Chapter 4: "E" over for Tea

The Midoriya household was preparing for an unusual visit. An unexpected guest—one with a reputation—was coming for a "little chat." How would this go for everyone involved?

Edna, dahling, don't forget your magazine... just in case the conversation gets dull... THAT'S RIGHT!

Godofwolves90: Edna brings her own version of wackus bonkus and we're sure in for a treat tonight. Watch out Inko.

Chapter 4: "E" over for Tea

-Midoriya Residence-

It was a Saturday, around mid-morning, a week after the incident that had taken place last Friday. Today felt particularly nerve-wracking for Izuku.

A knock echoed from down the hall. "I'll get it!" Izuku called out, quickly hurrying to the door. He was dressed in a light green dress shirt and black jeans, his hair neatly styled but still with that slight natural messiness. Taking slow, nervous steps, he reached the door and hesitated for a moment before opening it to reveal his special guest. "Miss Edna, w-welcome to my home…" he stammered, the nerves in his voice impossible to hide.

Ever since Izuku had decided to pursue the chance to learn under Edna Mode, he had become determined to prove to himself and the world that he could make a difference, just like he had that day. But there was still one obstacle left: he had to talk to his mother.

The previous Friday, after the chaos had subsided and the dust had settled, Izuku had walked home, his mind racing. He worried that his mother had seen the whole thing on TV and might overreact. And sure enough, when he got home that night, Inko was in full-on fret mode, alternating between scolding him for his reckless behavior and worrying about what could have happened. To his credit, Izuku had argued back. Yes, he'd done something reckless, but if he hadn't acted, Kacchan wouldn't have made it out in time. After hearing that Izuku had helped the Pro Heroes safely rescue his friend, Inko had cooled down. Though hearing her say that Bakugou was his friend still made Izuku flinch.

The following day, Izuku found an opening to talk to his mother about everything that had happened in the past week, his meetings with Edna, and the incredible opportunity that had been offered to him. At first, Inko thought it was just another of Izuku's wild stories, a joke or fantasy. But when she saw the seriousness in his eyes, the situation became... tricky.

What followed was an argument unlike any the Midoriya household had ever seen. For days, Izuku tried to plead his case, explaining that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Inko, on the other hand, dismissed it as nothing but a foolish idea, a game, a "silly thing" from a stranger. She was not convinced. Despite her refusal to believe him, Izuku didn't give up. He kept pressing her day after day, refusing to back down. Eventually, after a long week of back-and-forth, Inko relented, but only on one condition: she wanted to meet Edna herself and see if her intentions were genuine. Izuku could hardly contain his excitement. With the green light from his mother, he wasted no time making the call.

And now, here they were.

Edna's sharp gaze took in the boy standing before her. Her expression was inscrutable, but it was enough to make Izuku break out in a cold sweat. 'How fitting,' Edna thought to herself, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. She wasn't angry, but she was certainly... miffed at being kept waiting for so long. Still, Edna was nothing if not patient. She reminded herself that the project before her was worth the wait. 'Hopefully...'

Edna stood at the door, a gift in hand. It was customary to arrive bearing gifts when visiting someone's home. She was dressed in a sleek, black, form-fitting tunic that ended just above her knees, paired with tailored black trousers that allowed for ease of movement. The outfit was simple yet elegant, crafted from high-quality fabric that subtly shimmered in the light. She wore polished black flats with a small silver buckle, practical, yet undeniably chic. The look was understated but sophisticated, reflecting her status in the fashion world without being overly flashy.

As she entered, her Japanese upbringing prompted her to remove her shoes—of course, designer, of the finest quality—and place them neatly in the cubby by the door. She hadn't bothered with a coat; there was no time to waste. She had come for one thing, and one thing only.

"May I take your bags or—"

"Thank you for having me in your home, dahling," she said quickly, offering a short bow before straightening up. "Here, I come bearing gifts." She placed a gift bag containing premium teas and assorted daifuku mocha in his hands.

"Thank you," Izuku said, taking the bag, his eyes widening as he glanced inside. He almost audibly yelped at the unexpected luxury of the gifts. Gathering his bearings, "P-please, follow me," he stammered, quickly ushering her inside. Edna was taking in her environment and noting the modest dwellings of her potential protégé. Shortly, she made her way into the main room, where she was met by who she believed was Midoriya's mother.

"Good afternoon, welcome to our home. My name is Inko Midoriya, Izuku's mother," Inko greeted with all the politeness of a host, a courteous smile given.

Like her son, Inko had large, green, and circular eyes. Her hair was also green, but in a slightly darker shade than her son's, shoulder-length, straight hair, with a small spiky ponytail tied at the back. She was average height, clearly surpassing her own, but could still be considered short; she, however, had a noticeably plump body size.

She wore a simple, knee-length dress in a soft pastel color, most definitely a light teal. The dress had short sleeves, keeping the look modest and comfortable. A thin fabric belt at the waist added a subtle shape to the otherwise loose silhouette. While plain, the outfit was practical and unpretentious, perfect for a homemaker.

Edna quickly examined the boy's mother and quickly summarized all that she needed. 'Of course, this will be very interesting,' she mentally sighed to herself, as she stepped forward. "Nice to meet you, my name is Edna Mode, it is a pleasure to make your humble abode," Edna said, pleasantly, adding a respectful bow.

"I am sure it is," Inko replied, a certain undertone that did not go unnoticed by Edna, but she chose to let it slide, wanting to see what else would come from this.

Sensing incoming tension, Izuku decided to step forward. "Miss Edna, I-I hope you like the meal my mum made, I didn't know what you would like but she decided to go with tea and treats for the occasion," he said, gesturing to the array of snacks on the coffee table and pleasant smelling green tea.

Edna took a step forward, her eyes scanning the spread of snacks on the coffee table with an air of practiced indifference. "Ah, how kind of you, Miss Midoriya," Edna said smoothly, "but do not worry, I honestly have a sweet tooth, as it were." She said, smiling at the host. As they made their way over to the section of the room, they soon all took to the prepared meal.

The short time they were eating it was in relative silence, and that gave Izuku a chance to observe his surroundings and make mental notes about what was going on. The times that Miss Mode would speak about herself or compliment his mum's cooking, Inko would give a small, tight smile, but he could tell it was more out of politeness than genuine warmth. His mother was clearly not convinced that this meeting was anything but a scam. He could sense the suspicion in the air, almost tangible, like a low hum of tension.

"Well, now we can get to the point of the meeting, shall we?" Inko began, her tone turning now more pointed, "I'm afraid I'm a little confused, Ms. Mode. You're saying you want to take my son... Izuku? To train under you?" She gave a small, incredulous laugh, but there was a sharp edge to it. "Forgive me, but it sounds more like some kind of... elaborate joke. I'm sure you have your reasons, but Izuku's future isn't something I take lightly."

Izuku, who had been sitting awkwardly, shifted on his seat, clearly uncomfortable with the start of the conversation. He rubbed the back of his neck, giving his mother a sheepish glance. "Mum, please... she's real. Edna Mode, the fashion designer. She-"

Inko's eyes narrowed, her arms crossing over her chest defensively. "Izuku, really?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. "You expect me to just trust this woman? A designer? You're telling me that someone from...the fashion world is going to train you in—what? How to make clothes?" She shook her head, a disappointed frown played on her lips. "I love you, Izuku, but you're not making any sense. Your future is at stake here."

Throughout the woman's talk, Edna's expression had remained unreadable as she observed Inko's protective tone, her composure never wavering. "Ah, how touching," she said softly, almost with a hint of mockery. "A mother's concern for her son's future. It's sweet, really. But let me assure you, this is very much real, Miss Midoriya." Her voice dropped a degree, her words slicing through the tension like a blade. "And I wouldn't waste my time or energy making an offer I had no intention of honoring."

Inko's gaze was skeptical, but she said nothing. Instead, she turned back to Izuku, who was now visibly flustered, trying to find the right words. "Look, Mum, please just hear her out. She-she said she saw something in me…my potential, I mean. And…she wants to help me reach it. This could be my chance to finally be something more, something better."

Edna's lips curled into a small, confident smile. "Thank you, Izuku. You understand," she said, turning back to her mother. "You see, I'm not in the habit of wasting time, especially on those who don't appreciate their worth. But I do see something in your son. He's talented, unique…and with the right guidance, he could become something extraordinary."

Inko's brows furrowed. "And what exactly are you offering, Ms. Mode? Some... extravagant promise? You expect me to send my son across the world to a stranger based on your word alone?" Her tone was filled with skepticism, but Edna's cool, composed expression never faltered.

"I'm offering him a chance," Edna said calmly, her voice dropping just enough to convey an underlying intensity. "The chance to train with the best, to hone his skills in ways that could push him further than he's ever imagined. But make no mistake, I'm not doing this out of charity. It's about potential. Real potential." She leaned slightly forward, meeting Inko's eyes with unwavering confidence. "And your son has it. Don't make the mistake of underestimating that."

Inko remained quiet for a long moment. She looked back at her son's pleading eyes and stared at Edna with a mixture of doubt and curiosity. Finally, she let out a long sigh, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I'm not making any promises," she said slowly, her voice tinged with reluctance. "But I'll listen. If nothing else, I'll listen."

Edna nodded, her smile widening just a fraction. "That's all I ask, Inko. We'll take it one step at a time."

Inko's brow furrowed deeper as Edna calmly sipped her tea, clearly unfazed by her skepticism. Izuku sat tensely beside them, still holding his cup, trying to follow the conversation without interrupting. Inko, for her part, wasn't backing down.

"So, Miss Mode, what I am hearing is that you will train my son, ways of how to design clothes?" skepticism plain as day in her voice. "Quite frankly, I don't see the connection, with him wanting to be a hero," a level of somewhat genuine curiosity and added confusion, "It doesn't really make sense to me, you know?"

Edna's lips curled into a cool smile. "Ah, but you see, Inko," she said, setting her teacup down carefully. "I'm not just a designer. I'm also a quirk analyst." Izuku could practically hear the pride in her voice. "I work with heroes, not just in the realm of clothing design, mind you. I help them understand their powers. Quirks. You know, those things that make them different."

Inko's eyes narrowed. "Quirk analyst?" She crossed her arms, still unconvinced. "And how exactly does that work, huh? How does analyzing quirks help my son become a hero? I don't see how this leads to anything practical."

Edna leaned back in her seat, her posture straight as ever, her eyes gleaming with a calm intelligence. "It's quite simple, really. Heroes are not just about raw strength or flashy abilities. It's about understanding how they use their quirks. Where their limitations lie. Where their potential resides. That's where I come in. My industry caters to people who are, well, special, as it were. I'm required to understand the intricacies of powers, how they can develop, control, and enhance them. Once you know the limits of a power, you can design equipment that allows the user to operate beyond those limits, or even within them more effectively. It's not just about the suit, Miss Midoriya," Edna said, her voice steady, "it's about understanding the hero."

Izuku's eyes widened at Edna's words, clearly intrigued, but Inko remained unconvinced. "But that's just... designing more clothes with special adjustments for their quirks. That's not a real future for Izuku. If you're suggesting he's going to do this... analysis... for the rest of his life, I—"

"Oh, please," Edna interrupted smoothly, her tone not rude, but sharp with a hint of exasperation. "You think a designer who works with heroes only makes clothes? No, no. I'm more than that. I am one of the best in the world, or rather around, America, helping heroes understand their limits and expand their potential, one marvelous suit at a time." She said with an air of unmarked confidence and firmness. "There's work in it, Inko. Real work."

Inko blinked, surprised by the sheer confidence in Edna's voice. "These... analysts," she said slowly. "Who are they? You can't possibly mean... these are... important people, right?"

Edna smirked. "Of course, they are. Take, for example, Dr. Marlowe Yates in America—an esteemed quirk analyst, travels all over the world to help those whose powers are too dangerous to control. Or in Japan, Dr. Kuroda—his work with combat quirks has saved more heroes from injury than I can count. These are people who've built their careers understanding quirks at their core. I'm simply one of the few who do this professionally. I'm not just some great designer—I help shape heroes, Inko."

Inko looked taken aback, her skepticism slowly giving way to curiosity, though she still didn't want her conviction to falter at the woman's words. "So, you're saying my son... could become a quirk analyst? That's what you're offering?"

Edna's eyes narrowed with a spark of calculation. "That's part of what I'm offering. But it's up to him whether he sees it through. Your son has potential, Inko. I can see it. He's not just a boy with dreams of becoming a hero. He's someone who wants to help others, and I believe that if he could put his talents to use, he could achieve that."

Inko let out a bitter laugh, shaking her head. "And that's being a hero? Helping others with their quirks? You're telling me that analyzing quirks is the future of a hero? How can that possibly compare to someone who actually fights and saves people?"

Edna's face twitched, just a brief tightening of her jaw, but her composure remained unshaken. "There are many types of heroes, Inko. Not all of them wear, ugh, capes." She scrunches her nose at that word. "Some save lives by keeping people safe from their own powers, from destroying themselves or those around them. Do you think the world only needs fighters? Heroes come in all forms—whether it's combat, rescue, or even understanding the very powers that make heroes who they are."

Inko's face softened, but only slightly, still unsure. "I... I don't know, Edna. It doesn't sound like... a smart path for Izuku. He's still young, and I want him to follow a more concrete path." She said, and with that, she knew the answer. "And so, I don't think that, I am sorry to say, but I refuse." She said sternly. "Izuku will finish school here, and he'll stay in Japan to complete his studies. That's final."

Izuku's heart sank, and his eyes went wide with shock. "Mum, you're... You can't be serious!" he started to protest, his voice rising, but Edna's calm and collected demeanor cut him off.

A soft click of her teacup on the table caught his attention, and when he turned to look at her, he found her eyes fixed on him with a quiet, calculating intensity. There was no anger in her expression, but a clear command. Without a word, she glanced toward the door.

"Mr. Midoriya," she said firmly, "perhaps you should give your mother and I some space, let the adults finalize some things from here."

"Yes, Izuku, go to your room now," Inko clearly didn't like the woman giving orders to her son but decided to follow along.

Izuku wanted to protest, to fight for his dream, but…he could not help but feel ganged up. With heavy reluctance, I decided to leave and hope for the best. 'Please, Miss Mode.' He gave his mother a glance, who was too distracted by her thoughts to notice, and reluctantly excused himself. As he left, Inko watched him go, a saddened thought crept in, 'I know you don't understand now, Izuku, but this is all for your own good.'

As they heard the sound of the door clicking shut, the room fell into another awkward, tense silence, with neither side moving an inch. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Edna spoke, her voice sharp and cutting through the silence. "You're a very skeptical woman, Inko Midoriya," she said, her eyes never leaving the older woman's face. "Always doubting, always questioning. Why?"

Inko blinked, her eyebrows furrowing as she looked back at Edna, who sat there, her hands folded neatly in her lap. There was no rush, no hurry in Edna's tone—just a simple question, but one that suddenly made Inko uncomfortable. Edna's gaze remained calm, but calculating. It was like she could see straight through her. "I am a mother, I'm supposed to be skeptical when a total stranger approaches my son," Inko finally said, a bite to it. "It also means I'm supposed to be on guard."

Edna's eyes softened, just a touch, though there was no mistaking the steely gaze. "But of course, it is only natural for a mother to feel that way," she took a short pause, "But protecting him doesn't always mean shielding him from what could be the best thing for him. You can't protect him from every choice he'll have to make in life. Sometimes, you just have to trust that he can make the right one."

"You don't understand," she began quietly, her voice trembling. "Izuku…he's not like the other kids. He doesn't have a quirk. I've watched him struggle all his life. I'm…" she stammers. "I'm trying to make sure he has a future, a real one." She paused, her voice wavering. "Izuku has no powers. He…can't be a hero. The world... the world isn't kind to people like him, Miss Mode. I can't just let him walk into that kind of future."

"And you think keeping him sheltered, away from the world, is what's going to guarantee him a future?" Edna asked, her tone sharp but controlled. "You think wrapping him in a bubble and keeping him here in Japan will give him what he needs?" Her voice took on a more cutting edge. "That's not a future, Inko. You're not protecting him. You're stifling him. You're setting him up to live a life of fear and regret because you're too scared to let him try."

Inko's breath hitched at the harshness of Edna's words, but she wasn't backing down. "You don't know how hard it is to raise him without a quirk!" Inko shot back, her frustration evident. "He's seen how others are treated. How they get praise and admiration, while he...," she takes a deep breath. "I'm not blind, he's nothing but a target. You're talking about giving him 'opportunity,' but all I see is him being thrown into a world that will tear him apart."

Edna's lips twisted into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk, her eyes narrowing with a mix of pity and resolve. "And you think hiding him from that world will stop it from coming for him? You think your son will suddenly find peace and safety just by staying where it's 'safe'?" She leaned forward, her voice low but unwavering. "The world will find him, Inko. It always does. And when it does, he'll either rise to meet it or be crushed under it. That's the reality for everyone, not just those without quirks."

Inko's body tensed, her heart pounding with the weight of Edna's words. "But if he has no quirk, he's already at a disadvantage," she muttered, barely above a whisper, the weight of her concerns pressing down on her chest. "He'll always be second-rate... always struggling to catch up to everyone else. I... I just want him to be safe. I don't want him to... fail."

Edna's gaze sharpened, her voice like steel. "Fail?" she echoed, cutting through Inko's turmoil. "What is failure, Inko? Is it failure for him to try something different, to step outside his comfort zone and see what he's truly capable of? Or is it failure to keep him trapped in a life where he'll never learn what it means to stand on his own?" She snapped back. "Your son doesn't need a quirk to make a difference. What he needs is someone who believes in him, not just as a powerless kid, but as someone who can carve his own path in this world. Someone who can think, strategize, and help others because of who he is, not despite his lack of power."

Inko's breath caught in her throat, but the truth of Edna's words started to sink in, stirring something deep inside her. "I'm... I'm not ready to let him go, Edna. He's... my son." She nearly choked on the words, the weight of love and fear filling her chest. "I've watched him struggle, and I just want him to have a chance. A chance that doesn't get him hurt. A chance where he doesn't have to feel like he's... not good enough."

Edna rolled her eyes at the woman's drawl. "It is safe to assume that the young boy's biggest obstacle isn't the fact that he doesn't have a quirk, Inko," she said firmly, yet annoyed. "It's the idea that he's somehow less than everyone else because of it. And that's your fear, not his." She took another sip of her cooled tea before continuing. "You think if you keep him close, keep him in a safe little bubble, you're protecting him. But all you're doing is teaching him that he can't stand on his own. That he needs someone else's strength to survive."

"I... I just want him to be happy," Inko whispered, the weight of her emotions overwhelming her. She rubbed her hands over her eyes, trying to stifle the tears that threatened to fall.

"They say that happiness is a state of mind," Edna's voice softened, but there was no mistaking the resoluteness in it. "That being said, the boy obviously won't be happy, being trapped in the mental fortitude that-"

"You don't know my son like I do," Inko said, her voice tightening. "I've spent his entire life with him. I can't just let him go off with you. You have no idea what he needs."

Edna didn't flinch. Instead, she took a slow sip of her tea before responding with calm precision. "With all due respect, Miss Midoriya, I know my fair share of knowledge. What I can offer your son, when he chooses to intern under me, is more than what you've been able to provide."

"When?" Inko gave a dry laugh at the woman's audacity. "You seriously think he'll just leave and go with you?" she demanded, her voice a mix of disbelief and hurt. "You can't just take him away from everything he knows!"

Edna didn't back down. "You might know him as a mother knows her child, but I see him differently. I see the future he could have if given the right tools. The right guidance." Her voice dropped to a low, steady tone. "Izuku doesn't just need protection, Miss Midoriya. He needs to learn how to stand on his own. He needs to understand that he has worth, even without a quirk. And that's what I can offer him."

Inko opened her mouth to argue, but Edna continued before she could speak.

"He'll intern with me in America," Edna said, her voice calm but insistent. "He'll continue his middle school studies through private tutors, of course. But more importantly, he'll receive the training he needs. Not just in design, but in strategy, in power analysis. He'll learn how to use his mind, how to read people, how to use their strengths against them. And I'll be there every step of the way, guiding him."

Inko's eyes widened. "America?!" already forgetting that key detail. "You want him to go that far?" she echoed, her voice breaking. "You want him to leave me and go halfway across the world?"

"Of course, Dahling," Edna said, looking at the woman as if she were crazy. "Yes, it's the best chance for him. I'll ensure he is safe, he'll have the best education and training possible. And don't worry, he won't be isolated. He'll still be able to explore. But this isn't just about fun and games. This is about shaping him into someone who can be independent, someone who can achieve greatness, even without a quirk. He has to want it, though. He has to choose this for himself. But I know he's capable of it."

Edna's tone softened, but there was no mistaking her resolve. "I expect greatness from him. He's capable of so much more than he believes. This is his chance to prove that. But it all depends on him. If he's ready to work hard, to push himself, then he will achieve things that others could never dream of. But it's his choice. He has to take that step on his own."

As the meeting was continuing, unbeknownst to the women, Izuku had been standing quietly on the stairs, hidden in the shadows, carefully listening in on the conversation. He knew it was wrong, that he should have respected his mother's privacy, but the suspense of not knowing what was being discussed, and the overwhelming desire for the opportunity Edna was offering, was too much to bear. He wasn't eavesdropping for long, but he managed to piece together enough to know that his mother wasn't willing to let him go. The words exchanged left him feeling a mixture of hurt, anger, and an unexpected sense of comfort. The comfort came solely from the fact that someone like Edna Mode—someone of her caliber and name in the hero world—had such unwavering faith in his potential.

He couldn't believe it. Someone like her had that kind of confidence in him, 'A quirkless loser...' The thought crept into his mind again, but he shook it off quickly, forcing himself to focus. He needed to hear more. This was his chance, maybe the only one he'd ever get, and he refused to let his own crippling doubts stop him now.

Meanwhile, Edna continued explaining the details of what she had to offer. She spoke of the training he would receive, not just as a designer but as someone who would study quirks, power dynamics, and strategies in ways no one else could teach him. She described the access he'd have to some of the best minds in the world, and the opportunities that would be open to him once he proved himself.

As she spoke, Edna paid close attention at Inko, carefully reading the woman's expressions. At first, Inko had been rigid, defensive, but as Edna outlined the possibilities, Inko's features softened ever so slightly. She was listening, and that, in itself, was a small victory.

Finally, Edna finished speaking, her gaze never leaving Inko as she asked, "So, miss Midoriya, what do you think?" Inko, caught in the moment, exhaled a sigh. Her face betrayed a hint of intrigue, but as she exhaled, she turned her eyes away from Edna, as if weighing the gravity of what she was about to say. She opened her mouth, her voice steady but firm.

"Miss Mode, although this sounds like an enticing offer…" Inko began, her voice laced with hesitation but resolve, "I will have to put my foot down and decline the offer on behalf of my son. I don't believe that this is a path that is right for him."

The room fell quiet for a moment, the weight of her words hanging heavily in the air. Edna's lips pressed into a thin line, and she raised an eyebrow, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly. With an air of controlled exasperation, she finally let out a small, incredulous "What?"

Izuku, standing just a few steps away from the conversation, almost couldn't control himself. He had been doing his best to remain hidden, but at that moment, his emotions got the better of him. Without thinking, he blurted out, "What?!" His voice was louder than he intended, caused his mum to audibly startle at the surprise noise; but all that didn't matter and decided to make his presence known.

Running in to the room, he gave a big exclamation. "No!" Izuku's voice rang out, firm with determination. He looked directly at his mother, his voice filled with resolve. "This IS something I want to do! I've always wanted to be more, to prove that I can stand on my own. This is my chance!"

Edna didn't even blink at the sudden interruption, her gaze fixed on the boy with mild amusement. A small, almost imperceptible smile played on her lips as she watched Izuku's entrance. "Ah, there he is. The young man himself," she remarked coolly, unruffled by his outburst. "I thought you'd be joining us soon." Inko, on the other hand, eyes were widened in shock, looking utterly flustered at her son's sudden appearance. Her face flushed with both embarrassment and a touch of anger, "Izuku!" she exclaimed, her voice rising with concern. "What are you doing here? Were you—" She stopped herself, eyes widening as she realized what must have been happening. "Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?"

"N-no…yes mum…" Izuku's face flushed with embarrassment, but his eyes were determined. "I… I didn't mean to… I just, I couldn't take not knowing," He took a step forward, his voice steady despite the situation. "This is something I want to do, Mum. Why don't you want that?"

"Izuku…" Inko's voice cracked as she tried to regain her composure. "Why—why would you do this?" Putting the question aside, she reevaluated the present situation. "A-anyway, you don't understand, dear…This is—this life isn't what you think it is! It's too dangerous, and—and... you're not ready for this kind of decision!" Her voice faltered, her hands trembling at her sides as she looked at her son. "—you—you're not thinking clearly! You're just a kid—"

"I am thinking clearly, Mum!" Izuku's voice cut through the air, louder than he meant. His cheeks were flushed with frustration, but his eyes burned with an intensity he rarely showed. "I don't have a quirk, but I can still do something! I can't just sit around waiting for a miracle! If I can't be the hero that saves others with a smile, then I'll do something else with the skills I've got! This is my chance to be more!"

Inko's face twisted in distress. "But Izuku, you don't know what this kind of life will be like! It's—It's dangerous, and—and you don't—" Her voice cracked again, and she looked away from him, blinking back the tears that threatened to fall. "You're my son. I just… I just want to protect you…"

"I'm not a little kid anymore, Mum!" Izuku said, his voice cracking with emotion. "I'm not asking you to stop worrying about me, but I have to do this! I have to try! I want to be someone who can stand on my own two feet, not just hide behind other people!" His hands clenched into fists. "Please, just actually believe in my dreams this time!"

The words hung in the air, a heavy silence settling over them. But before Inko could speak again,

"Enough!" Edna's voice cracked like a whip through the room, loud and sharp. Without realizing it, Edna was standing in front of the woman, she swung her hand down, smacking Inko, before she could react, hard over the head with a rolled-up magazine that she had somehow pulled from her purse. Inko gasped in shock, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Wh-what-why did you just—?"

Edna's icy tone sent a chill down their spines. "Inko, dahling," she began slowly, her voice low and controlled. "You are letting your emotions dictate your actions."

Izuku stared wide-eyed, frozen in place, as Edna spoke with the precision of someone who had seen this all before. "You're so blinded by fear and thus, you're preventing your son from achieving what he is capable of. And all because you don't want to see him grow. He's ready, but you aren't. You're putting your own fears above his future."

Inko's jaw dropped, and she took a step back. "How dare you—"

Before she could finish, Edna's hand was already in motion again, smacking her on the head with the magazine, this time a little bit more forcefully. The sound rang out, punctuating Edna's speech. "You're scared, I get it. But life is messy. Life doesn't just hand you a neat package of success. You have to get out of your own way and let your son be the person he's supposed to be."

Izuku winced, glancing between his mother and Edna, both women locked in an intense, almost comical confrontation. Inko blinked up at Edna, clearly taken aback, but there was a fire in her eyes that made her even more defiant.

"How dare you—" she began again, this time with more bite in her voice, but she was cut off once more by another swift smack over the head.

"Three," Edna said, counting the smacks as if they were part of a ritual. She gestured dramatically. "One: life's hard. Two: life's rewarding. And three: pull yourself together, darling, and stop letting your fears dictate your son's future." She stood there, glaring down at Inko as if she were a child who needed to be taught a lesson.

The silence that followed was thick with tension, the air crackling with the weight of Edna's words. Inko stood stock-still, blinking up at the woman, her face flushed with embarrassment and anger. Izuku, meanwhile, remained frozen in place, his eyes wide as he tried to process everything happening around him.

Then, just as the silence felt unbearable, Inko's breath hitched. She staggered back, her hands covering her face as tears welled up in her eyes. "II— I'm…I'M SORRY!" she burst out, her voice breaking. "I… I just didn't want him to get hurt. I'm afraid. I didn't know how to… I just…want what's best for him..."

She crumpled, her voice dissolving into sobs. "I'm sorry, Izuku... I'm so sorry..."

Izuku's eyes widened in shock, his heart skipping a beat. He rushed to her side, his arms outstretched. "Mum—"

"I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to hold you back, I was just—just afraid!" Inko sobbed, her body shaking as she clung to him. "I didn't want you to end up like me like I did..."

Edna rolled her eyes, clearly unimpressed by the scene. She hopped off the table, shaking her head in mild exasperation. "Yes, yes, darling. I get it. But you've got to wipe your eyes and relax. This isn't the end of the world." She strode over to her purse, reaching inside and pulling out a tissue box.

Izuku was still trying to comfort his mother, but when Edna approached them with the box of tissues, he felt a strange sense of déjà vu. He couldn't help but look at her in confusion.

Edna outstretched the box. "Here, darling. You look like you could use these."

Inko looked up, her eyes red and puffy, and took the tissues with a quiet, muffled thank you. "I-I'm sorry, I didn't—"

"Wipe your face, relax, and stop being so dramatic," Edna said with a sigh, her tone softening just a bit. "It's not that serious." Inko sniffled, wiping her eyes as she let out a long breath. She finally began to calm down, her sobs subsiding.

When she finally got her composure, Edna leaned down slightly, her gaze soft but still sharp. "Now that we've got that out of the way…" she began, her voice returning to its usual cool, matter-of-fact tone. "It's time to make a decision. You're going to let your son go, yes?"

Inko's breath hitched as she wiped her eyes, still holding onto Izuku as if she could protect him from everything. "I—I would love to send you, Izuku, I really would… but I don't have the funds. I can't just—" She stopped, her voice cracking again, and her hands tightened around him. "How am I supposed to give you this opportunity when I can't even afford—?"

Edna let out an exasperated sigh, cutting her off mid-sentence. "Oh, darling, of course I'm sponsoring this whole thing."

"What?!" Inko blinked, her eyes wide and still red from crying. Her voice came out in a croak, full of disbelief. "What do you mean? We can't accept charity…Why would you… Why would you do this?"

Edna's gaze locked onto Inko's, cool and unyielding. "Like I've said before, this boy has potential I haven't seen in a long time, and I intend to invest in bringing it out." She crossed her arms with a flick of her wrist. "I'm not asking for thanks. I'm doing this because I see what he can become, and I want to make sure that happens. But don't get it twisted—I'm not doing this out of charity." Her eyes narrowed slightly, her tone becoming sharper. "I will sponsor this whole thing, and I will make sure he does exactly what needs to be done. I will set the standards, and he will meet them. This is an investment, not a favor."

Izuku stood frozen, his mouth slightly open in disbelief. "Wait—what?!" His voice came out in a stunned whisper, the shock still sinking in. He turned to his mother, his eyes wide, before looking back at Edna, feeling as though his world had just tilted on its axis. "You—you're really going to do that for me?" He wanted to say thank you, to express the depth of his gratitude, but Edna was already speaking over him.

She held up a hand, silencing him. "I'm paying for this, yes, but don't think that gives you a free pass." She raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze cutting through the tension. "You'll balance school, training, and whatever else I require of you. And if at any moment—any moment—you decide I'm wrong for putting faith in you, then well-"

"You won't be!" Izuku's heart raced, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. He took a deep breath and stood taller, his voice firm as he spoke up, cutting through the room with sudden resolve. "I won't let you down! I'll do whatever it takes, I promise!"

Edna's lips curled into a small, approving smile. "Good." She nodded once, the acknowledgment brief but sincere. Then, without a moment's hesitation, she turned back to Inko, her expression still expectant. "Well? Do I have your agreement, Miss Midoriya?"

Inko stood there for a moment, her breath trembling, her thoughts swirling in a chaotic whirl of uncertainty and fear. She had to let go, she realized. She had to let her son take this leap, even if it terrified her. Her eyes flickered to Izuku, who was standing tall now, his shoulders squared, his resolve shining through the uncertainty. And as she looked at him, she saw the same spark of determination in him that she had seen when he was just a little boy, dreaming of being a hero.

Her voice was barely a whisper when she spoke, the words heavy but full of love. "I… I agree." She met Edna's gaze with new understanding, her voice gaining strength. "If this is what he needs, then I'll let him go."

Edna flashed a wide, toothy smile, one that promised a thrill of anticipation. "Very well," she said, her voice smooth with finality. "Now, let's make sure he lives up to that potential."

As Inko wiped away the last of her tears, she pulled Izuku into a tight hug, her hands trembling as she held him close. "I'm scared, Izuku," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with love. "But if this is your dream, I'll support you. I'll always be here for you."

Izuku returned the hug, his own voice resolute. "I know, Mum. I'll make you proud. I promise."

Evening had arrived, and after a few more moments of heartfelt gratitude and finalizing the details, Edna, having already taken her leave, stepped out the door. She walked briskly toward the sleek rented car waiting outside. The driver, who had been quietly observing, stepped forward and opened the door for her.

"Good evening, Miss Mode," he greeted, his voice respectful.

Edna gave him a brief nod of acknowledgment, stepping into the vehicle with her usual confidence. Once inside, the driver shut the door behind her, moved to the front, and slid into the driver's seat. The car rolled away smoothly, the quiet hum of the engine filling the air.

Edna settled into her seat and immediately began issuing instructions. "Take me to the office," she said, her tone clipped and efficient. "And make a few stops along the way. I need to make some calls."

Her mind was already on the project ahead—there was no time to waste. The countdown had begun, and she was determined to make sure everything fell into place. Every detail had to be perfect. Time was ticking, and Edna Mode wasn't one to leave things to chance.

Author's Notes:

Well, Dahlings, I hope you enjoyed my latest masterpiece! Granted, it's no Edna Mode, but let's be real, who is? Haha. My co-writer and I were busy racking our brains on this chapter, and after countless mental breakdowns (his, not mine—totally), and some very insistent prodding from him, we've finally wrapped this chapter up with the vision we had in mind. It was also his idea for Edna to smack Inko over the head with her famous magazine from The Incredibles—you know, that iconic moment with Elastigirl? Marvelous!

Godofwolves90: yea, 'totally' it definitely wasn't you wallowing in your own misery. The moment was fabulous!

And that, my dears, is the end of Chapter 4! As always, read and review, and remember, all viewing proceeds go straight into my energy tank to fuel more chapters. LOL. Kiss kiss, dahlings, muah! Bye!