Chapter Text
As dawn breaks, the city awakens with vibrant energy, bustling with people moving purposefully through the morning chaos. Outside a café, an employee was carefully setting up tables when a green-haired teenager named Izuku accidentally collided with him, causing the plates he was holding to slip from his grasp and shatter on the ground.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going, you moron!” the employee exclaims, frustration evident in his voice.
Izuku recognizes the outburst but remains focused, determined to keep moving. With his rabbit ears flopping energetically as he maneuvers through the streets, he resolves not to let the negative comment distract him.
Izuku is late for school, which prompts a wave of urgency. He reflects on his all-nighter spent rewatching videos of All Might and Miruko—a reminder of his commitment to his heroes, but also a wake-up call regarding time management.
He had overslept due to his late-night habits, almost facing a stern talk from his mother after she found him slumped over his laptop in wrinkled clothes. Looking at his phone, he realizes he has only three minutes left until the school bell rings and he’s quite far from the building.
Given this, Izuku begins to think critically about his options for getting to school on time. Public transportation isn’t feasible, given the long wait times. Since his mother has already left for work, asking her for a ride isn’t an option. He also notes that he doesn’t have enough funds for a taxi ride.
Izuku pauses on his way to school, nervously biting his lip as he contemplates whether hopping might be a quicker option. He's acutely aware of the risks—using his quirk in public without a license is illegal and could jeopardize his chances of getting into a hero academy.
Plus, he isn’t very good at hopping; he often trips and easily becomes exhausted. As he wrestles with these thoughts, a loud roar disturbs his musings, causing his rabbit ears to perk up in alertness.
“What was that?” he mutters, curiosity piqued.
A sudden commotion sweeps through the streets, silencing the crowd as civilians pause in confusion. Roars echo, punctuated by pained grunts, causing the ground to tremble and unsettling onlookers even further. Izuku searches desperately for the source of the chaos until he finally spots a villain staggering into view a few blocks away. This towering figure, enhanced by a gigantification quirk, looms over the buildings, commanding both attention and fear.
The villain’s sudden appearance surprises the crowd, and people begin conversing among themselves, trying to make sense of the situation. Izuku notices that the villain appears on edge, frantically looking around. He assumes the villain must have committed a crime and is currently evading capture by the police or heroes.
Izuku's thoughts are interrupted once again as he flinches, pinning his rabbit ears back at the loud wails of police sirens, which blare as numerous officers speed down the highway toward the villain's location. The sound of the sirens alerts the villain. Desperate, the behemoth breaks into a sprint through the streets in an attempt to evade capture, nearly stepping on frightened civilians and drivers trying to flee from his path.
The curious crowd of onlookers eagerly follows the villain, hoping for a hero-villain showdown. Izuku is tempted to join them but hesitates. He doesn’t want to miss out on an opportunity to take notes on the hero-villain fight, but he knows he could get in serious trouble if he doesn’t show up to class. He already had several strikes on his record for being late because he was watching these fights. If he receives one more strike, he will be expelled and will surely get an earful from his mom for it.
Deciding quickly, Izuku sprinted after the villain. As he ran, he mentally crafted several excuses to explain his tardiness to the teachers, hoping they would prevent his expulsion.
–
It didn't take long for him to reach the location, where a massive crowd of onlookers cheered from behind the police barricades. They were eagerly watching the unfolding spectacle. Up ahead, Izuku could clearly see the villain staggering to his feet, breathing heavily as sweat dripped down his bruised body. The villain glared and bared his teeth in defiance before letting out a roar of anger and charging at his opponents with a raised fist.
It seemed that one or more heroes had managed to catch up to him before the police arrived and were currently in the process of subduing him. However, the large crowd made it impossible for Izuku to see which hero was confronting the giant villain. He maneuvered through the crowd to make his way to the front for a better view. He made it there to see the villain let out a pained grunt before staggering back and falling on his rear after receiving a strong blow, the crowd erupting into thunderous cheer.
The green-haired teen shifted his attention to the heroes, who were discussing battle tactics while preparing to strike in case the villain attacked again. Izuku strained his rabbit ears to pick up on their conversation, but the loud cheers from the crowd made it difficult. Soon, the villain rose to his feet, panting heavily to catch his breath. He glared at the group of heroes, a low growl escaping his throat before charging at them once more.
The heroes were ready and immediately dodged the villain's attack. Izuku's eyes sparkled as he watched the choreography of their quirks and fighting styles, marveling at how they deflected the villain’s strikes. He eagerly pulled out his analysis book and began jotting down notes, making sure to take notes of every detail in the fight.
The fight intensified as the frustrated villain swiped and stomped at the dodging heroes, shouting profanities while taking repeated hits. Cheers erupted from the crowd when he finally collapsed onto his knees, exhausted and covered in dark bruises and blood leaking from his nose, signaling the battle's end. Seeing that the villain was weakened, the heroes approached him to prepare to hand him over to the authorities.
As the heroes approached, the villain's menacing glare silenced the crowd's cheers, replacing them with expressions of sheer terror. Without warning, he tore a massive slab of concrete from the ground and hurled it toward the spectators. Horrified screams erupt from the crowd as they scramble to flee the area to avoid being crushed by the massive debris. Just in time, one of the heroes, Deatharms, raced to the barricade and smashed the slab into rubble before it could reach the fleeing crowd. Frustrated by the hero's intervention, the villain unleashed another barrage of concrete, sending screams of panic echoing through the area as chaos engulfed everyone. The other heroes quickly sprang into action, using their quirks to deflect the falling debris away as civilians escaped.
Police were nearly trampled in the chaos as they struggled to guide the panicking crowd away from the area, with debris raining down, crashing into buildings, and smashing cars around them. Izuku, however, was oblivious to the situation, preoccupied with taking notes in his book. Suddenly, he was violently shoved by a frightened civilian who was fleeing the scene, causing the green-haired teen to scream in surprise and drop his notebook. Stunned, Izuku noticed that his book was missing and frantically looked around for it amidst the crowd in a panic. He spotted his notebook not far from him and quickly snatched it up before it could be trampled. Realizing the gravity of the situation, Izuku looked around in confusion as civilians continued to run in terror.
“Huh? What's going on? Why is everyone running?” he muttered softly.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed above him like a dark omen. Intrigued yet apprehensive, the green-haired teen tilted his head back, his rabbit ears drooping in dread as his eyes widened in horror. What he saw sent a chill down his spine: a massive slab of concrete, heavy and menacing, was plummeting straight toward him.
Instinct kicked in, screaming at him to run and escape the deadly path of the falling debris, but fear rooted him to the spot. Time seemed to slow as he stood frozen, paralyzed by fear, helplessly staring up at the impending disaster racing toward him.
As he awaited his fate, tears streamed down Izuku’s face. He berated himself for diverting his route to school to watch the hero-villain fight that had led to his current predicament. His eyes squeezed shut as the debris hurtled toward him, memories of his life flickering like images on a film reel. He found himself muttering a silent apology to his mother, wishing he could see her smile one last time.
Suddenly, a figure burst into the scene as if born from the chaos itself, sprinting toward him with an urgency that screamed hope.
“SMASH!!!!”
A resounding, thunderous voice boomed through the air, echoing off the surrounding buildings. A powerful gust of wind swept past Izuku, nearly knocking him off his feet, as an explosion reverberated around him, obliterating the massive slab of concrete into a shower of dust and rubble. The panicked crowd, previously in a frenzy, fell into an awed silence, their breaths caught in their throats as the thick cloud of dust blanketed the scene. The massive explosion caught the villain's attention and immediately halted his attack. He grabbed another handful of concrete, shielding his eyes as a thick cloud of dust enveloped the area. Narrowing his eyes, he scanned the surroundings for the culprit who dared to thwart his chances of gaining the upper hand against the heroes.
As the cacophony faded, Izuku tentatively opened his eyes, his heart racing and thoughts tangled in confusion. Was he alive? Had the debris missed him? As he scanned the area, still shrouded in swirling dust, a tall, shadowy figure emerged before him, standing resolutely amidst the chaos. Straining to see through the haze, Izuku squinted, his breath hitching in his throat. As the dust began to settle, his disbelief transformed into elation; his jaw dropped and his heart swelled with joy.
“Citizens! Hope has arrived! You’re safe now!” the hero proclaimed, his voice a resonant anchor amidst the uncertainty, as he turned to face the crowd. They stared back at him, eyes wide with awe and relief, taking in the sight of their savior. With a radiant smile that could pierce through the darkest of moments, he continued, “Because I am here!” Those iconic words rang out, defining the presence of none other than the number one hero, All Might.
Cheers erupted from the crowd, louder than ever, as they celebrated the timely arrival of All Might. Izuku marveled at the number one hero, his tail wagging happily and his heart racing with excitement. It was a surreal moment; the hero who inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a hero was standing before him, having just saved his life. The green-haired teen stood a few steps away, his heart racing with admiration and gratitude for the number one hero who had just saved him. He longed to voice his appreciation or perhaps even ask for an autograph, but the words caught in his throat, leaving him feeling helpless at the moment.
Meanwhile, the villain’s demeanor shifted dramatically at the sudden arrival of the legendary hero. His face drained of color, and a cold sweat broke out on his forehead as he realized he was no match for the hero’s prowess. Panic set in, and with a desperate look in his eyes, he turned and bolted from the scene, hoping to evade capture.
Amid the chaos, one of the other heroes who had been engaged in battle with the villain noticed the desperate escape attempt while tending to an injured officer. Without hesitation, the hero shouted,
“Hey! Stop!” The urgent command echoed through the air, filled with the determination to bring the villain to justice and protect the innocent.
The shout caught All Might's attention, and he turned to see the villain fleeing the scene. Despite the destruction caused before his arrival, All Might couldn’t help but laugh at the villain’s cowardice.
“Villain! You won't be getting away that easily!”
The number one hero crouched down, activating his quirk. He launched himself upward with immense force. The villain glanced back to see if any heroes were in pursuit, and his eyes widened at the sight of All Might soaring in midair above him. The number one hero drew his fist back while rapidly descending towards the villain, delivering a powerful blow to the villain's head. The villain abruptly stopped, groaning in pain after the blow, his eyes rolling back as he dropped to his knees and collapsed unconscious on the ground.
The villain suddenly came to a halt, a deep, pained groan escaping his lips as he staggered from the force of the blow. His body trembled as his eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell to his knees, desperately trying to remain upright against the overwhelming pain. Despite his efforts, he finally crumpled to the ground, unconscious and utterly defeated.
All Might descend gracefully beside the fallen foe, his presence is commanding and powerful. Standing tall and proud, he radiated a sense of justice and hope, a beacon for everyone watching. The crowd erupted in cheers, but beneath his confident exterior, All Might felt an unexpected wave of pain and nausea wash over him. He fought to keep his composure, determined not to reveal his discomfort and risk worrying those who looked up to him. With a firm resolve, he straightened his posture, reminding himself of the responsibility he carried as a symbol of heroism.
The crowd erupted into a joyous celebration, filling the air with cheers and chants for their beloved hero, the renowned number one hero. Excitement radiated from the gathered spectators, their voices echoing through the streets like a symphony of gratitude and admiration. It was a fitting tribute to the immense courage and unwavering strength it took for All Might to subdue such a formidable adversary, a villain whose powers had challenged even the most seasoned heroes.
In that pivotal moment, All Might be transformed from just a hero into a symbol of hope and resilience. His presence served as a reminder to everyone that no matter how insurmountable the odds may seem, hope always prevails. As the dust settled, the group of heroes carefully approached the unconscious villain, ensuring that the threat was entirely neutralized now that his quirk had been deactivated. They worked efficiently, turning him over to the authorities while maintaining their vigilance to ensure the safety of the crowd.
Meanwhile, the wail of sirens heralded the arrival of an ambulance, which rushed to the scene to tend to the wounded. Paramedics quickly deployed from the vehicle, ready to assist those affected by the chaos. The atmosphere, once filled with tension, now buzzed with a sense of relief and gratitude as the community came together to heal, inspired by the heroics they had just witnessed.
However, All Might didn’t linger in the area for long. With a swift motion, the number one hero activated his quirk once more, his body momentarily radiating the familiar energy that signified his overwhelming strength. He dashed away from the scene with remarkable speed, leaving only a whisper of wind in his wake—much to the disappointment of eager news reporters who had poised their microphones, ready for a statement.
Izuku stood on the sidelines, feeling an unsettling sense of foreboding creep over him as he watched All Might’s hasty departure. It was unusual for the symbol of peace to abandon his ardent fans after a battle, especially given his reputation for being gracious and accessible.
Typically, All Might would take the time to celebrate the victory, flashing a bright, reassuring smile as he posed for photographs and shared words of encouragement.
But this time was different. The green-haired teen couldn't shake the unsettling impression that something was very wrong. As All Might passed, he caught a glimpse of the hero's expression—a fleeting moment where the mighty façade cracked. It appeared as though All Might was struggling against an unseen burden, his usually vibrant demeanor overshadowed by a grimace that hinted at pain or discomfort. Izuku could have sworn he saw a flicker of nausea cross the hero's face, a sight that sent a chill down his spine. In that instant, the glory of victory seemed overshadowed by a troubling mystery that left Izuku more concerned than ever.
Suddenly, the weight of his situation crashed down on him. Panic surged within him as he realized he was late for school. Just moments ago, he had been an unwilling spectator in an intense battle between a hero and a villain that had nearly cost him his life. Now, as adrenaline coursed through his veins again, he darted through the bustling streets of Musutafu, weaving past startled pedestrians who glanced at him with a mix of curiosity and concern.
With each step, his heart raced faster, fueled by both the thrill of the fight he had witnessed and the dread of facing a harsh scolding from his teacher. As he burst through the school gates, the familiar building loomed ahead, and he felt a renewed sense of urgency.
Izuku sprinted down the brightly lit hallway, the rhythmic slap of his sneakers against the polished floor reverberating in the otherwise quiet corridor. The air felt thick with tension as he dashed past classroom doors, glimpsing students already seated and engrossed in their studies. He could sense the weight of their gazes, and he silently prayed he wouldn’t encounter his teacher’s disapproving glare, which could make his heart race for reasons other than physical exertion.
As he rounded the corner, his breath came in sharp gasps, and he felt the sweat trickling down his back, a reminder of his frantic pace. Every muscle in his body protested as he pushed himself to run even faster, fueled by an anxious energy that came from the fear of being late. Much to his surprise and relief, when he burst into the classroom, there was no sign of his teacher. Apparently, the thrilling villain-hero showdown he had watched earlier had caused a massive traffic jam that affected everyone, leaving him temporarily off the hook. With a nervous sigh of relief, Izuku leaned against the doorframe for a moment, grateful for the unexpected stroke of luck that granted him a fleeting chance to catch his breath. He was safe for now, but he knew that wouldn’t last long.
__
As noon approached, signaling the end of the school day, Izuku sat at his desk, fully immersed in his analysis book. He diligently scribbled down additional notes, trying to capture every detail of the lecture while tuning in to the teacher’s voice. The classroom around him was a mix of focus and distraction; half the students seemed to lose interest, their minds already wandering to the freedom of the lunch break, while others whispered and passed notes, eager for the final bell.
With only a few minutes left in the period, the teacher wrapped up the lesson, emphasizing the key points from the day’s discussion with a firm yet encouraging tone. Izuku vigorously scribbled down the closing remarks, hoping that they would stick in his memory for future reference as he felt a mixture of anticipation and relief wash over him. The classroom clock ticked down the seconds, its rhythmic sound echoing in the still air, signaling that soon he would be free to enjoy the rest of the day. Just before the bell rang, the teacher cleared his throat deliberately, a signal that ignited curiosity across the room as he prepared to share an important announcement.
“As many of you know, graduation is just a few months away,” he began, his gaze sweeping over the students, who shifted in their seats with a blend of excitement and apprehension. “As third-year students, it’s crucial to start thinking seriously about your future careers.”
He gathered a stack of papers at his podium, the rustling noise echoing in the tense silence, and neatly shuffled them with a precise movement.
“Here, I have aptitude tests for you all to take, which will help determine your future.”
A collective groan filtered through the classroom as students exchanged glances, reluctant to tackle paperwork just minutes before classes ended.
The teacher couldn’t help but smirk at their predictable response. “But,” he said, tearing through the thick stack of papers and tossing them aside with an exaggerated flourish, “I know that most of you will choose to go into hero academia, so I won’t bother with the tests.” The classroom erupted into cheers, their quirks activating in bursts of excitement, causing the air to sizzle with energy.
Izuku’s tail wagged eagerly, a reflexive response to his bubbling excitement. He had waited so long for this day—to leave behind the suffocating confines of his current school and step into the revered halls of hero academia. School life had been a tumultuous journey for the green-haired teen; his days were often marked by endless bullying, culminating in tears, bruises, and a reluctance to face the next day. He had chosen UA not just for its esteemed reputation, but because it was the same school where his idol, All Might, had forged his path to greatness. A goofy grin spread across Izuku’s face as his thoughts drifted into a vivid fantasy of what his life could be like at UA—full of training, camaraderie, and the chance to become a true hero.
“Oh, get real! None of you extras have what it takes to be heroes. I’ll win against all of you to become the next number one hero.” A scornful voice cut through the cheers, disrupting the soaring mood.
Izuku’s rabbit ears flicked back in annoyance as he turned his gaze to the source of the interruption.
“Katsuki…” he muttered under his breath, his heart sinking as he glanced over at the blonde-haired teen seated a few rows ahead.
Katsuki Bakugo lounged with an air of arrogant confidence, his feet propped up on his desk and a smug grin stretching across his face, faint scars on his cheek accentuating the fierce look in his eyes. His words ignited an immediate wave of anger from classmates who hurled insults back at him, the atmosphere shifting from elation to hostility in an instant.
This was typical behavior for Katsuki, the top student whose explosive quirk had earned him both admiration and contempt. His fiery persona had built a reputation as the school’s troublemaker, making him feel invincible in an environment that often turned a blind eye to his antics.
Izuku felt a familiar frustration bubble within him as he watched the chaotic scene unfold. Ever since Katsuki’s quirk had manifested, he had received relentless praise from teachers and students alike, which only fueled his ego and violent outbursts. Teachers frequently hesitated to discipline him, wary of stifling his potential. Izuku couldn’t help but wonder if there would ever come a time when Katsuki would realize that his actions have consequences—both for himself and those around him.
“Oh Midoriya, didn’t you choose UA High?’ The teacher asked innocently, completely unaware of the storm brewing in the classroom.
Izuku’s complexion drained of color as the words struck him like a bolt of lightning. His rabbit ears drooped dismally over his shoulders, and a cold sweat broke out across his brow. He had never expected his choice of school to be broadcasted to the entire class, and now all eyes were on him, filled with an unsettling mix of curiosity and derision. The once lively chatter of the classroom fell to a suffocating silence, the weight of anticipation hanging in the air.
Moments later, the silence shattered as laughter erupted in the room.
“Really?! That loser in UA?! He’ll be torn to shreds in the entrance exam!” One of the students jeered, their voice dripping with malicious glee.
The room exploded with laughter, the sound echoing off the walls and drilling deeper into Izuku’s fragile self-esteem. Each cruel chuckle felt like daggers piercing his heart, and he sank lower into his seat, he wished the ground would swallow him whole.
Suddenly, the class went quiet again. A pair of hands slam down violently on Izuku’s desk, explosions erupt from them, the noise jolting him out of his haze. He looked up, his heart racing only to find himself face to face with Katsuki, who towered over him like a storm ready to unleash its fury. The blonde’s eyes blazed with intensity, his teeth bared in a feral snarl.”What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Deku?! There’s no way you’re getting into UA before me!”
Izuku fought against the overwhelming urge to flinch at Katsuki’s explosive outburst. Instead, he squared his shoulders and steeled himself, flicking his ears back defiantly as he returned the glare.
“Yes, I am”. he declared, a hint of determination creeping into his voice despite the tremor that betrayed his inner turmoil.
Katsuki's sneer deepened, his face a storm of anger and disbelief. He surged forward, roughly grabbing the front of Izuku’s shirt and yanking him closer, forcing their eyes to lock.
“Listen here, Deku,” he spat, his voice dripping with contempt. “You’re even more pathetic than the rest of these extras in this whole school. Just think, why in the world would UA ever want someone as useless as you in their school when they could have me instead?”
Each word struck Izuku like a slap, igniting a fire of frustration within him. The weight of Katsuki’s scorn echoed harshly in his mind, but it also sparked something deeper—a surge of anger that was hard to ignore. With a fierce resolve, he swatted Katsuki’s hand away and pushed himself up from his desk, standing tall in defiance.
“Katsuki,” he began, his voice steadying even as his heart raced, “ever since I was a kid, it’s always been my dream to be a hero! I know UA is the best school for me to accomplish that dream. I might not have a flashy quirk like yours…” His voice faltered briefly, his fist clenching tightly as he fought to keep a whirlwind of emotions at bay.
“But if I work hard enough, I can become a great her-no, I will surpass you!!!”
A collection of gasps filled the room as fellow students looked on in bewilderment, their eyes wide with surprise at Izuku's unexpected boldness in confronting the school’s top student.
The tension in the air shifted, charged with the weight of Izuku's declaration and the audacity of standing up to the boy who had always overshadowed him. Katsuki stood frozen for a moment, the wind knocked out of him as shock coursed through his veins.
His brows shot up, and his mouth fell open, completely taken aback by the unexpected boldness of Izuku’s words. The normally confident and fierce demeanor began to boil over into something darker; a lower growl rumbled from the depths of his throat. Flames of anger ignited within him, tightening his grip on the other teens’ shirt while explosions erupt from his free palm. He was going to make the green-haired teen regret challenging the schools’ top student.
Izuku's confident demeanor evaporated the moment the blonde teen strode into view, his previously bright expression draining of color as waves of dread washed over him. A chill slithered down his spine, rekindling the memories of past encounters. In an instant, he regretted his earlier decision to stand up to someone who exudes such an intimidating aura. Cold sweat gathered on his brow, glistening like tiny beads as he absorbed the sight of the blonde-haired boy.
Katsuki's steely gaze bore into him, every muscle in his poised stance radiating a readiness to dismantle Izuku, both physically and mentally. The air seemed to thicken between them, heavy with the oppressive tension of an impending confrontation, as if the atmosphere itself had sensed the brewing conflict.
A thunderous roar erupted from Katsuki, shattering the silence. He raised his hand, creating a chaotic display of explosions that sent sparks into the air. Izuku’s eyes widened in horror as memories flooded back, his reflexive scratch on Katsuki's face during a cruel moment. Paralyzed by fear, he felt the weight of past grievances and the current threat. In a flash his instincts ignited and he flexed his fingers, revealing sharp claws that lay concealed within the tips of his fur covered hands.
The green-haired teen’s fear morphed into anger as he locked eyes with Katsuki, his ears pinning his ears back defensively and baring his teeth in a warning growl.
If it's a fight Katsuki wanted then he was more than ready to rise to that challenge.
The rest of the class watched the unfolding drama in captivated anticipation, whispers and bets circulating about which of the two rivals would ultimately lay waste to their surroundings.Tension crackled in the air, thick enough to cut, as the boys prepared for the inevitable clash. However, just as the first strike seemed poised to fly, their teacher's voice erupted over the crescendo of chaos, a commanding intervention that sliced through the mounting pressure.
“Alright! That's enough! Back to your seats, you two!” NOW!!!” the teacher bellowed, his commanding tone both a warning and a plea to prevent any potential destruction to his classroom.
Izuku, shaken from his fierce determination, regained his senses as his rabbit ears perked up and he quickly tucked his claws away. In the same moment, Katsuki extinguished the smoldering explosions flickering in his palm, frustration clear in his scowl. Both teens exchanged one last fierce glare, a silent promise of their rivalry, before they begrudgingly returned to their seats.
A collective sigh of disappointment ripped through the classroom as the fight was abruptly halted, the thrill of conflict dissipating. Moments later, the bell rang, signalling the end of the class period. The teacher and students sprang into action, eagerly packing their belongings, ready to escape the confines of the classroom. Izuku gathers his materials as everyone leaves, shoving them into his notebooks and pens into his backpack as he mentally prepares for the journey home. He reached out to retrieve his prized hero analysis book from his desk, blinking in confusion when it was suddenly yanked away from him.
“Hey!” he exclaimed, his voice a mixture of surprise and frustration.
Looking up, he met the gaze, who held his book with an expression of pure disdain. Izuku’s anger bubbled beneath the surface, his body tensing as he watched Katsuki flip through the pages with a mocking smirk, his cronies snickering behind him.
“Don’t think that just because class is over means we’re done talking, Deku,” Katsuki sneered, his voice dripping with condescension.
One of his lackeys reached over, snatching the book from Katsuki's grip and examining it with exaggerated curiosity.
“Seriously, this nerd still believes he can be a hero? What a joke!” the crony cackled, laughter erupting from the group as they reveled in Izuku’s humiliation.
Feeling heat rush to his face, Izuku's ears flicked back defensively, a low growl escaping his throat as he glared at the boy holding his book, the tightness in his chest intensifying.
“Give it back!” Izuku hissed, his voice barely containing a mix of anger and desperation. He fought against the urge to leap forward and tackle Katsuki’s lackey, his heart racing at the thought of losing his beloved notebook.
Katsuki, with a smirk that sent a chill down Izuku’s spine, snatched the book back from his crony, his piercing glare fixed on the green-haired teen.
In one swift motion, he activated his quirk. Flames erupted around his hands, licking hungrily at the pages of Izuku’s prized analysis. Izuku’s ears perked up at the sound of crackling fire, his eyes widening in horror as he watched the flickering flames consume the words he had painstakingly written. The once-cherished pages turned to charred remnants before his very eyes, each moment stretching into a painful eternity as he stood frozen, grappling with a mix of disbelief and devastation.
“NO!!!” he cried, lunging at the blonde in a desperate attempt to save his book. But before he could reach out, both Katsuki’s lackeys quickly restrained him, their hands gripping his arms tightly as they laughed mercilessly at his plight. The explosions subsided in Katsuki’s palm, and the book that once. Izuku’s struggles ceased, tears filled and leaked from his eyes while his heart sank as he watched his once treasured book. The lackeys release their hold on the green-haired teen once he stops struggling, watching him fall to his hand and knees as he stares blankly at the pile of ash. Katsuki dusted any remaining ashes from his hands before glaring fiercely at Izuku.
“Let that be a lesson, Deku…” Katsuki growled, his voice low and menacing as he knelt down to grasp a handful of Izuku’s unruly green hair. Forcing him to meet his gaze, he relished the mix of fear and vulnerability that flickered across Izuku’s face. The once-determined spark in Izuku's eyes had been extinguished, replaced by the dull reflection of crushed hopes and dreams.
“You’ll never be a hero. You're so useless that not even a busted B-list hero would want you as their sidekick. You’re NOTHING a pathetic loser, and don’t you forget it!” Katsuki spat, his words dripping with disdain. “So don’t even think about applying to UA, or else…”
With a final, scornful smile that curled at the edges of his lips, Katsuki released his iron grip on Izuku, delivering a light push that sent the younger boy stumbling back a step. He relished the moment, savoring the sight of Izuku's gaze dropping to the charred remnants scattered on the ground—a grim pile of ash that starkly symbolized the burnt-out dreams that had once flickered brightly in his eyes. Anger simmered just beneath the surface for Izuku, fierce and palpable, as his rabbit ears lay flat against his head, and his teeth clenched tightly together in a futile attempt to suppress the torrent of emotions raging within him. Sharp claws extended from his trembling fingertips, digging deep into his palms as he wrestled with the desire to unleash his pent-up fury.
Without sparing a backward glance, Katsuki casually slung his backpack over one shoulder and strode away, flanked by his group of sycophantic followers who hung onto his every word. Their laughter echoed down the hallway, a harsh and cruel contrast to the choking silence left in their wake. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken words, laden with a tension that seemed to crackle in the air like static before an impending storm. It was as if the very walls of the corridor were suffused with the bitter remnants of their confrontation.
As he neared the door, Katsuki paused alongside his cronies, a sinister smirk widened, stretching the scars on his face.
“You know, there is one way you can be a hero, Deku,” he taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.
Izuku's ears perked up instinctively at the sound, though he steadfastly refused to turn and meet Katsuki’s piercing gaze. A flicker of curiosity battled against the smoldering rage within him, every word from Katsuki felt like a match striking kindling.
Katsuki savored the moment, suppressing the urge to erupt into laughter, acutely aware of the emotional turmoil he had instigated in Izuku’s heart.
“Just pray for a better quirk in the next life, before taking a swan dive off the roof." he added, the cruel jest hanging in the air like a dark cloud, leaving a chilly sensation in the aftermath of their encounter.
Izuku’s eyes widened in shock, and his mouth fell agape in alarm as Katsuki’s cruel words hit him like a cold slap. The harshness of the blonde’s comment cut deeper than he anticipated. Not only had Katsuki brutally destroyed his precious analysis book, but now he was cruelly telling him to ‘game end’ himself as if his life were nothing more than a game to be discarded. The weight of disbelief settled heavily in Izuku’s chest, mixing a rush of emotions that left him momentarily speechless.
How could Katsuki be so callous? It felt as if each word was a new wound, pouring salt on his already raw feelings, amplifying the sting of betrayal.
Katsuki’s lackeys stood frozen in disbelief, their eyes wide with shock as they processed the cruel comment he had just hurled at the green-haired teen. They exchanged wary glances, fully aware that he had crossed a line this time. Yet, Katsuki merely rolled his eyes and let out a dismissive snort, seemingly unfazed by their disapproval. He strutted out of the classroom with an air of indifference, fully convinced of his own righteousness.
Behind him, his cronies reluctantly followed, their attempts to admonish him for his harsh words falling on deaf ears as they trailed in his wake, unsure whether to challenge him or simply keep pace with their volatile leader.
Izuku sat alone on the cold tiles of the classroom floor, enveloped by an overwhelming wave of sorrow. Tears streamed down his cheeks, each droplet a testament to his pain, while his rabbit ears drooped sadly, mirroring the weight of his emotions. The harsh echoes of Katsuki’s biting comment replayed in his mind, deepening his despair and causing fresh sobs to wrack his small frame.
As he wept, the world around him faded, becoming a blur of colors and sounds that felt distant and unimportant. Each gasp for breath seemed to pull him further into a dark abyss, where hope felt just out of reach. Slowly, his body operated on autopilot, he rose to his feet, his movements jerky and mechanical, as if he were a puppet with tangled strings.
With no clear destination in mind, Izuku trudged out of the classroom and stepped into the schoolyard, the sounds of laughter and animated chatter gradually fading behind him like a distant memory. The cool air brushed against his flushed cheeks, a stark contrast to the heat of embarrassment and frustration that lingered within. Yet, he barely registered the sensation; a heavy numbness had settled in his chest, leaving him indifferent to the vibrant world around him.
As he walked aimlessly, it felt as if he were drifting through a dream, each step more disorienting than the last, lost in a turbulent sea of unrelenting grief and self-doubt. His thoughts danced back to the biting words of the blonde-haired teen that echoed painfully in his mind.
What if Katsuki was right? What if his quirk truly lacked the power to make him a hero?
Every footstep seemed to amplify his insecurities, the weight of his aspirations pulling him down as he replayed their conversation over and over. Doubt clawed at him, a sinister whisper questioning his worth, his dreams.
Would he ever be able to rise above his limitations, or was he destined to remain stuck on the sidelines, forever yearning to join the ranks of the great heroes he admired?
As the green-haired teen wandered aimlessly from the schoolyard into the sprawling field, his mind was consumed by swirling thoughts and worries. He barely noticed the vibrant flowers nodding in the gentle breeze or the distant laughter of children on the playground.
Unbeknownst to him, a shadow loomed closely behind, trailing his every step with a predatory stealth.
Suddenly, without warning, he felt a cold, viscous mass envelops him, tightening around his limbs and constricting his chest. Panic surged through him as the thick substance cut off his breath, leaving him struggling for air, isolated in a terrifying world where the once familiar surroundings faded into a choking darkness.