Chapter 18 Leveling up

Rumi stared intently at the translucent system interface floating in front of her. Her finger hovered over the glowing "Quirk User" class icon. She tilted her head slightly, her bunny ears twitching with curiosity. "If I pick this, I'm not going to lose my ears, right? These things are adorable and practical." She flicked one ear for emphasis, a playful grin on her face.

Izuku chuckled, stepping closer to her. "No, you'll still have your ears. The system doesn't change who you are—it just makes you stronger."

Rumi glanced at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "You sure about that, Broccoli Boy? If I lose these ears, you owe me big time."

Izuku smirked and, without warning, placed his hand firmly on her backside, giving it a playful squeeze. His thumb pressed against the base of her fluffy tail, earning an adorable squeak from her.

"Hey! Pervert!" Rumi exclaimed, her face instantly turning a bright shade of red. She glared at him, but the laughter in her voice betrayed her embarrassment.

Izuku leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her lips. "Yes, I'm a pervert. But only for you," he said with a cheeky grin.

Rumi giggled despite herself, punching him lightly on the shoulder. "You're lucky you're cute, or I'd be drop-kicking you right now."

She returned her attention to the system, her finger finally pressing the "Quirk User" option. For a moment, she hesitated, expecting some dramatic change. But as the glowing interface disappeared, nothing seemed to happen.

Izuku frowned, glancing around. "Huh. I was expecting some sort of tutorial dungeon or a big flashy effect… but nothing?"

Rumi raised an eyebrow, moving her arms and legs experimentally. A grin spread across her face as she felt an immediate difference. "Oh, I feel stronger. Way stronger."

She opened her stats screen and began to scroll through the new information. Her golden eyes sparkled as she read off her abilities aloud.

"Bunny Speed – Passive, Level 1: Increases speed by 10%.

Bunny Dash – Active, Boosts speed by 100% for one minute, melee attacks deal double damage. Costs 100 MP.

Hand-to-Hand – Passive, Level 1: Increases martial arts attack damage by 100. Power

Strike – Active, Level 1: Deals an extra 100 damage."

But what caught Izuku's attention the most was her level and stats. "Wait a second," he muttered, leaning in to read over her shoulder. "You're already level 25? That's insane! Your physical stat is 600, body is 400, and your mind is… 150?"

Rumi flexed her arms and laughed. "Guess the system recognized my years of experience using my quirk! Unlike you guys, I didn't have to reset back to level one because I didn't get rid of mine. Sucks to be you, huh?"

Izuku rolled his eyes with a playful sigh. "Yeah, yeah, rub it in."

Rumi continued scrolling through her stats, her grin widening as she read one particular ability. "Bunny Body – Passive, Level 1: Grants a bonus of 50 to physical and body stats."

"Whoa," Izuku murmured. "That explains a lot. The system must've retained all the work you've done with your quirk and translated it into raw power."

Rumi started bouncing on the balls of her feet, testing out her newfound speed. "Let's see how fast I am now!" she declared, activating Bunny Dash. In a blur, she zipped around the room, her movements almost impossible to track. She punched the air, her kicks slicing through with explosive force.

"Rumi, you're even faster than before!" Izuku called out, trying to follow her rapid movements.

"Faster? Try unstoppable!" she shouted back, grinning from ear to ear. Her voice echoed as she dashed around, landing powerful punches and kicks on imaginary targets.

Suddenly, a new notification popped up on her interface. "Empty Skills: Available to be created by the user."

She stopped mid-dash, cocking her head to the side. "Empty skills? What's that supposed to mean?"

Izuku rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I think it means you can create your own skills based on your quirk and fighting style. It's unique to you."

Rumi's grin turned feral. "Oh, this system just gets better and better!"

Before Izuku could respond, Rumi scooped him up effortlessly, cradling him in her arms like a bride on her wedding day.

"Wait—what are you doing?!" Izuku yelped, flailing slightly.

"Come on, wife," Rumi said with a laugh, tightening her grip. "We're going to a dungeon. I need to test this new power properly!"

As she carried him out the door, Toga waved them off with a cheeky smile. "Don't break him, Rumi! We still need our Broccoli Boy in one piece!"

Mei chimed in, smirking as she tinkered with her latest gadget. "Yeah, and don't forget to bring back some loot for me!"

Eri peeked out from behind Toga, waving enthusiastically. "Bye, Papa! Bye, Bunny Mama!"

Rumi laughed, her ears twitching as she glanced back at them. "Don't worry, I'll take good care of him!"

Izuku sighed, resigned to his fate. "I have a feeling I'm going to regret this…"

"Too late!" Rumi exclaimed, dashing off at blinding speed with Izuku in her arms.

Rumi landed gracefully on the rooftop, her strong legs absorbing the impact as she held Izuku securely by the waist. The night sky above them shimmered with countless stars, the cool breeze carrying the faint sounds of the bustling city below. She released him gently, her bunny ears twitching as she looked up at the stars.

"So, Broccoli Boy," she said with a playful smirk, "what kind of dungeon are we doing tonight? Walk me through the tutorial."

Izuku sighed, brushing his hair back as he pulled up his translucent system screen. The soft glow illuminated his face, and he navigated through the options with ease. "Alright, listen up. There are two types of dungeons we've found so far: regular dungeons and horde dungeons. They each have their pros and cons."

Rumi folded her arms, her golden eyes locked on him. "Go on."

"Regular dungeons are where we make the most money," Izuku explained. "They've got minerals, rare items, weapons—stuff we can sell for decent profit. They're great for earning cash, and that's why we stick to them most of the time. On the other hand, horde dungeons reset quickly. They give fewer rewards overall—usually just one chest at the end—but they're good for grinding XP since there are so many enemies. Monster materials drop, but they don't sell for much."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, pointing a finger at him. "Think about it, Broccoli Boy. You need to grind XP and level up. I say we hit the horde dungeons. Getting stronger should be the priority."

Izuku shook his head, his expression serious. "I get what you're saying, but I have people depending on me, Rumi. I can't just focus on grinding. Money is a necessity, especially with our growing group. I can level decently while doing regular dungeons and still bring in enough to support everyone."

She frowned, crossing her arms and staring at him. "Look, I'm not saying what you're doing isn't noble. But you need to get stronger, Izuku. I don't want..." Her voice faltered, and she turned away, her ears drooping slightly.

Izuku's brows knitted in concern. He stepped closer, his voice soft. "Hey, Rumi. Are you okay? What's wrong?"

She hesitated, then turned back to him, her golden eyes shimmering with emotion. "Yes, I'm fine," she said, though her voice wavered. "I just need you to get stronger, okay? I don't want to feel like I have to look after you. I need to know you're safe. That night you fought all those villains by yourself... I should have been there. I feel—" She cut herself off, her voice trembling with guilt.

Izuku placed his hands on her shoulders and gently pulled her into a hug. "Alright, fine. We'll do it your way. We'll focus on horde dungeons, grind XP like crazy, and sell every monster part we can. It'll take more effort, but it'll be worth it. We've got this, okay?"

She leaned into him, her tension easing as his warmth surrounded her. A smile broke across her face, and she looked up at him, her expression softening. Without warning, she kissed him passionately, her lips moving against his as her tongue teased his. Izuku's heart raced as he returned the kiss, their breaths mingling when they finally broke apart.

Her voice dropped to a playful tone, her eyes sparkling. "Alright, Broccoli Boy. How about this: if you manage to kill more monsters than me in a dungeon, I'll give you a little surprise."

Izuku's cheeks turned red, and a wide grin spread across his face. "Hell yes! I mean... yeah... cool. Sounds like a plan."

Rumi laughed, patting him on the chest. "You're so predictable."

Moments later, they stepped through the glowing portal of a horde dungeon. The eerie light of the entrance faded, and they found themselves standing in a shadowy cavern. The air was thick with tension, the distant sound of growls echoing through the space.

"Wave one," Izuku muttered, gripping his weapon tightly.

Izuku clenched his fists, the glowing energy coursing through his gauntlets casting a faint light on the armored goblins rushing toward them. He adjusted his stance, his feet sliding into a solid position. "Alright, Rumi. Let's take these guys down!"

Rumi cracked her neck and grinned, crouching slightly, her muscles coiled like a spring. "Keep up, Broccoli Boy. I don't plan on sharing the glory with you!"

The first goblin lunged at Izuku, its jagged blade slicing through the air. Izuku twisted to the side, narrowly dodging the strike. His body shifted seamlessly into a counterattack, his right gauntlet swinging in a wide arc. The force of the punch connected with the goblin's chest, sending it sprawling backward with a guttural cry.

"That's one!" Izuku shouted, turning to face another opponent.

Rumi darted past him, her speed blinding as she closed in on two goblins simultaneously. She leaped into the air, twisting her body mid-flight as her foot lashed out in a precise spinning kick. Her heel collided with the side of one goblin's head, the impact so strong it sent the creature crashing into its companion.

"Two for me!" she called out, landing gracefully and immediately pivoting into a low sweep kick to knock another goblin off its feet.

Izuku grinned, rolling forward under the swing of a goblin's axe. He came up on one knee, his left gauntlet glowing brighter as he delivered an uppercut that sent the goblin soaring into the air. As it came crashing back down, Izuku twisted his torso and drove his right fist into its abdomen, knocking the wind out of it.

"Not bad for a warm-up," he muttered, glancing over at Rumi.

She was a whirlwind of motion, her body fluid and lethal. A goblin lunged at her from behind, but without even looking, she spun on her heel and delivered a backhanded punch to its face. Her ears twitched as another enemy approached, and she ducked low, sweeping her leg out to trip it before slamming her knee into its ribs as it fell.

"Keep watching, Broccoli Boy," Rumi teased, her voice full of adrenaline-fueled excitement. "You might learn something!"

Izuku smirked, stepping forward as two goblins charged him at once. He planted his feet firmly, catching the first goblin's sword with his armored forearm. The blade screeched against the gauntlet as Izuku pushed forward, slamming his other fist into the goblin's jaw. He immediately pivoted, using the momentum to deliver a roundhouse kick to the second goblin, the metal of his boots connecting with its temple.

"You mean like that?" he shot back, his voice smug.

Rumi laughed, her gaze darting toward him briefly before she somersaulted over a goblin, landing on its shoulders. "Not bad, but can you do this?"

With incredible strength, she gripped the goblin's head between her thighs and twisted her body, flipping the creature to the ground in a devastating takedown. As it lay groaning, she stomped on its chest with a playful wink in Izuku's direction.

"Show-off," Izuku muttered, grinning despite himself.

The goblins fell quickly under their combined assault, their bodies littering the dungeon floor.

Wave Two: Orcs

The ground trembled as a group of towering orcs stomped into the cavern, their massive frames casting ominous shadows. Each carried crude but deadly weapons—spiked clubs and rusted axes that gleamed under the dim light.

"Now we're talking," Rumi said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. Her golden eyes gleamed with excitement. "Let's see what these big guys have got!"

One of the orcs charged at her, swinging its club with enough force to shatter stone. Rumi ducked low, the wind from the swing ruffling her hair as the club narrowly missed her. She darted forward, her body twisting as she delivered a powerful kick to the orc's knee. The joint buckled, and as the creature stumbled, Rumi vaulted onto its back.

"Ride 'em, cowboy!" she joked, grabbing the orc's tusks and pulling its head back. With a savage growl, the orc tried to shake her off, but Rumi held firm. She leaned down, whispering mockingly into its ear, "What's the matter? Too much bunny for you to handle?"

Izuku, meanwhile, squared off against two orcs. One swung its axe down at him, but he rolled to the side, coming up in a crouch. His gauntlets flared as he slammed both fists into the ground, the resulting shockwave knocking the orcs off balance.

"Two on one? Not fair for you guys," he quipped, lunging forward. His fists moved in rapid succession, each punch calculated and precise. He ducked under a wild swing, his body twisting as he delivered a crushing blow to the side of the orc's head.

The second orc roared, swinging its club horizontally. Izuku jumped, his body flipping over the attack with surprising agility. As he landed, he planted his foot on the orc's knee and launched himself upward, delivering a bone-crunching punch to its jaw.

Rumi, having dispatched her mount with a swift kick to the skull, landed beside him. "Not bad, Broccoli Boy. But I'm still ahead."

Izuku grinned. "We'll see about that."

Wave Three: Giant Trolls

The ground shook violently as four hulking trolls emerged, each over ten feet tall with grotesque features and gnarled weapons. Their guttural growls filled the air, and the cavern seemed to darken around them.

"Now this is a challenge," Rumi said, cracking her knuckles. She crouched slightly, her muscles tensing.

Izuku nodded, his expression serious. "Stick to their blind spots. These things are slow but hit like trucks."

They moved in unison, their movements a perfect blend of strategy and instinct. Rumi dashed forward, using her incredible speed to weave between the trolls' lumbering swings. One troll brought its massive club down toward her, but she rolled under the attack, springing up and delivering a powerful kick to its ribs.

"Come on, big guy! Is that all you've got?" she taunted, flipping backward to avoid another swing.

Izuku, meanwhile, circled another troll, drawing its attention with a series of quick jabs. When it swung its club at him, he ducked and rolled, his body moving fluidly. As he came up behind it, he leaped onto its back, locking his legs around its neck.

"Let's see how you like this!" he shouted, pummeling the troll's head with a barrage of punches.

Rumi, noticing his precarious position, laughed. "You're stealing my moves, Broccoli Boy!"

The two fought side by side, their movements a dance of power and precision. By the time the last troll fell, the cavern was littered with bodies, and their breathing was heavy but victorious.

A single treasure chest appeared in the center of the room, glowing faintly.

Rumi sauntered over and opened it, revealing a pair of gauntlets and boots. She picked them up, slipping the boots on and testing the fit. "Not bad. I'll take these."

Izuku chuckled, wiping sweat from his brow. "You earned them."

She smirked, leaning closer to him. "And don't forget our little bet. You didn't beat me this time, so no surprise for you… yet."

Izuku grinned. "Guess I'll just have to work harder next time."

With a laugh, Rumi hooked her arm around his neck and pulled him close. "You'd better. Come on, Broccoli Boy. Let's find another dungeon."

The night had been a blur of battles, dodging, punching, and strategizing as Izuku and Rumi worked tirelessly through dungeon after dungeon. By the time they finally crashed on the couch, it was only two hours before they needed to get up for school. Rumi draped herself over Izuku, using him as a hug pillow, her head nestled against his chest. Izuku, though equally exhausted, managed a small smile, his arms wrapped protectively around her.

The first thing that stirred them was the smell of pancakes wafting through the air. Rumi's nose twitched, her ears flicking as she slowly blinked awake. "Mmm, pancakes…" she murmured groggily, her voice muffled against Izuku's chest.

Izuku blinked awake, looking down to find Eri trying to wiggle between them on the couch, her tiny hands reaching out. "Papa," she said with a pout, "why are you hugging Bunny Mama and not me?"

Rumi chuckled, still half-asleep, and pulled Eri into her arms, placing her snugly between them. "There, now you've got the best spot," she said, ruffling Eri's hair.

Eri giggled, snuggling into both of them, her small frame radiating warmth. Rumi sighed contentedly, hugging the little girl tighter. "This," Rumi murmured, "is the best way to wake up."

Izuku, however, was distracted by the sudden appearance of a system notification hovering in his peripheral vision. It read: "Would you like to invite Eri to the party?"

He frowned slightly, staring at the notification. The thought made him pause—Eri was so young, and the idea of involving her in the system felt… complicated.

Eri tilted her head, noticing the look on his face. "Papa? Is something wrong?" she asked, her innocent eyes filled with concern.

Izuku softened, placing a gentle hand on her head. "No, sweetheart, nothing's wrong. I just… I'd like to talk to you about something later. Is that okay?"

Eri nodded eagerly. "Okay, Papa!"

The trio remained on the couch for a moment longer before Rumi stretched, her ears twitching as she yawned. "Alright, time to figure out what we're doing with this little one while we're at school."

As if on cue, Mei poked her head into the room, her goggles perched on her forehead. "Good news! I found a daycare for Eri," she announced. "They normally require an interview, but I threw a lot of money at them to speed things up. They'll take her today."

Rumi grinned, standing and scooping Eri into her arms. "Bunny Mama will handle this. I'll drop her off and pick her up. Don't worry, Eri—you're in the best hands."

Eri giggled, hugging Rumi's neck. "Okay, Bunny Mama!"

"Alright, let's get some breakfast first," Rumi declared, carrying Eri toward the table.

They sat down to a spread of eggs, toast, bacon, and pancakes. Izuku and Rumi dug in quickly, both ravenous from their all-night grind. Mei handed each of them a small vial filled with a glowing liquid.

"Here, drink this," she said. "It's a rejuvenation potion. You'll feel way better."

They each took a cautious sip, and almost instantly, the exhaustion melted away, replaced by a refreshing burst of energy.

"Wow," Rumi said, flexing her arm. "That stuff works wonders!"

Izuku nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Mei. We needed that."

"Good," Mei replied, grinning. "Now, get ready for school. We can't have you two zombies dragging yourselves around."

The group quickly finished breakfast, said their goodbyes to Eri, and headed out the door.

All the way to school.

As they walked toward the school, Izuku felt a tug on his arm. He stopped abruptly, glancing back to see Neito Monoma gripping his sleeve and trying to pull him into an alley.

"Hey!" Neito grunted, struggling to budge Izuku, who stood firm like an immovable wall.

Izuku's eyes narrowed as he pulled his arm free effortlessly. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone sharp.

Neito grumbled, glaring at him. "What do I want? Isn't it obvious? Revenge! You left me and Itsuka in a dumpster for an entire day! Do you have any idea how awful that was?"

Izuku brushed his hair back, his expression darkening as he stared down at Neito. "That's the least you deserved," he said coldly. "You nearly got me killed, and I still helped you. Be grateful I didn't break your legs instead. The fact that you're standing here today should be thanks enough."

Neito's face paled at the threat, and he stumbled back a step. "Y-you… you wouldn't—"

Before he could finish, he noticed Toga and Mei standing a few feet away, both glaring at him with menacing intent. Toga casually twirled a flaming knife between her fingers, her golden eyes gleaming dangerously.

"Are you bothering my Broccoli Boy?" she asked sweetly, though the threat in her voice was unmistakable.

Mei, on the other hand, was spinning a revolver in her hand with practiced ease, her gaze locked on Neito. "You might want to reconsider whatever you're thinking," she said, her tone calm but laced with menace.

Neito swallowed hard, his bravado crumbling. "This isn't over," he muttered before turning and running down the alley, his steps frantic.

As the sound of his retreat faded, Toga sighed, extinguishing the flame on her knife. "Seriously, that guy needs to get a life."

Mei holstered her revolver, shaking her head. "If he had half a brain, he'd know not to mess with us again."

Izuku chuckled, adjusting his bag as they resumed walking toward the school. "Let's just hope he learned his lesson."

The group laughed, their earlier tension dissipating as they continued on their way, ready to face whatever challenges the day had in store.

The rest of the school day

The day started like any other at school, with students chatting and exchanging notes before class. Izuku, sitting near the back of the classroom, quietly jotted down notes during the lecture. To him, this was just another ordinary day, but the buzz around the school was anything but normal.

The lunch bell rang, and the cafeteria buzzed with chatter as students gathered in groups, unpacking bento boxes or standing in line for food. Izuku sat at a corner table with Mei and Toga, the two girls on either side of him. Toga was gleefully stealing bites from his lunch, while Mei was focused on tweaking a small gadget she'd brought along. Izuku, oblivious to the brewing gossip, was entirely absorbed in their antics.

"Toga, you have your own food," Izuku protested lightly, watching as she nabbed another piece of meat from his tray.

"But yours tastes better," Toga replied with a mischievous grin, popping the piece into her mouth. "Probably because it's made with love."

Mei rolled her eyes, setting the gadget down. "Or maybe because she's just a thief," she teased, taking a bite of her own food. Then, turning to Izuku, she added, "You should probably guard your lunch better. She's relentless."

Izuku chuckled, shaking his head. "It's fine. I don't mind sharing."

Toga leaned her head on his shoulder, her golden eyes sparkling. "See? Broccoli Boy loves me."

The trio seemed completely at ease, unaware of the growing commotion elsewhere in the cafeteria.

At another table, Neito Monoma stood with his arms crossed, addressing a small group of students. His voice was loud enough to carry over the general noise of the room. "I'm telling you, that broccoli-haired guy is bad news! He acts all nice, but he's a total psychopath. You wouldn't believe the things he's capable of."

Itsuka Kendo, who was passing by with her tray, stopped abruptly. She turned on her heel and marched toward Neito, her expression a mix of annoyance and disappointment. "Monoma, you're being an idiot again," she said, her tone sharp.

Neito glanced at her, his smug demeanor faltering. "What? I'm just telling them the truth."

Kendo set her tray down and karate-chopped him on the head, making him yelp. "The truth? You're spreading rumors about someone who literally saved my family's business! Do you have any idea how much trouble that makes you look like?"

Neito rubbed his head, pouting. "I wasn't lying! Besides, it's not like he's perfect or anything."

Before Kendo could retort, one of their classmates piped up, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "Wait, are you talking about the Yakuza Boy?"

Both Kendo and Neito turned toward him. "Yes?" Kendo repeated, confused.

The student nodded, pulling out his phone. "Yeah. Haven't you seen the video? Everyone's been talking about it. It's all over the school."

"What video?" Neito asked, his voice wavering.

The student scrolled through his phone and handed it to them. "This one. It's from the fight the other night."

As Kendo and Neito leaned in to watch, their eyes widened. The grainy footage showed Izuku standing in the middle of a chaotic scene, surrounded by a crowd of hostile opponents. One by one, they charged at him, only to be met with brutal precision. Izuku's punches and kicks landed with devastating force, each movement calculated and unrelenting. Bodies hit the ground with groans of pain, and the sheer intensity of the fight was palpable even through the screen.

"Oh my god," Kendo whispered, her hand covering her mouth.

Neito, however, was frozen, his face pale. "I-I thought he only fought a few of them," he stammered. "How… how many…?"

The student smirked. "All of them. He literally took down every single one of them, including most of the crowd. This wasn't just a fight—it was a massacre."

The video ended with Izuku standing amidst the carnage, his chest rising and falling as he breathed heavily. His eyes glowed with barely contained fury, and just before the recording cut off, he turned his head sharply toward the camera, his expression sending a chill down their spines.

"What the heck is this?" Kendo demanded, looking at the student.

"Story going around is that the guy organizing the fight owed Izuku money," the student explained. "So Broccoli Boy walked in to collect—and oh boy, did he. Beat the living crap out of everyone there and walked out with his cash. Pretty sure half the school's seen this already."

Kendo shook her head, disbelief etched on her face. "That's insane."

Neito was trembling, his hand gripping the table for support. "I-I didn't know he… I mean… He's a monster…"

Meanwhile, at Izuku's table, he remained blissfully unaware of the whispers and stares that followed him across the room. Toga leaned closer, holding up a piece of egg to his lips. "Say 'ahh,' Broccoli Boy."

Izuku chuckled but obliged, taking the bite she offered. "Thanks."

"You're too cute," Toga said, grinning. "You're lucky Rumi's not here, or we'd be fighting over who gets to feed you."

Mei watched the exchange with a smirk, tapping Izuku's shoulder. "Here, try this," she said, holding up a strange-looking snack. "It's a prototype food pill. Supposed to boost energy."

Izuku hesitated but took it, chewing thoughtfully. "Not bad. Tastes like… blueberries?"

"Exactly! Blueberry-flavored success," Mei declared proudly.

As the trio continued their lunch, Izuku noticed a few lingering stares from other tables. He shrugged it off, figuring it was just the usual curiosity about him sitting with Toga and Mei. Little did he know, the entire cafeteria was abuzz with the circulating video, his name whispered in hushed tones.

Kendo, finally recovering from the shock, glanced over at Izuku's table. "I don't know whether to thank him for what he did or be terrified of him."

Neito, still shaken, muttered, "Terrified. Definitely terrified."

The rumors spread like wildfire, but to Izuku, it was just another day—his focus solely on the two girls by his side.

After school

The final bell rang, and the trio left the school together, walking toward the gates. Izuku held Mei's hand in his left and Toga's in his right. Mei swung their hands playfully as she talked about her latest invention, while Toga leaned close to Izuku, grinning mischievously at passersby who dared to stare.

"Broccoli Boy, are you even listening?" Mei asked, nudging him.

"Uh, yeah, totally," Izuku replied, though his focus was split between keeping Mei from wandering off and making sure Toga didn't scare anyone with her playful smirks.

Before they could leave the school grounds, Neito Monoma stepped into their path, blocking their way. His usual smug expression was gone, replaced with a nervous, almost panicked look. He rubbed the back of his neck before bowing deeply.

"Wait!" he said loudly, causing the trio to stop. "I… I want to apologize for my actions."

Izuku raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised. Mei and Toga exchanged glances, equally skeptical.

"You're right," Neito continued, his head still bowed. "I deserved the dumpster treatment. I was an asshole, and I'm really sorry. Please, forgive me."

Izuku stared at him for a moment, trying to gauge his sincerity. Finally, he let out a sigh. "Yeah, it's fine. It's not a big deal. Just… don't let it happen again, alright?"

Neito straightened up, his eyes wide with confusion. "Really? You forgive me? Just like that?"

Izuku shrugged. "Holding grudges isn't my thing. Let's just move on."

Neito looked as if he wanted to say more, but he bowed again before quickly walking away, still muttering apologies under his breath. Mei leaned closer to Izuku, her goggles reflecting the sunlight as she whispered, "Was that for real, or do you think he's planning something?"

"I don't know," Izuku replied honestly. "But I'll take an apology for now."

Before they could take another step, Itsuka Kendo appeared, stepping in front of them with her phone in hand. Her expression was a mix of curiosity and concern. "Hey, have you guys seen the video?" she asked, holding up her phone.

The trio exchanged confused looks. "What video?" Toga asked, her golden eyes narrowing slightly.

Kendo tapped her screen and held the phone out to them. "This one. It's been spreading through the school like wildfire."

Izuku leaned in, his face paling as the video played. It showed him standing in the middle of a chaotic fight, his body glowing faintly with pent-up energy. The footage captured every brutal punch, kick, and takedown as he systematically took down everyone around him. By the end of the clip, he was surrounded by groaning, unconscious bodies. His glowing eyes turned sharply toward the camera, his expression feral and intimidating, before the video abruptly ended.

"Oh no," Izuku muttered, his voice filled with dread. "Oh god. Somebody recorded it."

He ran a hand through his hair, his mind racing. He hadn't noticed anyone filming during the fight, but then again, he'd been too focused on surviving to pay attention. "It must've been someone's phone. I didn't even see it."

Kendo frowned. "The whole school's talking about it. Some people are impressed, but others are… scared."

"Crap," Izuku groaned, his shoulders slumping. "This could affect U.A. I mean, we just got accepted into the support course. Mei, do you think they'd revoke it if they saw this?"

Mei, who was already typing furiously on her phone, looked up with a determined expression. "Not if I can help it."

Toga grinned, clearly enjoying Mei's fierce focus. "What are you doing, Goggles?"

"Hacking," Mei replied matter-of-factly, her fingers flying across her phone's screen. "I'm tracking the original upload and deleting it. Anyone who downloaded it? I'm taking care of that too. But I need more time—and my computer—if I want to erase all the copies."

Izuku stared at her in awe. "You can do that?"

Mei gave him a confident smirk. "Broccoli Boy, I don't just tinker with machines. I own them. Give me an hour, and this video will be history."

Kendo looked impressed but still concerned. "Are you sure you can get rid of all of them?"

"No promises," Mei admitted, "but I'll take out as many as I can. Thanks for showing us, Kendo. We've gotta get home now."

Kendo nodded, her face softening. "Good luck. And… for what it's worth, Izuku, thank you for everything. And I hope this doesn't affect you getting into your way."

"Thanks," Izuku said quietly, before turning and leading Mei and Toga out of the school.

The warehouse

The run back to the warehouse was quiet, the weight of the situation hanging over them. When they arrived, they found Rumi sitting on the floor with Eri, who was giggling as she clumsily stacked blocks into a wobbly tower. Rumi's ears perked up when she saw them enter.

"Hey, welcome back!" she called, grinning. "How was school?"

"Eventful," Toga replied, flopping onto the couch. "Your Broccoli Boy's a viral sensation."

Rumi raised an eyebrow, confused. "Viral? What do you mean?"

Mei dropped her bag and immediately headed for her computer. "Long story. I'll fill you in after I fix it." She booted up her system, her focus entirely on the screen.

Eri toddled over to Izuku, tugging on his sleeve. "Papa, what's wrong?" she asked, her wide eyes full of concern.

Izuku knelt down, his expression softening as he picked her up. "It's nothing, sweetheart. Just… grown-up stuff."

Rumi stood, crossing her arms. "Spill it, Midoriya. What happened?"

Izuku sighed, explaining the video and the potential consequences. Rumi listened intently, her expression growing darker with every word. By the time he finished, her fists were clenched.

"Whoever filmed that is an idiot," Rumi said bluntly. "But Mei's right. She'll fix it. And if anyone gives you trouble, send them my way."

Eri hugged Izuku tightly, her small voice muffled against his chest. "Don't worry, Papa. Bunny Mama will protect you!"

Izuku couldn't help but laugh, kissing the top of her head. "Thanks, Eri. I'll be okay."

Mei spun her chair around, her eyes gleaming. "Alright, I'm in. Give me a little time, and I'll nuke this video from existence."

Izuku smiled, feeling a flicker of hope. "Thanks, Mei. I owe you one."

"Don't worry," she said with a grin. "You'll pay me back by testing out my next invention."

As the tension began to ease, Rumi ruffled Izuku's hair. "See? You've got us. Nothing to worry about."

Izuku nodded, finally allowing himself to relax. "Yeah. Thanks, guys."

Izuku paced back and forth in the warehouse, his hands clenched at his sides as he cast anxious glances toward Mei, who was still typing away at her computer. The soft hum of the machine filled the room, broken only by his muttering.

"Are you sure you've got this?" he asked for the fifth time in as many minutes. "What if someone saved it somewhere else? What if U.A. sees it? What if—"

"Broccoli Boy!" Mei called out, cutting through his worried ramble. She spun her chair to face him, her signature goggles pushed up onto her forehead. "It's done. I cleaned up everything I could find—no one's gonna see that video again." She smiled confidently, standing and walking over to him. "Crisis averted, baby."

Izuku let out a long breath of relief, his shoulders slumping. "You're amazing, Mei," he said, his voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Mei grinned, leaning in to plant a series of quick kisses on his cheeks. "You'd probably implode from stress, but don't worry—you've got me for that." She patted his chest. "Now, speaking of babies…" She pulled out a box of gadgets with an excited gleam in her eyes. "Let's test out the new ones!"

Izuku couldn't help but chuckle at her boundless energy. "Alright, what have you got this time?"

Mei pulled out a pair of sleek, metallic gloves. "These are Clamougloves! They're designed to let you stick to any surface. They're linked to your neural pathways, so they'll feel like an extension of your muscles. Try climbing that wall over there."

Izuku slipped the gloves on, flexing his fingers as they adjusted snugly. He walked up to the wall and placed his hands on it, feeling the subtle pull as the gloves activated. "Okay, here goes," he muttered, beginning to climb.

For a few moments, it worked perfectly. He scaled halfway up the wall, but then the gloves faltered, and he slid back down, landing neatly on his feet. "Well," he said, holding up his hands, "it needs a little work."

Mei frowned, pulling out a notepad and scribbling furiously. "Okay, so Clamougloves Version 1.0 can't support full body weight yet. No problem! This little baby just needs a few tweaks." She smiled confidently and turned to the others. "Next test!"

Eri's hand shot up eagerly. "Can I try something, Mei?" she asked, bouncing on her toes.

"Of course, squirt!" Mei said, ruffling her hair. She handed Eri a small, foam-filled ball. "This is a Restriction Foam Ball. Throw it at that dummy over there, and it'll explode into foam that traps the target. Give it a shot!"

Eri wound up her arm and threw the ball with all her might. Unfortunately, it fell short, hitting the ground several feet away. With a soft poof, the foam exploded harmlessly. Eri pouted, crossing her arms. "That sucked. It didn't do anything!"

Mei smirked and crouched down to her level, poking her nose playfully. "Hey now, don't blame my baby. That throw was on you."

Eri giggled despite herself, and Mei stood, brushing her hands together. "Alright, who's next?"

Rumi, who had been lounging nearby, chimed in. "Hold on. Are we ever gonna talk about giving Eri the system?" She gestured to the little girl, raising an eyebrow. "You guys all have it, so what about her?"

Izuku froze, his mind suddenly racing. He turned to Eri, kneeling down so he was at her eye level. "Eri," he began softly, "can I ask you something? Do you like your quirk?"

Eri's expression fell, and she shook her head vehemently. "I don't like it at all. It hurts people…" Her voice trailed off, a shadow of guilt crossing her face.

Izuku felt a pang in his chest. He reached out and gently took her hands in his. "Hey," he said softly, "if you want, we can change it. We can give you a new power—something that doesn't hurt people."

Eri's eyes widened with hope. "Really? I can have a new power?"

Izuku smiled, ruffling her hair. "Of course. If that's what you want."

"Yes!" she said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I want that! I want a new power!"

"Alright then." Izuku pulled up his system interface and sent her an invitation. A soft glow appeared in front of Eri, and she looked at it curiously before pressing "Yes."

For a moment, she tilted her head, confused by the notification that appeared. "It says this power is like my old one, but it's stronger… an advanced class called Cronomage."

Izuku leaned over her shoulder, reading the description. "Cronomage," he murmured. "It specializes in healing and support, but it has a few offensive spells. Sounds like it's a recommendation based on your old quirk."

Eri frowned, her excitement dimming. "I don't want time powers. Time powers are bad."

Izuku placed a hand under her chin, gently tilting her face toward him. "Powers aren't bad, Eri. It's how we use them that matters. And you're not the same as before. You're stronger, and you've got us to help you. This new power won't hurt anyone."

Her lips quivered, and tears welled up in her eyes. "But… I used them bad before. I hurt people… I hurt a lot of people…"

Izuku immediately pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly as she buried her face in his chest. "Hey, hey. It's okay. You're not that person anymore. This power is different, and it'll help you heal instead of hurt. You can do so much good with it, Eri. I believe in you."

Eri sniffled, her small hands clutching his shirt. "You think I can?"

"I know you can," he said with certainty. "Besides, I think time powers are super cool. And you know why?"

"Why?" she asked, her voice muffled against his chest.

"Because you're super cool," Izuku said with a warm smile, brushing her hair back. "And any power you have will be amazing because it's yours."

Eri sniffled again, her tears turning into a small giggle. "Okay, Papa. I'll choose it. Thank you."

"That's my girl," Izuku said, kissing the top of her head as she wiped her tears away and hugged him tighter.

Mei and Rumi watched the scene from the side, both smiling softly. Rumi crossed her arms, leaning against the wall. "He's got a way with her, doesn't he?"

Mei grinned, adjusting her goggles. "Yeah, but don't let it go to his head. We're the ones who keep him in check."

As Eri confirmed her new class, a bright smile spread across her face. "Look, Papa! I did it!"

Izuku laughed, lifting her into the air and spinning her around. "I knew you could! You're going to be amazing, Eri. I can't wait to see what you can do."

Izuku gently set Eri down after the emotional moment of her choosing her new class. She smiled up at him, her tear-streaked cheeks drying as her excitement grew.

"Eri," Izuku said softly, kneeling to meet her gaze, "why don't you grab something to eat before we do anything else?"

Eri nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, Papa!" She scampered off toward the kitchen, her small feet padding against the floor as she hummed a little tune.

As she disappeared around the corner, Toga sidled up next to Izuku, her golden eyes sparkling with curiosity. She leaned against him, playfully bumping his shoulder. "Alright, Broccoli Boy, spill. Why'd you give her the system?"

Izuku tilted his head toward her, his expression soft but serious. "Look, Toga," he began, his voice measured, "if she doesn't have her quirk, it means no one will come looking for her. No one will see her as a tool or a weapon anymore. And if they do find her, they won't have anything to experiment on."

Toga studied him for a moment, her mischievous grin fading into something more genuine. "So it's all about keeping her safe."

Izuku nodded, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Would I have liked for her to keep her quirk if the world wasn't so cruel? Yeah, I would. But her safety is more important than anything else. This system gives her a chance at a better life—a normal one."

Toga smiled, her eyes softening as she leaned closer. "You're such a sap, Broccoli Boy. Always thinking ahead, huh?"

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Someone has to."

Before Toga could tease him further, Eri's voice rang out from the kitchen. "Papa! Can we play video games after I eat?"

Izuku turned toward her voice, smiling. "Sure, Eri. But only after you finish your food, okay?"

"Okay!" she called back, the sound of her chair scraping against the floor indicating she was already digging in.

Toga nudged him with her elbow. "You're too soft on her, you know."

"Maybe," Izuku admitted, "but she's been through enough. If I can make her smile, I'll do whatever it takes."

A few minutes later, Eri returned, her face lit up with excitement. "I'm done eating, Papa! Can we play now?"

Izuku glanced at her plate to confirm it was empty before smiling. "Alright, what do you want to play first?"

Eri's eyes sparkled as she grabbed his hand, practically dragging him toward the gaming console. "Fighting games!"

Toga followed behind, flopping onto the couch with a dramatic sigh. "This is gonna be good. I call winner for the next round."

Mei, who had been tinkering with a gadget nearby, looked up with interest. "Don't underestimate Eri. She's got the determination of a pro."

The first game was a fast-paced fighting game with colorful characters and flashy moves. Eri chose a tiny, adorable character with oversized weapons, while Izuku picked a balanced fighter. Toga watched from the side, cheering loudly for every hit landed.

"Take that, Papa!" Eri exclaimed, furiously mashing buttons as her character launched a combo. The screen lit up with explosions as Izuku's character was sent flying.

"Whoa! Where did you learn that?" Izuku asked, laughing as he tried to block her next attack.

Eri grinned, her tongue poking out slightly as she focused. "I'm just good at this!"

Toga burst out laughing. "She's wiping the floor with you, Broccoli Boy! Maybe you should give up now."

Izuku shook his head, determined. "No way! I'm not going down that easily." He countered with a special move, knocking out Eri's character. "See? I can still fight back."

Eri pouted for a moment but quickly brightened. "Rematch!"

After several rounds of fighting games, Eri jumped up and down. "Let's do racing next!"

Izuku switched the game, and they picked colorful karts and tracks. Eri chose a bright pink kart with bunny ears, while Izuku went with a classic green one. Mei joined in this time, choosing a chaotic-looking vehicle with spinning gears.

"Watch out, squirt," Mei said with a grin. "I'm a racing champion."

Eri giggled. "Not for long!"

As the race started, chaos ensued. Mei immediately fired off a series of traps, while Toga, now spectating, egged them all on. Eri zoomed ahead, skillfully dodging obstacles and laughing with pure joy. Izuku struggled to keep up, constantly getting hit by Mei's traps.

"Mei, stop targeting me!" Izuku yelled, laughing as his kart spun out for the third time.

"Can't hear you over my victory music!" Mei shouted, her goggles reflecting the flashing lights on the screen.

Eri, meanwhile, crossed the finish line first, throwing her hands in the air. "I won! I won!"

Izuku ruffled her hair, smiling. "You're really good at this, Eri."

She grinned up at him. "You're just bad at it, Papa."

Toga burst into laughter, nearly falling off the couch. "She's not wrong, Broccoli Boy."

Izuku sighed dramatically. "I see how it is. Everyone's against me."

Eri giggled, hugging his arm. "Not me, Papa. You're my favorite."

Izuku's heart melted at her words, and he leaned down to kiss the top of her head. "And you're mine, Eri."

The warm atmosphere filled the room as they continued to play, the sound of laughter and playful banter echoing through the warehouse. For a little while, everything felt perfect, and Izuku was reminded of what he was fighting for—a family worth protecting, no matter what.

At UA

Aizawa Shota, also known as Eraserhead, sat back in his chair in the U.A. staff room, his usual tired expression giving way to a rare glimmer of curiosity. His laptop sat open on the table, playing a grainy video of a fight. On the screen, a young boy, Izuku Midoriya, was surrounded by what appeared to be an entire crowd of villains. With sharp, precise movements, the boy took them down one by one, his fists and kicks landing with brutal efficiency.

Midnight leaned over his shoulder, her dark hair brushing against his arm as she watched the footage with interest. "Oh my," she said, her crimson lips curling into a teasing smile. "Such a cutie. Pretty fierce determination too, reminds me of someone."

Aizawa groaned, slumping slightly in his chair. "We're nothing alike," he muttered, rubbing his temple. "He's just some Yakuza punk who got lucky."

Present Mic, seated across the table, burst out laughing. "Come on, Eraserhead, lighten up! You're acting like you've never seen raw talent before."

Aizawa's eyes glowed faintly red as he shot Present Mic a sharp glare. "You're not helping," he said flatly, his tone making it clear he wasn't in the mood for jokes. "I need help figuring out what to do with this kid."

Midnight straightened up, crossing her arms as she tapped a finger on her chin. "Alright, alright. So, let's break it down. You're interested in this boy, what exactly are you looking for? Did he commit a crime or something?"

Aizawa leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he stared at the frozen frame of the boy standing amidst the fallen crowd, his glowing eyes filled with an intensity that felt all too familiar. "No… nothing that I can pin on him. He didn't kill anyone. If he used a quirk, it was self-defense. But here's the thing—he shouldn't have been there in the first place. It's clear he has potential, but I see a boy filled with anger and recklessness. If someone doesn't guide him, he'll go down the wrong path."

Midnight grinned mischievously, leaning closer to Aizawa. "Oh, you're such a softy, Shota. I didn't know you had a thing for mentoring wayward boys."

Aizawa's brow twitched as he shot her a flat look. "That's not, gah, damn it," he muttered, rubbing his eyes.

Present Mic, ever the instigator, grinned from ear to ear. "Did you hear that, Nemuri? Our little Eraserhead has a heart! The biggest softy in the world!"

"Knock it off, Yamada," Aizawa growled, though his tone lacked the usual venom.

"Aw, don't be like that!" Present Mic teased, leaning back in his chair with a smirk. "You care about this kid, admit it."

"I don't care," Aizawa snapped, though his gaze betrayed him as it lingered on the boy in the video. "I see potential, that's all. Defeating a crowd of villains by himself and walking away from it shows willpower, determination, and skill. Those are traits U.A. students need to become heroes."

Before Midnight or Present Mic could fire off another retort, the door opened, and Power-Loader strolled in, a steaming mug of coffee in hand. He looked between the trio, raising an eyebrow. "What's all the commotion about? Making fun of Eraserhead again? Let me get in on this." He pulled up a chair, sipping his coffee as he sat.

Aizawa glared at him, though his attention returned to the screen as he replayed the video. "It's strange," he muttered. "I went back to the website where I saw this, and it's gone. Luckily, I downloaded it onto a hard drive, but someone with resources clearly wants this hidden."

Power-Loader leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he focused on the boy in the video. "Wait a second. I know that kid."

Aizawa's head snapped up. "You do?"

"Yeah," Power-Loader said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "I think he's one of the recommended students for the support course."

Aizawa's eyes widened slightly, a rare look of surprise crossing his face. "What?" His voice was sharp, almost disbelieving. "You're telling me this kid is a recommended support course student?"

Power-Loader raised his hands defensively, taking a step back. "Whoa, calm down, Eraser. Technically, yes. He passed the exam, so he's already accepted for the next semester."

Aizawa stared at him for a moment before leaning forward, his tone urgent. "Do you have his name? His address? His location?"

Power-Loader blinked at the sudden intensity but nodded. "Uh, yeah, of course. We've got all that on record."

"Good," Aizawa said, a rare smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Text me the information. I need to talk to this kid."

Power-Loader hesitated, glancing at Midnight and Present Mic, who both looked equally intrigued. "You're really going after this kid, huh?"

Aizawa stood, his tired demeanor replaced with determination. "He has potential. If I can turn him around, he could be a great hero. But if I leave him alone…" He let the implication hang in the air before continuing. "I'm not letting that happen."

Midnight leaned back, watching him with a playful smile. "Look at you, Eraserhead. Playing the role of mentor again. It's kind of sweet."

Present Mic grinned. "Yeah, man! You're like one of those grumpy senseis who secretly care way too much."

Aizawa groaned, pulling his scarf tighter around his neck. "You're both insufferable."

As he walked out of the room, phone in hand, Power-Loader chuckled, sipping his coffee. "Well, that kid's in for a surprise."

Midnight leaned back with a smirk. "Or maybe Eraserhead is."

Present Mic laughed loudly. "Now that I'd like to see."

Author's Notes:

Thank you all so much for your continued support! I wanted this chapter to focus on some wholesome family time with Izuku and his close ones, especially Eri. It's important to show that softer, emotional side of him as we build up his character and relationships.

I'm planning to write one more chapter before moving into a time skip where Izuku will begin his journey in the U.A. Hero Course. After the time skip, I'll also start expanding Izuku's family dynamic by introducing the final girl for the harem. I've been thinking about reorganizing some of the classes, possibly moving all the girls to Class 1-B to keep things consistent and streamline interactions. The core of the classes will remain the same, but I may make slight adjustments to the rosters to fit the story better.

I really hope you enjoyed this chapter, especially the moments with Eri. It was a lot of fun to write those tender scenes! Stay tuned for the next chapter, and as always, thank you for reading and supporting this story. You're all amazing!