Narrator's POV

The walk back to Izuku's house was lonely and silent in a way. He was sucking on the lollipop Sayuri had given him while writing in his notebook on the page he'd dedicated to her. Unlike the notes he had on other heroes, her page featured a photo of the two of them together—one her mother had taken once—and an extra section labeled "Communication."

As you might already know, communicating with Sayuri was somewhat difficult. So, the green-haired boy had created a small section where he noted everything he knew about her reactions. It ranged from "If she's scowling, apologize and rephrase" to "If she raises her eyebrow slightly, she might be surprised or annoyed—recheck the context." Izuku knew this was strange to have in his notebook, but understanding her was incredibly hard for him. Plus, she was his only friend. He didn't want to mess things up with her.

The green-haired boy was adding another entry to that section—the intense look Sayuri had given him after treating his cut. It was something new from her, and it had caught Izuku off guard. He couldn't describe or understand what that look meant. From what he remembered, she had just finished treating his wound, and he'd thanked her, saying she was amazing. Their faces had been close. Very close...

Izuku's POV

I stopped under a bridge as I finished that train of thought, feeling my chest grow warm and my face burn fiercely. Unconsciously, I brought my free hand to my hair and started rubbing it lightly, questioning myself.

Izuku: What's happening to me?

But before I could find an answer, a screeching sound behind me snapped my attention away. I turned to see what it was and found a massive slime oozing out of a sewer grate, startling me and making me stumble back a few steps. Once it fully emerged, it took on a grotesque form—a creature made of sludge and water, with eyes and a mouth. Probably the result of some mutant-type Quirk. This guy was terrifying to run into, especially in a place like this.

?: Well, well, a medium-plus-sized disguise! My lucky day! - Medium-plus? Disguise? What does that even mean?!

The answer came flying at me when he lunged. Instinctively, I dodged to the side, rolling away just in time to hear him slam into the spot where I'd been standing. I scrambled to my feet and faced him. Why was he attacking me? Did this sludge guy want to possess me or something? I didn't have time to think, though, because he attacked again. Something resembling a hand shot toward me, but I ducked and rolled away just as his other hand tried to grab me.

?: Slippery brat, stop moving! - No way!

I stumbled to my feet and started running back the way I'd come. The sludge villain was blocking my path, and I wasn't about to ask politely to pass. But before I could get more than a few meters, I crashed into something and landed hard on my backside. Rubbing my sore face, I looked up at the figure in front of me... NO WAY!

All Might: It's all right, young man! Because I am here! - IT'S ALL MIGHT! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! The rumors were true! He really was in the city!

I watched as he stepped past me to face the sludge villain, who visibly recoiled in fear.

All Might: Your crime spree ends now, villain! DELAWARE SMASH! - I saw All Might strike the air with both hands in an X-shape, creating a massive pressure wave that blasted the villain apart, scattering him into tiny pieces of sludge.

I was awestruck by his power. I'd watched countless videos of him fighting and saving people, but seeing it in person was completely different. I was so busy staring in admiration that I barely noticed I was still sitting on the ground, covered in sludge. I scrambled up awkwardly, brushing the villain's remnants off me. When I looked back at All Might, I hadn't even realized he was already standing right in front of me, striking his signature pose with that iconic smile... How fast was he?!

All Might: Are you all right, young man? You're not hurt, are you? - He leaned slightly to speak to me.

Izuku: Y-y-y-yes, M-M-Mr. A-All Might, I-I'm f-f-fine - I stammered more than spoke out of nervousness, but he seemed to understand.

All Might: Good! Good! I'm sorry you got caught up in my fight with that villain. Normally, I don't make mistakes like that, but I was so excited about my day off in a new place that... - He didn't finish, just laughed while covering his face as if lost in thought.

I chuckled lightly along with him, still unable to believe the No. 1 Hero was right in front of me... WAIT A SECOND! I had so many questions for him! I needed to know if I could be a hero like him even without a functional Quirk. And I wanted an autograph! Yeah, maybe I'd ask for the autograph first.

But before I could say anything, I felt something slithering up my leg. Looking down, I saw it was a piece of the sludge villain. I kicked it away in disgust.

Izuku: Ew! Is there any way to contain this guy? - I muttered to myself until All Might lightly tapped my shoulder, laughing as he pulled two plastic bottles from his pocket.

All Might: I've got the perfect prison for this scoundrel. Could you help me gather him up, young man? - I started stammering again. The No. 1 Hero wanted my help?! I nodded rapidly in excitement.

Without wasting time, I grabbed one of the bottles and started scooping up the villain's pieces. He was still alive, grumbling and threatening us. Using plastic bottles to contain a villain was simple and weird, but it was practical and clever in its own way. I wouldn't expect anything less from the No. 1 Hero!

Once my bottle was full, I brought it to All Might, who was waiting for me. I was trembling slightly just from being near him, and he noticed, asking again if I was okay.

Izuku: I'm fine, Mr. All Might. Just a little nervous.

Finally, I managed to speak normally. My fanboy side had really messed me up earlier. I handed the bottle containing the villain to All Might, and he pocketed it, thanking me. Then I remembered what I'd wanted to ask him earlier, and my fanboy mode kicked in again.

Izuku: All Might! Could I get your autograph? - I said, searching for my notebook, which I'd dropped while running from the villain. But when I looked at my idol's side, I saw it was already open with his signature inside - YOU ALREADY SIGNED IT?! - I shouted in shock. HE'S AMAZING!

He laughed at my reaction, patting my head lightly before giving his signature smile and a thumbs-up.

All Might: Now that the villain's captured and you're safe, I'll be on my way, young man - With that, All Might turned to leave the tunnel, crouching for his signature leap - I need to take this scoundrel to the police. Now, if you'll excuse me.

NO, I WON'T EXCUSE YOU! I thought as I sprinted after him, stopping right in front of him before he could leap into the sky. He looked at me, confused and surprised.

Izuku: I'm sorry, All Might, but I need to ask you something. It's really important! - Despite the confusion in his eyes, he straightened up.

All Might: Oh? Go ahead and ask. If I can answer, I will. But make it quick.

This moment was crucial for me. If my idol approved, I could pursue my dream of becoming a hero without doubt. But if he didn't... I didn't know what I'd do. It was all or nothing now. I put on my most confident look, took a deep breath, and tried to speak as clearly as possible.

Izuku: All Might, can someone without a Quirk become a hero? - I saw him freeze at the question. I waited for him to process it before continuing.

My Quirk never developed when I was little. It's still there, but it never changed me, so no one knows what it does. It's like I don't have one at all. But even so, I want to be a hero like you—someone who can save people with a smile and tell them everything's going to be okay. I really want to be a hero!

Narrator's POV

The question caught All Might completely off guard. He'd expected something about his personal life or a request for a photo or video. But this boy was placing his dreams and future in his hands. Worse, the answer was simple, but giving it was hard—especially in this situation.

All Might's smile faltered, and his gaze turned hesitant. He didn't want to crush the boy's dreams, but it was a necessary evil.

All Might: Young man, hero work is incredibly dangerous. We risk our lives every day to fulfill our duty. I can't just tell you that you can become a professional hero without a Quirk. It's not that simple - All Might paused for a few seconds before continuing - It's fine to dream big, but you also need realistic goals. If you truly want to save lives, you can do that as a police officer or firefighter. Those are great professions for helping people.

The great hero had tried his best not to upset the boy in front of him, but he'd failed. He knew he'd crushed the boy's dreams. But All Might couldn't encourage him to pursue heroism, knowing it would get him killed. With that, he placed a hand on the boy's shoulder and said:

All Might: I'm truly sorry, young man. But you cannot be a hero - With that, he turned his back on Izuku and leaped into the sky.

All Might's answer left Midoriya frozen. On the outside, he seemed fine, but inside, he was utterly devastated. His dream of being a hero was over. His greatest idol had told him to give up and choose another path. But it wasn't as if he hadn't expected this. Who in their right mind would support a Quirkless kid becoming a hero? Did his mother and Izumi feel the same way? Were they just pretending to support him to avoid making him sad?

Stubborn tears welled up in Izuku's eyes, and he began to sob. Anguish and sorrow overwhelmed his heart, and he felt like collapsing right there. But with sheer willpower, he took a step forward, stomping his foot on the ground.

Izuku: DAMN IT ALL! -Without warning, he started running.

There was no route or destination in his mind. He just ran aimlessly, trying to escape the agonizing feeling in his chest, the answer he'd received from his idol, the certainty that he couldn't be a hero. He turned down streets and alleys as if trying to shake off the harsh truth chasing him: You cannot be a hero... But little did he know, fate had other plans.

Police Station

At a nearby police station, All Might was handing over the villain he'd captured—or so he thought.

All Might: Huh? Where are the bottles?! - He searched his pockets but couldn't find them - Did I drop them when I jumped? OH MY GOD, All Might! What a rook mistake! -The blond hero berated himself.

Small Shopping District

Next to a small shopping district, there was a narrow alley where four girls were walking—Izumi and her friends, who'd just left karaoke. This was a shortcut they often took to visit the shops on the other side. But today, their path was interrupted when two plastic bottles suddenly fell from the sky, shattering on the ground and spilling a strange green liquid.

Izumi: AAAAAAAAAH, WHAT IS THIS?! -The girls screamed in shock at the green sludge spreading across the ground - Who's the weirdo throwing this from the roof? Gross! - One of them muttered.

Unfortunately for them, this wasn't just some prank. It was the sludge villain, who, upon realizing he was free, quickly reformed.

Sludge Villain: Thank goodness that guy's pocket had a hole, or I'd have been done for-He glanced to the side and noticed the girls in the alley with him - Well, well, look at these disguises waiting for me - He grinned grotesquely and lunged at them...

Izuku

The green-haired boy ran nonstop until he reached a slightly busy street, forcing him to slow down to avoid bumping into people. He kept his head low, each step feeling heavier than the last. He had no idea what he'd do with his future now that his dreams had been crushed... he'd have to rethink his entire life. But before he could even begin, the sounds of a struggle from a nearby shopping district snapped him out of his thoughts.

Instinctively, Izuku went to investigate. Even though it no longer made sense for him to watch heroes at work and take notes—since he couldn't be one—his curiosity won out. But what he saw horrified him. The sludge villain from earlier was back, holding a hostage. This confused Izuku—he was sure All Might had captured him. Had he dropped the bottles when he jumped?

Regardless, the villain now had a hostage, and none of the heroes on the scene could do anything. His Quirk was too problematic to handle, so they'd decided to wait for someone with a better-suited ability... leaving the hostage at the mercy of the monster trying to possess them. This couldn't be happening. Izuku pushed through the crowd to get a better look, earning grumbles and complaints, but he didn't care. Now at the front, he could see the situation clearly—and nearly had a heart attack. The hostage was Izumi. She was visibly struggling against the villain with her Quirk, but it wasn't doing much.

Panic and fear hit Midoriya like never before. His little sister was being attacked by that monster, and no one was doing anything. The heroes who claimed to risk their lives daily were just standing there, watching her suffer. She could die at any moment, and they were doing nothing. Izuku refused to let this stand. His breathing quickened, his heart pounded harder, and a sudden wave of heat surged through his body. The abrupt change in blood pressure made his ears ring, and everything around him fell silent for a few seconds. Every inch of his body was primed for what came next—though Izuku himself had no idea what that was. But his legs knew... and just like 11 years ago, they moved on their own.

Shoving people aside, Izuku charged at the sludge villain to save his sister. Some heroes shouted for him to stop, others warned their colleagues:

"STOP, KID! YOU WANNA DIE?!"

"WE'VE GOT A SUICIDAL KID HERE, STOP HIM!"

Even Death Arms, who was guarding the civilians, tried to block him, placing one of his massive arms in Izuku's path. But Izuku struck it aside with unnatural strength, nearly knocking the hero over. Now unimpeded, Izuku sprinted toward the villain at terrifying speed. The sludge man noticed him approaching.

Sludge Villain: You again? THIS TIME, I'LL KILL YOU! - As the villain raised his arm to strike, Izuku hurled his backpack, hitting him square in the eye - OW, MY EYE! DAMN IT!

Seizing the opening, Izuku reached his sister, who was being swallowed by the sludge. Only part of her was visible—her mouth and nose were covered, suffocating her. Without hesitation, Izuku started clawing at the sludge, freeing her airway.

Izuku: Hang on, Izumi! I'll get you out! I'll save you! - His desperate expression and the tears welling in his eyes didn't inspire much confidence in his little sister, who responded just as frantically.

Izumi: No, bro! Get out of here! You'll get hurt! - But he kept pulling at the sludge until he could grab her collar.

Izuku: ALMOST THERE! - In one swift motion, Izuku wrapped his arms around her and yanked her free, slamming his back against a nearby wall in the process.

The villain lost his form momentarily but quickly reformed, glaring murderously at the siblings. The onlookers cheered for the girl's rescue and shouted for them to run, but this only enraged the villain further. Blinded by fury, he attacked the Midoriyas.

Both ducked just in time, the strike smashing into the wall behind them. The villain was genuinely trying to kill them, and Izumi was terrified. She grabbed her brother's shirt, trying to pull him away, but he didn't budge. She looked up, thinking he'd frozen in fear. But what she saw shocked her. Izuku's expression was fierce—teeth clenched, eyes burning with rage and determination.

Izuku: You bastard... - Okay, that scared her more than any villain ever had. She'd never seen her brother angry, let alone swear.

She didn't take her eyes off him as he closed his eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and then opened them again. Izumi froze completely. His eyes were completely different—his normally green irises had turned red, and his pupils had shifted into something reptilian. When he exhaled, scalding steam burst from his mouth, distorting the air around them.

At that moment, Izuku felt his body grow even hotter, especially his chest, which was nearing unbearable temperatures. He shoved Izumi behind him, inhaled sharply—the air hissed and crackled in his lungs—and then... he roared.

The sound was thunderous. What erupted from Izuku's mouth wasn't air but an enormous sea of flames, engulfing the sludge villain and blasting him across the shopping district. The roar lasted nine seconds before fading, along with the flames. Izuku exhaled heavily, black smoke curling from his nostrils and mouth as he hissed violently, the sound echoing before fading into absolute silence.

Everyone was stunned. Many covered their ears from the deafening noise. The heatwave made people sweat and cough as the humidity vanished. Soon, rain began to fall—the hot air from the flames had risen and collided with the cold air above the buildings. But none of that compared to the devastation. The asphalt in front of the siblings had melted in a three-meter-wide path. The buildings hit by the flames had their windows melted and interiors incinerated. The outer walls were charred and cracked, collapsing moments later. Izuku was the most shocked of all. He stared at the destruction in disbelief. He hadn't expected his scream of frustration to become a roar and a jet of flames. He'd just channeled all his anguish, fear, and rage and unleashed it.

When the reality sank in, he began hyperventilating and trembling. How was this possible? His Quirk wasn't supposed to work... was it? He was supposed to be a useless Deku, someone who couldn't be a hero, nothing but a burden... But here he was. Among all the heroes on the scene, he was the only one who'd acted to stop the villain attacking his sister. He was the one who'd pulled her free. He was the one who'd defeated the villain and truly saved her. He was the real hero here.

Then he remembered Izumi was still there... behind him. Slowly, he turned and took her hands in his, crouching slightly to meet her eyes—his own now back to normal—and broke the silence with a smile.

Izuku: Don't worry, little sis. I'm here.

The shock slowly faded from Izumi's face. The fear, the suffocation, the desperation—it all vanished the moment she saw her brother smile. A relief unlike anything she'd ever felt washed over her, and she burst into tears. She buried her face in his chest, sobbing uncontrollably as he hugged her, stroking her hair and murmuring that everything would be okay.

Seeing this, the heroes snapped out of their daze and sprang into action—putting out fires, moving the siblings to safety, shooing away reporters, and seating them behind an ambulance. Soon, Inko arrived, having flown over as soon as she heard her children had been attacked.

After police questioning and medical checks, the family was cleared to leave. The sludge villain had survived only because the heatwave had flung parts of him away from the flames, which had disintegrated everything in their path. He was eventually contained in a proper vessel. Neither Izuku nor Izumi were reprimanded for unauthorized Quirk use, as it had been self-defense.

Inko floated her children home, the trip silent and uneasy. They were still shaken by what had happened, and Izuku's entire perspective on life had changed drastically. He was still upset about his earlier encounter with All Might—the cold water his idol had thrown on his dreams still haunted him, even though his Quirk had finally manifested.

But the last thing he expected was to see All Might again that same day. When the Midoriya family arrived home, they were met with a huge surprise—the No. 1 Hero was waiting at their doorstep.

All Might: Green Wave, how are you? - He said with his signature smile, giving a small wave.

Inko: All Might? What are you doing here? - She returned the question, landing with her children in front of the towering hero.

All Might: Well, I came to speak with your son - At this, Inko glanced at Izuku, who was awkwardly staring at the ground near his favorite hero—a reaction completely unlike what she'd expected. Something had happened.

Inko: Izuku, did something happen? - She asked, lifting his chin to meet his eyes. Her calm, reassuring gaze made him relax slightly.

All Might cleared his throat, drawing their attention.

All Might: Earlier today, I was pursuing the sludge villain through the sewers. He got out before me and attacked young Izuku, but he dodged every strike, and I arrived in time to stop him. The thing is, after we captured the villain and I prepared to leave, your son stopped me to ask a very important question. He wanted to know if someone could be a hero without a Quirk and told me all about his situation - All Might paused, choosing his words carefully before continuing - At the time, I told him he couldn't be a hero because it's a dangerous job where we risk our lives daily, and without a Quirk, it would be impossible. - Inko's expression darkened. How could he say that to her son? She had always supported Izuku's dream because being a hero wasn't about Quirks—it was about actions and attitude.

The No. 1 Hero froze under Inko's glare, raising his hands placatingly before continuing.

All Might: I realize now that I was too hasty in my judgment and my response to your son, Inko. That's why I came to apologize -The three were stunned. All Might then bowed deeply to Izuku - Forgive me, young Izuku. I was rash in answering you and didn't think deeply about your question. I was also careless in letting the villain escape again, endangering your sister - This sudden gesture shocked them, but All Might wasn't done - I retraced my steps to find where I might have dropped the villain and arrived at the shopping district where all this happened. I spoke with every hero and officer there to understand what occurred. You were the only one who acted when none of the pros did. You risked yourself to save your sister. The excuse I gave you—that you couldn't be a hero—doesn't apply to you. Even without a functional Quirk, you ran to save her. That's what a true hero is made of - All Might straightened, locking eyes with Izuku, who was already crying.

All Might: Young Midoriya, I came to tell you this not because you defeated the villain with your Quirk—which I believe manifested in that moment to save you and your sister—but because your actions reminded me what it truly means to be a hero. It's not about having a strong Quirk to fight villains or help people - All Might stepped closer, pressing a finger to Izuku's chest - It's about having a heart of gold and the willingness to sacrifice yourself for others. So, young Izuku... You can become a hero.

Hearing this, Izuku broke down completely, sobbing uncontrollably. All Might stepped back to let Inko and Izumi embrace him. He knew Izuku would become a great hero one day. If he hadn't already passed One For All to someone else, he'd have given it to this boy without hesitation.

All Might: Well, thank you for hearing me out, and sorry for the intrusion. You must be exhausted, so I'll take my leave - All Might said, walking toward the street.

Inko: Thank you, All Might. My son really needed your approval to pursue his dream. He wants to attend U.A. and follow in your footsteps - This surprised him, but he laughed and replied.

All Might: Then I'll be waiting for him. I'll start teaching there this year. The entrance exam is in 10 months—I'll expect both your children there - With that, All Might leaped into the sky, leaving the family behind.

Once Izuku calmed down, they entered the house, removing their shoes at the entrance. Inko sat on the couch, gesturing for her children to join her.

Inko: The police and heroes told me what happened, but I want to hear it from you too. I want to know what you saw and felt—especially you, Izuku, since your Quirk awakened in that moment.

The siblings sat beside their mother and began recounting everything. Izumi described how it started—the bottles falling from the sky, her struggle against the sludge villain. Izuku picked up from after his encounter with All Might, detailing how he'd used his Quirk, what he'd felt, and how he'd done it. Izumi even mentioned the changes in his eyes. Inko listened intently, thinking for a few minutes after they finished.

Inko: Well, Izuku, I'm very proud of you for saving your sister. It's noble to risk yourself for others, but you also need to know when it's worth it. Getting seriously hurt or dying won't help anyone, okay? - Izuku nodded. He hated the idea of not being able to save everyone, but he knew it might happen someday -You held your own against the villain, Izumi. Most people would've been overwhelmed quickly. But we'll need to train your Quirk under intense stress so you can handle situations like this better -The comment sent a shiver down the younger Midoriya's spine, but she nodded too - Good. Tomorrow, we're going to the doctor, Izuku. We need to re-examine your Quirk, see what it's capable of, and how it's affected your body. It might develop further. Then we'll go to the city office to register it properly.

A wide grin spread across Izuku's face. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. Against all odds, his Quirk had developed and manifested. This made him incredibly happy—it would make becoming a hero so much easier. Plus, the way people treated him at school would change drastically now that he had a powerful Quirk. Not that he cared much about their opinions, but it'd be nice not to be bullied every time he was alone there.

For the first time in a long while, he wasn't dreading school or the doctor. His life was about to change again, and he was more motivated than ever. But there was one thing he hadn't planned on doing... or rather, he wasn't going to wait for.

It was already 5:30 PM, so Izuku rushed to the door to put on his shoes, surprising his mother and sister.

Inko: Uh... Izuku? Where are you going? - She asked curiously.

Izuku: I'll be back soon, Mom. There's someone I need to talk to - Even if he'd said where, she wouldn't have known who or where it was—Izuku had never mentioned it before.

Inko: Oh? Keeping secrets? Where's he going, Izumi? - She turned to her daughter, who looked just as confused but then made a face.

Izumi: Don't tell me you're going to— Before she could finish, Izuku flung the door open and bolted.

Izuku: I'll be back later! Byeee! - His voice faded into the distance as Inko grew even more puzzled.

Inko: Huh? What's gotten into him? Where did you say he was going, Izumi? - The older Midoriya was deeply curious, but Izumi just sighed, looking annoyed.

Izumi: Nowhere important. He'll be back soon. - Her tone made Inko suspicious.

Inko: You're telling me, even if I have to tickle it out of you! - She yelled the last part, pouncing on her daughter and tickling her mercilessly. The two tumbled onto the couch in a playful struggle as Izuku ran through the streets...

What awaits him next?