brow furrowed as he processed the explanation. "Melissa?" he asked, his voice tinged with confusion. "How is she part of the plan?"

Nezu, sipping his tea with deliberate calm, replied, "We're placing our bet on Melissa's Full Gauntlet. If you can consistently access 50% of One For All, you'll be able to stand on equal footing with Vilgax."

All Might nodded solemnly. "One For All, as you know, grows stronger with every user. Right now, Young Midoriya, you're more powerful than I ever was."

Izuku's eyes widened, and he swallowed hard. "R-Really? But... All Might, you said you couldn't defeat him. How am I supposed to succeed, even with just 50% of One For All?"

Nezu smiled faintly, placing his cup down with a soft clink. "Ah, but I've run the numbers. Based on your progress and growth, your 50% output is equivalent to All Might's 100%—possibly even during his prime."

Izuku stared at his hands, doubt creeping into his voice. "I don't feel anywhere close to that kind of strength or power. Even at 16%, it's overwhelming. The only time I felt something like that was... when I changed the weather in the sports festival but I still don't understand how I did it."

All Might clasped his shoulder reassuringly. "I understand your concerns, Young Midoriya. Your Quirk may feel weaker, but that's not the case. One For All amplifies your natural abilities—strength, speed, agility, and more. The difference lies in our physiques."

All Might suddenly flexed, shifting into his muscle form. "I'm 7'3" and 560 pounds of pure muscle! When One For All enhances my physical stats, it's overwhelming. But you're only 5'5" and far lighter. As your body matures, you'll fully grasp the difference in power."

Izuku nodded slowly, taking a shaky breath. "I think I get it. That's why Four Arms feels so compatible with One For All—his build is closer to yours. His strength even feels similar to yours when I use him."

"Exactly," All Might affirmed. "Even at 8% as Four Arms, your strength was comparable to mine. Now, at double that percentage, you've surpassed me. And once you reach 50%, combined with the abilities of your alien forms..."

Nezu's voice was sharp yet polite, carrying his trademark precision. "With Melissa's Full Gauntlet allowing you to access 50% of your Quirk's power, the results will be remarkable. Each transformation will not only rival All Might's strength but bring its own unique abilities into play. The combination of raw power and versatility? Quite formidable. You'll be..."

All Might smiled. "An unbeatable superhero."

Izuku's heart pounded in his chest as a mix of anxiety and determination swirled within him. He clenched his fists, his green eyes burning with resolve.

"And with the Plumbers' help," Nezu said, his tone cold and precise, "we will finally end that tyrant's reign."

...

"This is bullshit!" Bakugou roared, slamming his fists into the desk in front of him as sparks flared from his palms. His crimson eyes burned with fury. "You're telling us to just sit on our asses while Deku fights this guy alone?! What the hell kind of plan is that?!"

Aizawa sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose as the frustration in the room began to boil over. The other teachers exchanged weary looks, their expressions grim.

"What, so we're supposed to let Midoriya play the damn main character while the rest of us stand around like side characters in his story?" Monoma snapped, his voice dripping with frustration. "We're training to be heroes too! We deserve a chance to fight—"

"Tch," Kamakiri scoffed, standing abruptly. His sharp claws extended reflexively, glinting under the lights. "I don't care how strong this Vilgax guy is. A fight's a fight. I'm not backing down from someone who thinks they can just waltz in here and do whatever they want."

"If this Vilgax thinks Earth is an easy target, he's got another thing coming!" Kendo shouted, her hands clenching into fists. "He'll have to get through all of us first."

"You're already sending Deku in there, aren't you?" Bakugou barked again, pointing an accusatory finger at Aizawa. "You've got some secret training plan or whatever, right? Then send the rest of us too! Stop treating him like he's the only one who matters!"

The room buzzed with the students' anger and indignation.

"Why is it always Midoriya?" Monoma continued, his voice cutting through the noise. "What makes him so special that he gets to fight the galactic tyrant while we're sidelined? We have Quirks. We have strength. We're training every day—"

CRASH!

A deafening crash interrupted him as Vlad King's fist smashed into the table in front of him, the wood cracking under the impact. The entire room fell silent.

"Special? A fight's a fight? Main character?" Aizawa's voice was calm, cold, and precise, slicing through the tension like a blade. His eyes scanned the room, settling on each student who had spoken. "You're all so desperate to prove yourselves, clinging to some juvenile fantasy of heroism."

The weight of his words pressed down like an iron vice, smothering any lingering defiance.

"This isn't some stage where you play the hero and soak in the applause. Do you even comprehend what's being asked of you?" His voice dropped, quiet but firm, the weight of his words pressing down on them. "Do you understand how many comrades we've lost to that monster? How many of us he's butchered without a second thought?"

The tension in the room was palpable, a crushing force none could escape.

"You think we want to send a child to face him? A first-year, no less?" His tone didn't rise, but the disgust in his words was unmistakable. "It's sickening. Every time I think about it, I question my place as a hero."

He paused, letting the full gravity of his message settle.

"We're sending a child to face him," Aizawa's voice broke slightly, and he hated how it felt. "A first-year. And you have the audacity to ask why it's him? Why not you?" His gaze hardened again, but there was a flicker of something more—self-loathing, regret.

"I'm ashamed. Ashamed to be in this position, to call myself a hero when the best I can do is pray that monster doesn't arrive to soon?"

He paused, letting the full gravity of his message settle.

Aizawa let out a deep sigh. His gaze swept over the class, now more subdued, before he spoke again, his voice carrying an undeniable weight.

"The class is dismissed," Aizawa said, his tone sharp but lacking the usual bite. "You are all now aware of the potential danger. With the sports festival, aliens all over the planet are now aware that Izuku Midoriya is in possession of the Omnitrix. Stay vigilant during your internships. Some may come after you to use you against him or mistake you for him. Aliens can't tell the difference."

As the teachers began to leave, their footsteps echoing in the silence, Bakugou's jaw clenched, his frustration simmering beneath the surface. His fists trembled at his sides, nails digging into his palms, and his eyes remained fixed on the door the teachers had exited from. His voice, when it came, was low, almost a growl.

"Why Deku?" Bakugou muttered, the bitterness in his words cutting through the air. "Why him? Why the hell did the damn watch pick him?"

His thoughts churned, replaying every moment of Midoriya's growth—his victories, his struggles, and now the weight of this impossible task, facing a threat like Vilgax. Bakugou's chest tightened, a storm of anger and resentment welling up inside him.

'That damn useless nerd... Always trailing behind me... And now he's the one expected to save us all?' The thought burned in his mind like acid, his frustration boiling over.

Ochako stood quietly beside him, her head hung low as she quietly spoke, her voice laced with disbelief.

"It's supposed to be the most powerful weapon... and Dekiru just... just has it?"

Monoma, his usual bravado missing, clenched his fist tightly, his voice laced with frustration. "Why Midoriya? What makes him special? Is he some kind of chosen one? While the rest of us are just... side characters?"

Aizawa, who had remained silent as his students vented, let out a weary sigh before addressing them. His tone was still measured, but the exhaustion in his eyes was clear.

"Don't dwell on it," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "Midoriya wasn't chosen. It was just a random set of circumstances. He was in the right place at the right time. It's not some grand fate. He knows the gravity of the situation. He knows what's at stake. And he's pushing through it—without throwing a fit."

His gaze swept over the room, meeting the eyes of his students one by one. "And he has every right to complain. He wasn't given a choice to carry the weight of the world. But he does it anyway."

Aizawa's words hung in the air, and the class fell into a reflective silence. His words—gruff and to the point—spoke volumes.

"Anyone could've gotten the Omnitrix. Just be glad it's him."

...

Izuku sat in stunned silence, his hands clutching his knees tightly, his heart pounding loudly in his chest. He closed his eyes, a look of near-resolution settling on his face as he processed the bombshell of information.

All Might and Nezu exchanged a brief glance, both noting how the boy had gone quiet, seemingly lost in thought.

"Young Midoriya?" All Might asked gently, his voice warm yet concerned.

Izuku's gaze remained downcast, his face shadowed by his own bangs. After a long pause, his voice was quiet, almost hesitant. "The... Omnitrix. You know it's DNA encoded, right?" he asked, catching both Nezu and All Might by surprise.

Both of them nodded, though Nezu's eyes narrowed slightly with interest. "Yes," he began, taking a careful sip of his tea. "The Omnitrix is encoded with a person's DNA signature. It scans for the being with the closest genetic match, and... well, as I'm sure you've noticed, it latched onto you, binding to your DNA."

Izuku's head hung lower, his thoughts churning. "I've been trying to figure out why it would choose someone like me... a Quirkless middle school kid..." His voice trailed off, filled with doubt and confusion.

"Young Midoriya," All Might began, moving to place a hand on his shoulder, his concern evident.

"No, it's okay," Izuku murmured, shaking his head. "Then I thought about it... My dad doesn't have any other relatives... Except me."

The room fell silent, both adults pausing as they processed Izuku's words.

"The Omnitrix... it wasn't sent to me, was it?" Izuku's voice cracked slightly, a mixture of realization and fear threading through his words. "It was sent to Dad, wasn't it?"

Nezu's eyes softened, and after a long moment of contemplation, he nodded slowly. "Yes. The Omnitrix was intended for your father," he confirmed, his voice quiet yet firm.

Izuku's breath hitched as the weight of the revelation hit him. "So... I got the watch by mistake?" he asked, his voice trembling with self-doubt. He had suspected it all along—he had never been meant to wield this power, and yet, it had been thrust upon him. It felt like a cruel twist of fate.

All Might's voice cut through the silence, firm but filled with empathy. "Young Midoriya," he began, a gentle but undeniable confidence in his tone, "The watch may have found its way to you by chance, but that doesn't mean it was a mistake." His eyes softened, the weight of his words lingering in the air. "You've always had the potential to be a hero."

"W-Who was he?" Izuku stammered, his words rushed and panicked. "I don't understand... Why would the Omnitrix choose someone like my dad? I know he went to U.A., was part of the Big Three, but... he wasn't a Pro Hero..." His voice faltered, unable to make sense of it. "I-I don't..." His words stumbled over each other.

All Might's face softened, and he placed a steadying hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Breathe, kid," he said with a calm authority, his voice strong and reassuring despite the tension in the room.

Izuku took a few deep breaths, steadying himself as the storm of questions raged in his mind.

Nezu, ever the tactician, spoke again, his voice serious and unwavering. "The Omnitrix wasn't intended for you, Midoriya. It was meant for your father... The greatest Plumber in the Milky Way Galaxy," Nezu explained. His words were calculated, and the pride in them was clear. "The greatest hero this universe has ever seen... since Sir Jorge."

Izuku's eyes widened in shock, his voice barely a whisper. "The greatest... hero?"

All Might stood tall, shifting into his muscle form, his grin wide yet filled with a deep, somber pride. "He was far greater than myself. Across the entire galaxy," he said, his voice heavy with reverence. His words stirred something deep within Izuku, filling him with a pride he'd never thought possible.

"Not a single alien in the galaxy doesn't know the name Hisashi Midoriya," All Might continued, his eyes gleaming with respect. "Your father, Izuku, faced down invasions, threats, and battles that this world will never even know about."

Izuku's gaze widened, and his mind struggled to process the weight of what he was hearing. "Dad...?" His voice faltered. "But... he didn't have a powerful Quirk... how could he...?"

All Might let out a hearty laugh, but it was filled with warmth, a deep pride in his voice. "Ha-ha! No, he didn't have overwhelming power. But that never stopped him. Never. Your father used his wit, his intellect, and sheer determination to stand up to dangers that would have sent others running." He placed a hand gently on Izuku's shoulder. "He's the universe's greatest hero because he didn't need raw power to win."

Izuku's heart twisted. He knew his father's Quirk hadn't been anything extraordinary. "But... I..." He struggled to find the words, the weight of his thoughts pressing down on him.

All Might's smile softened as he looked at Izuku, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Because your father believed that no matter how many times we fall, we get back up. No matter how beaten down we are, no matter how impossible the odds, he always rose again. That's what made him incredible. That's what you share with him."

Izuku's voice cracked, a mix of confusion and anger rising in him. "Why didn't he tell me or Mom... any of this?" His tone carried an edge, the hurt clear in his voice.

All Might's smile turned wistful, almost nostalgic. "Your father never cared for the glory," he said, his voice steady but tinged with sadness. "He was content with being a husband, a father. Recognition wasn't something he sought. He wasn't one to brag or boast. Keeping secrets was a burden, yes, but it was one he carried with pride."

"And Plumbers are obligated to keep their profession secret... even from their families," Nezu added quietly, his voice soft but certain.

Izuku's chest tightened, a mix of pride and pain swirling inside him. His fists clenched at his sides as he struggled to keep himself together, but the weight of it all felt suffocating.

His heart ached as the image of his father, the man he barely knew, began to take shape in his mind. But All Might's words, his reverence for the sacrifice, were almost too much to bear.

All Might's tone shifted, growing quieter, and his gaze seemed distant, as if reliving a memory. "Even in his final moments, against Vilgax..." His voice trailed off, the sadness in his words thick with the weight of loss. "It was on the 15th of July."

Izuku's breath caught in his throat, the realization hitting him like a lightning bolt. "The 15th of July... That's... my birthday..." His voice faltered, and a rush of grief that he had never fully understood suddenly flooded him. The day his father died—his birthday—now made painful sense.

All Might's voice softened, filled with a solemn reverence as he recounted the final battle. "He stood against Vilgax and his entire armada. One man, against an army, giving everything he had to save the universe." His eyes were filled with respect, as if honoring a fallen comrade. "He sacrificed himself to destroy the ships, to defeat Vilgax, and to give the universe five years of peace."

Izuku's shoulders trembled, and the tears flowed freely now, his body wracked with sobs. The weight of his father's sacrifice crashed over him, harder than he could have imagined. His mind raced back to the nights when his mother would cry herself to sleep, the grief that had always been present but never fully explained.

"I know it's hard, Young Midoriya," All Might said softly, his voice filled with understanding. He placed a comforting hand on the boy's shoulder, offering what little support he could. "But your father... he gave everything so others could live in peace. That's the true mark of a hero."

Izuku gasped for breath, clutching his chest as the pain of the past flooded back to him. His voice caught in his throat, the grief overwhelming. He wanted to scream, to let it all out, but instead, he allowed the tears to fall, mourning the father he never truly got to know.

...

A Few Hours Later

Ochako and the rest of the girls, along with a few of the boys from Class 1-A, paced nervously outside the principal's office, glancing at the door as if waiting for it to open at any moment.

"What's taking Greenie so long?" Kyoka asked, twirling her earphone jack with a nervous energy, clearly impatient.

"He's been in there for hours," Toru added, pacing back and forth with Mina. Her usual upbeat energy was gone, replaced by worry.

"I just hope Midoriya is okay..." Mina murmured, her voice tight with concern. "He's been transforming into actual aliens this whole time, and I'd be freaking out with joy if it weren't for the whole 'literal Thanos and Darkseid are coming for him' thing."

"Ribbit, I'm sure he's fine," Tsuyu said, trying to keep the mood light despite her own worries. "Midoriya-chan is stronger than we give him credit for. He can handle himself. But I do wonder what they're talking about in there."

Yui remained silent, observing the others with a thoughtful look before walking up to the door with Kyoka and Yanagi. She pressed her ear gently against it, curious to hear any hints of what was going on inside.

"Shh!" Kyoka hissed, pressing her finger to her lips. "I wanna hear what they're saying."

...

"The bastard kept the secret about the damn watch for months... that little shit," Bakugou muttered under his breath, his voice thick with anger. "Lying about his Quirk all this time, making a damn fool out of me..." He grit his teeth, his glare growing more intense.

Kirishima, arms folded across his chest, nodded as he tried to reason with Bakugou, his voice more measured. "I kinda get where you're coming from. We've known Midoriya for a while, and keeping something like the Omnitrix secret? Yeah, that's pretty unmanly. He should trust his classmates more."

"Uh... I knew." Toru's voice piped up from the side.

Bakugou's head snapped toward her like a hawk zeroing in on prey. His glare could've burned a hole through her. "You knew?" His tone was sharp, the edges of his words crackling with annoyance.

Kyoka rolled her eyes, unbothered by his outburst. "Aw, is Bakugou pissy 'cause the world doesn't revolve around him?" she said in a tone that was mockingly sweet. "He told me a couple week ago, by the way."

Bakugou's fiery glare flicked between them, his expression one of pure disbelief and fury. "And none of you said anything?" he snapped.

Kaminari, nervous under Bakugou's heated gaze, muttered out, his voice trembling. "W-We knew for a couple of weeks now...

"

Bakugou's eyes narrowed, his body radiating barely-contained fury. "And you bastards didn't say anything?" he spat, his anger palpable. "You knew, and you just let me look like an idiot while you kept your mouths shut?"

"You guys knew, and you didn't tell us?" Kirishima asked, surprised and a little hurt. "Why didn't you say anything?"

Kaminari scratched the back of his head, mumbling barely above a whisper. "E-Er... because it's not our business...?"

"Yeah, it's not our secret to spill," Toru chimed in, but her voice faltered slightly.

Bakugou's glare snapped toward her, eyes blazing with anger as he took a threatening step forward. Toru flinched, stepping back instinctively.

But Momo had had enough. Her onyx eyes locked onto Bakugou's with an intensity that stopped him in his tracks. She stepped forward, her height making her appear even more imposing as she glared down at him.

The fact that she stood taller than him only seemed to fuel Bakugou's irritation, his clenched fists shaking with barely-contained rage.

...

Momo crossed her arms, her onyx eyes narrowed at Bakugou. "Whatever reasons Midoriya had for keeping it to himself, that's his choice. We aren't entitled to his personal secrets just because we share a classroom."

Bakugou's glare darkened as he stepped closer, his tone sharp and biting. "Listen, you ponytail princess, I've known Deku since we were kids! The bastard lied to me. I deserve to know what the hell his Quirk really is."

Momo's expression hardened, her usual composure slipping into visible annoyance. "And that somehow gives you a right to his personal life? You and he are the furthest thing from friends, Bakugou. Don't act like he owes you anything."

The tension in the room was thick, Bakugou's hands twitching at his sides as he growled under his breath. "Tch. Whatever. He's still a damn liar."

Kirishima cleared his throat, trying to mediate. "I mean, Bakugou's got a point... kinda. We're his classmates, right? We've fought alongside him. He should've trusted us enough to tell us something that big."

"I don't know, man," Sero said, shrugging with an awkward laugh. "We've only known each other for, what, a semester? That's not exactly a lifetime of trust to go spilling your biggest secrets."

Tokoyami nodded, his gaze steady and shadowed. "Midoriya had no obligation to divulge the true nature of his Quirk. Trust, like the shadows, must be cultivated with time and care. While we have stood together in battle, such as at the USJ, mere shared conflict does not forge unshakable bonds. Trust is not freely given—it is earned, through deeds and understanding, not from the fact we share a classroom."

Shoji nodded in agreement, his quiet voice steady. "Agreed."

There was a murmur of agreement from most of the class, though a few looked hesitant. Itsuka, arms crossed tightly, frowned but eventually gave a reluctant nod.

"Even so..." she muttered, her tone soft. "I just thought maybe he... trusted us more than that."

Kyoka's earjack twitched as she pressed it against the door, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"So, how exactly am I supposed to use this thing?" Izuku's voice came from inside the principal's office, muffled but still audible.

"You're surprisingly taking this well," All Might responded, his tone cautiously optimistic.

"Shh!" Kyoka whispered harshly, waving a hand at the group crowded behind her.

Inside the room, Izuku sat hunched over the desk. His eyes were puffy and rimmed with red, the weight of exhaustion evident in the dark circles beneath them. The revelation about his father's murder—not a car accident as he had been told—had left him reeling.

Izuku's fists trembled as a mix of anger, resentment, and unbearable sadness washed over him. The thought of Vilgax—the one who had taken his father from him—gnawed at his insides.

He clenched his fists tightly, a dark impulse creeping into his mind, the desire to make Vilgax pay for what he'd done growing stronger by the second.

"If you need more time to process, young Midoriya, it's perfectly understandable," All Might offered gently, his voice heavy with concern.

Izuku shook his head, his hands trembling slightly as he held the strange device shaped like a semi-automatic pistol. "I just... I don't even know how to tell Mom about this," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. He glanced at the device, his mind racing with unanswered questions. "This is a Null Void Projector?" he asked, tilting it in his hand.

Nezu's ears twitched as he watched the scene with his ever-present calm demeanor. "Indeed, though I must say..."His head turned slightly toward the door, his smile widening. "It seems we have a few eavesdroppers outside."

Izuku blinked, his brows knitting together in confusion. "Huh?"

Before he could react, a loud thump echoed from outside, followed by muffled voices.

"Hey, move over! I'm trying to hear!" Mina's voice hissed.

"Ow!" came another yelp.

Kyoka whispered frantically, "Crap! I think they know we're here!"

"GET THE HELL OUT OF THE WAY, YOU DAMN EXTRAS!" Bakugou's angry roar followed, and before anyone inside could react, the door burst open with a bang.

The students of Class 1-A, and a few from Class 1-B, stumbled into the office in a chaotic heap.

"EHH?!" Izuku yelped, jolting back in shock. His grip tightened on the Null Void Projector, and in his panic, his finger accidentally squeezed the trigger.

A faint hum filled the room as the device activated, emitting a blinding yellow beam that shot toward the ceiling.

A swirling vortex tore open in the air, its edges crackling with energy. The room plunged into chaos as the portal's pull began to drag everything toward it, papers and loose objects flying through the air.

"What the hell is that?!" Kaminari shouted, his voice barely audible over the roar of the portal.

A grey, slimy tentacle snaked out from the glowing void, its surface glistening unnervingly in the flickering light. Izuku's Danger Sense flared, and he barely had time to react before it lashed out, coiling around him tightly.

"AAAHH!" Izuku cried out, struggling against the tentacle's grip. The pull of the portal intensified, and the students scrambled to keep their footing, their panicked shouts filling the room.

All Might and Nezu remained oddly composed amidst the chaos. While the room trembled and objects flew toward the portal, their calm stood in stark contrast to the pandemonium.

Nezu, perched on his chair, casually sipped his tea, his tiny paws holding the cup.

Green lightning crackled around him as he fought back, delivering a series of rapid punches to the tentacle. Despite his efforts, the portal's pull dragged him closer, his body straining against the force.

"Hang on, Midoriya!" Kirishima yelled, trying to grab hold of him, but the portal's pull was too strong.

Izuku gritted his teeth, forcing himself to focus. With one last burst of strength, he managed to angle the device upward and press the trigger again. The portal snapped shut with a violent crack, severing the tentacle in the process.

Izuku crashed to the floor with a heavy thud, the air knocked from his lungs. He lay there, panting, the severed tentacle still twitching on him like some grotesque reminder of what had just happened.

Tokoyami clutched his chest, his feathers trembling slightly. "What in the eldritch horror did we just witness?" he muttered, his tone both unnerved and intrigued.

Reiko tilted her head, her expression unreadable as her dangling hands swung faintly. "A tentacle from another dimension reaching for a victim... it's like something out of a cosmic horror movie. Spooky."

Nezu's sharp eyes gleamed with amusement as he clasped his paws behind his back. "Ah, the Null Void Projector performs admirably. Excellent engineering, wouldn't you agree?" he said with a cheerful tone that belied his sinister undertones.

Izuku groaned from the floor, still dazed. He blinked when Ochako leaned over him, her face etched with worry. "You okay, Dekiru?"

"Not really," Izuku muttered as he peeled the limp tentacle from his arm, tossing it aside like a particularly gross towel. "What... what even was that thing?"

The air grew heavy with an awkward silence as the eyes of his classmates, and a few from Class B, bore into him. Bakugou's familiar scowl burned into Izuku's skin, while others, like Reiko and Tokoyami, observed him with newfound fascination.

The tension broke when Nezu cleared his throat, his polite demeanor masking the ever-present glint of calculated mischief in his gaze. "Now that everyone's... appropriately intrigued, let us refocus," Nezu began, his voice lilting as though delivering a lecture.

Izuku straightened, his classmates fanning out behind him as they hung on Nezu's every word.

"Midoriya, should you find yourself in need of the Null Void Projector, my office will always be accessible to you," Nezu said, his tone as calm as if discussing a simple homework assignment.

"Null Void?" Momo's voice carried a mix of curiosity and caution as she stepped closer to Izuku, her analytical eyes locked onto the device in his hand. "May I examine it?"

Izuku hesitated before handing it to her.

Nezu gestured toward the small weapon. "It creates a dimensional rift—a portal to a realm we call the Null Void. A place designed to incarcerate the universe's most irredeemable beings," Nezu explained with a tone so matter-of-fact it sent a chill through the room.

"A portable prison," All Might clarified, though his voice held a note of unease. "But not one to be used lightly. It's a tool of immense responsibility, young Midoriya."

Momo's brow furrowed as she turned the device over in her hands. "The ability to tear into interdimensional space... This technology far exceeds anything Earth has developed. This is extraordinary."

Kyoka crossed her arms, her earjacks twitching slightly. "So... what, you just throw villains into a void and call it a day?"

"Essentially," All Might replied with a sheepish smile.

Tokoyami stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with macabre curiosity. "How many souls have been banished to this forsaken dimension?"

Nezu's smile widened ever so slightly, his beady eyes gleaming. "Hundreds, at the very least. Though, theoretically, the Null Void could house millions." His tone remained light, yet there was an unmistakable weight behind his words. "So, I strongly advise against any accidental activations."

Izuku gulped and quickly retrieved the device from Momo, securing it in its holster.

Nezu's cheerful demeanor didn't waver as he turned his gaze to the group still gathered near his door. "Incidentally, eavesdropping is rather impolite, wouldn't you agree?"

Despite his gentle tone, a predatory undertone crept into his words, sending a chill down the spines of All Might, Tokoyami, Reiko, and even Izuku.

"Out of curiosity," Reiko interjected, her voice calm yet oddly whimsical, "you didn't... toss the scientists who experimented on you into the Null Void, did you?"

Nezu's smile didn't falter as he let out a soft, knowing chuckle."Ha."

Before anyone could ponder his reaction further, Nezu handed Izuku a sleek tablet. "Here," he said simply.

Izuku blinked, his curiosity overriding his unease. "What's this?" he asked as he opened the tablet. His eyes widened in shock, awe spreading across his face as he stared at the data displayed before him.

Izuku's fingers hovered over the screen, eyes wide with disbelief. "N-No way..."

Momo, Ochako, Kyoka, Toru, Tsuyu, and Mina crowded behind him, peering over his shoulder as his hands trembled, scrolling quickly through the tablet. His voice broke out in astonishment. "A-Are these all my aliens?!"

He kept scrolling, each new entry revealing a detailed description of his alien forms—Diamondhead, the species, and the abilities. "I can actually look up my forms' abilities!"

A hushed realization spread across the room. If Izuku had only discovered the Omnitrix a year ago, that meant he had learned to control and master nineteen entirely different sets of abilities before the entrance exam.

Momo blinked in confusion. "Wait... you didn't know what your forms could do?" She furrowed her brows, incredulous. "How were you able to master them in such a short time?"

Todoroki nodded in agreement, a slightly impressed yet questioning expression on his face. "I have essentially two Quirks, and it took me years to get where I am now."

Izuku, still scrolling through the list, didn't seem phased. "Er... I kinda just had to figure out the abilities when..." He glanced at another form. "Huh? Tetramand? That's what Four Arms is called?" He muttered to himself, more intrigued by the names than the question at hand. "And I just had to figure out what they could do..."

His classmates stood stunned, some looking at each other in disbelief.

Bakugou clenched his fist, the muscles in his jaw tightening with frustration. His glare bore into Izuku, furious that the "damn nerd" had not only possessed the damn watch for an entire year, but had already become insanely strong while he himself had been training for years.

And here was Izuku, surpassing him without even tapping into his alien forms. The thought made Bakugou's blood boil.

Nezu, seemingly unaffected by the rising tension, hummed to himself with an almost sing-song cheerfulness. "Now, I imagine you all want to head back to your dorms and get a good night's rest," he said, his voice as casual as ever.

"O-Oh!" Izuku quickly responded, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he realized how much attention he had gathered.

Nezu waved his paw dismissively, his tone still cheery. "If you would, please leave my office and get a good night's rest. Classes are canceled tomorrow. We need to gather the second and third years' drafts, so you'll have tomorrow to discuss your internship placements."

"Thank you, sir!" the class chorused, bowing politely before filing out of the room.

...

When they returned to the dorms, Izuku had chosen to head to bed early, despite the lingering curiosity of his classmates. Everyone had so many questions, but they couldn't shake their nervous glances at the Omnitrix, wondering about its mysteries. Yet, Izuku quickly retreated to his room with the subtle assistance of Mina and Toru, who seemed to sense his need for space.

Izuku laid in his bed, his mind still reeling from the day's events. His thoughts were a blur—All Might's words, the fight with Vilgax, and the constant pressure that seemed to be building inside him.

His mind swirled with dark, frustrated thoughts, and the emotional exhaustion weighed heavily on him.

As he wandered down the hall later, trying to shake off the mental fog, he was joined by Ochako and Tsuyu, who walked by his side.

Both girls could see the faraway look in his eyes, the signs that he wasn't really present with them. They exchanged concerned glances, unsure of how to reach him.

"So, Dekiru..." Ochako started gently, her voice filled with warmth and worry. "You okay?"

Izuku didn't seem to hear her at first, lost in his own turbulent thoughts. His gaze was distant, his body moving on autopilot, as his mind lingered on Vilgax and the heavy emotions that threatened to burst through. His thoughts felt darker, clouded with the anger he couldn't quite control.

Tsuyu, noticing his deepened silence, placed a hand gently on his shoulder.

"Midoriya-chan," she said softly, her concern evident in her voice.

Izuku blinked, coming back to the present as if breaking free from a trance.

"H-Huh?" he muttered, almost as if waking from a nightmare. He rubbed the back of his neck, offering a strained smile.

"Oh, s-sorry..."

"How are you doing?" Tsuyu asked, her voice laced with genuine concern. Her emerald eyes were soft, watching him carefully.

Ochako nodded, looking at him with a mixture of worry and confusion. "Yeah, you're totally out of it. You've been acting distant, Dekiru."

Izuku hesitated, his fingers nervously playing with the sleeve of his shirt. He wasn't sure how to answer, unsure of whether he even knew how to explain what he was feeling.

His smile was weak, forced. "I-I'm fine," he said quickly, offering the kind of reassuring smile he often gave when he didn't want to burden anyone.

But the two girls weren't convinced. They saw the cracks in his facade, the exhaustion in his eyes that he couldn't hide.

Tsuyu gave a small, sympathetic frown. "Midoriya-chan, you don't have to keep it all inside. We're here for you."

Izuku looked at her for a long moment, his heart heavy.

He sighed, trying to push those feelings aside, but they only seemed to grow more intense.

"I'm fine, really," he said, this time more insistent but still not entirely convincing. "I mean, yeah, it's... it's a lot to take in, but I don't want you two to worry about me. I'm just... tired, that's all."

Ochako opened her mouth, wanting to say more, but she paused unable to find the words.

"I'll be okay," Izuku added, a little more firmly, but his voice cracked ever so slightly. He gave them a small, forced smile before quickly turning toward his room. "I'm just going to bed, okay? I need some rest."

"Dekiru..." Ochako started, her voice soft and almost pleading, but Izuku had already opened the door to his room. She hesitated for a moment before stepping forward, her voice barely above a whisper. "You can talk to us, you know? If you need to."

Izuku didn't turn around, but his smile faltered for a brief second. "I know, but... I'm okay, really. Don't worry about me," he said, more to himself than to them.

Ochako watched him close the door behind him, her heart aching. Tsuyu placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

Both girls stayed in the hallway for a moment, knowing that Izuku was carrying more than he let on.

"I just wish he'd open up," Ochako said softly, her voice tinged with concern.

Tsuyu nodded, her eyes thoughtful. "He will... when he's ready."

...

Izuku lay in bed, his thoughts burned with the image of Vilgax. His father—a man he barely knew, a hero cloaked in secrets—had been taken from him by that monster. No matter how distant Hisashi had been, no matter how many questions were left unanswered, he was still his father.

Memories of sleepless nights crept in, memories of comforting his mother while carrying the weight of his own confusion. Now, that confusion had turned into something sharper, darker.

Rage boiled within him, hotter than anything he'd felt before. His fist trembled as his nails dug into his palm.

He could feel the edges of a dangerous thought forming, one he'd never dared entertain before.

He didn't just want to stop Vilgax.

He wanted to make him pay—with everything he had.

...

[Next Day:]

Izuku wasn't too surprised when he stepped into the common area to find most, if not all, of Class 1-A and a few from Class 1-B gathered around a massive breakfast spread. They sat him down on the couch, plates already piled high with food.

"Uh... good morning?" Izuku greeted, blinking groggily.

"Not so fast, Midoriya," Mina said, leaning forward with an intense stare. "You seriously thought we wouldn't grill you after everything?!"

Izuku yawned, rubbing the back of his neck. "Can't we talk about this later? I haven't even had coffee yet..."

"No way, dude!" Mina protested. "You can turn into literal aliens, and you expect us not to have questions?!"

"It's insane," Manga added, leaning forward in his chair. "Like, does it hurt when you transform? Or is it just, poof, new body?"

"Yeah, man! Like, do you get their whole anatomy? How does that even work?" Ojiro chimed in, his tail flicking with curiosity."You get an entire new appendage and you just figure how to work them?"

"When you transform," Setsuna began, her voice playful yet tinged with curiosity, "do you ever wonder which part of you is still you? Or is it more like you're just borrowing someone else's skin for a while?"

Izuku felt a chill run down his spine as his mind flashed to Ghostfreak, the eerie sensation of alien skin crawling over him. He shivered involuntarily, the memory unsettling.

"Heatblast is literally made of fire," Ochako pointed out, her brows furrowed. "Doesn't that, like, burn you from the inside out?"

"Or what about Four Arms?" Tetsutetsu grinned. "How do you even manage having four limbs? Does your brain just... figure it out?"

"And how strong are you as Four Arms?" Kirishima asked excitedly. "Like, could you lift a building?"

"Or Rath!" Tesutesu suddenly interjected with a smirk. "That guy seems completely unhinged. How do you even keep control of yourself in that form?"

Mineta, predictably, chose the most inappropriate question. "Speaking of anatomy," he said with a lecherous grin, "Heatblast doesn't have any junk, right? So, uh... do all your aliens lose that? Or does it just, like, disappear? Where even is your—"

"Mineta!"Yaoyorozu snapped, cutting him off with a glare. "Have some decency!"

"What? I'm not allowed to ask questions?" Mineta whined, throwing his hands up defensively.

"Not like that, you pervert!" Kyoka shot back, slamming her jacks into his ears with pinpoint precision. Mineta screamed in pain before collapsing with a thud, foam forming at the corners of his mouth.

"Honestly, you're an embarrassment," Ibara added, her arms crossed as she frowned. "Perhaps some time reflecting on your behavior would do you good." Her tone was calm, but the judgment in her words was unmistakable.

"Well, that's one way to handle it," Kaminari muttered under his breath, earning a snicker from Tokage.

Todoroki, unfazed by the commotion, tilted his head as he addressed Izuku. "Does it hurt? I mean, your body completely transforms. You can go from looking human to something as drastic as Four Arms. That can't feel natural."

Izuku cupped his chin in thought. "No, not really. It's kind of like... getting a really good stretch? Like when you crack your back, and everything just lines up perfectly."

"Creepy," Kyoka muttered, folding her arms. "But what really freaks me out is there's an entire planet of Ghostfreaks just... walking—or, I guess, floating—around."

Everyone involuntarily shuddered at the thought, except for Reiko, whose usually expressionless face showed an oddly blissful look. "Do you think... we'd be allowed to visit?" she asked, her voice soft but filled with curiosity.

Izuku and Yui exchanged confused glances before turning to Reiko.

"Uh... I mean, maybe?" Izuku said, scratching the back of his neck. "I guess it depends on how safe it'd be."

Kinoko stared at Izuku, her gaze lingering for a moment before quickly darting away, her cheeks flushed with a soft pink hue. As the others bombarded Izuku with questions, her voice quietly rose above the noise, tinged with curiosity and a shy sort of excitement.

"Shroom... what does it feel like?" she asked, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeves as she stole glances at him.

Izuku turned his attention to her, his warm green eyes meeting hers, which only made her blush deepen. She quickly looked away, her voice growing a little more hurried to cover her nervousness.

"I-I mean... you're literally stepping into the mycelium—er, shoes—of other aliens," Kinoko stammered, her tone soft but laced with genuine curiosity.

Kinoko stammered. Her tone grew more animated as her fascination bubbled up. "Like Swampfire! Did you know there's this adorable little mushroom called Mycena chlorophos? It glows in the dark—kind of like how Swampfire's flames light up! Maybe his planet has mushrooms like that everywhere! They could use their bioluminescence to communicate at night or attract creatures that help spread their spores!"

Her hands gestured enthusiastically as she spoke, her words tumbling out faster and faster. "Oh, and what if Swampfire's planet has gigantic fungi ecosystems? I bet there's a species similar to Ganoderma applanatum! That one's called the artist's conk because you can draw on its surface. Imagine if the aliens there used mushrooms for art or even architecture!"

Realizing how far she'd gone, Kinoko abruptly stopped, her cheeks now a vibrant red. "S-sorry, shroom," she murmured, fidgeting nervously. "I got carried away... b-but what does it feel like? Is it scary? Or does it feel like you're... uh... sprouting into something new?"

"N-No, it's okay," Izuku said quickly, his voice soft and reassuring as he scratched his cheek nervously. "Is that what I sound like?"

"Pretty much," Itsuka replied with a teasing grin, crossing her arms as she leaned back.

Izuku blushed faintly, his gaze dropping as the room quieted, everyone now listening intently. He took a moment to gather his thoughts, the words coming slowly at first.

"Well... it feels like..." Izuku hesitated before continuing, a small smile tugging at his lips. "When I transform, it feels like I'm becoming someone else... but at the same time, I'm still me."

He paused, his voice gaining more confidence as he spoke. "It's hard to explain, but... having my body change so drastically—from running at thousands of miles per hour to having wings and soaring through the sky—it's exhilarating." Izuku's eyes lit up as he recalled the sensations, his expression softening with a mix of wonder and joy.

Ochako's eyes widened slightly, captivated by the genuine happiness on his face. Momo and Kyoka exchanged glances, each feeling a subtle warmth bloom in their chest at the sight of his smile.

"When I transform... it sometimes feels like I'm reclaiming something I didn't even know I lost," Izuku continued, his tone thoughtful. "I feel confident... happy... sometimes even angry. But above all, I feel like I'm becoming someone I've always wanted to be." Izuku smiled into a grin.

"There's no feeling like it," Izuku said softly.

Everyone stared at him in awe, their curiosity etched across their faces. Izuku noticed the intensity of their gazes and blushed deeply, realizing he had become the center of attention.

"So, that's how it feels? Sounds... amazing," Yui said flatly, her tone as even as ever, though her eyes betrayed her intrigue.

Tsuyu nodded thoughtfully. "I can't even imagine the feeling, ribbit," she said, her blunt honesty earning murmurs of agreement from the others.

Izuku smiled sheepishly as the conversation continued. Todoroki asked about Big Chill, and Izuku explained that while in that form, he didn't feel the cold at all. Even when Todoroki had launched powerful ice-based attacks during training, his body remained neutral, almost indifferent to the extreme temperatures.

Meanwhile, Ojiro and Tokoyami asked what it was like to gain new limbs. Izuku described the sensation as oddly natural, like instincts kicking in—similar to how breathing or walking comes effortlessly. Momo nodded thoughtfully, theorizing that the Omnitrix must imprint basic bodily functions onto his brain whenever he transforms.

From the stairwell, Bakugou stood silently, his crimson eyes burning with fury. His fists clenched as he watched Izuku animatedly explaining his experiences. The damn nerd... he's surpassed me, Bakugou thought bitterly. In just a year. The thought was like poison, twisting in his gut. The humiliation of losing to Izuku played over and over in his mind.

As Izuku spoke with Momo, a sharp pain tugged at the edge of his senses, his Danger Sense flaring slightly. Turning, he caught sight of Bakugou stalking toward him, his expression a storm of restrained rage.

"Oi, Deku," Bakugou growled, venom dripping from his tone. The room went still, the lively conversation dying instantly. Kyoka narrowed her eyes, irritation clear as she stepped forward to block Bakugou's path.

"Oh, great," Kyoka muttered with a sigh. "Here comes Bakugou to ruin everything again."

Bakugou's scowl deepened. "Earlobes, get the hell outta my way. I've got a few things to say to the damn nerd."

"No," Kyoka shot back, glaring defiantly. "Go have your little temper tantrum somewhere else."

"Move," Bakugou snarled, his fists trembling at his sides. He hated Kyoka most of all for being so vocal about keeping him away from Izuku.

"No, you piss off," she snapped. "Seriously, go scream into a pillow or something—"

Before she could finish, Izuku gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stepping around her. "Thanks, Jirou," he said quietly, offering her a small, reassuring smile.

"But Green, you don't owe him anything!" Kyoka protested, glaring between Izuku and Bakugou.

Izuku turned to face Bakugou fully, his expression hardening. "What do you want?" he asked, his voice firm and steady, leaving no room for nonsense.

Bakugou lowered his head, trembling with rage. His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white. When he finally spoke, his voice was subdued, a far cry from his usual explosive tone.

Bakugou's fists trembled at his sides as his head hung low, his voice quieter than usual. "You damn nerd... why didn't you use it?"

"Huh?" Izuku tilted his head, confused.

Through gritted teeth, Bakugou repeated, "Why. Didn't. You. Use. It." His body trembled with suppressed anger.

"What are you talking about?" Izuku asked, his brows furrowing.

Bakugou's face twisted in frustration as he lunged forward, his hand darting to grab Izuku by the collar. Izuku's Danger Sense flared, and without thinking, his hand shot up, slapping Bakugou's away with a sharp, deliberate smack.

The sound echoed in the silent room.

Bakugou froze, his hand hovering mid-air. His eyes widened slightly as he met Izuku's unwavering gaze. The usual nervousness, the hesitation—it was gone. Izuku's green eyes glowed faintly, a toxic intensity that sent a shiver down nearly everyone's spine.

Kyoka, along with the rest of the room, watched in stunned silence.

...

"If you've got something to say, then say it," Izuku said, his voice steady, but his glare cold as he faced Bakugou. "But keep your hands off me."

Bakugou's face twisted into an even deeper snarl, rage evident in every inch of his posture.

"Why didn't you use it?" he demanded, his voice venomous.

Izuku frowned. "What?"

"WHY THE HELL DIDN'T YOU USE THAT DAMN WATCH IN OUR FIGHT?!" Bakugou shouted, his voice reverberating through the room. "YOU'VE GOT THE MOST POWERFUL WEAPON IN THE FUCKING UNIVERSE, AND YOU COULDN'T BE BOTHERED TO USE IT AGAINST ME?! BUT YOU'LL USE IT AGAINST THESE DAMN EXTRAS?!"

The room was silent as everyone watched the tense exchange.

Izuku took a breath, his expression calm but serious. "I didn't want to use it."

Bakugou's eyes widened, his face contorting further. "You didn't... want to use it?!" His fists trembled, tiny sparks flickering around his hands. "You think I'm not worth it? That I'm not good enough for you to fight me at full strength?! You're still looking down on me, huh?!"

"No," Izuku replied, his tone unwavering as his gaze locked onto Bakugou's. "You're not."

The words hit like a physical blow, and Bakugou froze, his expression a mix of shock and fury.

"I didn't use it because I didn't want to," Izuku continued. "That's my choice. And unlike you, Kacchan, I don't fight just to prove I'm stronger than someone else." His voice grew sharper, more resolute. "I don't owe you an explanation, and I'm not obligated to use the Omnitrix just because you think I should."

The room seemed to hold its breath, everyone stunned by Izuku's rare display of defiance.

"You lost," Izuku said simply, his words like daggers. "Whether I used my aliens or not wouldn't have changed the outcome. You would've lost either way."

Everyone braced for Bakugou to lash out, expecting an explosion of anger, but instead, the room fell silent as Bakugou stood still. His head dropped, shoulders slumping. His voice, when it came, was different—lower, filled with something unexpected.

"You're right... I lost," Bakugou muttered, his words barely audible. His teeth ground together as he spoke.

"I've been losing... to you, damn nerd."His words dripped with frustration, and there was a crack in his tone that hinted at something deeper."I've been losing... losing to you, and it's pissing me off!"

Bakugou turned sharply, his hands shoved into his pockets. "Enjoy your wins, Deku. Enjoy standing on top," he muttered. Then, with a sudden burst of venom, he shouted over his shoulder,

"But you better master that damn watch! 'Cause when I come for you—when I knock you off that throne—it'll be when you're at your best! I don't care what you turn into, or if you don't use it at all! I'll beat you, Deku! I'll send your damn Four Arms flying into next week!"

With a final glare, Bakugou turned on his heel and stormed off, hands stuffed deep into his pockets.

A few stray tears shone in the corners of his eyes, but he wiped them away quickly, his face hardening once more. The room was silent, everyone still reeling from the exchange.

...

"Geez," Kyoka muttered as Bakugou stormed off, her voice laced with exasperation. She placed her empty food container on the table, leaning back. "Can't that guy give you a break for once? Seriously, it's like you can't catch a moment's peace."

Izuku tilted his head, blinking. "Huh? What do you mean?"

Kyoka arched an eyebrow, her tone blunt as ever. "I mean, you've just barely dealt with your last pain in the ass—the knock-off Combustion Man." she said, twirling one of her earphone jacks.

"Now you're standing up for yourself against Bakugou, which is... new. You're not stuttering or letting him push you around. That's progress."

Izuku's eyes widened slightly at her observation. "Oh... I didn't even realize."

Kyoka shrugged as she plopped down beside him. "Yeah, well, good job on that, but now you've got to deal with the most dangerous villain in the universe breathing down your neck."

The reminder made Izuku bite his lip as the weight of the situation sank in again. Around him, the girls exchanged concerned glances.

"W-Well..." Izuku began, trying to manage a smile. "I... I guess I knew this thing would come with downsides. Nothing in my life ever happens without some kind of backlash, so..."

"You shouldn't have to bear it alone though," Momo said firmly, her voice carrying a note of worry.

Izuku quickly raised his hands in defense, shaking his head. "I-I'm not alone! I'll have All Might and the rest of the U.A. teachers backing me up," he said, trying to reassure her. "Besides, the teachers are just assuming Vilgax is coming. Tetrax hasn't called them in, so maybe it's nothing. He's probably just somewhere with bad cell reception or something."

"Ribbit, that's the best-case scenario," Tsuyu interjected, her tone dry. "And when has that ever happened?"

Izuku opened his mouth to reply but stopped, letting out a defeated sigh. "You make a fantastic point, Tsu," he admitted before taking a sip of his drink. He turned his focus to the plate of food in front of him, avoiding their worried stares. "Look, you guys don't need to get involved anyway. Honestly, I'd completely understand if you didn't want to stick around me anymore. I'm like a magnet for trouble, and I—"

Jab.

"Ow!" Izuku yelped, clutching his arm where Kyoka had jabbed him with one of her jacks. "What was that for?!"

"For being an idiot," Kyoka shot back flatly.

Before he could argue, Ochako leaned in close, her brows furrowed. "Like we'd let you do this alone, you dummy!"

"Honestly, Izuku, what do you take us for?" Momo chimed in, her voice steady but firm. "Scared children who'll run at the first sign of danger?"

Itsuka leaned in from the other side, her tone confident. "Yeah, no way we're letting you fight this battle on your own!"

"Mh," Yui agreed with a short nod.

"Midoriya," Toru said, her usually bubbly voice now firm with conviction, "we're not gonna stand by while you run off to fight some alien Darkseid. We're more than just your classmates—we're your friends. And we care about you!"

"No matter what the teachers say, we're not going to sit back and watch you throw yourself into danger," Mina added, her eyes determined as she leaned closer.

Pony nodded vigorously. "We're training to be heroes too! It's our job to help people, especially our friends."

The room fell silent as Ibara finally spoke, her voice soft yet resolute. "Midoriya, standing together in the face of hardship is what strengthens our bonds. Forsaking you would not only be unkind, but it would go against what I believe is right. You are not alone, and we will not let you shoulder this burden by yourself."

Izuku looked around at their determined faces, a lump forming in his throat. He opened his mouth to respond but found himself momentarily speechless as their words sank in.

...

Izuku's face flushed as he took in the determined expressions of everyone around him. He didn't want to put them in danger, but arguing seemed pointless. With a reluctant nod, he gave in.

Momo clasped her hands together, shifting the conversation. "Now then, we should start focusing on our internships. It's an important step in our growth as heroes," she said, her composed tone bringing everyone's attention back to their future plans.

Kirishima and Tetsutetsu grinned with excitement, a shared fire igniting within the group.

"Yeah, totally!" Tetsutetsu said, his grin stretching ear to ear. "I'm going with Fourth Kind, same as Kirishima! The guy's crazy strong!"

Kirishima nodded, punching his palm. "These internships are the perfect chance to level up. With everything going on, we need to be stronger."

Tokoyami folded his arms, his tone brooding yet resolute. "Indeed. Knowing what's to come, it is imperative we refine our skills. I, for one, will be interning with Hawks."

The room fell silent for a moment before breaking into a flurry of reactions.

"Hawks sent you an offer?!" Kinoko's eyes sparkled as she leaned forward, her cheeks tinted pink. "That's so cool! He's, like, totally dreamy!"

"The number three hero?!" Kaminari exclaimed, his jaw dropping. "Dude, that's insane! You're so lucky!"

Mina chimed in, her tone full of admiration. "He's the youngest hero to ever make it onto the Billboard rankings, let alone the top three!"

"And let's not forget the guy's an absolute beefcake," Setsuna added with a cheeky grin, nudging Tokoyami playfully.

Izuku glanced down at his phone, where he had compiled a list of the internship offers he'd received. It was a precautionary move—just in case he decided to change his mind later.

"I think... I think Hawks sent me one too," he said hesitantly, his excitement breaking through.

"Wow, you're so lucky!" Kinoko exclaimed, practically bouncing in her seat. "Isn't that, like, two top Pro Heroes who want you now?"

Momo nodded thoughtfully. "If I recall correctly, the Number 10 hero, Ryukyu, also sent you an offer, didn't she?"

Izuku's cheeks turned pink as he nodded, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly. "The Omnitrix makes me pretty compatible with a lot of heroes. I think I could learn a lot from all of them, but..." He trailed off, his eyes flickering back to his list.

"But what?" Tsuyu asked, tilting her head curiously.

Izuku hesitated, then muttered, "I was hoping Gran Torino would've sent me one."

The room went quiet as everyone processed the unfamiliar name.

"Gran Torino?" Tsuyu asked, tilting her head. "Ribbit, who's that? Never heard of him."

Izuku flinched slightly at the blunt response. "W-Well, he's... uh... kind of the only hero I really want to intern with," he admitted with a sheepish smile.

Setsuna raised an eyebrow, leaning her elbow on the table. "Wait, you've got literal top-ten pro heroes lining up to work with you, and you're gunning for some nobody?"

Izuku laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah basically, but I've got this feeling he could teach me stuff the others can't."

Ibara, who had been quietly listening, spoke up, her voice gentle yet firm. "Sometimes, the guidance of the humble is worth more than the fame of the mighty. Perhaps there is wisdom in this hero that others overlook."

Izuku looked at her with gratitude before quickly turning the conversation away from himself. "What about you, Todoroki? Got any offers that caught your eye?" he asked, eager to shift the attention.

"A few," Todoroki admitted, his voice steady as he glanced at the group. "Including one from Hawks."

The room fell silent for a moment, and then a chorus of gasps and exclamations erupted.

"Huh, seems like everybody's got an internship from Hawks," Itsuka remarked with a grin, raising an eyebrow.

"No one from 1-B though," Yui added, her voice a little too sweet, and Monoma's jaw tightened in frustration.

"Don't get salty, Monoma," Kyoka teased, glancing at him. "You'll get your turn eventually."

Izuku turned to Todoroki, curiosity piqued. "So, are you considering it? I mean, you could intern with Tokoyami."

Todoroki hummed thoughtfully. "Mhm, I would, but too bad for him. I'm interning with Endeavor."

Izuku's head snapped around to stare at him so fast that it almost looked like he got whiplash. "What? Why?"

The rest of the group exchanged confused glances, unsure of what Izuku's reaction meant.

"Uh, because he's his dad?" Sero answered, looking at Izuku like the reason was obvious.

Todoroki scoffed, clearly disgusted by the mention of his father. "Regardless of how I feel about the bastard," he paused, holding up his left hand, the icy flames on his right glowing faintly, "I've been neglecting my flames for far too long. If I want to be a real hero, I need to master both halves of my quirk. And Endeavor's the best flame hero there is."

Izuku stared at Todoroki in awe, but couldn't argue with that logic. The decision made sense, despite the complexity of the family dynamics. Todoroki seemed surprisingly at ease with his choice.

"Alright, if you're sure, I'll hand in your form with Mr. Aizawa later on," Izuku said, giving Todoroki a reassuring nod.

Todoroki gave a simple nod in return, a faint trace of a smile flickering at the corner of his lips.

Momo, who had been quiet up until now, cleared her throat and spoke up. "And that goes for all of you in Class 1-A. If you've made your decision, please hand in your forms to either me or Midoriya, and we'll make sure they get to Mr. Aizawa by the end of the day," she said, her voice strong and clear, carrying across the room.

"Sure thing, class vice!" Mina chimed in, her voice light and cheerful, with the rest of the class murmuring in agreement.

Toru leaned forward, a playful grin on her face. "You two won't mind helping me pick out my options, right?" she asked, batting her eyelashes dramatically.

Izuku and Momo exchanged a glance, nodding together.

"Sure," Izuku said, his voice steady.

"Of course," Momo added, her tone polite but firm.

"Oh, and me too!" Kaminari piped up eagerly from the back of the room, earning a sigh from his classmates.

Mina, seizing the moment, leaned in toward Izuku and fluttered her lashes. "Midori, will you be a doll and help me out one-on-one?" she cooed, her tone teasing and sweet.

Izuku's face turned bright red, and he sputtered out a response. "U-uh, I... sure, but—"

Before he could finish, Momo's eye twitched, clearly annoyed. "If you want help, you can have both of our assistance," she said, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Mina stuck her tongue out playfully in response "Fine, I guess," she said in mock defeat.

Momo gave a firm "Hmph!" in response, crossing her arms as she pouted.

"Class B, make sure you fill out your forms before the end of the day!" Itsuka called out, bringing the attention back to the task at hand.

The entire room fell into a comfortable buzz of activity as everyone began sorting through their internship offers.

...

The setting sun bathed Heights Alliance in a warm glow as the dorms of Class 1-A and 1-B buzzed with conversation. Most of the students were relaxing, enjoying the rare downtime. In the common area, Kaminari and Awase were locked in a heated gaming match against Shoji, who controlled two characters simultaneously with his extra arms.

"No fair!" Awase groaned as his car skidded off the track yet again. Beside him, Kaminari slumped in defeat, his frustration palpable.

"He's got extra arms! That's like a cheat code!" Kaminari complained, throwing his controller down in mock outrage.

Shoji chuckled lightly, unbothered by their protests as his characters crossed the finish line.

At a nearby table, Izuku, Momo, Itsuka, and Nirengeki Shoda were compiling lists of internship choices submitted by their classmates. Itsuka stretched her arms above her head and glanced at Shoda.

"Is that everything from Class 1-B?" Itsuka asked.

Shoda scanned the forms in his hands, nodding hesitantly. "I-I think so. We should probably take these to Vlad King now."

"Good idea," Itsuka agreed before turning her attention to Momo and Izuku. "How about you two? Got everything for Class 1-A?"

"I'm still working through mine," Izuku said, stifling a yawn as he flipped through his stack of forms. "I've been helping everyone else, so I haven't had much time to finish my own."

"Sorry, Midori," Mina chimed in, her tone playful as she offered a faux-apologetic smile.

Izuku smiled sheepishly, shaking his head before continuing to sort through his offers. His eyes skimmed the pages until something caught his attention. His breath hitched, and his eyes widened as he froze mid-motion.

On his list were two names that practically leapt off the page: the No. 7 Hero, Miruko, and Sir Nighteye.

"Buh... Uh... Wha..." Izuku stammered, his mind racing as he tried to process what he was seeing.

Miruko, the fierce and notoriously independent pro heroine who rarely—if ever—took interns, had sent him an offer. And Nighteye, the former sidekick of All Might? Izuku's inner fanboy kicked into overdrive, his excitement bubbling over as a huge grin spread across his face. He practically vibrated in his seat.

Momo, noticing his reaction, leaned over his shoulder and gasped.

"D-Dekiru, who sent you an offer?" Ochako asked curiously. "I already mentioned I'm interning with Gunhead, but what's got you so excited?"

Before Izuku could answer, Mina chimed in from across the room. "Yeah, Midori, spill! Who'd you get?"

Hearing Ochako's question, the rest of the room's attention shifted to Izuku. He hesitated for a moment, but Momo's widened eyes gave it away.

"Miruko and Nighteye?!" Ochako's exclamation echoed through the room, making everyone stop what they were doing.

The room erupted into chaos.

"Wait, what?!" Setsuna exclaimed, leaning forward in disbelief. "Miruko doesn't take interns! How did you manage that?"

"Dude, she's, like, the coolest, hottest hero ever!" Kaminari shouted, grabbing Izuku's shoulders and shaking him. "Seriously, what did you do to get on her radar?!'

"I—I guess she was serious," Izuku muttered, his cheeks flushed. "She said before the Sports Festival that if I impressed her, she'd consider me."

Mineta pointed an accusing finger at him. "You've got to be kidding me! She's a total babe and insanely sexy! What did you do, bribe her?!"

Izuku scratched the back of his neck nervously, trying to ignore the overwhelming attention. "No, I didn't bribe her. I guess I just... caught her eye."

"Forget Miruko for a second," Momo interjected, her tone more measured. "Nighteye sent you an offer? That's surprising. He's extremely selective."

"And Nighteye." Tsuyu asked, tilting her head. "Wasn't he All Might's sidekick?"

"Yeah," Izuku said, his expression thoughtful. 'Though All Might's never even mentioned that he would sent me…'

...

"So, who are you going to pick? I mean, obviously Nighteye, right? He worked with All Might—he seems like the best option," Ochako said, leaning forward with interest.

"Y-Yeah, I guess," Izuku mumbled, scratching the back of his head. His inner hero nerd screamed that Nighteye was the logical choice, but a part of him hesitated.

He'd been trying to distance himself from living in All Might's shadow, trying to be his own kind of hero. Would working with Nighteye really help him do that? He let out a small sigh.

"You know," Itsuka chimed in, a light blush dusting her cheeks as she turned to him, "Nighteye is cool and all, but you could probably learn way more from Miruko."

Izuku blinked in surprise. "You really think so?"

"Totally!" Itsuka said, her tone becoming more animated as she turned back to him. "I mean, yeah, Nighteye's got the experience and connections, but Miruko? She's on another level when it comes to fighting. She's a total battle maniac—you know she'll push you harder than anyone else. Plus, you've been working on all these kicking techniques, right? Who better to help you refine them than her?"

Itsuka began to ramble, listing off all the reasons why interning with Miruko was the better choice. "And she's always on patrol, so you'd get way more field experience in just a week than you probably would anywhere else—"

"She's turning into a second Izuku," Yui deadpanned.

Izuku couldn't help but laugh softly, feeling a small warmth in his chest at how much thought Itsuka had put into her argument.

But then there was Nighteye. The hero nerd in him screamed that this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. How could he not go to the former sidekick of All Might? Nighteye was brilliant, precise, and calculated. It felt... expected, like the "correct" choice. But that was the problem—it didn't feel like his choice.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair as he wrestled with the decision. "Honestly... I want to pick Miruko," he admitted, his voice quiet but honest. "I feel like I'd learn so much from her. She's everything I want to be as a hero—strong, fearless, and completely herself." His lips twitched into a small smile at the thought.

"But?" Momo asked softly, her perceptive gaze catching the hesitation in his tone.

Izuku's shoulders slumped. "But Nighteye feels like the right choice. He's All Might's former sidekick, and if anyone could help me understand what I'm up against—or even prepare me for someone like Vilgax—it's him. I just... I feel like I have to go to him, even if it's not what I really want."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Momo frowned slightly, noticing the way his expression darkened when he mentioned obligation.

His tone carried a trace of disappointment, and as he made his decision, he sighed in resignation. "Yeah, I'll go with Nighteye."

Momo, sitting nearby, noticed the subtle drop in his voice. Her lips parted as if to say something, but she stopped herself, her gaze softening instead.

Izuku, eager to move on, picked up the stack of forms in front of him. "Anyway, we've got 19 forms here. I think we're missing one…" His brows furrowed as he flipped through the pages, scanning for who might not have submitted theirs yet.

...

Momo perked up as she scanned the list of students who had submitted their forms. "Aoyama, Ashido, Kirishima..." She muttered to herself, then paused. "Where's Iida—"

Just as she spoke, the door flew open and Iida rushed in, his movements exaggerated. "Sorry I'm late with my form!" he declared, his voice full of dramatic flair.

"Iida!" Izuku exclaimed in surprise. He hadn't had a chance to speak with Iida yet, and with everything that had been going on, he'd nearly forgotten about how his brother had been hurt.

Iida handed his form to Izuku, who accepted it with a raised eyebrow. "Thanks," Izuku said, but as he glanced down at the form, his face immediately shifted to confusion. "Manual?" he asked, looking up at Iida. "Uh... Are you sure?"

Momo, equally puzzled, leaned in to see the form. "I don't think I've heard of him. Is he a hero who specializes in speed?"

Iida looked down, a strained smile pulling at his lips. He pushed up his glasses, his gaze fixed firmly on the floor as he spoke, avoiding their eyes. "Manual... is a friend of my brother's," he said, his voice faltering slightly. "When my brother was just starting out, they worked together. I'm hoping to get some insight into Manual's approach, learn something from him... Maybe it will help me, too."

Izuku frowned, feeling a strange weight in the air. "Iida, you've got a lot of other heroes who've probably offered you more direct guidance," he said gently. "Are you sure you want to go with him?"

Iida's smile faltered even more, but he quickly regained his composure. "Manual's methods are unique. He's not like the others," he insisted, his voice a little too firm. "I want to understand him better, see what I can learn."

Izuku, still unsure, couldn't shake the feeling that something didn't add up. "If you think it's the right choice..." he said quietly, though the hesitation was clear in his voice. He wasn't convinced, but he didn't want to push further.

Momo raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion in her gaze as she nodded. "If that's how you truly feel, we'll respect your decision," she said with a soft but knowing smile.

Iida's smile was tight as he gave a quick, shallow bow. "Thank you," he said, his tone polite but distant before turning to leave. His footsteps were heavy as he quickly walked out of the room, leaving the others to exchange uncertain looks.

Itsuka and Shoda stood up from their seats, stretching slightly. "Well, if that's everyone, let's head to our homeroom teachers and give them our choices," Itsuka said, clearly ready to move on.

"Yeah, let's go," Shoda agreed, glancing at the group.

Izuku and Momo shared a quiet glance, both troubled by Iida's choice but unsure of how to address it.

...

The group walked down the hall toward their respective classrooms to submit their choices.

"Izuku, are you really sure about Nighteye?" Momo asked, glancing over at him with a concerned look. "I know you feel like you have to, but it's still your choice."

Izuku gave a small, nervous smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Though, I guess I hope Miruko doesn't come after me with a vengeance."

Shoda snorted. "What, you think she's some kind of psycho?"

Izuku blinked, a little taken aback. "Well... kinda. She literally beat up other heroes until they begged for their moms."

"No way," Shoda said, eyes wide. "That's gotta be exaggerated."

Itsuka let out a soft laugh. "I heard one hero even... you know, wet himself."

Shoda immediately paled, his face going from amused to unsettled.

Before anyone could comment further, Kyoka came rushing up, looking winded. "Oi, Greenie, can I talk to you for a sec?"

Izuku blinked in surprise. "Uh, sure." He turned to the others. "You guys go on ahead. I'll catch up."

Itsuka waved him off with a grin. "We'll be fine. Don't worry about us."

Shoda nodded, though his expression was still a bit tense. "I'll head out then." He gave a small wave and walked off.

Kyoka, catching her breath, looked straight at Izuku. "It's about Iida."

"Iida?" Izuku repeated, brows furrowing. "What about him?"

Momo tilted her head. "Yeah, what's going on?"

Kyoka's expression grew serious. "I'm worried about him. I overheard you guys talking earlier, and... his heartbeat was way faster than usual. I think he was lying."

Izuku and Momo exchanged concerned glances, while Itsuka raised an eyebrow.

"Lying?" Izuku asked, voice full of disbelief.

Momo was the next to speak, her voice more puzzled than concerned. "How could you tell?"

Kyoka shrugged. "I can hear heartbeats. When someone's lying, it's kind of a reflex—there's a physical response, and his heartbeat was all over the place."

Izuku's eyes widened. "Wait... you can tell when people are lying just by their heartbeat?"

"Yeah," Kyoka replied casually. "It's not foolproof, but it's usually pretty reliable. Kinda like with Greenie." She trailed off, her earphone jacks swaying as she gestured at him. " Greenie here gets all flustered whenever there's a girl around, so his heartbeat is all over the place. Makes it a bit hard to tell if he's telling the truth or not."

Izuku's face immediately turned red. 'So my lack of experience with girls before U.A. is actually a good thing?' he thought to himself, but couldn't help the heat rising to his cheeks.

"Anyway," Kyoka continued, cutting through the awkward silence, "why would Iida lie about something like that?"

Izuku's expression shifted as a thought occurred to him. He quickly placed the papers down in front of Kyoka, startling her, and pulled out his phone. "Wait a second," he said, tapping away at the screen. "I need to check something."

He quickly searched for Manual and furrowed his brow. "Manual... the normal hero, 28 years old, works in..." Izuku's eyes widened as he read the next part.

"Works in where?" Momo asked, leaning in.

Izuku's gut twisted as he read the words: Hosu City. He immediately thought back to his own anger and desire for revenge against Vilgax—the man who had been responsible for his father's death. The hatred that had surged through him when thinking about what he wanted to do to the man was something he couldn't ignore. And now, he realized that Iida might be feeling the same way.

"Hosu City," Izuku said quietly, his voice barely above a whisper.

The room fell silent, the air thick with realization. A nervous knot was felt in Izuku.

...

It was nighttime, and Izuku stood on his balcony, the city lights flickering in the distance. His phone glowed softly in his hand as he scrolled through his contacts. Finally, he stopped at one name: Gran Torino. Taking a deep breath, he pressed the call button and held the phone to his ear.

The call was answered almost immediately.

Gran Torino: "Hello? Toshinori?"

Izuku hesitated before speaking, his voice steady. "Izuku Midoriya."

Gran Torino: "Huh? Who is this? Toshinori? No, wait—Hisashi?"

Izuku froze. "So... you knew too?"

A gruff chuckle came from the other end.

Gran Torino: "The big buffoon finally told you, huh? Took him long enough."

Outside the room, the girls approached with a board game in hand, but Kyoka froze, her earjack raised in the air. Pony's ears twitched, picking up the faint conversation.

"Wait," Kyoka whispered, stopping the others. "He's on the phone with someone. Let's come back later." She began ushering the group away, ignoring their protests.

Back inside, Izuku spoke up, his voice more energized. "Since you trained All Might and knew about my dad… that means you're the best person to train me during my internship, right?!"

Gran Torino let out a small sigh.

Gran Torino: "When Toshinori asked me to train you, it was to teach you the basics. You needed a better grip on your quirk, so you wouldn't keep shattering your bones. But here's the thing — your shackles to All Might were holding you back. You were trying too hard to mimic Toshinori. "

"At the Sports Festival, I expected a cheap copy of All Might. If that had been the case, I'd have sent an internship offer just to beat some sense into you."

Izuku hung on every word. Kyoka clenched her fist as memories of eavesdropping on Izuku came rushing back. She turned to the others. "Let's go. This isn't the right time."

"But—" Mina began, but Kyoka shot her a sharp look and started pushing them back, Pony reluctantly following.

Gran Torino: "But what I saw wasn't a wannabe All Might. You're carving your own path, kid. Your new move proves that. That's why I didn't send an internship offer—I didn't need to. You've got what it takes to go even further on your own. I'm leaving the rest to Toshinori, but make no mistake—you're more than capable. If you're anything like your father, you'll be just fine."

Izuku felt his chest tighten, doubt creeping in. His voice cracked. "How do you know? What if I fail? What if I'm not strong enough? How can I live up to All Might—or my dad? What if I—"

Gran Torino: "Enough!"

Izuku flinched, startled by the sharp tone.

Gran Torino: "Listen, you little crybaby. I trained Toshinori and your father. The greatest heroes this world has ever known. And you? You've got more potential than both of them combined."

Izuku's eyes widened as tears began to well up.

Gran Torino: "You've got Toshinori's heroic heart and strength, plus your father's relentless determination and sharp mind. You're the best of both of them, kid. And don't you dare doubt that."

Izuku clutched his chest, tears streaming freely.

Gran Torino: "Your father wasn't a powerhouse, but he outsmarted one of the most dangerous villains in history. No Omnitrix. No raw power. Just brains and guts. He believed in you. I believe in you. Now… who are you?"

Izuku wiped his eyes and spoke through his tears. "Dekiru 10: Alien Force."

Gran Torino chuckled softly.

Gran Torino: "That's the spirit. Now, I'm sure you've got an internship in mind. Trust your gut."

Izuku glanced at the internship papers in front of him, then tossed aside Nighteye's agency with a newfound confidence. "Yeah, I know exactly where I'm going."

He hesitated before asking, "Can I request one favor? You know, as the son of the greatest hero?"

Gran Torino: "Oh, throwing your weight around now? Fine, let's hear it."

...

Internships first day...

"This is the place," Tenya muttered to himself, a small groan escaping him as he realized he'd actually agreed to this.

He stood before an old, weathered brick building that looked more run-down than he expected. He glanced down at the address in his hand, then compared it to the faded numbers on the side of the building. It matched, but the dilapidated state of the structure left him with an uneasy feeling. The chipped paint, the rusty hinges on the doors—it didn't exactly scream "heroic legend."

He tried to convince himself this was the right thing to do. "It was last minute, but he was All Might's teacher, after all. I couldn't pass up the offer." Still, doubt gnawed at him. The air felt thick with hesitation, but Tenya forced himself to take a deep breath. With no more room for second thoughts, he climbed the worn steps and approached the entrance.

He knocked on the door, trying to sound confident. "Hello! I am Tenya Iida from U.A.! I've come to train under the man who trained All Might. Please, welcome me into your home!"

A moment of silence followed, then the door creaked open with a groan. He couldn't help but flinch at the eerie noise but stepped forward nonetheless, swallowing his unease.

"Gran Torino?" Tenya called out, voice tentative as he stepped into the dimly lit hallway.

"Your door was unlocked, and you did not answer, so I apologize for technically breaking and entering!" He had been debating whether or not to even enter the dilapidated premises for the last ten minutes, but now that he was inside, he had little choice but to press forward.

There was no response, only the faint sound of something… off at the end of the hall. As he cautiously approached, his heart skipped a beat when he saw an old man lying motionless at the end. The man wore a tattered hero costume, and his body was covered in what looked like blood and viscera.

"119, 119…" Tenya muttered under his breath, fumbling for his phone to call the emergency services. His hands were shaking, his mind racing with panic. He was about to dial the number when—

"I'M ALIVE!"

The man suddenly yelled, causing Tenya to stumble back in shock, almost dropping his phone.

...

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