Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“How long do you think you can keep this up, Shota?” asked Midnight. Her and Present Mic were in Class 2-A’s room. They had come to meet him after classes trying to get him to go out with them tonight. The only reason he was still in his classroom was because the Problem Child of 2-A had an assignment to catch up on, which he was furiously writing. With Aizawa stubborn refusal to the duo, Midnight asked the question.

“Do what, Nemuri?” asked Aizawa coldly.

“Keep going all day and all night.”

“I’m a Pro; I can do whatever it takes.” he answered.

“Look, Eraser, I get it.” Present Mic said at a normal volume; proof he was serious. “But you put yourself through more than most Pros. Do you know how long the career of a Pro is?”

“Look, Hizashi-”

“Ten years.” answered a quiet voice. The trio looked over to the green hair kid, but he had not raised his head.

“What was that, Midoriya?” Aizawa scowled. “I hope you’ve been doing your work and not listening to us.”

“Oh no, Mr. Aizawa!” Deku’s head snapped up. “I just finished when I heard the question. I didn’t realize I said anything out loud!”

“Good. Then get out of here. I don’t need you to help these two, and I have to go on patrol.”

Midoriya dropped his head again and put his hands in his lap.

“But they’re right, Mr. Aizawa.” he continued. “The average Pro hero’s career lasts ten years. However, that number isn’t really a good metric as heroes' careers are really different. Front line heroes tend to have a shorter career, closer to seven, while rescue and support heroes have even longer. It’s why the Pro Pension system was put in place. However…”

Aizawa rolled his eyes as Midoriya put a hand to his chin. 

“Even then it does not help. Within those sub-classes of heroes, Quirk type is actually the strongest factor involved. Emitter quirk heroes tend to have the longest careers, but that’s skewed because emitter quirks tend to be long range like Endeavor. Transformation quirks are next, but really that's for strength or endurance heroes. Mutant types are really a single block. But…”

Present Mic looked over to Aizawa.

“He always like this?”

“Just wait…” Aizawa grumbled.

“But we would have to break that down. Emitter front line heroes tend to have either very short, a few years, or very long careers, like Endeavor. But transformation quirks like All Might also have very long careers. Rescue heroes actually have relatively longer careers and quirk type doesn’t seem to have much an affect.”

“Midoriya.” Aizawa cut him off. “As you said, I am an Emitter front line hero. I’ll have a nice long career. Now leave.”

“Except Mr. Aizawa you’re a capture hero specializing in singular individuals. Front line, but solo target. Capture heroes, especially stealth capture heroes, tend to have shorter careers due to the nature of their work. Especially one such as yourself who’s quirk does not offer any more an advantage than making a fight quirkless.”

“Are you doubting my combat skills?” Aizawa’s voice was cold and his hair raised. Midoriya threw his hands up.

“No, Mr. Aizawa! I was just thinking out loud again! I’ve...uh...better get going!” Midoriya quickly sprinted out of the classroom. 

“Weird kid.” Mic said.

“Needs a girlfriend.” Midnight agreed. Aizawa groaned.

“Don’t...get started on that.” he said. 

“Oh?” Midnight replied, licking her lips. “ Juicy gossip ?”

Aizawa, the consummate Pro, saw his opening and took it.

“Him and Ochaco Uraraka have been having a mutual attraction thing going on since last year, but neither can get the nerve to talk to each other. They just blush and stammer.”

“Interesting.” Midnight smiled. “ Very interesting. ”

“I’m sure.” Aizawa said as he grabbed his sleeping bag. “But now-”

“That brings us back to the point, though.” Midnight returned. Aizawa sighed. Nemuri was a Pro, too. “How long do you think you can keep this up? Your body can’t take this abuse.”

“I’m done with this conversation.” Aizawa said, grabbing his bag and heading to the door. 

“If you keep this up, Shota,” Mic’s voice stopped Aizawa’s hand on the door, “soon you won’t be able to help your students, or anyone.”

Aizawa’s knuckles turned white as he gripped the door. He told himself he did not angrily open it, and for certain did not slam it behind him. 

“You wanted to see me, sir?” asked Aizawa. Nezu had scheduled a meeting with him earlier in the week. 

“Yes.” Principal Nezo said. The Principal was sitting behind his desk. The fact he did not get up and offer Aizawa tea told him the tone of this conversation. “I wanted to speak to you about the conversation you had with Hizashi and Nemuri at the beginning of the week.”

Aizawa scowled in annoyance.

“I don’t know what for. I was pretty clear I am not going to retire.”

“They raise legitimate points, Eraserhead.”

“I stand by my conviction that I can do both jobs as well as always.”

“Unfortunately that is not the case.” Nezu’s voice was soft but firm. “I’ve taken a look at your physical test scores, reviewed footage of your fights with your students, and even had Recovery Girl give me your medical charts.”

“You’ve no right to look into my personal medical history.” Aizawa growled at Nezu, but he knew he was wrong.

“I do, and it only makes rational sense. Part of your qualifications for this job are physical, and knowing your ability is integral to that. Your physical strength and speed have gotten less. Your ability to manifest your quirk has gotten shorter. Your reaction times and fighting prowess have improved allowing you to compensate. However, at this rate, it will be roughly three years until you cannot continue to be a Pro Hero or a teacher here at UA.”

“What about All Might? He physically can’t do anything and he’s still a teacher.”

“That argument cuts both ways. All Might should have retired six years ago; instead, he pushed and pushed until he could no longer keep going.” Nezu looked away from Aizawa for a moment. “You know how much pain the man is in.”

Aizawa did. All Might had to use every physical therapy tool in the book to just be able to maintain a normal lifestyle. No one knew how long it could last, but those with the most knowledge bet the man would not see fifty. 

“All Might is here because he is a font of knowledge; but he also does not go out on patrol every night. None of the staff do; except for you.”

“My job keeps me sharp.”

“It is dulling your skills.” Nezu replied. The Principal sighed. “Your students need their teacher; even more so now. I’m not saying retire, Eraser; just slow down.”

“I’ll retire when I can’t do the job anymore.” was his answer. “Is that all, sir?”

“No.” Nezu answered and pushed a folder across his desk. “There’s another reason I called you here. Please take a look.”

Aizawa approached Nezu’s desk and took the folder there. Flipping it open, there was a brief memo on top. A few sentences in, he looked at the Principal.

“You’re restructuring UA’s classes to add a third Hero class? Why?”

“Because of you, Eraser.” Nezu smiled. “Our current class structure focuses too much on having flashy, emitter quirks. It isn’t rational when so many of our own teachers would not have passed the UA exam.”

“You’re restructuring the exam as well…” he noticed. “Adding in a conflict resolution portion.”

“Yes. To be a successful Hero requires certain skills. Combat, of course; intelligence as well to learn tactics and techniques; but also a certain amount of interpersonal skills. I believe since we went to the robot test model over a decade ago we have turned out stronger combat Heros, but have fallen behind in those who cooperate and coordinate.”

“Like Tensei Iida.” Aizawa murmured. Nezu nodded.

“Precisely. Tensei Iida was fast on the way to having one of the most efficient and effective Pro Agencies in Japan before the Hero Killer got to him. And that was because he went off by himself.”

“So you’re going to add in a third way to evaluate Heros.” Aizawa looked at Nezu. “I think it’s a good idea. But why did you need to talk to me? You already know my opinion on the matter.”

“For two reasons. This would require our homeroom teachers to significantly revamp the way they teach classes, which means more time between here and next year as well as during the school year.”

“Meaning it would be harder for me to patrol at night.” Aizawa scowled. Nezu nodded.

“Exactly. Something would have to give. Your schedule right now barely allows you to meet the demands of the job as is.”

“And the other reason?”

“We would need to find a third homeroom teacher.”

“Why not use one of the General Education teachers?”

Nezu shook his head.

“We would need a very specific Pro type who has skills with teaching already, and knows the high standards we set. That means we would need to poach someone from another school.”

Aizawa’s scowl deepened. He did not like where this was going. 

“Why not Midnight? Modern Hero Art isn’t that challenging.”

“I would hope you would not say that when she is around, Eraser. Besides, do you think any boy in her class would be able to concentrate?”

Aizawa sighed in frustration.

“So you want me to vet candidates? I can do that.”

“I already have someone in mind. They have to be a Pro who is currently working; know UA well enough to know our standards; have already taught before but do not currently have a class; and must be a more subtle front line type hero.”

Aizawa ran through the Pro Heros in his mind. He started scratching several off the list, and then his blood started to run cold.

“Don’t tell me…”

“Yes. I think Ms. Fukukado would be an excellent addition to UA.” Nezu paused and smiled. He typed something on his computer. “As well as undercutting a rival school. We would grow stronger and they grow weaker. We’ve seen she’s an excellent teacher earlier this year with our joint training. And I know she is an adjunct lecturer at this time. Ketsubutsu third years take on full time work studies with Pros in their third year after getting their licenses with minimal classroom instruction. As such, I extended an offer for her to see the school this year.”

“Is it too much to hope she declined?”

The door clicked open behind him.

“And miss that scathing wit of yours, Eraser? Not a chance!” came the overly perky voice. Aizawa tensed and slowly turned his head. 

“Joke…”

“Future husband!” Joke said and bounced up next to him. “It's so good I’ll be staying in the same dorm as you! It will be like old times.”

“There weren't dorms back then, and you didn’t go to UA.” he responded. Another beat. “Wait, what do you mean with me?”

He turned back to Nezu and spoke slowly.

“What does she mean staying with me?”

“I wanted her to get the full experience.” Nezu replied. “She will be moving into the spare apartment at Heights Alliance 2-A. Your class could use the extra chaperone, with you going out on patrol so much.”

Aizawa growled but Nezu had caught him perfectly in his trap. As always.

“Fine.”

“Yea!” Joke cried. “We’re going to make such a great couple!”

“We are not a couple!”

Chapter Text

Aizawa stormed through the door. His manner immediately sent Class 2-A to their seats, quiet and attentive. Aizawa glared at them for behaving for once when that was the opposite of what he wanted.

Damn problem children can’t even misbehave properly. He grumbled in his head.

“Alright listen up.” he started. “There’s going to be a couple of changes over the coming year. Principal Nezu is looking to bring in a new teacher to UA. To see if they’re a fit, they’re going to be observing and helping with this class.”

“Does that mean we’re getting another teacher?” asked Ashido.

Aizawa went to open his mouth but a tumbling blur of orange and seafoam green flipped into the room and halted in a grand pose.

“That’s right!” Emi yelled. “You’re going to be taught by Japan’s next power couple!”

“Yea!” Mina cheered from the back, and Hagakure joined in her cheering.

“Mr. Aizawa!” shot a hand, and boy, stark upright. “Are you and Ms. Joke officially a couple?”

“Of course!” “No!” They both answered at the same time.

“Aw, come on.” Emi pouted. “Even Nezu thinks we should be a couple and put us together!”

“That’s not it.” Aizawa growled in frustration. 

“Come Eraser! Think about it: late nights grading homework, sharing concerns over student developments, watching the sunrise over Musutafu.” she took a deep breath. “It’s so romantic.”

“It sounds exhausting already.” Aizawa grumbled.

“Good thing you like being tired!” was her retort.

“That doesn’t sound bad, Mr. Aizawa.” Ashido added. “Give her a chance!”

“My girl!” Emi shot Ashido finger guns. 

“How does a hundred extra laps sound?” Aizawa drawled menacingly. Ashido squeaked and sat down. 

“If Ms. Joke is here, they can’t be looking at adding her as general staff.” mumbled Midoriya. The class collectively sighed. Emi looked over at Aizawa.

“He does this.” Aizawa sighed. Emi looked back at Midoriya.

“Well-”

“But if they’re not looking to add her as a member of general staff there are a number of possibilities to what they are doing. ” Midoriya continued, not looking up. The class sighed again.

“Wake me up when he comes to his conclusion.” Kaminari said and flipped his sunglasses over his eyes. He leaned back. While there was nothing Aizawa would have liked than to take his own nap, he instead used his capture scarf to smack Kaminari into a proper position. 

“Pay attention. You might learn something.”

“It could be because one of the other homeroom teachers are leaving UA, but that doesn’t make much sense since it would have to be a third year teacher and they would not likely replace one of those teachers with someone outside. Nor have any of the Pros announced retirement or returning to their agencies.”

Midoriya put his chin in his hand.

“So that must mean that instead they are looking to fill a hole in UA’s roster. Ketsubutsu Academy is a renowned school, second only to UA. Ms. Joke also has strong teaching skills, given that eight of her second years passed the provisional licensing exam. However, eighteen members of our class passed. But that does not necessarily reflect on Ms. Joke. Her class was much better at rescue and cooperation efforts than our class was, and probably even is now.”

“Uh…Thanks?” Emi shrugged her shoulders. “Eraser, how long does he keep this up for?”

“Could be awhile.”

Midoriya kept going without noticing.

“Ms. Joke’s specialty is the front line; however, like Mr. Aizawa, Ms. Joke’s quirk is an Emitter quirk that does nothing to improve her combat abilities. It relies primarily on taking away the opponent's advantages. Basically, a debuff quirk. Additionally, she specializes in patrols rather than in captures or rescues; though her quirk has the great advantage of putting people at ease in stressful situations. In comparison, most of UA’s teachers focus on front line Emitter combat with long range, area of effect moves. This makes them very good at controlling crowds and defeating powerful villains, but that happens rarely enough. Well, to other people at least.”

Emi looked back at Aizawa, who was putting drops in his eyes. “He’s almost there.”

“Her skill set is therefore under represented at UA and, with her consistently high cooperation scores from the Heroes she works with, means she specializes in team patrols. In fact, when controlling for time at agency, she was the second fastest rising hero agency for responsiveness, with only Ingenium rising faster, though that may have been due to sheer size.”

Aizawa watched Iida jerk slightly at his brother’s name. Sometimes Midoriya could be clueless. Finally Mirdoriya looked up at Aizawa and he raised his hand.

“Yes, Problem Child? You care to grace us with your conclusion?”

“The only other Hero at UA that works in a similar style to Ms. Joke is you.” he said fiercely. He looked his teacher directly in the eye, and with great determination said, “Mr. Aizawa, are they replacing you after we graduate?”

The room went completely silent. Aizawa’s eye twitched. Midoriya saw the reaction, and realized too late he probably should not just ask something like that. Fortunately, Emi burst out laughing. The class began to giggle as well, breaking the tension. Abruptly it went away. 

“No, they are not.” he stated evenly, his hair falling as his quirk deactivated. “Swing and miss, Midoriya.”

“They’re adding another Hero course, aren’t they?” asked Yaoyorozu. 

“What brought you to that conclusion?” asked Aizawa.

“First,” Yaoyorozu raised a finger, “Shinso has yet to be added into the Hero course, but after the joint training it was obvious he always should have been. The exam is biased towards big flashy combat quirks.”

“True.”

“Second,” she ticked off another finger, “at the Provisional Licensing Exam they spoke about us working together more to replace All Might. Not having one singular hero. UA’s Hero program is designed to turn out great Pro’s, but leans towards front line Emitter Heroes as they tend to capture the public’s attention more and rise higher on the Billboard charts.”

“Also true.”

“Third,” she ticked off another finger, “Villains and Heroes are becoming more prolific. I don’t believe the theory of Quirk Singularity, as the evidence I’ve seen has shown Quirks to be leveling off in power as they mix traits; however there is a lot of supporting evidence that children are learning to control their quirks earlier, and to a greater degree than previously. This is most likely due to the proliferation of Quirk Counselors and Coaches, as retired Heroes make extra revenue by coaching up prospective Heroes.”

“And that means?” Aizawa nudged.

“That means Heroes will need to be able to respond quickly and in force as problems will arise more steadily than before. The time of a single Hero coming to a scene to control an incident is over. The future is to be Hero teams that can handle every aspect from villain attacks, disasters, and rescue.” Yaoyorozu dipped her head. “At least, that seems to be the case.”

“You are right on target. At least, that’s what the Hero Commission and Principal Nezu think.” Aizawa paused and looked at his class. “Listen up. Joke here is looking to see if we fit her as much she fits with us. Meaning we are not going to do anything different than before. You all know my expectations of you, and I expect you put your all into this year. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Mr. Aizawa!” the class responded. After a moment, Emi burst out laughing next to him.

“You’re so serious.” she giggled.

“And you’re noisy.” he replied.

“Anyway!” she said, giving the class a big grin, “I look forward to seeing the class Eraser is honored to have as students.”

“WHAT!” came the roar.

“He said that!” 

“No way!”

“We are honored to have you as our teacher!”

“SIT DOWN.” came the command. The class sat and was quiet. Aizawa took three long deep breaths, glaring daggers at Emi. She shrugged.

“Maybe don’t wax on about them next time.” she smiled, blinking innocently. Before he could respond she turned back to the class. She pointed out to Midoriya. “So, he called you Problem Child, huh? What’s your name?”

“Izuku Midoriya.”

“Midoriya...Midoriya. Oh!” she beamed. “You’re the bone breaking kid from the Sports Festival.”

“Yeah…” he said, blushing and wiggling his intertwined fingers. 

“So who would you say is your polar opposite in class.” she asked. 

“Joke…” Aizawa warned.

“I wouldn’t say I have a-”

“Bakugo.” answered the rest of the class. 

“Shut it, losers!” Bakugo yelled back at them.

“Ah! You won the Sports Festival versus…” she looked around. “Todoroki! Endeavor’s son.”

“Yes.” was the dead panned reply. 

“Come on, give me a smile!” she said. He looked at her for a moment.

“How’s that?”

“Uh...what?”

“My smile.” he answered, his face completely the same. 

Emi burst out laughing, then turned away from him to look at the rest of the class. 

“Seriously though, I - Emi Fukukado - am honored to be able to observe your class, and will do whatever I can to help you take the next step into being the best Pro Heroes you can be.”

With that, Emi bowed to the group. The reversal stunned Class 2-A. Iida was first out of his seat, followed by Yaoyorozu. The class bowed back to their new teacher.

“As Class Rep, let me say that we are honored to have you!” he said.

Emi smiled at them. 

“Great! I can’t wait to see how you interact with Eraser outside of class tonight.”

“Are you staying close by, Ms. Jo- er, Ms. Fukukado?” asked Midoriya. She winked at him.

“Very close, Problem Child. I’m moving in with Eraser!” 

“WHAT!”

“Joke!” growled Aizawa. “You’re not moving in with me.”

“But come on Future Husband! You could come everyday to a clean apartment with a home cooked meal on the table with all our children!”

“We don’t have children, Joke!”

She gestured to the class. 

“I’m sure we could borrow them. Their parents wouldn’t mind.” She clasped her hands together. “Just picture it! You come home, hang up your capture scarf. We’d all greet you to ask about your day-”

“They’re there during the day and I work nights.”

“And then we could sit around a table of fresh cooked food and a vase of flowers in the middle.”

“I have a feeling I’m not going to get a lot of sleep while you’re around, Joke.” Aizawa sighed. When there was not an immediate rebuttal, he replayed what he said in his head. 

Shit. 

“Anyway, this has gone on long enough. Let’s get to homework.”

Chapter Text

“Tell me about your kids, Eraser.” Emi prodded him. She was sitting next to him in the staff room. He was typing away on the computer.

“You have their files.” 

“That’s not what I meant.” she sighed. “I’ve been observing them for a few days. They’re a great group of future Pros, but I don’t know them like you do. And I need to if I want to be able to do my job.”

“You’ll do fine.” Aizawa replied without looking at her. She scowled at him.

“I have a feeling you’re being overly possessive of ‘your Class A’, as you put it at the licensing exam.” she retorted. He stopped typing and glared at her.

“He said what now?” Present Mic intruded. Midnight and All Might gathered around him, coffee cups in hand.

“Joke…” Aizawa warned. 

“Yeah, let me try and remember what he said exactly.” she put her chin in her hand, and deepened her voice. “There are two people in Class 1-A who’s spirits have great impact. They’re not leaders, or get along, but whenever something happens, it is one of those two. Before I knew it, their passion had spread to the rest of their peers. I’m not worried, gorgeous woman who I want to wed. It is the opposite, actually. I can’t wait to see what they’ll do. I’m honored to have them as my students.”

“I do not sound like that.”

“I think it was spot on.” Present Mic nodded. 

“He does go on about them, doesn’t he?” Midnight smiled and flapped her hand. “It’s so cute.”

“I didn’t think he was so... sentimental. ” Emi prodded.

“I’m not sentimental.”

“That’s definitely true about Young Midoriya and Young Bakugo, though.” All Might nodded

“Oh, definitely. Future chart toppers for sure.” Mic agreed. 

“Willful disobedient troublemakers who need discipline, certainly.” Midnight added.

“But everyone around them is inspired to be on their level.” All Might confirmed.

“See, these are the things I need to know!” Emi agreed. “How are they not leaders if they’re inspiring the whole class?”

Aizawa sighed. 

“If you put the whole class into a situation, they will look to Yaoyorozu to lead.” Aizawa explained. “She really is the one they turn to as the overall leader. Midoriya and Bakugo definitely strategize well in situations they are in, but often get into situations they shouldn’t be in because their first impulse is to act. Iida would be the second leader of the group, though he serves to maintain the vision rather than having strong strategic sense. Midoriya can in a pinch, but he has too much of a want to do something right now.”

“So the Vice Rep is the overall leader with the Rep the second in command? That's weird.” Emi said. Aizawa shrugged.

“Twist of fate. They elected Midoriya first, but he’s terrible at being in front of people. He was in the same entrance exam as Iida, so they got along well quickly. He threw his weight behind Iida and that happened.”

“So, is she like the queen bee? Doesn’t seem like it from class.”

“Oh no, definitely Midoriya and Bakugo define the two groups in class.” Midnight acknowledged. 

“So who are they?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of taking this from Hizashi.” Midnight smiled.

“Who?” Emi asked. Midnight gestured to Present Mic, who had slipped away to his computer for a moment. 

“Hizashi Yamada, otherwise known as Present Mic. We go back to school.”

“Thank you to the lovely 18+ Hero Midnight for that wonderful introduction.” Mic had dropped into his radio voice. The lights flicked off. Aizawa groaned. “Let’s get started with the main event. Introducing Class 2-AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAs - DEKUSQUAD!”

The overhead projector flashed on and a picture of Midoriya from the entrance exam flashed up there. 

“I’d ask you why you have this prepared-” Aizawa groaned.

“But you know better.” Midnight finished. 

“First up and captain of the Dekusquad, IZUKU MIDORIYA! Standing at 166 centimeters, he was an underdog coming into UA. But with a rousing save in the entrance practical, he managed to come in seventh. Unfortunately, his power was too strong at the beginning,” images flashed by of Midoriya breaking various limbs, “but he eventually controlled it. He is also affectionately referred to as the problem child of Class 2-A.”

“Next up, OCHACO URARAKA!” The image changed to the smiling girl. “The sweetest girl in Class 2-A and my personal favorite, she stands at 156 centimeters tall. Her quirk, zero gravity, allows her to float anything she touches. However, overuse causes her to puke.”

The image was montaged through the exam and the sports festival.

“She is creative in the use of her power, and has a good head on her shoulders. Her speciality move has been to use debris around her as a barrage, seen with great effect at the Sports Festival. Additionally, she also interned with the Battle Hero Gunhead, and picked up some sweet moves. Speaking of sweet moves, listeners, this just in: there’s reports of an ongoing mutual crush between her and Midoriya, but neither are able to say anything. Time will tell. I’m pulling for her.”

“I love the blossoming passions of youth!” from Midnight, of course. 

“Hizashi…”groaned Aizawa from the staff couch. He had curled into his sleeping bag. “Get on with it.”

“Right-o! I do love taking requests. Something my partners have always found charming.” he winked at them. “But now, the final steady member of the Dekusquad, the Class Rep himself, TENYA IIDA!”

“The youngest brother of the Iida family, Tenya Iida is a high strung but caring young man. Standing 179 centimeters tall, his quirk, Engine. A pair of engines in his leg makes him run super fast. He is the Class Rep, and fulfills his duties earnestly. He was a bit arrogant early in his first year but…” Mic looked over at Aizawa.

“Tell her. She needs to know what she is getting into.” Aizawa said.

“Right! His brother, the Hero Ingenium, was crippled by the Hero Killer Stain. That is widely known. What is not widely known is that Iida did his internship with Manual in Hosu, looking for vengeance. He found the Hero Killer, and engaged in illegal combat with him.”

Emi swallowed hard. Mic’s voice was somber and unexaggerated now.

“He was severely wounded and paralyzed by Stain’s quirk. However, before Stain could kill him, he was intercepted by Midoriya.”

“How?” Emi gasped out.

“Midoriya’s advisor, Gran Torino, was taking him across Japan to do a patrol.” All Might explained. “Their train was attacked by the Nomu. Gran Torino went out to help. Midoriya trusted his instincts when he did not get a message from Iida, and found the Hero Killer perched over him. He engaged in combat with the Hero Killer to save both Iida and Native, another hero.”

“It was stupid and foolhardy.” Aizawa growled. “He could have gotten all three of them killed. Luckily, Midoriya had only recently controlled his quirk and didn’t have his full on recklessness yet. He texted his location out. Midoriya was paralyzed shortly thereafter.”

“H-how did they live?” asked Emi.

“Stain thought Midoriya worthy of being a true hero.” All Might answered. “But the other two were only saved by Young Todoroki.”

The image rolled over to show Todoroki.

“The first alternate to the Dekusquad. Shoto Todoroki. Standing 176 centimeters all, his quirk: Half-Cold, Half-Hot. He can shoot ice from his right side and fire from the left.” Mic nodded. “Not an alternate because of any reason besides his own lone wolf tendencies. Todoroki was in Hosu under his father, Endeavor, and trusted his instincts that Midoriya would not send his location, an alley in Hosu, for no reason. The three young Hero’s managed to combat Stain long enough to wear him down, and eventually subdue him.”

“But Endeavor-”

“Took the recognition.” Aizawa responded. “If not, UA would have been forced to expel the three and they would have been barred from getting a hero license due to illegal use of quirks without their supervisors permission.”

“Surely self-defense would have covered it.”

“Each of the three went looking for the fight.” Ectoplasm explained. Emi blinked. When did he get there. “Todoroki maybe could stand on it, but neither Midoriya nor Iida would have been able to argue it sufficiently.”

“Anyway, that’s a mopey subject!” Mic shouted. “Our next alternate, and much more lovable, is the great Tsuyu Asui, the Rainy Day Hero.”

The frog hero came on the screen, looking adorable.

“Standing an adorably 150 centimeters tall, Tsu is an alternate due to being such an independent person, but also be lovable and fitting into the entirety of Class 2-As groups. Tsu is a fantastic all around hero with a good head on her shoulders and a steady demeanor. Her cooperative skills and flexibility are not to be underestimated.”

“True.” Ectoplasm agreed. “Her teamwork and quick thinking helped them get through their finals in the first year.”

“Her weakness is her lack of overall hitting power, outside her legs.” Mic continued. “However, as a Mutagenic quirk, it is rarity to see one such as her in the Hero Course as UA.”

“How much longer are you going to keep this up?” Aizawa asked.

“About standard power napping time. So dial in to my sweet tones and fall asleep!” Mic replied. Aizawa shrugged, and seemed to do just that. 

“Anyway, next up is the BAKUUUUUUUUUSQUAAAAAAAAAAD.”

An image of Bakugo in his hero costume appeared. It quickly started a side montage of his exploits from the entrance exam and forward.

“Captain of Team Bakugo, and I use the term team loosely, is the blonde bomber himself, Katsuki Bakugo. Standing at 172 centimeters tall and just straight up jacked - seriously, look at those shoulders - Bakugo’s quirk is Explosion. He secretes a nitroglycerin like substance from his palms that he can ignite at will. His quirk, which is good, is combined with Bakugo’s talent and relentless hard work to make him a true terror on the battlefield. However, off the battlefield…”

A montage of Bakugo exploding on classmates and others started showing.

“His personality leaves something to be desired. His hot temper and prickly pride let him be easily goaded into fights, and generally make him come off as an overall jackass. This means he is hard to get along with and comes off as not very heroic.”

Mic voice dropped the theatrics.

“It was Bakugo who was kidnapped by the League of Villains, who tried to turn him. Bakugo desires to be the recognized Number One hero, however, so they did not understand his motives behind his violent exterior.”

“The kid is talented, no doubt about it.” came the tinny voice of Snipe. Emi did not notice him arrive. “We’ve seen it before; a kid gets a great quirk, is universally praised for it and, if never tested, he thinks he’s superior. However, that cut both ways. There is no other route for him to pursue in life than to be a hero, which society worships, and anything less than the best becomes a personal failing for him, striking at his very self worth. It can destroy kids when they get here.”

“Exactly right.” All Might agreed. “Luckily, Young Bakugo has slowly been finding his self worth outside of just being the best. However, he won’t stop striving for it.”

“And who could befriend that guy and live?” Mic asked. The image switched to a spiky redhead. “Eijiro Kirishima! The Sturdy Hero, Red Riot.”

A montage of Kirishima started.

“The jovial boy standing 170 centimeters tall with a rock hard head and a heart of gold, Kirishima’s quirk is Hardening. This quirk lets him make his body as hard as a rock, meaning he can be the ultimate shield or a devastating weapon.”

“Isn't that like the kid from Class 2-Bs quirk?” Emi asked. Mic threw finger guns at her. Vlad King (Emi stopped wondering when people arrived) groaned.

“Don’t let them hear you say that.” he grumbled. 

“Right you are, newest listener. Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu; his quirk is steel, which makes his body hard as steel, meaning he can be the ultimate shield or a devastating weapon.”

“Holy crap, someone really named their kid Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu? They must have hated him.” Emi said, tapping her finger to her chin. She snapped her fingers. “Wait, they fought at the Sports Festival!”

“Right again!” Mic said, and the montage of their battle started playing. “It was a passionate manly fight that had to be solved in a tie breaker arm wrestling match!”

“Thinking of it sometimes still gives me chills.” Midnight cooed. “ So chivalrous. ”

“The next member of the Bakusquad: Denki Kaminari.” Mic continued. A picture of the boy popped up. “Standing  168 centimeters tall, his quirk: Electrification. He can emit a large amount of electric energy. But if he goes over his wattage limit, he becomes a huge idiot for a while.”

A video started of Kaminari walking around giving a thumbs up.

“First alternate to the Bakusquad: Mina Ashido.” The pink girl flashed on screen. “Her quirk: Acid. She can secrete acid from all over her body. She is the outgoing troublemaker of the Bakusquad. This pink powerhouse stands at 159 centimeters tall and is the strongest girl in Class 2-A with good hand to hand combat skills and great movement due to break dancing. Better Trivia fact: She is also the biggest gossip and shipper in class. Just ask her.”

“Good to know!” Midnight cheered.

“And the second alternate of the Bakusquad: Hanta Sero.” He came up on screen. “179 centimeters tall, his quirk is Tape. He can shoot tape out of his elbows and use it to stick it to objects and wrap things up. He is smart with creating traps, and is good at using it to get around. Fun Fact: Due to the Sports Festival, Sero hates the phrase ‘Nice try’.”

“So those are the two groups I should look for?” Emi asked.

“There’s one more group, only identified by Shota. The secret team, Team Yaororozu. OH YEAAAAAAAAAAAH!” 

A picture of Yaoyorozu, Jiro, Hagakure, Uraraka, Asui, and Ashido.

“Also affectionately named Team Girl Power by me. Yaoyorozu is quite close with Jiro, who is independent of either squad, and Ashido, of Bakusquad. However, Asui and Uraraka also have been seen to be good friends and reliable sounding boards for her. Hagakure, our invisible girl, sort of gets left out so Yaoyorozu has taken to trying to keep her in the loop. However, all the girls have taken to being quite close as none have the show stopping power like the boys in the class.”

The picture changed to Sero, Kaminari, and Mineta.

“And here we have the Midnight Fan Club.” Mic said. Midnight scowled. “These three boys are those most girls crazy, with the purple petulant being the biggest pervert. Keep an eye on him. They will also try to trick the teachers into beach and/or pool trips. Not subtly at all, I’ll point out. Either way, forewarned is forearmed.” 

He smiled.

“And that’s our presentation for today! Please grab an evaluation form on the left, and tune in next time.”

Chapter Text

Emi pulled the loading truck into the UA Class 2-A dorm parking lot. Despite what she had told the kids, she had not been able to move into the dorms until that weekend. There had been a lot to sort out. She had to go on leave from the agency she was working with and move out of her apartment since it was near Ketsubutsu Academy and too far to commute. Besides, the apartment at Class 2-A’s dorm was basically the same size. Emi smiled, and honked the horn.

Aizawa was gone on some important errand so it was just her and her surrogate class. She had roped them into helping her unload her stuff, making some comment about how it would help with their rescue and evacuation training. None of the class believed her. With twenty future heroes, however, she was able to move it all in one go. They even stuck around and helped arrange the furniture; though Emi was quick to keep an eye on the so-called ‘Midnight Fanclub’. Afterwards, to thank them for their help, she ordered take-out food. Once it arrived, she gathered with Class 2-A around the table to try and get a feel for them.

“This is so great!” said Kaminari from one end of the table. “Mr. Aizawa never does stuff like this.”

“Mr. Aizawa is a very busy man with being a teacher and a Pro Hero.” Iida defended him from the other end. Emi saw the students near him clear the bowls and glasses from around him. As if cued, Iida’s hands started gesturing. “Between his patrols at night, lesson planning, and being our homeroom teacher, Mr. Aizawa has little time on his hands.”

“Plus, Mr. Aizawa doesn’t seem to be the most social guy.” Ashido added. “Like, we never see him chatting with anyone. Mr. Yamada is probably his closest friend, and that’s just from their interaction at the Sports Festival.”

“Don’t forget Nemuri-er, Midnight.” Emi said offhandedly. Twenty pairs of eyes looked at her.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Fukukado,” Yaoyorozu gently prodded, “but did you say Ms. Kayama?”

“Yes.” Emi nodded. “They were all good friends at UA; her, Mic, and Eraserhead.”

“WHAT!” part of the table exclaimed. Namely a pink and invisible part.

“Yeah. She got Eraser his first Work-Study with His Purple Highness.”

“Oh! That’s not a name I’ve heard in a long time!” Midoriya’s eyes lit up. A large segment of the table groaned. “His Purple Highness was a stylish Hero who defeated enemies with style and grace. He was notable for having lower rates of cases solved, but having high popularity scores and social contribution. His agency, Purple Revolution, specialized less in straight combat and more on subterfuge and negotiation. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire after a hard fight with a villain.”

“Yeah, don’t bring that up to Eraser.” Emi warned. The class noted the fierce earnestness from the adjunct teacher, and noted not to bring it up. “Anyway, after school when Midnight started her own agency but Eraser didn’t have the cred to go independent, she still worked with him. That’s when I met her working alongside him. They got along great, as did Mic. After a few years Eraser and Mic went independent and I was still with my agency. They moved closer to UA after Mic and Midnight got jobs here, and Eraser got one here shortly after. So they’re all still good friends.”

“Are you...jealous Ms. Fukukado?” asked a suddenly very close invisible girl. Emi leaned back. 

“Of who? Midnight? Nah. I’d face plant in those heels so hard.” Emi giggled.

“She seems awfully close to someone you like.” Ashido insinuated. 

“Uh…”

“This is not an appropriate conversation for students to be having with their teachers!” came the vigorous hand chopping of Iida. Only Midoriya’s quick reflexes saved the water pitcher from falling over. 

“Iida, you’re no fun!”

“Which is why he is the perfect class rep.” came the bored voice from the door. Everyone turned to see Aizawa standing in the doorway. Clutching his hand was a young white haired girl in a red dress. The table waved at her cheerfully and Midoriya got up to go over to her.

“Who’s the kid?” Emi blinked. “Don’t tell me….Eraser, are you a dad? With who?”

The little girl shied away from the loud hero’s voice and proceeded to hide behind Aizawa’s legs. She stared at the newcomer to the dorms. Aizawa put a hand on her head to reassure her. He gave Emi a hard look.

“Her name is Eri. Due to the nature of her quirk and her lack of family, she is staying at UA for the time being. I am her guardian, though I do have assistance. Namely, this bunch of hyperactive kids and Mirio Togata.”

Emi got up from the table and followed Midoriya over to where the pair stood. The little girl was still shy, but Emi shot her the biggest smile she could. That always helped kids when they were nervous. She knelt down and softened her voice as she greeted the girl.

“Hi! My name is Emi. What’s yours?” 

The little girl, Eri, looked up at Aizawa. His nod seemed to give her the courage (or permission) to speak. She looked back at Emi.

“My name is Eri.”

“Nice to meet you Eri.” Emi said, giving her a little bow. Eri managed to scoot out from Aizawa’s legs and bow to her as well.

“Nice to meet you, Emi.” she paused. “Are you a hero too?”

“I am!”

“Are you a scary hero?”

Emi paused and tilted her head. She put a finger to her lips.

“It depends on who you ask.” she tapped her lightly smiling lips thoughtfully. “Who do you think are scary heroes?”

“Well, there’s the flame guy-”

Someone snorted behind her.

“And Mirio’s friend with purple hair.”

“Amajiki?” Kirishima said from behind her. “He’s so timid.”

“Yeah, but he has pointy ears and teeth.” Eri said, putting fingers up to her mouth to emphasize the point. “And he does weird things with his body.”

Kirishima chuckled.

“But Aiza has a scary face sometimes.” Eri said. Emi’s eyes widened at the comment and the name. Her smile started to hurt her cheeks. 

“He does!” she dropped her voice in a conspiratorial whisper. “But usually only when he needs to face bad guys.” 

“Sometimes he makes that face at all of them.” she said pointed behind Emi with the subtlety of children everywhere. 

“It’s because they need to stop being bad as well.” Aizawa said. Emi giggled at the comment, and Eri took her cue from her to start giggling as well.

“You’re nice.” Eri said. “I like you.”

“Aww, sweety, I like you too.”

“Maybe Aiza can ask for you to come over more?”

“Can I tell you a secret?” Emi said, and put her hand up to the left side of her mouth. Eri leaned in towards her. “I live here now so you can see me anytime you come over.”

Eri’s eyes grew wide. She looked up at Aizawa.

“Does she live with you?”

There was a strangled noise from behind her and Midoriya turned red. Aizawa looked like a deer caught in headlights. It was adorable. The stuttering coming out of his mouth though was likely to confuse the girl more, so Emi decided to save him.

“No honey,” she said, and Eri looked back at her, “I live on the girls’ side.” 

Emi gestured to the right. Eri nodded sagely, as if understanding a secret to the universe.

“That’s right. You are a girl.”

“Yep!”

“I live next to Aiza. But our rooms connect!”

“Hey Eri,” Midoriya cut in, “did you want food? Ms. Fukukado bought everyone food and I got your favorite.”

The girl’s eyes widened and she nodded. She let go of Aizawa and took Midoriya’s hand. Emi stood up, watching as the Class 2-A students cleared a way for the girl, and someone produced a booster seat so she could eat at the table with the rest. Emi’s heart swelled. 

“I’ve got some work to do. I’ll be back in a little bit.” Aizawa said. Emi turned her smile on him. “Not a word, Joke.”

“As co-teachers, shouldn’t you call me Ms. Fukukado?” she wiggled her eyebrows. “Or you can call me Emi.”

“I’ll call you annoying.” he replied and moved off towards his apartment. 

After dinner, Eri wanted to go outside to run in the courtyard. Naturally, a good segment of Class A went after her. What unnerved Emi was that it seemed while some were happy to play with the girl, others seemed to be there more for protection. They fanned out in pairs, talking but keeping an eye on the area. She could not figure out why they would feel the need to play protective escort in the middle of UA. Emi idly walked over to the obvious class mom.

“She’s so cute. I’d kill for that little girl.” Emi said. 

A slight sheen appeared on the dark haired girl, and she pulled out a piece of paper. Emi scrunched her eyebrows as Yaoyorozu handed it to her. Flipping it over, she saw there was a number on it. 

“Twenty-two?” she asked the creation hero. Yaoyorozu smiled at her.

“That’s your number in line.”

Emi stared at her for a moment before busting out into her signature laugh. The two shared a good one while watching the young girl chase after a ball. Eri threw it, and Midoriya caught it before throwing it back to the girl.

“So, Creati…” Emi said. The ponytailed girl gave her a concerned look.

“Yes, Ms. Fukukado?”

“I need you to make something for me.”

Yaoyorozu furrowed her brow.

“I need to know the structure of it. And if it is really complex-.”

“Oh don't worry, it’s simple enough.”

The next morning was Sunday, and with no school the class was sitting down for breakfast; at least as much as they could. Emi was with them, eating a bowl of cereal on the couch in a shirt and jogging pants in her hero colors. Except there was one minor detail that kept drawing the classes attention. Emi kept eating like nothing was wrong. Her target was almost here.

“I see you all are up early.” Aizawa said as he walked in from the front doors. After he put Eri to bed he had gone out on patrol. Silence met him. His well honed senses told him something was going on. He looked around but no one met his eyes. “What trouble have you gotten into now?”

“No trouble, Eraser!” Emi joyfully piped up. “I’ve been watching them all morning and they’ve been good kids.”

“I trust you to stay out of trouble as-” Aizawa said, rounding the couch. He stopped and stared at her for a moment. “What.is.that?”

“What is what?” Emi yawned, stretching her arms behind her head. The motion pulled her shirt taught, letting the words written there be easily read.

STEPMOM MATERIAL

“I-you-that’s-”

“Aww, I left you speechless.” Emi smiled. “It’s so cute.”

Aizawa growled and shot an angry glare at his class. Their breakfasts all seemed to hold life’s answers. Finally, he gave up. “Problem Child, Mirio is coming over soon to pick Eri up. I’m going to get her ready and then go to bed.”

“Need any help?” grinned Emi.

“No.” he answered as he stalked away. 

The second he was clear of the room it burst into peals of nervous laughter. Emi gave them all a little more nudge with her quirk, and the room dissolved into hilarity for a few minutes. Even Iida was wiping his eyes. As it calmed down, Yaoyorozu walked over to where Emi was lounging on the couch.

“Why do you tease Mr. Aizawa so much, Ms. Fukukado?” she asked. Emi noticed the class’ rapt attention. 

“He looks a lot like my first husband.” was Emi’s serious reply. Yaoyorozu put a hand to her mouth.

“Oh! I’m so sorry. I didn’t know you’ve been married before!”

Emi grinned.

“I haven’t.”

Chapter Text

“Ms. Fukukado will be taking over the class on training today.” Aizawa said to the class. “I’ll let her explain.”

With that, he went into the corner and crawled into the sleeping bag. Emi smiled as he was asleep in moments. Though she wanted to, one of the ground rules of helping him teach was not interrupting or playing pranks on him during his naps. Instead, she walked over to the podium and gave a big smile.

“Good morning!”

“Good morning!”

“What did the duck say when he bought lipstick?” she paused. “Put in on my bill!”

The class response was a mixture of groans and laughs. Emi grinned at them.

“Want to hear another joke?” she asked. The class waited. “Your hand to hand combat skills!”

This time there was silence. 

“Seriously, you guys are way behind.” she continued. “You are all naturally gifted, which makes sense as you got into the best program in the country. But you over rely on those gifts.”

She scowled at them and in her best voice said,

“It’s not rational.”

That brought some chuckles to the group. She smiled and clicked a button. Behind her, a chart with the students ranks and grades next to it. 

“Ms. Fukukado!” Iida’s hand shot up. “How is it fair to have graded us on a test we did not know about?”

“Is Heroing fair, Iida?”

“You make a good point.”

“Thank you. Over the past few weeks, I’ve watched every single recorded instance of you in combat, real or otherwise. I’ll tell you now, you’re good. Easily sidekick material, on the way to Pros. But overall, you are reliant on your quirks to get you out of trouble, and reliant on your team to cover your weaknesses. That is good, as long as you have a team with you. That is bad if you’re isolated.”

“Like my brother versus the Hero Killer.” came a hard voice. Emi grimaced.

“That wasn’t exactly what I was thinking, but it is a good example.”

“No, it is a perfect illustration of the concept.” Iida nodded. “Tensei even agreed. His approach is good at keeping a population area safe, but it is poor if isolated versus a villain target.”

“I was more thinking about All Might and the Head of the League of Villains.” she responded. She noticed a lot more intent stares. “From reviewing the footage, the Leader's quirk allowed him to access multiple quirks. It wasn’t some sort of Mutagenic type quirk; it was an activation Emitter type. Now, tell me, besides All Might slugging it out with the villain, what would have been the easiest way to take him down?”

“Eraserhead.” Bakugo answered angrily. “Cancel his quirk and he becomes just some guy. All Might takes him out in a single punch, and we clean up the trash.”

Emi nodded. Bakugo had obviously thought about this a lot.

“Correct. And that brings me back to the point. Having Eraserhead on your team means you can quickly and effectively nullify the most dangerous quirks with only having to deal with Mutagenics afterward. But if you come to rely on that, when he’s not there or if there’s a large amount of those quirks, you can be in trouble.”

The class was silent. All of them were replaying the USJ incident in their head. Emi had only read the reports, not having access to the USJ video itself. 

“You don’t become a Pro by having only one trick.” Midoriya said. He looked up at Emi. “That’s what Mr. Aizawa said when he jumped into fight the thugs at the USJ.”

“Eraser knows his weaknesses, and developed a style to offset it. His quirk essentially turns everything into a hand to hand fight, and since most quirk users are over reliant on their quirks, they suddenly find themselves at a disadvantage.”

“And that’s why he couldn’t fight the Nomu.” Midoriya pointed out. “It’s strength was Mutagenic.”

“Correct again.” Emi smiled. “Anyway, to get off the morbid subject and back to how bad your hand to hand combat skills are, I’ve ranked you. Now, I have full evaluations which I’ll hand out to after we’re done, but I like to give a brief overview. Please be aware, this isn’t a ‘who would win a fight’ list of the class. Size and strength matter a lot in a hand to hand fight; some of your bigger members who are ranked lower have a large advantage to some of our higher ranked, smaller members. This is just a skill assessment.”

The class nodded. Up on the screen, the rankings were: 

1. Mashirao Ojiro
2. Katsuki Bakugo 
3. Momo Yaoyorozu
4. Izuku Midoriya
5. Ochaco Uraraka
6. Mina Ashido
7. Eijiro Kirishima
8. Rikido Sato
9. Kyoka Jiro
10. Tenya Iida
11. Tsuyu Asui 
12. Mezo Shoji
13. Fumikage Tokoyami
14. Shoto Todoroki 
15. Hanta Sero 
16. Toru Hagakure 
17. Denki Kaminari 
18. Minoru Mineta
19. Yuga Aoyama 
20. Koji Koda 

“First up: Ojiro. I hope no one is surprised.” Emi said. There were chuckles all around. “Ojiro is basically a fifth limbed martial arts hero. His skill is very high. His only detriment is the fact he is overly focused on strikes, and not so much on throwing and grappling.”

“That’s true.” Ojiro nodded. “Maximizing my speed and strength with my tail to generate more striking power has been my focus.”

“If you get grabbed, though, you’ll be in trouble.” Emi pointed out. Ojiro nodded. 

“I know some grapplers I can work with.”

“Good.” Emi smiled. “Next up, and no surprise, is Bakugo.”

The class groaned. Bakugo eyes narrowed.

“Bakugo’s hand to hand abilities show a good mix of striking, with recent incorporation of using his feet, as well as a good use of throws and pinning abilities. His lack, however, is in finesse. His combat style is what I would call devastating and powerful, but control is something he needs to work on.”

“Define control and finesse.” Bakugo said slowly.

“You use a lot of centrifugal force in your style: Hooks, uppercuts, large throws with the occasional kick or jab. This is a great compliment to your quirk usage. However, in smaller areas, or in cases you don’t want to just destroy your opponent like capturing, it becomes a liability.”

“Hmm.” was the response with a nod. Emi moved on.

“Third, and probably surprisingly to most of you, is Yaoyorozu.” Emi smiled. “Anyone care to guess why?”

“Yaoyorozu has shown great skill in using melee weapons from her staff to her shield.” Midoriya put in. Emi nodded.

“Correct. Though she predominantly uses melee weapons, her hand to hand skill is reflected in her ability for range control and movement. Her actual hand to hand skills are less prominent, but easily noticeable. However, her lackluster ability to transition to them from melee weapons was a weakness versus Kendo.”

“Midoriya.” Emi looked at him. “Your skill was much better when you entered UA, but with controlling your quirk you’ve let it lapse. Transferring to a kicking style only exacerbated this. If you’re going to copy half of someone’s style, at least be as good at hand to hand as they are. Perhaps look at basing it off kicking Hero like Mirko. ”

Midoriya dipped his head, face red. Emi moved on.

“Number five shouldn’t come as a surprise. Uraraka has consistently coupled her Gunhead Martial Arts training with her quirk to increase her effectiveness. See the Joint Training between Class A and B. Her fighting skills are rudimentary but highly effective, as expected from the battle hero. She needs to continue to work on those as well.”

“I actually do video training sessions with him about once a month when I can.” Uraraka said. “He’s been really nice to go the extra length, but I really can’t afford more than that.”

“We’ll look into seeing if we can pay him on retainer for you, or all of UA.” Emi nodded. “Number six, Mina Ashido!”

“Alright!”

“Calm down, Ashido.” Emi smiled. “You’re fighting style is even more basic than Uraraka, as you can see you’ve learned by doing rather than instruction. You pull that off with good reflexes, a strong body, your dance background, and hanging around Bakugo and Kirishima. But that won’t work forever. ”

The class chuckled at that comment. 

“Speaking of which, Eijiro Kirishima.” Emi looked at him. “You’re basically a really bad boxer.”

“Aww man!” he said and dropped his head to the desk. Emi smiled.

“Your quirk allows you to take blows and return hard hits, so your primary strategy is to counterpunch. Which isn’t bad, you’re just bad at it. You need to work on improving your boxing abilities.”

“Rikido Sato.” Emi looked at him. “You’re also a really bad boxer, but you go for knockout punches rather than counter punching.”

“The rest is going to get smaller as the list of what you’re good at gets smaller. Kyoka Jiro, you somewhere learned to fight with your fists, a weapon and your ears. I don’t know where, but you need some basics. Tenya Iida, you like to do big kicks. A lot. But that’s all you have. Working on chaining them together, and remembering your arms exist. Mirko might also be a basis for you as well.”

“Thank you, Ms. Fukukado!” came the excitable arm waving reply.

“Tsuyu Asui. Your style is unorthodox, using your tongue. That’s a good way to get a contact poison. As a Mutagenic quirk, your natural abilities give you a good amount of baseline to work with; see Mirko again. I feel like I’m repeating myself a lot here.  Mezo Shoji, you also have a Mutagenic Quirk. Your style up to this point has been simply to overwhelm your opponents with size and strength.”

Emi looked at him (who was almost eye level due to said size).

“Skill wise, I’ve got no idea how to help you. You have multiple arms which should bring unique opportunities to you. However, I will say there are other big, strong quirk users in the world. Start with the basics like everyone else and maybe look into finding someone with a similar build.”

“Hey man,” Kirishima said, “I can put you in contact with Fourth Kind. He’s a big guy with an extra set of arms.”

“Much appreciated.” He nodded.

“Fumikage Tokoyami.” Emi continued. “You’ve been improving your hand to hand skills in conjunction with Dark Shadow. Keep working on those; you have a ways to go. Shoto Todoroki: I’ve never actually seen you get into hand to hand combat with someone, so I have no idea of your skill. I assume as you came into UA with a high level of quirk control you had the basics covered?”

“....Yes.”

“Then you need to work on that. You’ve been picked out again and again for being weak in close range. The rest of you: Hanta Sero, Toru Hagakure, Denki Kaminari, Minoru Mineta, Yuga Aoyama and Koji Koda. Your hand to hand combat skills are exceedingly poor and more likely a liability than anything. You will have the hardest time with this.”

Emi gave them all a hard look.

“As such, we will refocus one day of quirk combat to hand to hand combat.” Groans met the announcement. “All of you are weak at short range. You use mobility to your great advantage. That’s great, if you can fight in the street. If I wanted to eliminate any of you, I’d ambush you in an alley or hallway. You’ll be doing patrols in urban areas the most, and you can’t avoid tight spaces. Statistically speaking, most villain and criminal encounters happen in tight spaces, like indoors. So you need to be prepared.”

She gave the class one last look.

“We start this afternoon. That’s it.”

Emi sat in the staff room, going over some files and notes. Next to her desk, just within her field of vision, a white clad posterior sat down. The thigh and boots were easily visible. Despite herself, Emi felt a flush. She looked up at the R-Rated Hero. There was a small wicked smile on that face. The woman looked at what she was reading.

“That’s an intriguing choice of topic.” Midnight started. 

“Research for helping Class A with their hand to hand skills.” Emi replied.

“Oh yes; I heard you were really hard on the class today.”

“They’re good kids; they just rely too much on their quirks.” Emi pursed her lips. “Eraser is right when he says UA’s entrance exam isn’t the best way to find heroes.”

“And that’s why you’re here.” Midnight nodded. 

“Hopefully.”

“I’m happy. It’s nice to have another woman around.” she said. Winking at Emi, she added, “Not that I mind all the eye candy.”

Emi laughed at the comment and Midnight joined in. After it died down, a different smile was on Midnight’s face.

“You have an adorable laugh. It really lights up your face.” she said. Emi blushed.

“Thanks! It is about my only good quality.”

“Nonsense. You are a smart, charming, and caring woman.” Midnight paused. “I’m surprised you’re still single.”

“Who says I am?” huffed Emi. 

“Your Stepmom Material shirt.” Midnight grinned. Emi did too at the memory.

“You know, it’s really comfy.”

“If I was the type to get married, I may take a crack at you.” Midnight winked. Emi felt the heat rise to her face again.

“I’m flattered but...uh...I’m straight.”

“So are noodles until they get hot and wet.” was the husky reply. Emi gaped, and then Midnight laughed.  Emi got the feeling she enjoyed having that effect on people.

“I have to ask, Nemuri; how much of that is real, and how much of it is the persona?”

Midnight looked around. Seeing no one, she leaned down. Which made Emi uncomfortably close to her chest.

“Much like you I am guessing, it depends on the day. On really good days, or on really bad days, it’s mostly the persona. Otherwise it fluxuates.”

“I get that.” Emi nodded. “On the bad days I way overcompensate. On good days I just feel like nothing can stop me.”

“See? This is why we need more girl power in this place!” Midnight cheered. “I love our big beefy boys, but some emotions that aren’t anger are nice.”

“Girl power.” Emi held out a fist. Midnight bumped it.

“Girl power.” 

Chapter Text

Emi gathered up the papers from the staff room. She had some grading to do, but also had a bunch of paperwork from hero agency she worked at. They had allowed her to go on administrative leave for three months as she tested out UA. After that, she would have to make a decision. Of course, being a Pro in the hotspot that was Musutafu would not be an issue. However, she liked her agency.

Speaking of agencies, she caught a glimpse of Aizawa as he turned a corner. Being a Pro trained one to spot discrepancies; Aizawa being on this campus right now was one of them. Emi knew she should probably just go to her dorm apartment and get to work. But where was the fun in that? Grinning, the woman stealthily followed the other Pro. She considered it training. Whenever Aizawa caught her would be her marks. Emi nodded with the satisfaction at the plausible deniability. 

Aizawa left the building and headed towards some of the open woods on campus. That was strange. Emi thought he would be either heading to the dorms, the other buildings, or one of the specialty fields. The woods were a popular place to train and socialize, but neither was really what Aizawa would be doing there (as an urban underground hero). Emi hid behind one of the statues of some noted founder of UA. Glancing over, she saw him disappear into the woods. There was another figure, but they were too shadowed under the canopy. 

Curiouser and curiouser . Emi thought to herself. A secret rendezvous? Perhaps with a lady?

Emi did not know why her mind jumped to that. She shook her head. It would more likely be a student. Though why he would need to go into the forest with a student puzzled her. There were plenty of classrooms and fields they could train in. As she crept closer to the edge of the forest, her mind went over what she knew about it. A social area, large enough to test and train in, planted and maintained by a part-time rescue hero with horticulture quirk. Helped nature based students. No camera coverage.

Ah, so it’s a secret meeting then . That made Emi’s smile even wider. Much curiouser and curiouser.

The woman idled down the main path towards the tree line. She hoped she looked innocuous; there was no way she was going to be inconspicuous in her outfit. Getting close, she quickly cut into the tree line. Glancing around, she caught sight of a blue PE uniform. So it was a student. Emi discreetly followed after them, using the trees for cover. After a little bit, she saw them in a clearing. Stopping to where she could just barely see them, the stooped low next to a tree.

Aizawa was there, looking stern. Emi could hear his voice saying something; lecturing from the sound of it. His hands moved in a pattern. The boy nodded his head. Emi focused on him. He was of average height and build with purple hair. There was a black mask partially obscured by the capture scarf around his neck.

“Are you going to crouch over there like some awkwardly colored cat, or join us?” Aizawa’s voice called out. Emi swore but popped up with her usual smile, hands held on her head like she was one of the Pussycats.

“Meooowww,” she whined as she walked over to them, “when did you catch me?”

“About the time you left the path.” Aizawa replied. He looked at the boy. “When did you notice her?”

“I didn’t.” he mumbled. Aizawa gave him a harsh look.

“You need to be more aware of your surroundings. Ms. Fukukado is not exactly subtle.”

“But lovable.” she grinned.

“Debatable.”

“You called me a cat and you love cats!” Emi retorted.

“Unfounded.”

“The outfit you bought Eri tells me different.”

“I-I didn’t know what kids liked.” Aizawa protested. Shinso gave him a strange look.

“Lime green cat sweater and leggings is not a look I could pull off, Mr. Aizawa .” she teased, and gestured to herself. “And I pull off this.”

“Once again, debatable .”

“I’m sorry Mr. I- wear- black- so- I- don’t- have- to- worry- about- matching- or- getting- dressed- with- the- lights- on.”

“It’s perfectly reasonable with my line of work. Also, it hides bloodstains.”

“Ah yes, appearance of bloodstains. How could I forget that important fashion criteria?”

“I can’t tell,” the boy interjected, “if you two like each other, or hate each, but I needed extra instruction, and would like to proceed. If that is alright.”

“My only problem, Hitoshi Shinso,” Emi replied, startling the boy, “is that for some reason we are two weeks into the school year, and you are not transferred into Class A like you were supposed to be.”

“How do you know my name?” Shinso asked, eyes narrowing.

“Ms. Fukukado is helping me teach Class A this year.” Aizawa explained.

“True, but what Eraser does not know was I was keeping an eye on you since the Sports Festival with Midoriya.” she smiled. “If you had not transferred into the Hero program by second year, I was going to try and poach you to Ketsubutsu High, as well as get you a work-study my agency.”

“What?” Shinso asked, eyes wide.

“What?” Aizawa growled, eyes narrowing.

“Yep.” she smiled. “I like the kid’s style, and I have a voice quirk similar to his.”

She paused for effect.

“And it would have totally rubbed UA’s nose in it!” she pumped her fist into the air.

“You’re a little...enthusiastic...for me.” Shinso replied. “I don’t know if it would have worked out.”

“And if you weren’t already on the Hero class track, how about then?” Emi grinned back, knowing the answer. She waved her hand up and down at him. “Though I will say, Eraser is the perfect teacher for you. You’ve got the tired, grouchy, intense thing in common.”

“I’m not grouchy.” Aizawa groaned. 

“Even I don’t believe that, sensei.” Shinso smiled slightly. Aizawa shot him a dark look.

“Watch it.”

“Calm down, Eraser.” Emi huffed. “Anyway, why isn’t he in class? Is someone being possessive of their students again?”

“The damn Hero Commission is dragging their feet on the enrollment paperwork.” Aizawa snapped. Emi mentally dialed herself back. For Aizawa to lose his cool meant he was actually frustrated and angry. “Otherwise he would be in class right now. I’m trying to help him keep up, but I don’t have the time.”

“So why didn’t you ask for my help?” Emi looked at him sternly. 

“Why?”

“Because I’m your co-teacher, and a Pro.” Emi’s voice dropped into a dangerous tone. “Unless you don’t think I’m good enough?”

Shinso glanced over at Aizawa. That’s a trap, sensei. I’m bad at girls and know that’s a trap.

“I did not want to burden you with extra work while you were getting settled in.” Aizawa responded, perfectly walking the line between danger. But that left him open for…

“Good thing I’m all settled in now, so I can help.” was Emi’s reply. “Besides, he is my student too.”

“Yes he is.” Aizawa agreed. 

Shinso looked between the two. He was bad at interpersonal relationships, but even he knew there was something unsaid in this conversation. Maybe between the two of them, not just this issue? Shinso thought about asking Midoriya, but decided against it. As long as he got training to become a hero it did not matter. And Ms. Fukukado had said she had been scouting him already, so she believed he could be a hero. If only he knew who she was. That he would ask Midoriya.

“Shinso needs practice with his capture scarf.” Aizawa continued. “He’s been using robots and trees, but they’re not the same as a real person. And since I need to instruct him, it’s not optimal that I do it.”

“Aw yeah!” Emi pumped her fist again. “We doing some evade and capture training?”

“If you’re up to it.” 

“Yes!”

Shinso looked at Aizawa. Was he suggesting?

“Shinso.” Aizawa looked at him. “Today you are going to be trying to capture Ms. Fukukado; Pro Name, Ms. Joke. She will be evading you. The boundaries are the clearing. This will be tough, but if you want to continue to improve against real opponents, this is the next step until we can get you in class. You ready?”

“Yes.”

“Good. You have five minutes.” Aizawa pulled out his phone and pressed a button. “Go.”

Forty-five minutes later, Emi still had a smile on her face. She was tired, and sweaty, and would be way behind on her paperwork, but felt good. Her future co-student, however, looked exhausted sitting on the grass. Emi almost felt sorry for him. He did a fair imitation of Aizawa’s style, but the boy was not in the shape for it. His capture scarf work was pretty good and with Aizawa being able to see him with another person, it improved even in that short time. She smiled at him.

“If I may ask,” Shinso groaned, “how are you still smiling?”

“She never stops.” Aizawa interjected. “It’s kind of creepy.”

“That’s why they call me the Duchess of Delight!” she beamed. Both blinked at her.

“Who calls you that?” Aizawa asked. “I’ve never heard that.”

“The people you fear the most: the media.” Emi snarked. 

“I don’t fear the media.” 

“Look out Eraser!” she jumped and pointed. “A reporter! Throw a smoke bomb and disappear.”

“I’m not a ninja!” 

“Shinso,” Emi looked at the boy, “if you follow in Eraser’s footsteps, that would make you a pair of sneakers! Get it, because you’re both ninjas!”

The purple hair boy groaned and fell backwards. Aizawa covered his eyes. 

“Joke. That was bad. Even for you.”

“Aw, come on. I thought it was good.”

“The reporter joke was much funnier.” Shinso retorted. She smiled at him.

“Really?”

“Don’t encourage her.” Aizawa warned. 

“I’m pretty good at those. That’s why they call me the Geisha of Gags.” 

“I’m pretty sure you’re making these up now.”

“Nope. They’re all real. Just like the Lady of Laughter, the Samurai of Silliness, the Miko of Merriment…”

Chapter Text

“Welcome to the UA Sports Festival, Second Year stage!” Present Mic fired up the crowd. “After the riveting showing from our first years, let's get on to the second act! This group wowed last year, so let’s see what they do this year! The referee for this year, chosen at random is...Midnight? Again? Someone check that hat!”

The whole of the second years were standing inside the stadium. It was familiar to all of them, having been here last year. All eyes were on Class A as they had previously dominated. Shinso tightened his hand into a fist. He was standing with Class A in his black hero uniform, scarf, and mask, but the results of last year still burned within. He would not disappoint this year.

“Now, let’s get on with it!” Midnight started. “To kick it off, the top student of the Hero class will give the speech: Itsuka Kendo!”

“YES!” came a cheer from one hyper competitive blonde boy. “Class B’s Kendo is way smarter and talented than any-”

The boy dropped as the named red hair girl chopped his neck as she walked to the podium. Class A waited to hear what she would say. Kendo gave the students (and cameras) a bright smile.

“This year has been a trying time for everyone at UA and beyond. I hope that we can take time and enjoy this moment despite all of this. I know that everyone will do their best, and I expect it to be even more exciting than last year with all the training we’ve done. SO LET’S DO OUR BEST!”

The students gave respectful cheers and applause. It was better than last year at least. Midnight snapped her crop.

“Outstanding! Now, let’s get started. The first game is….” the roller behind her ran through the list of games. It stopped on a picture of a mountain. “Search and secure! This game requires contestants in groups of no more than five to find objects hidden in the fields outside. Each team will get a clue about an item. However, there are only so many items out there, so you better be quick! If all items are collected, or at the end of 20 minutes, the game will be over! Now, follow me!”

The assembled students followed Midnight outside. The grounds outside the stadium had been transformed into a number of different terrains. There was a canyon, a flooded area, a small mountain for climbing, and the forest on the school grounds.

“How did they do all this?” Shinso asked.

“Pixie Bob.” pointed out Yaoyorozu. The Pussycat was smiling and waving at Class A. “Her quirk allows her to control the earth.”

“That’s...convenient.”  

“Okay!” Midnight declared. Her voice was amplified from a mic attached to her collar. “You have five minutes to find a team before the games begin. You may get the first clue as soon as you find a team. Go!”

Shinso glanced around. Of course he could try to brainwash people, but that would most likely be frowned upon now. Besides, teaming up with other heroes would show that he was capable of teamwork, something that was being emphasized more. That meant probably Class A, but Class B also knew him and was amicable. He looked over to where Class B stood, but they were quickly dividing themselves up into teams. So that route was no good. He looked over to Class A...who were sitting in the grass chatting. Hagakure was braiding Asui’s hair. Uraraka was beet red about something as Yaoyorozu smiled knowingly nearby. 

“What are you doing?” Shinso demanded as he walked up. “Why are you not getting into teams?”

“We decided to sit this Sports Festival out a few weeks ago.” Yaoyorozu answered. “Last year it just showed everyone what we could do, and made life harder.”

“What?” he looked over at the rest of the class. “Are you guys serious? Even you, Bakugo?”

“Yeah. No reason to show off what we can do so they can use it against us, or steal it.” he replied. Stretching out, he flopped into the grass. “Besides, why do we need to be seen? I already did a Work Study under the number one hero.”

“We all have Work Studies under big name heroes.” Ashido pointed out. “So it doesn’t make sense.”

“Yes.” Iida agreed. “Even though it hurts me, it does seem most logical. Additionally, it will give out lesser known compatriots a time to shine.”

“That’s great for all of you.” Shinso snarled. “But I don’t have that luxury.”

The class looked at each other.

“Oh. We forgot you weren’t with us last year, Shinso.” Midoriya apologized. 

“Must be nice.” he snapped. Yaoyorozu stood. 

“GAME ON!” Midnight declared. 

“Well, looks like I’m screwed again.” Shinso growled. “I’ll guess I’ll do it myself.”

“No, you won’t.” Yaoyorozu replied. “You’re Class A, and we stick together.”

“ERASER, WHAT’S GOING ON WITH YOUR CLASS?” Mic’s voice came over the speaker.

“IT LOOKS LIKE THEY’VE DECIDED TO SIT THIS FESTIVAL OUT. RATIONAL, CONSIDERING THAT BOTH AT THEIR EXAMS AND IN CLASS THE KNOWLEDGE GAINED AT THE FESTIVAL WAS USED AGAINST THEM.”

“JOKE, YOUR THOUGHTS?”

“WELL, IT DEFINITELY LOOKS LIKE IT WILL BE CLASS B’S CHANCE TO SHINE. BUT WAIT, WHAT IS GOING ON NOW?”

“Shinso,” Yaoyorozu was saying, “Iida, Shoji, Koda, and I will join your team.”

“Okay, but we’re too far behind now.” he protested.

“Class A never quits.” Yaoyorozu replied as she walked with the team towards Midnight. “So if you want to be one of us, you’ll never quit either on yourself or on us. Deal?”

“Alright.” he replied. He was slightly uncomfortable with the loyalty they were showing him after only a week, but also the loyalty demanded. “But how are we going to pull this off?”

“Class A’s determination makes it so we are victorious in all we do!” Iida responded. “And we will be now as well. Our team is perfectly balanced!”

“IT LOOKS LIKE HITOSHI SHINSO HAS OPTED TO JOIN THE GAME!” Mic said.

“UNLIKE THE REST OF CLASS A,”  Eraser added, “HE IS NEW AND HASN’T HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE WELL KNOWN YET.”

“HE DID WELL LAST YEAR, WHICH GOT HIM INTO THE HERO COURSE IN CLASS A. LET’S SEE WHAT HE HAS LEARNED.” concluded Joke. 

“Ms. Kayama, our clue please.” Yaoyorozu held out a hand. The woman gave it to her.

“You better hurry!” she responded. 

Yaoyorozu opened it up. Scanning the contents, she handed it to Shinso. 

“Do you know what it is?”

Shinso looked at it. Something about a spirit, and a ball. He was not sure.

“Something to do with the forest.”

“Correct. A religious icon of the forest spirits.” Yaoyorozu nodded. “And who will we use for it?”

“...Koda.”

“Precisely.”

The boy in question summoned a group of birds to him. Giving them directions, they flew into the forest. Yaoyorozu stayed put.

“Aren’t we going to go after them?” asked Shinso.

“No.” Yaoyorozu answered. “We need to be able to get the clue, and get back to Midnight as quickly as possible. Hence, there are others around here as well.”

Shinso glanced around. Apart from some of the teams coming and going, it seemed the team captain or chief puzzle solver was standing around Midnight.

“Good point.” 

“Here they come!” Koda yelled in excitement. A flock of birds came back with the icon in their grasp. They dropped it in Shinso’s hands, who presented it to Midnight. She smiled.

“Excellent. Your next clue.”

“WOAH! LOOK AT THAT SPEED!” Mic cheered.

“A PERFECT TEAM!” agreed Joke.

“YAOYOROZU IS HELPING HER NEW CLASSMATE, NOT JUST DOING IT FOR HIM.”  pointed out Eraser. “HE HAS TO TRY AND FIGURE THINGS OUT FIRST. THE TEAM ASSEMBLY IS PERFECT, THOUGH.”

“This is an oar.” Shinso answered. “Shipwreck zone, Iida.”

“I’M ON IT!” 

The boy darted away, blowing past other students. He was a speck in moments. Yaoyorozu calmly waited with Shinso and the others. Shinso glanced over at them.

“Thanks.” he said quietly.

“For what?” asked Yaoyorozu.

“For helping me out.” he swallowed. “You didn’t have to.”

“You’re Class A.” Yaoyorozu explained. “Besides, we should have thought of you before the start of the game.”

“What are you going to do if we get to the next round?”

“Depends on what it is.” Yaoyorozu answered. “Hopefully it’s something less team based and you can make yourself known there.”

“I HAVE RETURNED!” Iida yelled, oar in hand. Midnight nodded, and handed them the next clue.

“Here you go. Only nine minutes left.”

“WOW, LOOK AT THAT SPEED. IT SEEMS THAT CLASS A’S TEAM HAS MOVED FROM LAST TO MIDDLE OF THE PACK IN JUST A COUPLE OF MINUTES!”

“RIGHT YOU ARE, MIC. BUT THEY’LL HAVE TO DO BETTER TO GET INTO THE NEXT ROUND. CLASS B CURRENTLY IS THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN, AND THAT’S A STEEP CLIMB.”

Groaning was heard over the speakers as Eraser reacted to the pun. Shinso had tuned them out, but knowing where they stood was good information to have. Glancing over it, he could not make out what the next thing was.

“It seems to be in the canyon area, but I don’t know what it is.” Shinso replied and handed it over to Yaoyorozu. She read it.

“It’s a...speaker? That’s weird. Probably something of Present Mic’s. The issue is finding it among the various plateaus of the canyon.”

“I’m on it.” said Shoji. 

The boy took off from the group. Koda went with him. Shinso watched the timer nearby. It would take them some time to find it and return it. Yaoyorozu frowned, obviously thinking the same thing.

“Iida, go meet them.” she said. “We will need you to run it back.”

“On it!”

Yaoyorozu watched the time. The minutes ticked down. She did a quick count of the other students rankings. Getting a third clue would move them up into the top third, but it would be perilously close to the cut off point. She breathed a sigh of relief at seeing the familiar dust trail of Iida, carrying a large speaker. 

“Got it!”

“Ms. Kayama!” Yaoyorozu asked. The woman handed her another clue. 

“Just four minutes left, dearies.”

“ANOTHER ONE! THAT PUTS THEM ABOVE THE CUTOFF!” Mic cheered.

“BUT OTHER TEAMS ARE RETURNING MIC, THEY MIGHT NOT MAKE IT.” Joke added.

“NOW IS WHEN WE FIND OUT WHAT THEY’RE MADE OF.” Eraser concluded.

Yaoyorozu's eyes scanned the note. She quickly figured it out. 

“Statue of Nezu atop the mountain zone.” she said. Looking at it, she realized there was no way they could get it in time. Ms. Joke had been right; other teams were returning and they would lose. Yaoyorozu thought for a moment, and then said, “Ms. Kayama! I wish to withdraw from this team!”

“What?” Shinso asked.

“WHAT?” Mic exclaimed.

“LET’S SEE WHAT HER PLAN IS.” Eraser cut in.

“I don’t know if you can withdraw.” Midnight replied.”You can stop helping, however.”

“It’s just…” Yaoyorozu paused. Telling her that Shinso needed Uraraka would not work. Time to exploit a weakness. Yaoyorozu pitched her voice higher. “I can’t be on his team! The truth is...I’m in love with Shinso, but do not want to be! The proximity is like torture!”

“WHOA! CONFESSION TIME!”

“SO JUICY AND DRAMATIC!”

“UGH.”

Midnight squealed and swished her crop.

“I’ll allow it.”

Yaoyorozu quickly gestured for Uraraka to come over. She did, and the pony tailed girl whispered in her ear. 

“Ms. Kayama!” Uraraka exclaimed. “I wish to join Shinso’s team!”

“That I cannot allow.” Midnight’s tone was cold and serious. “Switching team members for added benefit would go against the spirit of the rules.”

“But…” Uraraka paused, and blushed deeply. She really hated this part. “But, I’m actually madly in love with Shinso! That’s why I have to help him succeed!”

“WHAT? ANOTHER ONE!” Mic exclaimed.

“BUT IS IT TRUE?” Joke asked. 

“HE’S ONLY BEEN IN CLASS A WEEK.” muttered an exasperated Eraser. 

“I’m...not sure I believe you.” Midnight resisted her temptations. 

“It’s true.” Yaoyorozu pined. “I knew Uraraka’s heart was with Shinso, and could not bear to get between them. That is why I needed to withdraw.”

“I…” Midnight weakened. 

“If you recall, Uraraka blushed when talking to me earlier.” Yaoyorozu continued, projecting the melodrama into her voice. “That is when she told me I must help Shinso, who she held deep feelings for!”

“LOOKS LIKE YAOYOROZU IS TELLING THE TRUTH. GOING TO THE TAPE, JUST PRIOR TO THE GAME URARAKA WAS BLUSHING LIKE MAD.” Mic intoned. They could hear the crowd murmuring even out of the stadium.

“WE ALL KNEW SHINSO COULD CAPTURE MINDS, BUT PERHAPS HIS TRUE QUIRK IS CAPTURING HEARTS!” Joke speculated wildly. 

“A love triangle! How vigorous you must be Shinso to do so in only one week!” Midnight squealed in delight. She chopped her crop and decreed. “I’LL ALLOW IT!” 

Yaoyorozu nodded and walked away. Uraraka, still a dark red, walked over to Shinso.

“Okay. I’m going to make you float. Iida will take you over there and throw you up to the top. Use your scarf to grab it.”

“I...what?” Shinso stuttered. He was still confused. Uraraka touched him and he felt a moment of vertigo. 

“Iida!”

Grabbing the weightless purple haired boy, Iida sped away. Shinso felt ridiculous, flapping in the wind like a flag. However, he quickly got over it. Whatever it took to win and move on. Even looking ridiculous. As they approached the edge of the rock wall, they noticed a few students climbing it. Including the beast man of Class B, Jurota Shishida.

“Looks like everyone is going for it as well.” Iida stated. “So I’ll throw you nice and hard. Go! Capture your dreams, Shinso!”

“THIRTY SECONDS LEFT!”

Shinso gasped as he was flung into the air. He streaked past some members of General Studies and Support, their mouths gaping in surprise. Shishida squinted his eyes and started leaping up the wall. Clearing the ridge, Shinso caught sight of the Nezu statue. He freed his scarf. Shishida mounted the ridge below him.

“FIFTEEN SECONDS!”

“Release!” he heard the distant voice of Shoji. 

Shinso wondered at that for a second, but gravity quickly reasserted itself. He changed directions, starting to fall. 

“TEN SECONDS!”

“IT’S GOING TO BE CLOSE, MIC!”

Shishida was racing towards it. Shinso could try to land first, but would probably miss his chance to grab it before Shishida. Instead, he leaned back, adjusting his position in the air to roll backwards. As he completed his flip - 

“FIVE SECONDS!”

- he flung the capture scarf out. It wound around the statue. Shinso pulled, dragging himself towards it. Rather, that is what he intended. Instead, the statue flew towards him. It knocked the wind out of him as it hit him in the chest.

“TIME! SHINSO HAS IT AND QUALIFIES!”

“BUT HOW IS HE GOING TO LAND SAFELY?”

Shinso blocked out the gasps and cries of horror as he fell past the precipice of the rock wall. A beastial hand shot out to snag him, but Shishida was too slow. Shinso focused on the wall, ignoring his own terror as the ground rushed up towards him. Seeing his opportunity, his scarf darted out to wrap around a jutting piece of rock. Shinso jolted as the capture scarf pulled tight, and swung him forward. His fall turned into a fast but controlled forward descent. Hitting the ground and turning it into a forward roll, Shinso got to his feet. Statue held high.

“WOW! LOOK AT THAT!”

“IT’S EVEN BETTER THAN ERASER!

“IT’S WHAT?”

“WITH THAT STUNNING COME FROM BEHIND WIN, SHINSO’S TEAM ADVANCES!” Mic plowed on. “BUT HONESTLY, IF YOU MANAGE TO MAKE TWO LOVELY AND TALENTED FUTURE HEROES FALL IN LOVE WITH YOU, WHAT CAN’T YOU DO?”

“WELL, HE CERTAINLY CAPTURED OUR IMAGINATIONS, MIC!”

“YOU TWO ARE THE WORST.”

Shinso walked back with Iida to where his team was waiting. They all had smiles. Class A, for the most part, gathered around to congratulate him on moving forward. A few excitedly praised his moves with the capture scarf; Midoriya was his typical rambling self. Shinso took the attention with a small smile and nod. However, one thing was bugging him.

“Yaoyorozu.” Shinso said.

“Yes?” she asked. 

“What was all of that drama about?” he questioned. “Was it just to have some fun at my expense?”

“Oh no!” Yaoyorozu protested, throwing her hands up. “I figured Midnight might not let us trade out myself for Uraraka. So, since she can’t ever pass up a passionate story, we used that to get it swapped.”

“Oh. Okay.” he replied. He paused, before asking. “Just to make sure, neither of you have crushes on me?”

“Would that make you nervous, Shinso?” Yaoyorozu teased. Shinso lifted his mask to his face and turned some dials.

“Not really.” he replied in Todoroki’s voice. The deadpan was a perfect impression. Class A fell into fits and giggles as the teachers tried to usher them back inside.

“I don't know why that was so funny.” Todoroki said, confused. This did not make Class A’s laughter subside. It also did not help the slight blush on Yaoyorozu’s cheeks, but almost all missed it. 

Chapter Text

“Alright. That game was thrilling!” Midnight cheered from the announcers stage. “The next game is...King of the Hill!”

Shinso looked around as the collective students started muttering. As all of Class B had made the cut off, if it was like last year than there would only be eighteen or so other students to make it.

“King of the Hill is simple.” Midnight continued. “The arena will have a raised stage spanning almost the entirety of the infield. Anyone who touches anything outside that stage will be eliminated. The top one hundred students from the previous game will enter the stage, and when only sixteen remain we will move on.”

Shinso blinked. One hundred students. That was over half of those who participated. He grit his teeth. If he had known that, he would not have tried so hard at the last game. No.; that was poor thinking. One always needed to do their best no matter what.

“Students, enter the stage.”   

“The number of students is crazy.” Uraraka commented as the five Class A students walked onto the stage.

“It’s going to be quite crowded.” Shoji agreed.

“So what is our plan?” Iida asked. “We are heavily outnumbered.”

“Class B is likely to come for us right away.” Shinso agreed. “We are the biggest threat.”

“Right, but there are a lot of other students we have to watch out for.” Uraraka countered. 

Shinso went to say something, but one of his former Class C members caught his eyes. A blonde boy, the Class Representative Akio Mori, gave him a nod and a smile. Shinso nodded back, curious. What was Mori thinking? Shinso turned back into his team’s talking.

“We need to get out of the way.” Shinso said definitely. “I have a feeling that the other students are going to team up against the Hero students.”

“That would be the wisest decision for them.” Shoji agreed. “But how?”

“I’ve got it.” Uraraka said. “I’ll-”

“BEGIN!” Midnight announced.

“Quickly!” Kendo’s voice rang out over the crowd. “Eliminate Class A first!”

Shinso’s team glanced over. About half Class B had started towards them. A thunder of feet drew their attention in the other direction. As Shinso expected, the non-Hero Course students had teamed up, and were coming at the Hero Course. A wave of bodies rushing their way.

“Shoji, grab them!” Uraraka yelled. Shinso felt one of Shoji’s arms grab his shirt. Uraraka spun her arms, touching all of them. “Now! Dragon Capsule Liftoff!”

Uraraka pushed off the ground, and the five rocketed up from the stage. Not a moment too soon, either; the other students charged beneath them.

“No!” came a cry from Class B. “They can’t get away!”

“Focus, Monoma!” snapped Kendo.

“Koda, can we get some birds to control our drift?” asked Uraraka. The boy nodded, and called over some pigeons. The birds grabbed them, stopping their ascent and moving them from near the ring. Afterwards, they sat on Koda’s shoulders.

“WHOA! CLASS A TAKES THEIR BALL AND GOES HOME! IS THAT LEGAL?” asked Mic.

“THE RULES STATE THEY MUST TOUCH DOWN OUTSIDE THE RING. SO YES.”  Eraser explained. “AND IT'S A SMART MOVE.”

“NOW CLASS B HAS TO DEAL WITH THE ONRUSHING HORDE! BUT CAN THEY PUSH THEM BACK?” Joke questioned.

“I feel kind of bad.” Shinso said as the Class B fanned out across their side of the stage. “Shouldn’t I be fighting?”

“You should not feel bad. This was the best path to victory.” Iida replied. “A smart tactical maneuver. However, it also gives you a chance to watch your upcoming opponents.”

“True.”

“Arrrrgh. Class A shows their cowardly-”

“Monoma, shut up and get ready!” Kendo yelled at him. “We won’t be here if we don’t!”

“Arrgh!”

“Get the lines going!” Kendo yelled, and Class B split up. 

“IT LOOKS LIKE CLASS B’S GOT A PLAN!”

“GOOD TEAMWORK ON THEIR PART!”

Honenuki, Shiozaki, Bondo, Tsuburaba, and Komori started forward. Honenuki went first, softening the ring in front of them. The charging students slowed as it turned to muck. Bondo was next, spraying those behind them with his glue, causing them to stick. Komori expelled her mushrooms while Shiozaki and Tsuburaba waited, each patient to use their vines or solid air, respectively. 

“How predictable.” came a voice across the border. It was Class C’s President, Akio Mori. 

“And?” asked Kendo.

“You’ll have to do better.” he answered, and dropped an arm. Surging behind him came a collection of mechanically covered students.

“Let’s go Support! Show companies what we can do!” yelled one. 

“WHOA. IT'S THE CHARGE OF THE SUPPORT CLASSES. DON’T TELL ME GENERAL EDUCATION WENT FIRST TO DRAW THEM OUT.” Mic asked.

“WHOEVER IS BEHIND THIS IS SMART, MIC.” Joke agreed. 

“IT LOOKS LIKE AKIO MORI, CLASS C’S PRESIDENT. HIS QUIRK IS CHARISMA.” Eraser explained.

“HE CAN MAKE PEOPLE DO WHAT HE WANTS? THAT’S OP!” cried Mic.

“NO, HE CAN JUST MAKE PEOPLE LIKE HIM A BIT MORE.”

“WOW, BET YOU WISH YOU HAD THAT POWER, ERASER!” Mic added.

“NOT EVEN SLIGHTLY.”

“CLASS B LOOKS LIKE THEY ARE ON THE BACK FOOT NOW.” Joke added. “CAN THEY GIVE IT THE OLD TWO-STEP TO BE ON THE FRONT FOOT?”

The Support students sent a plethora of machines across the mucky ring. Some shot cables to create anchors; some dropped bridges; a few exploded, quick hardening into steps. One even floated. Several more came from behind and, using an array of chemicals, began dissolving Bond’s glue. Some of Komori’s mushrooms had taken root, but some disinfectant and fans blowing negated them. The General Education students began to haul themselves up and across the muck.

“I’m on it!” yelled Kodai. 

Kodai had not wanted to start this early, but there was nothing she could do. Pulling nails out of her pocket, she threw them. Her quirk, Size, caused them to grow. They embedded themselves in the ground on their side of the muck, making impromptu fortifications. Grabbing some rubber balls out of another pocket, she threw them at the various students making their way to them. Several went down to the hard hits, but the real aim was to topple some of the bridges. One did, but the others held firm. 

“Firing squad!” Kendo yelled.

Tsunotori, Fukidashi, Tokage, and Rin joined Kodai. Tsunotori shot her horns, Fukidashi let out a big ZOOM, Tokage flung some of her limbs, and Rin shot some of his scales. A wave of General Education students went down, but the Support class had another trick. Several brought out net guns. Firing, two of Tsunotori’s horns became trapped in the weighted nets and fell into the muck. 

“My horns!” she cried. 

“Tokage, come back!” Kendo ordered. The pieces of the girl veered as more nets tried to capture her. “Damn Support students. Tsuburaba!”

“On it, Kendo!” the boy yelled. He exhaled, air forming into walls between the various giant nails of Kodai's. His quirk, Solid Air, would give them time to break the wave up into pieces.

“Shiozaki.”

The vines of the girl's hair dove into the ring, and reappeared in the muck. Grabbing several General Education students, it flung them from the ring. Shiozaki became a force in the middle none could cross. One tried to shock her, but her vines resisted. Kendo breathed a sigh of relief; too soon, in fact. A clanking suit of armor waded into the muck, and dove onto vines. They tried to fight, but the suit’s torso began to spin, wrapping them around it. A loud cackling blared from it’s speakers.

“How do you like my baby number four-hundred and twenty-seven!” came the mad voice of Mei Hatsume. “Meant to deal with pliable villains!”

Far above, Tenya Iida shuddered.

“WHO LET HER HAVE THAT SUIT!” Mic exclaimed. 

“SHE FILLED OUT THE PAPERWORK.” Eraser explained.

“WHO APPROVED THAT PAPERWORK?” Joke asked.

In the teachers’ box, they all looked at All Might. He blushed.

“What? Seemed fine to me.” he answered sheepishly. They shook their heads.

“Shiozaki!” Kendo ran over to the girl. Shiozaki was whimpering at the severed ends of her hair. “Are you okay?

“Yes.” the girl nodded. “Disconnecting so many of my vines is always painful. But otherwise that monstrosity would have pulled me to it.” 

Said monstrosity was still cackling, but was starting to smoke.

“Oh no!” came Hatsume’s voice. The hatch popped open and the redheaded mad inventor jumped out. Wading through the muck to a safe distance she turned and yelled. “No! My baby!”

It promptly exploded, filling the ring with smoke.

“THAT WAS AN EXPLOSIVE END TO THAT CONTEST!” Joke called out.

“HATSUME’S HOPES MIGHT HAVE JUST WENT UP IN SMOKE!” Mic agreed.

Eraserhead groaned in the announcer’s booth. In the teachers’ box, Power Loader covered his eyes. 

“Hatsume.” he groaned. “At least it lasted longer this time.”

The ring was covered in a thick smoke. Fortunately for Class B, this made it hard to breathe and slowed the other classes’ advance. Unfortunately for Class B, this obscured said advance and revealed Tsuburaba’s solid air walls. 

“Crap.” Kendo spat, knowing they would be coming soon. “Let’s get to it front line!”

Kendo advanced with Tetsutetsu, Kaibara, Kamakari, Shoda, Shishida, and Awase following her. They spread out in front of the firing squad, who gave ground. Further back, the rest of the class rereated further, but not too far. They were quickly running out of room on the ring. Kendo glanced around, wondering where they would pop up first. Down the line, a boy suddenly appeared out of the smoke, flying over the barriers. All along the line, the same thing started happening.

It quickly turned into chaos. Though the seven members of the melee squad were easily able to outfight the General Education students, the fact they were coming so fast meant they were quickly outnumbered. Added to that, Kendo could not even see where they were coming over from first. She grabbed one boy and threw him, but he used his quirk to fall directly to the ground. Weird but situationally useful. 

Kendo heard a cry behind her. Turning, she saw Kuroiro get swarmed by three students who forced him off the ring even as Shishida flung them out of bounds. Komori was thrown out shortly later by a big boy, who was tossed by Kaibara. Kendo realized some Support students had made it past their barrier. One trapped Awase in a net, but he welded himself to the ring. That gave Kamakari time to cut him free. 

Kendo threw herself into the fight for real. Her hands cleared a group of students from Shoda, who used the time to send a teched out Support student out of bounds. Monoma came jogging up beside them and tapped Shoda. He glanced at her.

“You know how I dislike getting my hands dirty, Kendo.” he said with a smile. A Support student in an exo suit came at him, but his arm gyrated as it hit it. It wobbled and Monoma smiled. “Twin Impact!”

The Support student flew from the ring. Kendo gave him a nod of respect, and the boy joined the fray as well. He was not an amazing fighter, but did not need to be. The combination of the two quirks made him a devastating bruiser. The trio fought back to back, clearing the stage of students. At one point, some sort of stun cable hit Tetsutetsu, and Kendo leapt from the trio to his aide.

That was the moment that Mori sprung the trap. While Kendo cleared away the stun cable, a large student locked eyes with her and approached. He was big, easily standing 198 centimeters. Tetsutetsu staggered to his feet, but the boy waved him off. 

“I challenge you, Itsuka Kendo.” he declared, setting himself in a stance.

“Not open for duels today. Sorry.” she shot back.

“That’s the honor you show as a karateka?” he asked. Kendo froze. Tetsutetsu started to lunge forward, but Kendo held him back. She glanced around. The other students were holding back from the trio.

“Who am I being challenged by?” Kendo asked.

“Fujita Kime, Vice Captain of the Karate Club.” he answered.

“We have a Karate Club?” asked Tetsutetsu.

“WE HAVE A KARATE CLUB?” asked Present Mic.

“YES.” Eraserhead growled. “HERO STUDENTS ARE NOT ABLE TO PARTICIPATE CLUBS DUE TO HERO COURSE TAKING PLACE AT THE SAME TIME.”

“COOL! I GUESS KENDO WILL HAVE HER HANDS FULL!” Joke added, to more groans. 

“I DIDN’T KNOW THEY MADE TEENAGERS THAT BIG. HE’S TALLER THAN VLAD!” Mic agreed. 

“AND BUFFER THAN HIM TOO!” Joke admired.

“Not true!” Vlad yelled from the teachers’ to the announcers’ box. “Beat him Kendo! For your teacher’s honor!”

“Tetsu, go help the others.This one is mine.” Kendo replied. She took her own stance. “Itsuka Kendo, representing the Kendo family dojo of Chiba prefecture, Chiba City.”

“Fujita Kime, representing the Kime family dojo of Saitama prefecture, Saitama City.”

“My quirk: Big Fist.”

“My quirk: Perfect Hair.”

Kendo blinked at the information.

“Oh, right. General Education.” she remembered. 

Kime moved slowly closer. He stopped just out of his own range. It would have been far outside Kendo’s, if she did not have her quirk. Kendo threw a fast jab, enhancing her hand’s size at the same time. Kime weaved to the side, baffling Kendo. All she had to do was turn her jab into a hook to catch him. As she did, though, she was caught. Kime pivoted to grab her thumb and pinky, twisting them as if they were arms. He locked her wrist and spun underneath, intending to throw her. Kendo reduced the size of her hand but jumped into the throw to turn it into a forward roll to her feet.

Kime used the time to advance. Kendo barely sized up a hand to block a massive front kick from the boy, which he followed with a hook to get around it. Kendo blocked with her other hand. Stepping to the side, she shrank her hands to clear her vision. It also cleared the path for her chest to eat Kime’s spinning back kick. The red haired girl flew back and rolled across the ground.

“KIME OF THE KARATE CLUB LANDS A K.O. BLOW ON KENDO?” asked Mic.

“I THINK SHE’S TOUGHER THAN THAT, BUT IT WAS A WICKED COMBO.” Joke replied.

“KIME OBSERVED KENDO EARLIER IN THE FIGHT, NOTING HER QUIRK.” Eraserhead explained. “HE BET ON HER OBSCURING HER OWN VISION FOR HIM TO LAND THAT KICK WHICH TAKES A LOT OF SET UP. HE’S A SKILLED COMBATANT.”

“BUT WHY HASN’T HE ADVANCED AND FINISHED THE JOB?” asked Mic.

“WARRIOR’S HONOR.” Joke stated. 

“IRRATIONAL IN A SITUATION LIKE THIS WHERE HE IS AT A DISADVANTAGE.” 

Kendo struggled to her feet. Her chest throbbed. But she was an aspiring Hero, and it would take more than that to put her down. Kime stood, waiting for her. Kendo set herself in her own stance. A nod between the two signaled they were ready again.

Kendo advanced this time, a hard chop of her big hand to strike him. Kime faded away out of range, as she expected. Turning the chop into a downward punch, she used her fist to pole vault her into the air. Decreasing the hand to help her spin, she came down on a surprised Kime with a powerful ax kick.

The boy took the blow to his shoulder, buckling slightly. He quickly recovered before the blow was done, grabbing her leg. Kendo leaned back, hooking her other leg under his arm. Enlarging her fists, they pulled her backward fast. Slamming them into the ring, Kendo pulled at it to lift Kime off the ground. The boy rolled in the air, but it only partially negated Kendo’s throw as she planted both legs and him into the ring.

“WOAH! A HUGE THROW BY KENDO! THAT HAD TO HURT!”

“IT LOOKS LIKE THEY’VE REALLY COME TO GRIPS NOW!”

Kime threw his own legs up and around Kendo’s torso. The girl staggered back, and the boy grabbed her by both wrists. Kendo struggled, realizing his plan was to immobilize her hands so she could not use them against her. Growing her hands as far as she could, she barely managed to get a thumb under one of his legs. Twisting, she managed to pry loose. Kime, seeing the ploy defeated, quickly released her and rolled away. Kendo’s hand chopped the ring where he was a second before. Both fighters squared off again.

A flash of movement caught Kendo’s eye. She glanced over, seeing a blur of black leaping forward. It hit Kime with a spinning arm and a cry. He went skittering across the ground. He rolled into a crouch, but it was slow. That blow seemed to take a lot out of him, leaving him looking severely worse for wear. Kendo whipped her head around to glare at the person who dared interfere with their fight.

“Monoma!”

“Don’t be a fool, Kendo!” he spat. “They’re using your pride and honor to keep you out of the fight!”

Kendo looked around. Though the other members of Class B had taken care of most of the other classes, they looked a lot more tired than they should. As she watched, the blonde haired boy from Class C slammed into Rin, driving them both out of the ring. She cursed herself for being drawn into such a fight. Monoma looked pleased at her realization. His face quickly turned to shock as a number of gadgets and belts wrapped around him. They beeped, and suddenly he was flying backwards through the air.

“Ahahahaha! My baby retrieval systems at work!” Hatsume cackled as Monoma careened toward her. Too late she realized the problem. Throwing her hands up, she yelled, “No, babies, don’t betray Momma!”

Monoma slammed into Hatsume, and both tumbled out of the ring. Kendo sighed. Looking over at Kime, the boy struggled to his feet. He slowly regained his stance. He glanced around as the rest of Class B surrounded his position. It was only him left now. Him, and the floating five members of Class A. Kendo waved her classmates away.

“Keep an eye on the five up there.” she said. She looked back to Kime. “It’s time for this to end. But tell me: was what Monoma said was true? Were you merely a distraction?”

“A true warrior fights not just for themselves, but for their comrades.” he answered her.

“But all your comrades are out of the ring.” Kendo replied. “You failed.”

“Not all of them.” Kime smiled and pointed upward. Kendo glanced up. There, floating with the four original members of Class A, was one purple headed boy. “You understand.”

“Hitoshi Shinso.” Kendo nodded. Looking back at him, she set her face. “Let's finish this fight.”

Kime approached cautiously. Kendo could tell his leg was hurt from the landing after Monoma’s blow. She felt bad about that, but such it was. He stopped just outside her range. Kendo knew he could strike her, but he knew she could block with her quirk. A stalemate. One Kendo would not abide.

Letting out a yell, she charged forward with a chop. Kime shuffle stepped back, but Kendo’s first enlarged. Pivoting, he went to grab it as earlier, and she let him. She yanked her hand back, shrinking it in the process. He was off balance now, too tired and sore to dodge her cross handed grab. 

Kime let out his own yell of defiance, planting his feet and striking the hand with all his strength. Kendo hissed at the pain of his strike; a feat in of itself. Her hand would not be denied, and she wrapped Kime in it. Pivoting, she tossed the boy out of the ring. He landed with a heavy thud, and lay there. Taking a deep breath, Kendo surveyed her class. Only fifteen stood in the ring. Reiko must have gotten thrown when she was not looking. That meant there would be one Class A.

“You can come down and fight now.” Kendo called up.

“Suppose we should.” Shinso agreed.

“Nah.” Uraraka retorted. “Good luck.”

Shinso looked at her, but Shoji pushed him down and towards the ring. He pivoted, looking back at the four. Uraraka released them, and Shoji’s arms spread wide, gliding them to the ground. Their feet hit the ring out with big smiles.

“WHOA! CLASS A DOES THAT SACRIFICE PLAY. THAT MEANS-”

Shinso felt gravity reassert itself as he neared the ring and he landed, using a hand to catch himself. He stood, looking into the eyes of his opponents.

“SHINSO ADVANCES!”

Chapter Text

"Now onto our main event!" Midnight took her place on the referee's stand. "The tournament! And here is the bracket!"

The bracket appeared on the screen. Everybody in the stands held their breath as it filled in. Shinso, sitting next to Class A, quickly scanned the bracket for his name, and found it in Match 8.

1. Setsuna Tokage vs Manga Fukidashi
2. Yui Kodai vs Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu 
3. Nirengeki Shoda vs Itsuka Kendo
4. Juzo Honenuki vs Sen Kaibara 
5. Ibara Shiozaki vs Jurota Shishida 
6. Kosei Tsuburaba vs Kojiro Bondo
7. Togaru Kamakiri vs Pony Tsunotori
8. Hitoshi Shinso vs Yosetsu Awase

Awase. Shinso knew his quirk: Weld. He also knew he was athletic and talented in hand to hand. Shinso would have to be evasive. He glanced over at his new classmates. Some were smiling; some were talking; and some had intense looks on their faces. However, there was the same fierce look in all their eyes. Shinso knew what was in the mind of all his classmates: it would be their turn to watch and study. They would not miss this chance.

“So Class A!” poked the blonde head of Class B’s lead mischief maker. “How does it feel to be almost completely shut out of the tournament?”

“How does it feel to get taken out by a General Education student?” shot back Jiro. 

“At least unlike Class A, I made it to the second round!” Monoma snapped. “Now it will be-”

A quick chop put an end to his continuous comments.

“Sorry about that.” Kendo smiled. Dropping it, she gave them all a stern look. “Though I can’t say I’m happy for all of you sitting out like that. I really wanted to test myself out against you.”

“I have a feeling Mr. Aizawa and Mr. Kan will have us test each other soon enough.” was Yaoyorozu’s response. “Good luck out there, Kendo. Do your best.”

“Show you my best, don’t you mean?” she smiled at the other girl. Yaoyorozu shrugged. 

“Whatever you wish.”

“FIRST MATCH!” Present Mic came over the speakers. “IN ONE CORNER, THE HERO NARRATING OUR LIVES, MANGA FUKIDASHI!”

“IN THE OTHER CORNER!”  Ms. Joke took over. “THE FLUID FIGHTER, SETSUNA TOKAGE!”

Shinso watched them closely. Tokage could split her body apart, and Fukidashi could turn words into weapons. This would be interesting, but overall he gave it to Fukidashi. From his side, Midoriya started muttering.

“Fukidashi generally uses big attacks in a support role; he’s the firepower. He does not seem like a frontline fighter like Tokage. In Joint Training, when attacked by Hagakure…”

Shinso pulled his attention away as the match started. Tokage quickly split herself into pieces to come at Fukidashi from all angles. The boy was instantly on the back foot. He looked for Tokage's main body to land a huge blow, but the girl kept it moving around so Fukidashi could not set himself to launch a big attack. Under constant duress, he let out a sputtering of short words.

“BRRT. BRRT. BRRT.” he snapped out quickly, like a machine gun firing. 

Shinso watched as they tracked the pieces of Tokage’s body. Tokage had to be careful now; technically if any of her body pieces landed outside the ring she would be considered ring out. However, a hand managed to slip underneath Fukidashi and grabbed his ankle. Tokage pulled it, sending the boy flat to his back. Quickly her pieces pounced, picking him up and throwing him out of the ring. 

“Fukidashi is out of bounds. Tokage wins!” declared Midnight. 

“So he can make smaller sounds, and shoot them quite rapidly.” Midoriya was scribbling at Shinso’s side. “Interesting. I wonder if…”

Midoriya kept scribbling while Shinso focused on the two walking to the ring. Granted, them being in the top half of the bracket he really would not have to worry until the finals, but he wanted to figure out their weaknesses. Kodai could make objects bigger while Tetsutetsu could make his body into steel. Tetsutetsu had the advantage in this area as a straightforward brawler, but he wondered what the quiet Kodai might have up her sleeve. 

“YOU KNOW HIM, THE MAN THAT HAS NERVES OF STEEL AND FISTS OF IRON, TETSUTETSU TETSUTETSU.” Present Mic announced.

“AND HIS OPPONENT, THE QUEEN OF CALM HERSELF, YIU KODAI.” Ms. Joke announced. Switching off their microphones, she turned to the other two. “Ugh. I really wanted to call her the Size Queen, but eww for sexualizing a minor.”

“I hear that.” Present Mic agreed. “Oh crap! Midnight called it!”

“Pay attention.” growled Eraserhead.

“AND TETSUTETSU STARTS FAST, BARRELLING RIGHT TOWARD KODAI!”  Mic announced.

“I WONDER WHAT TRICK SHE MAY HAVE UP HER SLEEVE?”

Kodai backpedalled quickly, arms flailing. Tetsutetsu grinned his metal grin, which faltered slightly when Kodai lips twitched into a slight smile. Suddenly, his world felt infinitely more heavy. His knees buckled and his face met something else of metal.

“What?” he asked. He looked up to see Kodai quickly advancing on him. 

“KODAI DROPPED MAGNETS DURING HER FAKE RUNNING AWAY!” Ms. Joke pointed out. 

Tetsutetsu realized this as well. He released his quirk, but Kodai was already on top of him, twisting his arm behind him while planting a knee on his back. Tetsutetsu groaned. Normally with his quirk that would not hurt and he could escape easily. Now either way he was pinned. He bucked and tried to shake her loose, but Kodai twisted his arm.

“Can you move?” asked Midnight. Tetsutetsu let out a cry of frustration but answered,

“No.”

“Kodai is the winner!”

“A STUNNING UPSET!” Present Mic declared.

“A SMART MOVE.” Eraserhead cut in. “USING TETSUTETSU’S STRENGTH AGAINST HIM. HE WILL HAVE TO FIGURE OUT A COUNTER FOR THAT IN THE FUTURE.”

After that, the matches came fairly quickly. The third match was between Shoda and Kendo. Both were fantastic strikers. With Shoda’s quirk, Twin Impact, he was able to move much faster and hit harder than Kendo. The orange haired girl knew this. However, while Shoda was a massive striker, his own body was not necessarily any stronger. So it came down to who could take the most punishment. 

“WHOA, THIS MATCH IS TURNING INTO A SLOBBERKNOCKER, FOLKS!”  Mic called from the announcers stand. “SHODA LANDS ANOTHER HUGE BLOW TO KENDO, WHICH SHE JUST BARELY BLOCK WITH HER HANDS.”

“AND SHE RETURNS ANOTHER HUGE BLOW TO SHODA.” Joke replied. “THAT ONE NEARLY BENT HIM IN HALF.”

“RECOVERY GIRL IS GOING TO BE BUSY AFTER THIS ONE.”

In the end, Kendo managed to bait Shoda into striking, and grabbed him with both hands. Though the boy hammered a two handed, double impact blow to her hands, Kendo threw him from the ring before falling to her knees in exhaustion.

“AND KENDO IS THE WINNER!” Mic announced. “THAT LOOKED LIKE A CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH! WILL OTHERS RIVAL IT?”

“THAT MAKES THE LADIES OF CLASS B UNDEFEATED SO FAR!” Joke pointed out.

The match after was Honenuki versus Kaibara. Though the recommendation student put on a strong showing, his Soften quirk was not up to beat Kaibara’s Gyrate quirk. Spinning his arms and legs allowed Kaibara to move through the muck easily and defeat Honenuki. 

The Shiozaki and Shishida match was a foregone conclusion. With her hair vines still shorn from the previous fight, she had almost no defense against Shishida. The beast boy let her exhibit her limited striking skills for a moment before taking her out of the ring.

In Tsuburaba versus Bondo, both boys knew whoever got the first strike in would win. At the bell, Bondo exploded his glue over the ring. Tsuburaba managed to block it with a shield of solid air, and used one as a platform to cross the ring. He quickly captured Bondo in his Ultimate Move: Air Cage. 

The next match, Kamakiri versus Tsunotori, the half-American girl was overwhelmed by the ferocious assault of Kamakiri. A more ranged fighter, the girl was forced out of the ring by Kamakiri’s relentless attacks. 

Finally, it was Shinso’s turn. He took the familiar tunnel to the ring. As he walked out, the cheers of the crowd hit his ears again. It was almost overwhelming. Luckily, having been in this position last year, he was ready for it. He focused his mind on the opponent in front of him. There Yosetsu Awase stood waiting. Like Shinso, he was in a P.E uniform. Unlike Awase, however, Shinso had his capture scarf and face mask with him. 

“IN THIS CORNER, THE CEREBRAL ASSASSIN, THE THIEF OF HEARTS, HITOSHI SHINSO!” Mic presented.

“AND HIS OPPONENT, THE HERO WHO HAS IT ON LOCKDOWN, YOSETSU AWASE!” Joke added.

Shinso fixed his mask in place. Awase clenched his jaw. The boy knew Shinso’s quirk so would not talk. That was fine. Shinso was not going to rely on his quirk anyway. 

“Begin!”

Shinso charged across the ring. Awase seemed to have the same idea. The two boys nearly met in the middle before Shinso hopped to the side and landed a round kick to Awase's stomach. The boy staggered back and Shinso followed, throwing a low kick to his leg. 

“THE TWO MEET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE RING WITH SHINSO LANDING TWO DEVASTATING KICKS.”

“HIS FORM IS VAGUELY FAMILIAR OF SOMEONE, WOULDN’T YOU SAY MIC?”

“I CAN’T QUITE PLACE IT, JOKE.” 

Awase came at him again, and Shinso danced back, striking the boy’s leg in the process. Shinso knew he had to use his hands for his quirk. He just had to stay out of their range. But Awase was fast, and knew how to control the center of the ring. Though Shinso kept striking him in the legs and dancing back, Awase kept cutting off more of the ring, cornering him.  Near an edge, Awase checked Shinso’s kick with his own leg, and stepped in. A hook from one hand, but the other was poised to grab him.

It was what Shinso was waiting for. Leaning to the side on one leg, his capture scarf flew out. Awase looked shocked as it wrapped around his body. Shinso was falling off balance now, and used that falling momentum to pull Awase past him. The boy from Class B fell out of the ring. Shinso used the counterweight of Awase’s body to keep himself from falling over and regain his feet.

“AND SHINSO USES THE CAPTURE SCARF TO END IT! A CLASSIC MANEUVER!”

“A GOOD STRATEGY ON SHINSO’S PART.” agreed Joke. “THE STRIKES MADE AWASE FORGET THE SCARF EXISTED, AND SHINSO LURED HIM TO AN EDGE TO BE ABLE TO USE IT EFFECTIVELY.”

“OUTSTANDING. I WONDER IF MORE HEROES WILL START USING IT?”

“WELL, THAT’S IT FOR ROUND 1, MIC. IN A LITTLE BIT WE WILL COME BACK FOR ROUND TWO!” Joke signed off. She flashed a smile to Aizawa. “Shinso is coming along well.”

“Yeah, Shota,” Mic agreed. “Those moves out there were pretty slick. Though I guess he can’t move around as well as you, yet.”

“Not yet.” Aizawa agreed. “But neither could I at that age. He’s compensated with having grounded into a less active style first with bursts of it.”

“It’s doing well for him.” Mic yawned. “Sad though your kids aren’t in it. Would have loved to see them duke it out.”

“It’s probably for the best.” Joke replied. “Too many of Class A have large, powerful quirks. Imagine them in the King of the Hill. It would have been pandemonium.” 

“That’s what we call good tv, Jokester.”

“Anyway,” Aizawa interrupted. “I’m going to get some coffee. Want any?”

“I’ll take one!” Joke chirped happily.

The first match of the quarter finals was Tokage versus Kodai. Shinso predicted that Tokage was at a strong advantage in the match. He was right. Tokage’s ability to avoid Kodai’s attacks due to her multi-body continued to make her hard to pin down. At one point Tokage was able to throw Kodai out of the ring, only for the ring to suddenly get bigger. After a moment of judgement, Midnight declared it legal. The match continued, and though Kodai put up a strong fight, eventually Tokage wore her down and took the match.

The next match was between Kendo and Kaibara. It turned into another slugging match. Kendo played defensively, avoiding the strong blows of the boy. Instead, she focused on counter striking. Kaibara, not to be outmaneuvered so easily, cut off Kendo’s escape to force her into a corner. Sensing victory, the boy struck. Kendo timed it perfectly, taking his punishing blows to one of her hands and delivering a massive counter punch to his body and jaw. The boy wobbled, and fell. Midnight started a ten count. Though Kaibara beat it, Midnight deemed him not in good enough condition to continue. The battered Kendo moved on. 

Shinso missed the third match as he went to the waiting room. His next opponent was Kamakiri. The boy was hot tempered, loved to fight, and even had been called out by Bakugo as a strong opponent. His quirk, Razor Sharp, allowed him to produce blades from any part of his body. That meant any contact likely meant Shinso would get cut. But they still took time to activate. 

Shinso’s prep time was short; the previous match must have been as well. Walking out to the ring, the fierce eyes of Kamakiri were on him. The boy had a cocky smile on his face. Shinso could understand why as he had every physical advantage in this match. He also knew Shinso’s quirk, and that negated any quirk advantage. However, Shinso had a plan. It was untested, but there would be no better time for it. Shinso donned his mask.

“I won’t speak to you once the match begins, so don’t think I’ll fall for your quirk.” Kamakiri sneered at Shinso. “This will be over soon.”

“We’ll see.” Shinso replied.

“Begin!” Midnight called. 

Kamakiri did as Shinso expected; he charged. Unlike before, the boy was completely silent. Shinso guessed that Kamakiri wanted to take no chances of getting caught by Shinso’s quirk. That over caution, and the root fear, was exactly what Shinso was betting on. He prepared himself, taking his fighting stance. As Kamakiri closed, Shinso said,

“How are you?” 

Kamakiri ignored it, and took a swipe at Shinso. The boy dodged.

“Fine weather today, isn’t it?”

Kamakiri took another few swipes, but Shinso dodged those as well. Kamakiri’s face had softened slightly. 

“Reading any good books right now?” Shinso asked, dodging under another swipe. Kamakiri was really keeping up the pace.

“How about good shows?” Another couple strike dodged, if barely. Something was changing about the boy.

“What’s your favorite food?” Dodged another. But Kamakiri did not attack again. He stood on his guard, waiting. Shinso inwardly smiled as he realized the boy thought Shinso might only focus on dodging to tire him out before striking. That was a mistake.

“Where’s your hometown?” Shinso asked as he advanced. He feinted a low kick, which caused Kamakiri to pull up his leg.

“Is it much different from here?” Shinso said as he stepped in and threw a punch. He hissed as Kamakiri blocked it, blades biting into his arm.

“How many siblings do you have?” Shinso asked as he threw a feint punch. Kamakiri had moved now, incited by the blood. The question still had an effect on the boy.

“Are you a morning or evening person?” Shinso asked as he followed his feint with a front kick to Kamakiri’s chest. The boy exhaled in pain, but his blades raked Shinso even as he fell back. The extra 10 centimeters gave him reach. 

“SHINSO WENT ON THE OFFENSIVE. HE LANDS A BIG BLOW, BUT IS BLEEDING. WHAT THE HECK IS WITH ALL THE QUESTIONS, THOUGH?” Mic asked.

“DISTRACTIONS.” Eraserhead explained. 

“WHAT?”

“KAMAKIRI IS SO FOCUSED ON NOT SPEAKING,” Joke explained, “THAT HE HAS TO PAY ATTENTION TO EVERY SOUND SHINSO MAKES TO DECIDE IF ITS A QUESTION OR NOT. THE BRAIN HAS A HARD TIME SWITCHING BETWEEN ACTIONS THAT REQUIRE PHYSICAL COORDINATION AND MENTAL DECISION MAKING.”

“SO IT’S MAKING HIM FIGHT WORSE?”

“YES.” Eraserhead confirmed. “AND ALSO GIVING SHINSO A CHANCE TO CATCH HIM IF HE SLIPS UP.”

“WOW! WHAT A SMART PLAN!”

“Have you seen any good movies lately?” Shinso pressed his advantage. If Kamakiri got away, he would have to go back to dodging again. His low kick resounded loudly as it made hard contact, but Kamakiri’s blades bit deep.

“What’s your favorite color?” Shinso dodged a hook from Kamakiri. Shinso did not know how much longer he could keep this up. He was tiring fast. Kamakiri’s face was stormy.

“Do you have any pets?” Another swipe, but this time Kamakiri overcommitted in his attack and it flew past, sending him off balance. 

“What do you like to do in your free time?” Shinso said as he drove a huge hook into Kamakiri’s ribs. There were no blades to bite into his hands. The boy sagged slightly.

“Who’s your favorite teacher?” Shinso asked as his capture scarf flew from his hands and hogtied the boy. Shinso yanked it, and Kamakiri fell backwards. 

“Yield?” asked Shinso as he stood over the boy. He knew he only had time to ask it quickly. 

Kamakiri growled and Shinso saw the blades begin to pierce the scarf. Sending the remainder of it to reinforce the bind, Shinso did the only thing he could do in the situation. He began to pummel Kamakiri’s unprotected head with blows as hard and as fast as he could. Shinso gave no thought to defense. Either this worked or it was over. 

“Yield?” Shinso asked repeatedly as he beat the near defenseless boy. Kamakiri growled at him as the capture scarf broke.

“Fuck you!” Kamakiri spat. He roared up and then stopped in his tracks. Shinso stepped back.

“Don’t move.” Shinso ordered. Grabbing the tattered remnants of the capture scarf, he spun and threw the boy from the ring. The control broke as Kamakiri hit the ground. He flew up in rage.

“You bastard!” Kamakiri yelled, and hopped back into the ring. 

Shinso set himself. However, Midnight was there, and the haze around her dropped the boy to the ground. She looked at Shinso and raised her crop.

“Shinso is the winner!” she decried. There were cheers, but some mumbling along with it. Shinso sighed. Still seen as a villain.

“WOW. WHAT BRUTALITY.” Mic commented.

“IT WAS A PERFECTLY LOGICAL MOVE IN THE SITUATION.” Eraserhead replied.

“I AGREE.” Joke said. “SHINSO ASKED FOR HIS YIELD, AND HE DID NOT. GROUND AND POUND HAS BEEN AN ACCEPTED TACTIC FOR A LONG TIME.”

“ISN’T IT A BIT...UNHEROIC?” asked Mic. The look on his face told the other two in the announcer’s box he did not think so. It was for the show.

“SHINSO ASKED FOR HIS YIELD.” Joke answered. “HIS OPPONENT DID NOT. WHILE THE SPIRIT IS ADMIRABLE FOR A HERO TO NEVER QUIT, THEY NEED TO BE AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS. THIS WASN’T A FIELD EXERCISE, BUT A TOURNAMENT. GOING THAT FAR WAS NOT NEEDED AND POOR JUDGEMENT. KAMAKIRI LET THE FIGHT GO TO HIS HEAD.”

“ALSO, SOMETIMES VILLAINS DON’T GIVE UP WHEN IT IS REASONABLE.” Eraserhead added. “AND THEY HAVE TO BE SUBDUED. ADDITIONALLY, SHINSO DIDN’T STOP HIS PREVIOUS TACTIC THAT HAD BEEN WORKING. THE STRIKES WERE THERE TO DO DAMAGE, BUT ALSO TO DISORIENT KAMAKIRI AND GET HIM TO ANSWER HIS CONSTANT QUESTION OF YIELDING. THE SECOND KAMAKIRI’S FOCUS SLIPPED, SHINSO CAPTURED HIS MIND AND TOOK THE LEAST FORCEFUL ROUTE TO WIN.”

“WOW.” Mic replied and shot them a wink. “THE KID IS GOOD. VILLAINS BEWARE ONCE HE HITS THE STREETS. NOW WE’LL TAKE  BREAK FOR THE SEMI FINAL MATCHES.”

Mic turned the mics off.

“Where’d he come up with that idea?” he asked them. “It’s completely different from you, Shota.”

“That’s Joke’s influence.” Eraserhead replied. 

“Really?” 

“Yeah.” Joke smiled. “Sometimes my jokes don’t hit, so I just rapid fire them as quickly as I can. It messes with their head, like it did Kamakiri’s. Also, it lets you slip a rude one unnoticed, and most criminals love a rude joke so I can catch them that way.”

“That’s some nice work.”

“Thank you!”

Mic stood up to leave.

“I’m going to stretch my legs.” he told them. Near the door, he turned back and shot them a smile. “It’s so great you two have learned to work so closely together.”

“Hizashi!”

“See, Eraser…”

Shinso’s trip to Recovery Girl to heal his wounds took most of the time between the matches. Instead of observing the semi-final match, he made his way to the prep room. Sitting there, he thought over his next opponent. Jurota Shishida. He had faced off with him during the Joint Training so he knew exactly what he was facing. However, that worked both ways. This match would be tough. 

As they watched Shinso enter the ring, mask on and ragged capture scarf around his shoulders, Joke looked at Eraserhead.

“What are his chances?” she asked.

“Not good.” Eraser shook his head. “They both know exactly what each other can do. Shishida is strong, fast, and smart. There’s no terrain either, so Shinso can’t rely on that.”

“Yeah. I agree.” Joke sighed. “I don’t know how he’ll get through this.”

“That’s his test.” Eraserhead nodded. “Let’s see what he does.”

“Begin!” called Midnight. 

Shinso struck first. His capture scarf flew forward, him racing behind it. Shishida grabbed it and yanked, knowing its capabilities. Shinso slid to the left as he was pulled, then leapt. Shishida tracked him in the air.

Kick coming from the left. Shishida thought. He pivoted, only to take a hook from the left. Shishida stumbled, wondering where that came from. Shinso was close now, ducking under one of Shishida’s half-hearted blows

Uppercut. Shishida thought at the motion, but took a hard kick to the side of his knee instead. The beast boy crumpled. A flurry of blows hit his body. They hurt, but his mind was running something over else as he half heartedly blocked and absorbed them. His hands were suddenly bound together, and he was flipped over. He twisted to slam his own body into the ring to prevent from being thrown out of bounds.

“WHOA! SHISHIDA LOOKS OVERWHELMED AND DISORIENTED. WHAT IS GOING ON?” Mic asked. 

Eraserhead, who knew exactly what was going on, kept his mouth shut.

Shinso jumped over to take advantage of Shishida having to recover. His capture scarf had ripped, but he was using some of the ends as he would smaller capture tape. The two loops trailed his hands. Shishida rolled over and prepared to fight back.

“ From the left.” Shinso said in Shishida’s voice. The boy blocked that way, and Shinso snagged a loop around his arm, and tied it to his leg. The hobbled boy fell onto his back. 

“ From the bottom. ” Shinso said and leapt over. A large hand snagged him.

“A neat trick.” Shishida said. “It took me a bit to figure out what was going on. But you’re using my voice to disorient my inner monologue. Impressive.”

Shinso wrapped his legs around the arm, trying to pry himself free. Shishida slammed him to the ring. The boy slipped the ties of the capture scarf on the other arm and leg, and stood over him.

“Do you yield?” Shishida asked.

“If I say no?” asked Shinso. Shishida smiled back, and mimed slamming him into the ring. Shinso sighed.

“I yield.”

“Shinso yields!” Midnight declared. “Shishida is the winner!”

“SHISHIDA WINS! HE WILL CONTINUE ON TO FACE KENDO IN THE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH!”

Shishida returned to his human form, and extended a hand to help Shinso up.

“Impressive use of your quirk.” Shishida said. “I daresay if you had your full scarf I would have been in much more trouble.”

“Thank you.” Shinso replied. “It’s something I’ve come up with to counter people always knowing my quirk.”

“It’s a very good strategy.” Shishida said as the two walked off together. “Have you seen if it works if you catch them subvocalizing? I’ve noticed a lot of people talk to themselves during fights.”

“You’re the first person I used it on.”

“I see. Let’s discuss more after the tournament. Perhaps we could figure out ways to use it more effectively.”

“Sure.

At the end of the day, it was the orange haired Class Rep of Class B that stood atop the winner platform. Looking at the highlights from the Sports Festival, and her body covered in bandages from the vicious fights she had on the way, no one could contest that Itsuka Kendo deserved it. Shinso stood with Setsuna Tokage on the third place platform to receive his medal. Considering the quirks of those around him, he felt pride at what he accomplished. He also felt the burn to keep improving.

Chapter Text

After a couple weeks of watching the students spar in hand to hand, Emi figured it out. The class imitated the closest thing they saw to a hand to hand combat teacher, which was Aizawa. His primary fighting style was from Kasi-ryu, a mixture of striking and binding. It focused on using speed, agility, and range control to quickly strike and disable their opponents. Which was great for the tall, lean athletic Aizawa. But it was not for those who did not have those qualities; which was most of the class. As such, she paused their training one day.

“Alright, gather round!” she called with a smile. Emi made sure to keep it on as the class slowly converged on her. “So, I’ve been noticing things even more as you fight. But first things first: raise your hand if you’re 183 centimeters tall with a ninja fetish?”

The class just stared at her. No one raised their hand.

“No one?” she prodded. “No one at all?”

The class slowly turned to look at Shinso and, past him standing next to All Might, Aizawa. Both glowered at her indifferently.  Finally, Aizawa sighed.

“Get on with it, Joke.”

“Okay! Since none of you are Eraser - besides possibly Shinso - you shouldn’t try to fight like him.” she paused, letting that sink in for a moment. “Eraser is an underground hero that focuses on capturing villains and criminals through surprise and speed. Anyone here - besides the obvious - a capture hero focusing on surprise and speed?”

The class shifted uncertainly. However, two hands went up. Emi nodded to the first one.

“Asui?”

“I’ve been thinking that could be a combat strength for me, ribbit.” she said. “With my camouflage to get close, and using my tongue like Mr. Aizawa uses his scarf and adding in my paralyzing mucus, I could capture or slow down opponents pretty well.”

“Good. Anything else, Asui?”

“Uh...I’m not sure.”

“How about the class?” Emi prodded them. “Thoughts?”

Two hands went up, and she called on the taller of the two boys.

“Iida.”

“Tsu has good speed and mobility, much like Mr. Aizawa. That would allow her to strike quickly like he does.”

“Correct. Which we saw in her final exam last year.” Emi nodded. She called on the other one.

“Tsu is shorter than Mr. Aizawa,” Midoriya chimed in, “so using the punches and elbows like him won’t be as effective.

“Also correct.” Emi replied before turning to Asui. “So while I don’t know if you’ve chosen a hero specialization yet, think on focusing your combat style like that. You might go a different way, but it seems the most similar to me. However, thinking on the hand to hand style, you’re not 183 centimeters, so emulating a shorter Hero like Mirko who focuses on her legs still would be appropriate. ”

She turned to the boy who had raised his hand initially.

“Sero?”

“My tape basically acts as a capture weapon.” he replied. “I’ve already been trying to use it the same way as Mr. Aizawa either by letting me swing through the air, or wrap up people and throw them.”

“And why haven’t you used it to bring opponents closer and subdue them?” she asked. “You cannot hope your tape will incapacitate all criminals permanently.”

Sero scratched his chin, embarrassed.

“I just didn’t think of it.”

“Well, now is a good time to start.”

Sero nodded. 

“Okay, Sero, Asui, and Shinso will work with Eraser.” Emi said, looking down at her clipboard. “Ojiro, Bakugo, Midoriya, Kirishima, and Todoroki will be a group. Focus on free sparring and critique.”

“Aren’t we a little outside of Todoroki’s skill level?” asked Kirishima. “No offense, Todoroki.”

“None taken. You are correct.”

“I have faith in him.” Emi responded. “You should focus on not having Ojiro wipe the floor with you.”

“Yes, Ms. Fukukado.”

“Yaoyorozu, Uraraka, Ashido and Jiro will also work in a group. Alternate between free sparring and honing skills and techniques. Focus on broadening your fundamentals.”

“Yes, ma’am!” the four responded. 

“Sato and Shoji, you’ll be working with All Might.”

“Alright!” Sato cheered. Emi smiled.

“All Might will be giving you tips on how to be a big puncher.” she smiled over at the man. “He has a little experience in it.”

She got one of his trademark smiles back. Even after his loss of form, it was still a smile from All Might . A flutter of excitement shot through her. 

“The rest of you will be working with me.” she nodded at them. “We’ll be focusing on fundamentals.”

At a water break, Aizawa walked over to where Emi was talking to All Might. The way he approached let both of them know it was not a social visit.

“Do you have a problem with the way I fight, Joke?” he started. Both blinked at the forwardness.

“No,” she replied slowly, “I just don’t think it’s an effective style for most of your students.”

“It’s worked for me for years, and in a lot of tough spots.”

“It’s worked for you, but as I pointed out, most of them aren’t you, Eraser.”

“And so you believe your’s will be better all around?”

“I’m not teaching them a style, Eraser.” she shot back. “I’m teaching most of them fundamentals. Watching Class B last week shows them far ahead of Class A in that regard.”

“We’ve had a hectic first year.” was the response.

“And so you let it slip?” Emi retorted. “You need not only to emphasize these things, no matter the schedule, but also adapt them to your students’ bodies. Hagakure cannot fight like Sato.”

“You don’t think I know that?” hissed Aizawa. “I’ve been doing nothing but try to improve my kids.”

“Now,” All Might cut in, “I think we need to cool off a bit.”

“You haven’t, Eraser.” Emi snapped back, ignoring All Might. Something about this had gotten her angry. “You’re too busy being a Pro every night instead of improving your skills.”

“My work keeps my skills sharp.”

“It does not help you improve your teaching or broaden your combat skills.”

Aizawa glared at Emi, and she glared right back. All Might stood awkwardly by, only partially wishing to face down All for One more than be here.

“Fine.” Aizawa said. “Let’s test that theory.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah.” Aizawa cleared his throat. “Class 2-A, when your water break is over we will have you observe a quirkless fight between Pros. It will be your job to analyze the fight and give feedback afterward. You will also have a five page paper due on it next week.”

“Aw yeah!” Kirishima cheered. “Pro fight!”

“Unless you’re not up to it, Ms. Fukukado ?” Aizawa smirked at her. Emi smirked right back.

“Oh, I am, Mr. Aizawa .”

“Yeah, go Ms. Fukukado!” Ashido cheered. 

===UA Teacher Chat===

All Might: Joke vs Eraser quirkless in Gym Alpha. 10 minutes.

Midnight : OMW!!!!!

Ectoplasm : Class has been given independent study. Eta 8 minutes.

Vlad : Crap! Class B is doing physical training. Guess we're running there!

Power Loader : I have to watch Hatsume, so I have to pass.

Nezu : Cameras on. Let’s go UA!

Cementoss : We placing bets? 1k yen on Aizawa

Midnight : 1500 on Joke!

Vlad : 2000 on Joke. Kick his ass!

Ectoplasm : 1500 on Eraser. He’s got those ninja skills.

Present Mic : Here! And 30k on my main man, AIZAWAAAAAA!

======

Aizawa saw the crowd slowly trickle in and then double when Class 2-B came jogging up with Vlad. He glared at All Might.

“Really?”

“What? Thought they should know.” he replied with a smile. He typed into his phone.

===UA Teacher Chat===

All Might: 40k on Joke.

======

Mic pulled out a microphone from his jacket and plugged it into his speaker.

“Hey, Gym Alpha, are you READY TO RUUUUUUUMMMMMMMBBBBBBBLEEEE!”

Cheers answered him. He gestured to one side. 

“In this corner, you know her as the Clown Princess of Protection; the Jester of Justice; the Harlequin of Happiness; Miss JOOOOOOOOOOOOOOKE!”

Emi gave them a wave as the students (and one teacher) cheered for her. The rest clapped politely. The girls, led by Midnight, started a chant of “Joke! Joke! Joke! Joke!”

“And in the other corner,” Mic dropped, “He is the shadow that walks the night; the lone wolf of Musutafu; the man who’s mere mention sends critters scurrying for their holes; Eraserhead!”

There was cheering, mostly from the boys of Class A. Kirishima, Kaminari, and Sero had taken off their gym tops and were waving them like flags. Aizawa sighed. Leave it to Mic and Might to turn it into a spectacle.

“All right! Joke are you ready?” Mic asked, raising a hand to her.

“Ready!” smiled and cracked her knuckles.

“Eraserhead, are you ready?”

“Let’s get on with it.” 

“Alright, I want a good, clean quirkless fight.” he paused. He chopped his arm through the air. “LET’S GET IT ON!”

Emi held her ground for a moment. She knew Aizawa liked to hold still before quickly closing.

“Hey Eraser, what is an office ninja's greatest weapon?” she asked. “The element of supplies!”

“Your jokes aren't-” he said and she closed quickly. He dodged her punch and follow up kick by leaping away. “-funny. You won’t distract me from the fight.”

“ERASER EASILY DODGES THE ATTACK. JOKE WILL HAVE TO DO BETTER.”

“Well, considering you’re doing more running than fighting…” she taunted. Aizawa’s eyes narrowed. “Come on, Eraser. Scared of getting beat by a girl?”

“OOF. LAST TIME I SAW A BURN THAT BAD MIDORIYA WENT TO RECOVERY GIRL AND CEMENTOSS HAD TO REPAIR THE ARENA.”

Aizawa came at her then, closing the distance quickly. He was fast but Emi knew he would not fight her straight on. He would- Aizawa jumped over her. She pivoted, avoiding the punch as he landed and blocking the follow up kick. She tried to sweep his legs from under him but he flipped away. Emi watched him land as she shook out her arms. 

“ERASER THREW SOME HEAVY HITS BUT JOKE DEALT WITH THEM EASY.”

Emi thought through her options. She could wait and try to catch him, but he could easily catch her in that time as well. Considering that was his game, she would be at a disadvantage. Aizawa’s style was good, but it used a lot of energy. He was in great shape, but he could only last so long. That left Emi only one option. Push the pace.

“I’m going to say something you’ve not heard from me yet.” she grinned at him.

“And what’s that? Something funny?”

“I’m coming!”

Aizawa blinked. That was not what he expected. He opened his mouth to chastise her but had to block a front kick instead. After another two punches, one he slipped and another he took to the shoulder, he leapt back.

Focus, Shota. He thought, seeing that wide grin on her face as she came at him. She’s used to using her mouth in a fight and likes to talk. Block it out and power through. 

“JOKE USES A SEXUAL INNUENDO TO GET ERASER OFF BALANCE. I GUESS THE CLEAN PART OF THIS FIGHT IS DONE, HUH?”

“You got cat-like reflexes. I think you’d look puuuurffffffect in cat ears!”

“OUCH. GUESS THEY ALL CAN'T BE WINNERS.”

Aizawa groaned despite himself. He threw another punch and a kick. Emi blocked the kick and grabbed his pant leg. Stepping in, she threw short kick to try and sweep the leg from under him again. This time he jumped and spun in mid air, tearing his leg free while dodging the kick. He went to move away but she snagged his capture scarf. 

The effect was instantaneous. He grabbed the scarf at one point and it snaked forward, wrapping Emi’s arms to her body. 

“ERASER GOES WITH THE SCARF. IS THAT ALLOWED?”

“If you wanted to tie me up,” Emi smiled and lunged forward, “all you had to do was ask!”

Emi hit him with a double punch to the chest, knocking the air out of him. She grabbed him under his collar and on his arm and pivoted. Aizawa felt his feet leave the ground, aided by Emi’s leg. Aizawa knew it was a good throw, and even better because he could not put distance between them like this. He grabbed Emi’s hands.

“UCHI-MATA!”

The capture scarf flared out as Aizawa threw himself into the throw. He hit the ground hard, but kicked over in that direction. Emi could not stop the extra momentum. She kicked herself over, determined to roll and get to her feet. Aizawa was a Pro, though, and taller. As she hit the ground on the other side he was already coming over the top of her. She hooked a leg around one of his while trying to snag an arm. The other leg went around his hip in half guard. Unfortunately, Aizawa pinned both her arms down.

“Submit.” he growled. Emi did not respond, throwing her hips up to try and dislodge him. Aizawa ground his own hips down into hers, pinning her there. She let out a growl herself, trying to buck him but his own hips firmly stuck to hers. “Submit.”

Emi glared hard into those eyes that bore into her own. She contemplated biting him. However, she knew she was stuck. She just did not want to admit defeat.

“Oh snap, get it girl!” came Midnight’s voice.

Green eyes blinked at black ones. The heat of the fight cooled slightly from their heads, and the friction of their position became apparent. Emi flushed.

“I tap!” she squeaked.

“Yep!” Aizawa said and jumped up. Except Emi had not unhooked her leg, so he ended up stumbling and falling back down. Right on top of her and between her legs.

“Oof. You’re heavy.” she said. 

“It’s your fault I fell.”

“Well, at least I know one way to get you to fall for me.” she replied with her standard smirk. Aizawa blinked, and Emi remembered their position. Her neck and ears colored. He hopped up and offered a hand to her. She took it. Both straighten themselves out while looking away from the assembled group.

“Anyway,” Aizawa coughed and turned towards the crowd. “For all the students, my class and others, what did you learn from that fight?”

Hands went up, but Aizawa’s eyes were drawn to Ashido’s. She began tapping something out on her phone. Aizawa watched her finish it and sent his scarf out. The girl squeaked as the phone was wrapped up and brought back to Aizawa. He swore she got pinker.

“Something you wish to share with the class, Ashido?”

“No!” she squealed. “Please don’t read that!”

“You know you’re not supposed to have your phone on you in class.” he replied.

Aizawa looked at the message. He raised an eyebrow before handing it to Emi. If he had to see it, she did too. She looked at the message, and started giggling. Eventually, she tossed it back to Ashido who turned even pinker. 

“Besides Ashido’s….observations, what did we learn?” Aizawa asked again.

“Analysis of an opponent’s fighting style.” Itsuka Kendo from Class 2-B said. “Ms.  Fukukado noted that Mr. Aizawa’s style was one that relied heavily on evasion and mobility. While highly effective, it is tiring. By crowding Mr. Aizawa, she forced him to either expend energy at a rate he was not comfortable with, or to fight differently.”

“Correct.” Aizawa said.

“Psychological tactics in a fight.” Monoma pointed out. “Ms.  Fukukado used her voice, which she normally does with her quirk, to try and unbalance Mr. Aizawa. He may have gotten overconfident as it was a quirkless fight and so thought her voice would not be used as a weapon. Which is important as Mr. Aizawa’s quirk erases the ability to use other quirks.”

“Another good point from Class B.” Aizawa looked at his own class. “Well? Going to get shown up?”

“Having a holistic training style and not relying on certain strengths.” Ojiro put in. “You’re not known as grappler, and so Ms. Fukukado’s goal to get in close and force you into a position where your height, size, and mobility have less advantage was tactically sound. Had you not trained to fight grapplers you would not have instinctively jumped into the throw and been able to reverse Ms. Fukukado.”

“Also true.”

“Have multiple fighting styles to throw someone off their game.” Yaoyorozu added. “Ms. Fukukado started the fight with a very long form of striking, but every time she closed she switched into something different. By showing a fake preference for fighting at range, and then switching to a close style of fighting, she could lure opponents into thinking getting close was a good option rather than a poor one.”

“Don’t put artificial rules in a fight.” Bakugo interjected. “It was a quirkless fight; not hand to hand. We all assumed it was as we’ve been training hand to hand today. But her grabbing the scarf and forcing Mr. Aizawa to use it was unexpected; which she used to gain an advantage. Same with the smack talking. It sounds unheroic, but there were times Mr. Aizawa’s reaction time was noticeably slower.”

Aizawa’s eye twitched. Leave it to Bakugo to notice that. He coughed.

“Anything else?” he asked. Midnight raised a hand. “On the combat?”

Midnight put her hand down.

“Okay. We’re done for the day. Remember, Class A has a five page paper due next week reviewing both our fighting styles, breaking down the fight, and more analysis with alternate strategies.”

“I like that.” Vlad said. “Class B, same thing.”

Class B ground at getting more homework from what they thought was a fun activity. 

“Then class dismissed.” Aizawa said.

Emi walked over to get her bag. She definitely was not looking at Aizawa, and was definitely looking forward to a shower. Preferably cold. That fight, though short, was taxing on her. She passed close to Ashido, and the girl flushed darker again. Catching Midnight’s eye, she said to the pink girl,

“If you do have any questions, Ashido,” Emi said softly, “I’m sure Ms. Kayama will be happy to listen to them and provide guidance.”

Emi did not think the girl could get darker, but she did. She softly chuckled to herself, and heard a soft, deep one from behind her. She turned to see a smile on Aizawa’s face. Emi smiled back. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Midnight intercepted her as she was leaving.

“What was that comment about?” she asked as she walked next to Emi. The woman chuckled again.

“When Eraser asked what the class had learned, apparently Ashido had to text her friend group to tell them she was not as straight as she thought she was.”

“Oh my!” Midnight said, hand covering her smile.

“Oh, it gets better. And apparently has a thing for older men.”

“Oh my, my, my!” Midnight giggled. “Poor Shota.”

“Oh no, he handled it perfectly. Embarrassing her will kill any crush she might have on him, and reinforce his authority.” she sighed. “It will hurt how comfortable she is with him, but perhaps that’s not a bad thing if she is fantasizing about her teacher.”

“The young are just so...energetic.”

“It’s called jail time, Nemuri.”

“I’d never do anything.” she huffed, then sighed. “I just like to soak up their energy.”

“This may be too forward, Nemuri,” Emi said, “but you might want to see a counselor about some of this. I’m sensing some underlying issues.”

“I’m a woman who went into a highly dangerous field with little more than knockout gas that I have to get close to use, and model myself after a dominatrix up to and including the outfit.” Midnight said, gesturing to herself. “There’s definitely underlying issues. And I am. Nezu requires all full time staff to see a counselor monthly and a psychiatrist at least quarterly.”

“I’m both elated and disturbed by that knowledge.”

“Honey, you dress like a clown to combat criminals and villains by making them laugh until you punch them hard enough for them to stop fighting.” Midnight gave her a small smile. “You might want to just be elated and use the service.”

“You make a good point.”

“Speaking of therapy, what are you doing Friday? Mic said he’s taking everyone out with his winnings.”

“Like a bar?”

“Yep! There’s this nice one not too far away. We went out with All Might one time.”

“You know what, sounds like a plan.”

Chapter Text

“How’d you find this place, Nemuri?” whispered Emi as they entered the bar. 

It was typical of its sorts: dark wood, round tables, apathetic bartender. It was strange for a Friday night not to have more people. Looking past the bar, she saw a little dance floor and speakers that were softly playing background music.

“Oh, it’s a traditional bar for UA teachers.” Nemuri answered. “And you look good.”

“Thanks.” Emi replied. She was wearing a white blouse and blue suspenders with high waisted, blue and white striped trousers. “You look good too. Not what I was expecting.”

“I am a woman of broad tastes.” Nemuri replied with a smile. Her dark purple sweater had a low v-neckline, but otherwise the jeans and pulled back hairstyle was not what the other Pro expected. Nor were the purple cat’s eye glasses.

“Cute glasses, too. I didn’t know you needed them.” Emi continued. 

“Oh, they’re for show.” she stuck out her tongue. “Gives me the sexy teacher vibe.”

Emi laughed and so did Nemuri.

“Hizashi, though, is blind as a bat.”

“Hey now,” protested the blonde, “I pull the look off.”

“It does go.” Emi nodded. The man had pulled back his hair and threw on a leather jacket over his t-shirt and jeans. He looked the epitome of a ‘cool dude’.

“Thank you.” Hizashi smiled. “At least someone is nice to me, between Shota and Nemuri.”

“I’m here; you think that would be nice enough.” was the dry reply. Indeed, Shota was there in a dark sweater and pants with his hair pulled up too. Emi wondered if she should have done that to her hair as well. She might later tonight.

“It is a rarity.” Nemuri smiled at him, then looked past. “Almost as much as our other member.”

“I thought I should come out to the welcoming party at least.” smiled All Might. 

The group of five grabbed a table. Nemuri and Hizashi went to get them drinks. Emi looked to her right to see Shota, and to her left to see All Might. Neither were great conversationalists. Shota abhorred small talk, and All Might still made her nervous. Emi debated which teacher to talk to, and settled on All Might.

“So, All Might-”

“Please, call me Toshinori.” he smiled at her. She smiled back nervously.

“Yeah...that probably won’t happen for a while. You’re...well….All Might.”

He laughed and gave her a knowing look.

“I understand. Most people still haven’t been able to.”

“That’s to be expected.” Shota added. “You were the number one hero for basically the entire time our generation was alive. Joke was barely born when you became number one.”

“Stop, you’re making me feel old.” All Might smiled and put a hand on his neck. “It didn’t feel that long ago.”

“I mean, it’s amazing you manage to be the number one hero for so long!” Emi added, perhaps a bit too enthusiastically. She chided herself Calm down, girl. 

“Sure pissed Endeavor off something fierce.” Shota smirked. “So that was a plus.”

“Now, Aizawa, Endeavor has been making great strides in becoming a better hero.” All Might replied.

“Hmm.” was Shota’s disinterested grunt of a response. 

“Drinks!” yelled Hizashi as he came over. Nemuri had one for herself as well. Emi reached out and grabbed one. Taking a sip, she said,

“When were the rest supposed to be here?” 

“They’re coming with Cementoss and Vlad.” Hizashi answered. “Shouldn’t be too long.”

“Hey, we’re here!” came the voice of Sekijiro Kan, otherwise known as Vlad King. The big man walked into the bar followed by Cementoss (Ken Ishiyama), Ectoplasm, Snipe, and Thirteen. “I’m gonna go grab me a beer!”

Shota rolled his eyes. Sekijiro was always like that. Ken came over and, after testing the strength of the bench, sat down. He was in a big floral shirt and cargo pants. Thirteen sat next to them. They were in a slim futuristic space helmet with a tinted visor, a casual suit, and big gloves to safeguard their quirk. Ectoplasm, being the second oldest there, dressed like it. He was in khakis, a dress shirt and sweater vest with glasses. Snipe sat across from Shota. He was dressed as a typical cowboy: big hat, a domino mask that covered much of his face, a blue collared shirt, red bandana, and jeans. 

“It’s been awhile since we’ve done this.” Snipe commented. It was strange to hear him with the tinny effect of his mask. 

“Yes, not since All Might got here did we go out in a group this large.” Thirteen agreed. 

“Oh boy, and then Shota got drunk and was talking to the Daruma figure he thought was All Might.” Hizashi laughed.

“That didn’t happen.” Shota growled.

“Just because you don’t remember it doesn’t mean it didn’t happen.” Nemuri replied.

“Sounds like you had a blast.” Emi giggled.

“It would have been better with dancing.” Nemuri said wistfully. “This would be better with dancing.”

“Yeah, this music is lame-o. Let me see if the bartender will let me take over.” Hizashi agreed as he got up. All Might watched the man go. Sekijiro glanced as he passed him on his way back, placing several bottles on the table.

“There. Got the first round.” Sekijiro smiled. “Where’s Mic going?”

“Trying to talk the bartender into getting some dance music going.” Emi answered. 

“Nice. So how’s teaching with Eraser, Joke?” asked Sekijiro. “And that troublemaker of a class.”

“Hey!” protested a certain Class A teacher.

“It’s fine. They’re high spirited, but that’s not bad.” Emi smiled. “They’re not used to me yet, so they aren’t causing me that much trouble.”

As the one end of the table started talking about their students, Nemuri leaned over to All Might.

“Have a drink with us tonight?” she asked.

“I am.” he smiled, holding up his water.

“A real drink.” she replied.

“Uh, my injuries make me a real light weight.” he muttered, slightly embarrassed.

“So, I don’t mind a cheap date.” she winked. “Let me buy you one.”

“Sure, why not?” he answered shyly. The pair got up, and walked to the bar where Hizashi was still talking to the bartender. 

“Just let me liven it up a bit.” Hizashi was imploring.

“I don’t want someone I don’t know touching my equipment.”

“Look, man, you can trust me. I’m a Pro DJ.” Hizashi countered, pulling out a card and showing it to him. The bartender glanced at it and back to him.

“That’s your Hero License.”

“Uh, yeah? Oops. But see, Pro Hero: Present Mic. I host Put Your Hands Up Radio!”

“And?”

“No luck, Mic?” All Might asked. Hizashi looked at him.

“None, Almighty. What are you coming for?”

“Midnight said she’d buy me a drink.”

“Make sure it’s your choice.” warned Hizashi. He shuddered. “The stuff she drinks, my man.”

“You’re...All Might!” the bartender whispered in awe. All Might turned his smile on him.

“I am. How are you?” 

“Great! I’m a huge fan, sir!”

“Thank you. I’m always thankful for those who supported me.”

“Your drinks are free, sir!”

“Thank you. I’ll be having just one. Yaku sake, if you please.”

“Right away!” the bartender went to the end of the bar.

“Hey man,” Hizashi leaned over and whispered, “anyway you could help a fellow teacher out?”

“I’d much appreciate it.” purred Nemuri, snuggling closer to him. All Might blushed a little. 

“I’ll ask.”

“Here you go! Take the bottle.” the bartender said.

“Thank you very much. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, could my friend here use the DJ equipment? We’re trying to get some fun in before the semester starts in full swing.”

“Sure!”

“Thank you very much.” All Might paused. “Would you like to take a picture with me? First selfie of the night.”

“I’d be honored!”

Both Nemuri and Hizashi rolled their eyes at how old All Might sounded. The bartender did not mind. Nemuri headed to the table while Hizashi headed for the equipment.

“No Hound Dog tonight?” asked Emi to Sekijiro. He shook his head.

“No. Ryo has a date.” he answered. 

“What?” Nemuri asked as she walked up. She sat next to Sekijiro. “With who?”

“Tatenashi Sarashiki.” he answered. 

“No way!” Nemuri exclaimed. “The Cat Lady that teaches Third Year General Studies? They fight like...well, cats and dogs.”

“Ugh.” Sekijiro groaned at the joke. Emi smiled at it. “Yeah, I guess there was some tension underlying there. They got into an argument about something, and suddenly he asked her out on a date. She accepted.”

“To be a fly on the wall of that room tonight.” Nemuri grinned.

“You’d be bored. Ryo is a very respectful man.” 

“Yeah, but she’s like a foot shorter than him.”

“You’ve thought about this, haven’t you?”

“Maybe.” Nemuri sipped her drink. A moment later, some indistinguishable song with a distinct bassline drifted through the bar. “Oh! Hizashi seems to have got the DJ booth up and running.”

“Right you are, my connoisseur of beats.” Hizashi smiled as he came over. “You asked for music, and I got it. Had to connect to my own cloud player, but boom!”

“I love this song!” Nemuri cheered, standing. Hizashi shot her finger guns.

“That’s why it's on the Nemuri Playlist.” 

“She has a playlist?” Emi asked.

“Everyone has a playlist!” he answered with a grin. 

“He’s an audiophile.” Shota remarked, taking another drink of his beer. “He makes playlists for everyone he knows.”

“Everyone?” Emi prodded.

“Not everyone .” Hizashi commented. “Just friends. Colleagues. People of note.”

“All Might?” Emi’s eyes twinkled.

“Lots of tracks to his videogames,” Nemuri answered, “and Power Hymns.”

“It’s disgusting how appropriate it is.” Shota added.

“Aizawa?” Emi asked.

“Broody music.” Hizashi explained, “but with a bit of jazz.”

“Jazz?” she looked at Shota. “Really?”

He shrugged. 

“It’s calming. Plus, for some reason the beats help me visualize fighting.”

“Strange.” Emi shook her head. Grinning, she looked at Hizashi again. “And what about me?”

“Carnival tunes.” Shota snarked.

“Hey!” 

The table laughed at it. Hizashi wiped his eyes.

“Good one, Sho man. But really,” he looked at Emi, “you’re my newest list. You seem like a Pop girl to me. Light, bouncy, happy, but can get down if need be.”

“Not bad.” Emi nodded. “But you’ll find I’m full of surprises.”

“Oh?” Hizashi smiled. It was different than his usual. There was something more...genuine. “So let me know. What a person listens to speak so much about them.”

“Uh…” Emi fidgeted. Nemuri noticed and put a hand on her arm.

“Hizashi, relax.” Nemuri smiled at her friend. “Emi here doesn’t need to bare her musical tastes to you.”

“Sorry, sorry.” Hizashi apologized sheepishly. He flapped his hands. “I forget sometimes people aren’t used to me.”

“You really like music, huh?” Emi asked, on more comfortable ground now.

“Yeah.” he smiled. “Every bit of music is auditory poetry; even the really bad ones. There is something about it that changes the world around it. And it’s beautiful.”

Hizashi sighed wistfully.

“What a person enjoys listening to tells you a small part of the poetry of their mind, and lets you see different shades and sides of their beauty. And since everyone is unique, their music taste is unique.”

“Wow.” Emi smiled. “I never thought of it like that.” 

“Yep.” Hizashi nodded sagely. “So what surprises-”

“Dance time!” Nemuri declared as she finished her glass off. 

“Nemi!” Hizashi whined. “I was just about to get to the good stuff!”

“Don’t care.” she retorted. “Time to dance.”

Nemuri snagged Emi’s hand and pulled her from the table. Hizashi sighed but followed them. Both Ectoplasm and Snipe got up as well, which surprised Emi a bit. Not that she was complaining, though. Thirteen, All Might, Shota, and Sekijiro were still at the table. As Nemuri pulled her onto the floor, though, Emi saw Sekijiro get up. The big man snagged another beer at the counter and came onto the floor. By then Nemuri had pulled Emi to dance with her. 

Emi smiled at the serene look on the woman’s face. Her hands were up, eyes half closed, and the false air about her seemed to have dissolved. Not that she still was not sexy; those moves could make any man think twice. Nemuri moved much better than Emi did, but Emi did not mind. She was out there to have fun, not compete. Glancing across the floor, she saw Shota drinking, his eyes on the group. He leaned over and said something to All Might.

“Nemuri!” Emi half-yelled over the music.

“Hmm?” the woman replied.

“What do you think All Might dances like?” Emi beamed. Nemuri’s eyes widened. 

“Going to find out!”

The woman sashayed off the floor and directly towards the target. 

“What are the odds that he comes out?” asked Sekijiro from behind her. He was dancing, and took a sip of his beer. Emi shrugged and moved closer to Sekijiro. The man did not seem to mind.

“Has any man ever said no to Nemuri?” was Emi’s response.

“Only two I can think of.” was his reply, grin evident in his voice.

One of those men was scowling at Nemuri as she leaned over the table. All Might had turned an interesting shade of red, with his half-beer intoxication and nearness of the woman. He wondered how a sweater dress could both hold close and gape just above appropriate at the same time.

“Come dance.” Nemuri asked sweetly. All Might put his hand to his neck.  

“I’m not much of a dancer.” he admitted.

“So?” she countered. Putting on a pout, she batted her lashes. “Please?”

“Okay.” he responded sheepishly. “But don’t judge me.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Nemuri smiled. “Anyone else?”

“Sure, why not?” piped up Thirteen. The hero wobbled a bit as they stood. “Come on, Ken!”

“Sure. I’m coming.” Ken rumbled in his deep voice. His square bulky frame leveraged himself up off the chair. 

That left only Shota. Something he did not mind. A laugh he would know anywhere drifted from the dance floor. Emi was laughing at something Sekijiro said. Shota lingered on that face for a moment; rare was the chance he got to observe her without her doing the same, or being able to catch him. The smile she had as she said whatever it was to Sekijiro was attractive. Perhaps the woman was not as annoying as he remembered from their early days.

“So I said to the guy,” Emi yelled the punchline loud enough for him to hear, “that’s not MY iguana!” 

Nope. Still annoying. Emi giggled, and even Sekijiro chuckled. 

Shota snorted and looked over at his other colleagues dancing. All Might was trying to dance but...was that the lawnmower? And now it was the thumbs up with the hip twist. The man was so old. It hurt Shota to watch him dance like a dad at a wedding. He glanced over to see a drunk Thirteen doing the robot to a song that was definitely not made for doing the robot. The moonwalk was also unsuited for the song, but well executed. Ken was actually not dancing badly, but his floral shirt made him look ridiculous, especially when he started doing the wave. Snipe was a dancing machine as always.

“Ectoplasm, we need more dancers! Help us.” Nemuri cried over the music.

“A Hero is always ready to help a lady.” was his response. 

He opened his mouth, and a number of clones shot out. The bartender looked mildly disturbed until he realized they were just dancing. He went back to cleaning glasses. Nemuri started to dance with three of the clones, each working in sync. Shota’s eyes were drawn back to Emi. She was dancing close to Sekijiro, gyrating her hips in a way he did not want to focus too closely on. She was very intent on her dance, but Sekijiro caught his stare.

“You a fool, E-man!” he yelled over at him before taking another swig of his beer. 

Shota quickly looked away. He noticed two men enter the bar. Keeping a subtle eye on them, he took another drink of his beer. Unfortunately, that finished it. Putting it down, he glanced over at the bartender again. The two guys seemed to be sidled up to the bar, and ordering drinks themselves. They were not outgoing, making Shota believe that they were just looking for some after work relaxation. He caught movement out of the corner of his eye, and turned his head to see two smiling women coming his way. Two women who had caused him the most trouble in his life.

“No.” he preempted them.

“But you don’t even know what I’m going to ask yet.” Emi whined. Her flushed cheeks gave away that she was a bit drunk. 

“Whatever it is, it’s a no.”

“But Shota…” Nemuri giggled. “Come out and dance.”

“I don’t dance.”

“Too bad!”

Nemuri lunged forward and grabbed one of his hands. He gave her a sharp look as she tugged on it.

“Nemuri!”

“Yea!” Emi giggled and grabbed his other hand.

“Enough of that.”

“Shota! Shota! Shota!” they chanted as they tugged and tugged at his arms, pulling him to his feet. “Come dance with us.”

“I said no.”

“Dance! Dance!” they seemed to ignore him. 

Shota ratcheted up their intoxication level a little bit. Or it could be a possible side effect of their loosening quirk control, causing a feedback loop of sorts. That could be- 

“Hey!” Shota yelled as they pulled him onto the floor. His own intoxication was troublesome, causing his mind to wander when he needed focus. “I said I’m not dancing with you!”

“Fine. We’ll dance with you!” Nemuri shouted. 

The two women proceeded to dance around Shota. Not even crossing his arms and glaring at them did anything. In fact, it seemed to entice Nemuri more. The violet haired woman danced closer to him, letting her body brush up against his. She gave him a seductive smile through heavy lidded eyes. Her tongue traced her lips.

“Hey!” Emi pouted. “Why are you all over him and not me?”

“Oh?” Nemuri giggled. “Jealous, my dear?”

“What?” Emi squeaked as Nemuri moved over to her. “That’s not what-”

“Shh, cutie pie.” Nemuri soothed. “Just give me that pretty smile.”

Emi, probably due to being drunk, did just that. Nemuri got close to Emi, and she felt her heat rise. The taller woman snaked her arms over Emi’s shoulders, using her elbows to keep her close while her hands ran through her hair. Emi gave a light gasp and looked up to see a predatory smile on the other woman’s face. Blushing, she looked away. 

Shota, being a Pro, took an opportunity when presented. He quickly left the floor. All Might had actually already done so, heading towards the bar. Between the glass of sake and the dancing, he was in some bad need of water. As he walked up to the bar, however, his Hero senses started going off. The men there were speaking loudly with the bartender, gesturing wildly.  The other was making some overly broad comments about the alcohol. The bartender saw him approach.

“What can I help you with, All Might?” asked the bartender. The two men turned to look at him.

“You’re...All Might?” one asked.

“Yep.” he smiled. “Though I’m retired now, you know.”

“Yeah.” the other eyed him drunkenly. “You don’t look like you could stop a mugging, let alone a villain.”

“True.” All Might nodded. “But really, I travel in safe company.”

He smiled at them and pointed to the dance floor.

“You might not realize it, but that’s half the faculty at UA. There’s Ectoplasm, Cementoss, Midnight, Ms. Joke - she’s adjuncting, currently, but doing a great job - Vlad King, Snipe, and Thirteen. Present Mic is DJing.” All Might turned his smile on them. “But really, the one I’d be worried about is standing behind you.”

The music in the room suddenly turned ominous. Both men slowly turned to see the devil red glare and floating hair of Eraserhead staring them down. They stiffened instantly.

“Now, I got dragged out against my will to a bar.” Shota spoke slowly, each word clipped out precisely. “And am in a mood one would expect. So tell me: are you going to pay and go home, or do I get to let off a little steam?”

The men gulped audibly. Quickly flinging too many bills onto the counter, they fled the bar. Shota watched them go. As the door closed, he deactivated his quirk. Sighing, he snapped,

“Hizashi, knock the music off!”

“Just setting the mood, my dude!” came back his friend’s voice. Shota sighed again and turned back around. The two ladies were advancing on him. Emi held her face in her hands and Nemuri had a pleased look on her’s.

“Stop being weird, you two!” he stumbled out.

“You’re just so hot like that.” Emi practically squealed.

“Oh yes. Pure dominant Shota.” Nemuri practically moaned.

“Knock it off. You’re drunk.”

“Am not!” Emi protested.

“Your Kumamoto accent is coming out.” Shota teased.

“Is not!” Emi protested, sticking her tongue out. “Besides, it’s charming compared to these Tokyo girls!”

“It is cute.” Nemuri agreed. 

Shota sighed. He had really hoped for a brief fight to relax him, but it looked like he would be stuck here the rest of the night. Making a (probably alcohol influenced) decision, he looked at the bartender. Giving him a small wave, the man came down to him expectantly.

“Give me whatever crime against humanity Nemuri here was drinking.” he asked. Nemuri gasped.

“Shota Aizawa, you can’t be doing what I think you are?” 

“Yes.” he replied. Thanking the bartender for the drink, he downed it in one go. Making a face, he continued, “I’ve got no illusions what you’re going to ask me to do next, and I might be well inebriated for it.”

“Yea!” Emi cheered. “What are we doing?”

“Dancing!” Nemuri cheered. 

Emi lit up, and grabbed Aizawa’s arm. Only somewhat resisting did the man allow himself to be dragged back onto the dance floor. He probably was going to regret this in the morning. As his world slowly got a little fuzzier, he corrected himself. He was definitely going to regret this tomorrow morning.

“Hizashi!” Nemuri yelled as she followed them. “Put on Skin!”

“Rihanna coming right up! It’s that time of the night, folks!” 

After that Shota’s memory got hazy. It was a blur of dancing, laughing, and movement. He did know he ended up dancing close to someone; then again, the entire group was dancing close. He was pretty sure it was a woman. Violet hair was in there, but so was seafoam green. Either way, even in his drunk state he could tell when things started to slip. After cancelling Emi’s quirk for the sixth time in so many minutes, he called it.

“Alright, time to go.” Shota decreed. There were audible groans. “Nope; we can’t control our quirks, it’s time to go. Ectoplasm, you’re about twenty-nine too many.”

“Nobody likes a small party.” the man retorted, but his clones slowly started disappearing. 

“Alright, we’re too drunk to even think about getting back to UA. Someone call a van for a rideshare.”

“On the way, buddyrino!” Hizashi called out. “A fifteen personer, enough for all of us.”

“Perfect.” Shota swayed. He glared over a Nemuri who was on his left arm. “Don’t use me to hold yourself up.”

“My darling Shota.” Nemuri giggled. “ I’m holding you up.”

“Completely irrational.” he responded. “I’m not drunk.”

“Oh?” Nemuri giggled. “Then you have your arm around Emi on purpose?”

Shota looked to the other side to see a seafoam haired woman leaning into his shoulder. He did have his arm around her, and was holding her pretty close too. He went to pull away and, swaying, thought better of it. The way Emi was giggling meant her quirk might go off again. Better to stay close to her. More rational. Probably his thought in the first place.

The van appeared. Hizashi ushered the drunk teachers inside. Sekijiro was belting out some western song with Snipe, and Thirteen was trying to harmonize with them. Poorly. Eventually, they all managed to get belted in. Hizashi gave the driver an apologetic smile, but she did not look annoyed. It was probably just another night for her. Hizashi gave her instructions to take them back to UA. That did surprise the driver a little. As there would be zero chance of walking back to their respective dorms, Hizashi swiped his teacher’s pass at the guest entrance. That impressed the driver slightly. 

Ultimately she dropped them off at the intersection between Class A’s and B’s dorm. As Hizashi stumbled out, he swiped his credit card. The woman, by now realizing who they were, asked for a picture from Hizashi. He wrangled as many of the teachers that would not be embarrassed/embarrass themselves if-when the picture ended up online. The picture was a good one in Hizashi's opinion. He gave her his business card and asked her to tag or send it to him. The woman nodded but glanced over, and Hizashi realized she wanted one more thing.

“Almighty!” Hizashi called out. “Your hand warmed up?”

“Of course.” All Might smiled at the woman. She turned a deep red. Luckily for her, Hizashi did have a notebook and pen on him. She smiled as All Might wrote her a short note. Hizashi smiled as well as the (inconspicuously drunk) All Might easily slipped back into his inspirational role to give her a few words. Finally, there was one more picture of just those two taken by Hizashi.

By the time they had finished, a black clad hero was waiting by the van. One of UA’s underground Security Heroes, he would escort her off campus. This was not only to maintain UA’s security; it was to help her from getting lost. UA was a big campus, especially at night.  Hizashi gave her a salute as she left. 

Splitting up, All Might, Shota, Hizashi, Nemuri, and Emi stumbled their way towards Class A’s dorm while Sekijiro, Snipe, Ectoplasm, Cementoss, and Thirteen stumbled towards Class B. As they neared the steps, Shota gave them all a fierce glare. He put his finger to his lips. Hopefully his class would be asleep, and they would be able to slip into the teachers’ dorms unnoticed and with little fuss. 

Opening the door, the dorm was dark. Taking it as a good sign, the group took off their shoes and slowly tiptoed into the common area. If they could make it to the elevators unnoticed they would be in the clear. 

The lights flicked on. There stood most of Class A; next to the light switch, Kyoka Jiro looked particularly smug. Or at least Shota thought so as he blinked to adjust his eyes to the light.  

“And just what have you been doing, coming home so late?” she asked smugly. Shota had been right. 

Chapter Text

“And just what have you been doing, coming home so late?” Jiro asked smugly. 

“This isn’t what it looks like.” Shota replied, holding a hand over his eyes. He realized that was a lame excuse.

“Oh?” Jiro smiled at them. “And what is this when five teachers come stumbling in at midnight?” 

“What are you doing up?” Shota tried turning it back around on them. “Shouldn’t you all be in bed?”

“It’s movie night.” Todoroki replied from the couch. The boy had the gall to hold up a bowl of popcorn for evidence. 

“You see nothing.” Hizashi tried, waving his hands at the students. “You want to go back to your movie.”

Jiro snorted. 

“You’re not a Jedi, Mr. Yamada.”

“Ten points to Class A for getting that reference.” he shot her a thumbs up.

“This isn’t Hogwarts, either.”

“Always did like you the best, Jiro my girl.”

“As I said, this isn’t what it looks like.” Shota tried again. 

“You look like you went drinking.” Bakugo pointed out. Shota glared at the boy.

“Don’t you go to bed at like eight-thirty?” Shota replied.

“It was my pick.” he smiled ferally back. “We’re watching Enter the Dragon.”

“Of course.” Shota rolled his eyes. 

“Kendo just sent me a message,” Yaoyorozu said as she came up next to Jiro. “Mr. Kan, Snipe, Ectoplasm, Mr. Ishiyama, and Thirteen all just stumbled into Class B’s dorm in the same state.”

“Oh wow!” Ashido cheered. “Someone had fun!”

“Tell us!” Hagakure urged.

“Go to bed.” Shota glared. “Expulsion otherwise.”

The class just stared at him in disbelief. That gave the teachers enough time to shamble through the common room and towards the elevators. However, one cute naive voice stopped them in their tracks.

“All Might.” Midoriya’s voice came shyly. “Are you drunk?”

“Young Midoriya.” All Might turned to look at him. He only swayed slightly. “There comes a time in every young hero’s career- yes.”

Midoriya’s slack jawed expression caused Emi to giggle. Shota was ahead of the problem, cancelling her quirk before it got going. 

“Let’s go.” he grumbled. Stumbling towards the elevators, a polite cough stopped them. The teachers turned to see a very stern Yaoyorozu. Shota looked at her expectantly.

“Yes?” he asked.

“The men must go to Mr. Aizawa’s apartment, and the women to Ms. Fukukado’s.” she directed him. Shota stared at her in disbelief.

“You can't be serious.”

“I must agree!” came the boisterous voice, and wild arm chopping of Iida. “Rules are rules. It is only proper to adhere to them for propriety's sake. Especially since you are all unwed.”

“I…” Shota could not come up with an answer to that. 

Emi caught the stumped look on his face. Looking back at the overly serious faces of the Class Rep and Vice-Rep, it suddenly hit her how ridiculous it was that seventeen year olds were lecturing adults on proper decorum. 

“Ms. Yaoyorozu.” Nemuri started. “While I understand your concern, I promise we are all adults and-”

“With all due respect, Ms. Kayama,” Yaoyorozu interrupted, “I think the optics of having our teachers come out of one room in the morning, especially with the R-Rated Pro Hero, might not be the best.”

Nemuri opened her mouth to protest, closed it, and started giggling. Hizashi and Emi soon started as well. Shota did not catch Emi this time, still in bewilderment at being ordered around by his class. The room dissolved into laughter as her quirk was infectious. Shota restrained himself to only a small chuckle, and then cancelled her quirk.

“Dammit it, Joke, get yourself under control!” he ordered.

“Your mom’s under control!” was her reply, still giggling.

“That doesn’t even make sense!”

“You don’t make sense!”

“I’m very rational!”

The two reps sighed, but each herded the bickering adults to the separate side of the dorm. Emi was still hurling nonsensical comments at Shota, who was trying to counter with some sparsely logical arguments. It was not until the elevator doors shut that it was quiet.

“Well, that was my entertainment for the night.” Uraraka jumped up. “Time for bed.”

“Yeah, we got training tomorrow.” Kirishima agreed.

The class cleaned up the room and split up to their respective dorms, turning out the lights before bed. It was not until a half an hour later Sero remembered to come down and unwrap Mineta from the blankets he had been encased in to make him behave.

The teachers groaned as they extracted themselves from bed. In Shota’s apartment, Shota and Hizashi got moving quickly enough. It was All Might that felt the worst. The two men pitied him, but the man managed to summon some of his Heroic spirit to push through the pain. In Emi’s apartment, the seafoam haired beauty rolled over to see a pair of violet eyes on hers.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Nemuri purred. Emi glanced down to see her bare shoulders all the way to the sheet barely hiding her breasts. 

“Holy shit!” Emi exclaimed and rolled out of bed. Or tried. The blankets tangled in her legs and she crashed to the floor. Nemuri peeked over the bed.

“Are you okay?” Nemuri asked, concern written on her face. 

“Ow.” Emi grabbed her head. At the sight of Nemuri, she jumped to her feet. Emi was in her usual sleepwear of a tank top and shorts. Nemuri was still hidden, only her top half and long bare legs visible. “Oh no! No, no, no, no, no! Don’t tell me we...I mean, did we…”

“Come back your apartment where you lamented over you unrequited love for Shota and then asked me to make passionate love to you until you succumbed to sleep?” Nemuri finished, licking her lips.

“Uh…”

“No darling.” Nemuri giggled. Reaching under the blanket, she pushed the straps of the tank top she was wearing and threw off the blanket to reveal a pair of shorts. Both were small because both were Emi’s. “We came back and took showers - separately, I might add - and then watched cute pet videos on the internet while eating that ridiculously sweet cereal you have.”

“You’re terrible, Nemuri!” Emi pouted. Nemuri continued to giggle. Standing up, she smushed Emi’s face between her hands.

“You’re just so cute when embarrassed I couldn’t resist.” Nemuri gushed. “Now, we really should get going. You’ve got a class to teach.”

“Nope!” Emi smiled. “I get Saturdays off. Part of the benefits of being adjunct.”

“Excellent!” Nemuri clapped her hands. “I’m starving. We can go out to breakfast!”

“Should we see if the gentlemen survived?” Emi asked. “Pound on their door perhaps?”

“I like the way your wicked mind thinks.” Nemuri smiled. “However, I will need to borrow your clothes. I can’t wear those.”

“Perhaps a bra, though.”

“If I must.”

The two women crept out of Emi’s apartment. Nemuri was still in Emi’s clothes (with bra) and Emi had changed into a t-shirt with a big smiley face on it. Being barefoot, they hoped they would go unnoticed. Unfortunately, that was not to be the case.

On the other side of the dorm, the men shambled out of Shota’s room. Neither men had extra clothes so they had no option to shower and change. Shota, for his part, threw on his hero uniform. They were also trying to sneak out. Unfortunately, neither All Might nor Hizashi were exactly masters of stealth. It did not matter either way.

Both groups descended on the common room at roughly the same time. At roughly the same time, both groups were noticed by the group of students hovering around it and the kitchen. What caught their attention, however, was the smell of food. Nice, wholesome, greasy, fatty food. 

“Ah! You’re awake!” Iida greeted them with his usual exuberance. All of them winced at the boy.

“Can you take it down a notch, Iida my man?” asked Hizashi.

“Of course!” he replied, only slightly quieter. “You must all have hangovers. I understand that it comes with light and noise sensitivity.”

“That it does.” growled Shota. “What is going on here?”

“What’s going on here,” growled Bakugo from the kitchen, “is these idiots are getting in my way while I make breakfast.”

“Bakubro, we need you to relax.” Kirishima said. 

“I need you to learn how to chop!”

“We decided to make you breakfast!” Midoriya cheerfully chirped. “Come, sit down!”

“Breakfast?” Nemuri asked as she was led to a seat. She thwapped Mineta on the head with a pair of chopsticks as he got too close. “How thoughtful!”

“Don’t read too much into it.” Bakugo grumbled as he began setting the table. “Class starts in just over an hour. I don’t want to miss it.”

The class as a whole rolled their eyes at Bakugo. They helped put out the dishes of scrambled eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage and ham. The teachers all looked at it in confusion. Though their stomachs growled.

“What is all this?” Nemuri asked.

“American breakfast!” All Might exclaimed happily.

“Best hangover food in the world.” Bakugo answered. “At least according to my mother. She always raved about it after her trips to America.”

The other teachers looked sceptical as the students sat to eat. The one that did not was All Might, who began eating the food quickly. They gave him looks of amazement, amusement, and slight disgust as he devoured his plate.

“It’s been so long!” he managed to get out. 

While the rest of the class and teachers did not partake with such enthusiasm, they did enjoy the meal. Kirishima eventually had to drag Bakugo out of the kitchen and force the boy to sit. A clean freak, he had already started washing the pots and pans. 

“We’ll do it later, bro. Sit down and eat with us.”

“I’ve seen you how you clean, spikey hair!”

“Chill and eat.”

After breakfast Bakugo went right back to dishes. Luckily, with help of the others, they were able to get them cleaned and put away quickly. Shota went to review his syllabus for the day. All Might on the other hand politely asked Yaoyorozu to make him a pair of sunglasses. The girl did, and he put them on before taking residence on the couch. The once Symbol of Peace quickly fell back asleep. Hizashi wandered off toward the teachers’ apartments where he stayed, not having a class to watch over. Nemuri glanced at Emi, and Emi raised an eyebrow.

“So, you’re free all day?” Nemuri asked.

“Uh huh. What have you got in mind?”

Nemuri’s grin split her face.

“Shopping!”

“That does sound like fun! Let me dip back to my apartment to get some better clothes on and I’ll meet you at yours!”

“Done!” 

The two teachers split off.

“Aw man, I’d love to go shopping with them!” Ashido whined. Emi stopped in front of the elevator and threw her a wink.

“Maybe another time.”

“Ah! Our nemesis, Class A!” Monama whispered fiercely as they entered Gym Theta. It was an indoor city where the teachers could control the conditions. Right now it was set up as a compound with a wall around it and many layers of defenses.

“Why is he whispering?” asked Yaoyorozu to Kendo.

“Mr. Kan has a hangover.” Kendo explained. Yaoyorozu looked over to the teacher to see him in dark sunglasses.

“Students.” Aizawa said, his eyes hidden behind his own dark shades and a massive cup of coffee in his hand. “Today you’ll be doing stealth training. Your goal will be to infiltrate the compound without being seen by its defenses.”

“Is this because you’re hungover?” asked Kirishima.

“Of course not, Kirishima!” Iida protested loudly. “Stealth is needed for a hero as well!”

“You’re both right.” Aizawa replied, taking a deep drink of his coffee. “You are all terrible at being subtle, and I don’t want to deal with loud noises or bright lights today.”

Aizawa snapped his fingers and the lights dimmed to a dark gloom.

“Go.”

Chapter Text

“So what are we looking for here, Emi?” asked Nemuri. They were in a sporting store. Emi was looking through the equipment while Nemuri eyeballed the athletic clothes, stylish bags from feminine stores in the crook of her elbow.

“I need some more heavy bag gloves, some wristwraps, and new shoes.” was her response.

“And you couldn’t have ordered them online?” Nemuri questioned as she picked up a pink sports bra. Shaking her head in disgust, she put it back.

“I like to get a feel for them first.” Emi replied. Finding a pair of heavy bag gloves, slipped them on and smiled. Naturally they were yellow. “Wow, perfect fit! And I could draw a smiley face on them.”

“Girl, I swear.” Nemuri shook her head. Emi cocked hers to the side.

“What?”

“You and your smiley faces.”

“What’s wrong with smiley faces?”

“Nothing. I understand it’s your thing, but have you ever thought to try sexy instead?”

“Of course you’d say that!” Emi threw her head back and laughed.

“I’m serious. You should be knee deep in men - or women - or both - asking you for dates.”

“Hey.” Emi put her hands on her hips. “I date.”

“How long since the last one?” Nemuri asked skeptically. 

“I’m a very busy pro.”

“Uh huh. Sounds like Shota.”

“And when was the last time you had a date?” Emi countered. Nemuri gave her a rakish grin.

“I’ve got ways to get my itch scratched. I usually don’t go on dates, though.”

“Ugh.” Emi replied. “Of course.”

“It’s not in my nature to fall in love.” Nemuri shrugged. Picking up a pair of athletic shorts, she scrunched her nose and put them back. “I platonically can, but romantically? Hasn’t happened yet.”

“Oh.”

“But I can tell you want to retire eventually to have a family and kids.” Nemuri continued. “And I hope Shota isn’t what you’re pinning your hopes on.”

“I’m not that bad.” Emi sniffed. Going back to the equipment shelves she said, “I’ve been on a few dates in the last few months, actually.”

“Oh, with who?”

“Masaki Mizushima.”

“Manual?” asked Nemuri. 

“Yeah. He took an intern from Ketsubutsu after the Hosu incident, and we got along well. So we went on a few dates.”

“Oh.” Nemuri paused. “Did he...get you wet?”

Emi pulled a face while Nemuri giggled to herself.

“Manual is a very nice man.”

“Undoubtedly.” Nemuri snickered. “He’s just not what I call exciting.”

“No, he definitely isn’t.” Emi sighed. “Toyomitsu was much more my style.”

“Oh?” Nemuri perked up. “Taishiro Toyomitsu?”

“Uh huh.” Emi replied coyly.

“He does seem like a ton of fun.”

“He definitely was.”

“Oh?” Nemuri scooted closer to Emi. “How much fun?”

“Oh you know….” Emi idled away. “ A lot. ”

“Emi Fukukado!” Nemuri pouted. “You can't drop something like that on me!”

“He was a magnificent cuddler.” Emi continued as she pretended to look at the equipment. Actually finding hand wraps, she grabbed some.

“I’m sure.”

“And so sweet.”

“He tends to carry candy.”

“And then there’s the muscles…”

“Muscles?” Nemuri blinked. “What muscles? His quirk is Fat Absorption.” 

“Except when he uses it all.” Emi answered. Turning to Nemuri, she gave the woman a sly look. “And then he gets ripped . All those perfectly chiseled muscles on that big frame. Not as buff as All Might, but it’s got that sleek look like a hardened Pro. And his ass could crack walnuts.”

Nemuri was practically drooling now. 

“Don’t be pulling my leg, Fukukado.” Nemuri replied in a daze. “Pics or it didn’t happen.”

“Nemuri!” Emi gasped. “What type of girl would I be if I showed you something shared in confidence?”

“Just one without his shirt off!” Nemuri pleaded. “I need to see the muscles.”

“Maybe if I text Fat Gum right now, he’ll let me show you…”

“Emi! He would never let me live it down!”

“Sacrifices must be made, Nemuri.”

Nemuri opened her mouth to reply but both women stopped. They heard raised voices at the front counter. Peeking around a shelf, they saw a group of people angrily gesturing at the cashier.

“Open it or else!” one yelled. Both women's faces set and they got low. Creeping through the aisles, staying under the cover of racks and stands of clothes, they made their approach. 

“I see six.” Emi counted. “Looks like two heteromorphics, one with some sort of spines quirk, and three unknowns.”

As they got near, they hid behind a shelf full of t-shirts. Any closer and they would be sure to be seen. Emi looked at Nemuri. The woman had shed her top and skirt. The violet haired woman winked and walked around the counter.

“Excuse me.” Nemuri walked around the corner. As she approached the group, they (and the cashier) stared. “Do you have this in another color?”

Nemuri gestured to herself. The “this” she was referring to was her black lacy bra and underwear set. Not only did it not leave much to the imagination, it was not even sold in the store. The transition from stunned admiration to confusion to drowsy realization was hilarious to Emi.

“Oh my.” Nemuri demurred, turning slightly away. She waved a hand at them. “I didn’t realize anyone was here.”

Emi knew her wave, and her hand gestures at the beginning, were subtle ways of getting her pheromones over to the villains. As they swayed on their feet, one seemed to make a connection.

“Wait...you’re..Midnight.” he groaned. Nemuri licked her lips, transforming from shy to sultry in a moment.

“Quite right.” she purred. “And you know why they call me Midnight?”

She walked closer to them. 

“Because I put you out for the night. Now go to sleep like a good boy.”

The man did, slumping to the floor. The rest soon followed, except one. Emi could tell now under the spines it was a woman.

“You won’t get me that easily.” the woman growled. 

“No? Good. I like a little fight in them.” Nemuri smiled.

“Really Midnight?” Emi popped up. “I didn’t think you’d like anything small!”

Emi laughed, and the woman gave her a confused look. After a moment a small chortle broke through. Emi continued to laugh.

“And really, haven’t we all been disappointed by the fight before, ladies.”

The woman was laughing more now, and Nemuri’s aroma was having its effect. The woman surged forward in one last desperate attempt, but Emi’s fist caught her across the jaw. She went down.

“Guess they should call me light switch, cuz I put out your lights!” Emi commented. Looking at her hands she said, “I do like these gloves.”

“You should get them.” Nemuri agreed.

“And you should put some clothes on.” Emi added. A thud had them turn to look towards the cash register. The cashier was on the floor. 

“True.”

“I’m getting a little woozy myself.” Emi continued, backing up. 

The door behind her opened.

“He guys, I got the car-” came a gruff voice. The women turned to see a large, muscle slabbed man walk through. He took in the scene and scowled.

“Heroes.” he growled, and charged.

Emi made to dodge, but Nemuri’s quirk had dulled her reaction time. There was no way she would move fast enough. Her world slowed as she watched the man pull back a cinder block sized fist. A cloud of clothes exploded in front of her, and the fist was stopped by a tall figure in black. As Emi squared herself away and into a fighting stance, her mind analyzed the scene in front of her.

The person was clad in black kendo gear and white head cowl. The man followed his first strike with a large downward hammerfist, but it was blocked again.The tile cracked under the figure. They answered with their own uppercut. Muscle guy could not block their tremendous speed, and was sent reeling back. He wobbled, and a perfectly placed kick to the jaw dropped him to the floor. As the person spun completely around, Emi saw that it was a woman under the cowl. There was also a crescent moon on the front of her chestpiece. 

The woman glanced at them for a moment.

“Are you okay?” she asked them.

“Yes. Thank you.” Emi replied. Her head had started to clear.

“Good.” was the answer. The woman turned to leave.

“Wait!” Nemuri ordered. The woman glanced back but seeing Nemuri fast approaching, sprinted through the doors and out of sight.

“What hero was that?” asked Emi. 

“That wasn’t one.” Nemuri answered. The woman grabbed a jacket off the floor and wrapped it around her. “That was a Vigilante.”

“A Vigilante?” Emi blinked. “So close to UA? That’s...risky.”

“She never tells anyone what she calls herself, but we’ve given her the codename of Sohei.”

“Because of the head cowl?”

“Yes. Originally it was just a bad piece of cloth, but after a while she started using the distinct cowl, and kendo armor with the crescent moon.”

“What else is known about her?”

“Nothing.” Nemuri shook her head. The doors in front burst open and a bevy of Heroes entered. “Ah, support has arrived!”

As the two women sat on a bench watching the villains get carted away, Nemuri continued her conversation from earlier.

“So, Fat Gum…” she started. Emi perked up.

“Yes?”

“Going on another date?” Nemuri inquired. Emi sighed.

“No. We’re too busy. He got all caught up in the Hassaikai Raid and I got busy with school. We connected once afterwards, but he seemed a little more distant. Not that he wasn’t fun, but even before it was more for just that: fun.”

“Well, if you’re on the market, I can introduce you to some people.” Nemuri offered. “I know a lot of people in the single Heroes dating crowd.”

“Maybe some other time.” Emi sighed. Nemuri furrowed her brow in concern.

“You’re not so hung up on Shota, are you?” 

“What? No!” Emi laughed. “I mean, I’m still attracted to him. Have you seen the guy?”

“That I have.” Nemuri purred.

“And there is still a slight crush.” Emi admitted. “But like, he doesn’t seem to be looking either. Like, has he had a date ever?”

“Not in a long time, no.” Nemuri shook her head. “He’s been very focused on his work.”

“See? And now we’re colleagues .” Emi sighed. “So it would be even more complicated.”

“So what is stopping you from dating?” Nemuri asked. 

“Time. Energy. Like, I need to figure out if I’m staying at UA or not-”

“You’re staying. So that’s done.” 

“Cute. But even if I do that, then I have to find a new agency to work through. I specialize in suppression patrols, which is a hard niche to find an agency to do that with as I’m not going back down to sidekick.”

“We can help with that as well. UA’s got connections for free agent Heroes. Granted, it’s not full on Hero work, but contractor work. Covering vacations, holidays, sick and maternity leaves; that sort of thing.”

“Thanks. And then with that, I still got to get to know the kids and the school. Like, that’s a lot of time and effort. I don’t have the time or energy for dating.”

“What about casual hookups?” Nemuri asked. Emi scoffed.

“Yeah, because I have time to find that scene and still keep it discrete.”

“Honey, I’m Midnight.” Nemuri answered. Emi raised an eyebrow. The woman’s voice dropped low and smoky. “A third of what my agency does is Hero Hookups. Discrete clientele, discrete setups, we manage it all.”

“What?” Emi asked. “How do you keep your Hero license?”

“The Hero Commission is worried about Heroes not having kids.” Nemuri shrugged. “It wasn’t the original reason I started it, but I got their blessing a while ago. The Midnight Agency works as a contracting agency for Heroes - who do you think does it for UA? - but also runs a Heroes Looking for Heroes service, and a Heroes Hookup service.”

“So you don’t do actual Hero work?”

“Oh no, of course we do!” Nemuri laughed. “We are more subtle Heroes though. Undercover investigations, discrete bodyguards for VIPs, and then get called in for big operations. We just aren’t out in the field every day, pounding those streets.”

“Just pounding the sheets?” Emi grinned. Nemuri laughed.

“Good one! But no, our Heroes keep it professional.”

“Has Shota ever used the service?” escaped Emi’s lips before she could stop it. Nemuri gave a look.

“Discrete, honey. And maybe you are more hung up on him then you think.”

“Ugh. Things I don’t want to hear. Especially since the man is a brick wall when it comes to emotion. The most I can get is annoyed.”

“Shota has always been reserved.” Nemuri agreed. “But there are feelings down there; a lot. It’s just trying to get him to let them out.”

“Yeah, well, if you haven’t been able to, I sure won’t.” Emi blew the hair out of her face. “Maybe I will take you up on your offer sometime. Just not right now.”

“Okay. Just let me-” Nemuri smiled as a police detective came up. “Detective, what can I... help you with? ”

He seemed unfazed by her demeanor.

“Just a couple more questions, Ms. Midnight. Anything else you can tell us about Sohei?”

“No. Same as always: she’s about my height, strong build. Kendo armor with a white crescent moon. Very fast, very strong, but no other heteromorphic traits.”

“The tile did crack under her when she took the one blow.” Emi pointed out. Nemuri nodded.

“Good point, Ms. Joke. We haven’t seen that before. The blow should have been absorbed by her body and left the floor intact.”

“Maybe some other quirk? A force redirection?” the detective asked. “Something that allows her to enhance her strength and speed?”

“Maybe. But that’s all we have, officer.”

“Thank you, ladies. You have a nice rest of your night.”

“Well, that was fun.” Midnight said holding her bags on her arm. 

The pair was walking down the road that led past the dorms. They had done a little more shopping after the villain incident, and so returned to campus after dark. As the UA grounds were mostly unlit due to security concerns, they could see a few stars in the sky. As they walked, they came closer to the 2-A dorms. Further down was the teachers’ apartments.  

“It was. I just wish villains wouldn’t always pop up during my days off!” Emi lamented. 

“A little exercise always makes for a fun day.” Nemuri countered.

“I get enough exercise otherwise, Nemuri.” Emi retorted.

Nemuri went to respond but stopped. As the Pros were about to round the corner for 2-As dorm, they heard a pair of voices. Both women went into stealth mode, tip toeing to the edge and peeking around. There, on the bench in front of the dorm, were two students. The green mop and pink cheeks were impossible to miss. Nemuri grabbed Emi’s arm with one hand and put a hand over her mouth to stifle her excited squeal. Emi did the same to herself to stop her own happy giggle.

“Hey Uraraka?”

“Yeah, Deku?”

“Do you think we should tell everyone?”

“I don’t know. I think you were right on not wanting to distract them.”

“Yeah, but it feels weird not telling them. Like lying.”

“I mean, has anyone asked?”

“Not directly, no.”

“Well, maybe if they ask we tell them?”

“Maybe? I don’t know.”

The green mop disappeared as the boy looked up. 

“All I know is I don’t want to be the type of hero that only thinks of his career.” he paused. “Seeing Endeavor and how badly he hurt everyone around him just trying to be number one made that clear to me.”

“I know. You told me when you finished your work study.” Uraraka said. “But I don’t know if the time is right.”

“I don’t know if there will ever be a right time.” Midoriya replied. “Who knows what will happen in the future.”

“You’re right.” she answered. The two women hiding in the bushes saw the girl reach out to grab Midoriya’s hand. The boy looked at her. Emi grabbed Nemuri’s arm now too. The violet haired woman squeezed her arm harder. “We should tell them. We have no idea what will happen in our future, but we should be who we want to be right now.”

“Yeah, let’s do it.” Midoriya smiled at Uraraka. 

Nemuri went to move but Emi’s firm tug stopped her. Nemuri quickly glanced over, but when the two on the bench leaned closer the woman held her breath. As the two heroes watched, a boy and girl with too much of the world’s weight on their shoulders shared a soft, tender kiss. After a few moments they broke apart, beaming.

Nemuri did squeal then, taking both students by surprise. Seeing the tall woman running towards them (Emi following behind), the pair blushed deep red.

“Ms. Kayama!” Midoriya exclaimed. “It’s not-”

“Save it dear boy!” Nemuri cheered, and scooped both students into her arms. Swaying back and forth in delight, she continued. “I just love young love. And we’ve all been pulling for you two since first semester. Oh, how marvelous to find connection in times like these. It reminds me of all the great things in the world.”

“What...do...you...mean?” gasped out Uraraka, whose flustered response was partly because of the ecstatic hold Nemuri had around her neck, partly being so close to Midoriya, and partly because they were both pressed together in her breasts. Sixteen was not old enough for her to process all of it.

“You two young lovers. Coming together in times of uncertainty to declare your love for one another. It’s absolutely marvelous! It fills me with a tingling feeling!”

“Alright, Nemuri, let them go.” Emi laughed. She managed to pry the still adoring Nemuri from the two. “It’s about to be after curfew and we need to get them to their dorms.”

“Quite! We wouldn’t want them to be caught outside their dorms after hours.” Nemuri gave them a conspiratorial wink. The two turned red again. Emi sighed.

“Come now, you two. Eraserhead will wonder where you are if you’re not at check in.” Emi shooed them up the stairs.

“It’s Mr. Aizawa’s night to work.” was Midoriya’s reply. “He usually has someone else check on us.”

Emi glanced over at Nemuri.

“Yamada.” she explained. Emi sighed.

“And I’m sure he does a great job.”

“He’s there!” Uraraka defended her teacher. Quietly she added, “Most of the time.”

As the four entered the dorms, a surprising number of Class A were lounging around the common room. The two women immediately could tell when a group of people were “acting busy”. The fact that Jiro shot Nemuri a scowl proved Emi’s theory. They were not the only ones in the know. 

“Okay now, hurry up and get to your rooms. We’ll be doing room checks in thirty minutes.” Emi said. With a wave Nemuri took her leave. “Kirishima, is Bakugo asleep?”

“Yeah, dude went to bed at eight, complaining about how he doesn’t need to be stealthy.” Kirishima answered as the groups picked up their respective items, and tidied up. 

“Good.”

Emi watched as Midoriya and Uraraka found excuses to linger. Helping tidy up here, having a conversation there. It was adorable they thought no one noticed. Of course, Emi could tell that the rest of the class was doing the same. Finally, the stalling went on long enough. Emi cleared her throat.

“Let’s get a move on!” she ordered. 

The group looked at each other. They started to make their way to their separate sides, comically slow. Midoriya looked at Uraraka. Uraraka looked at Midoriya. Jiro, Ashido, and Hagakure looked at them. Kirishima, Sero, and Sato made bad idle chatter while looking at them. At this point Emi was about to start laughing at the romantic comedy scene. Finally, Uraraka grabbed Midoriya’s hand. Pulling on it, she gave him a light kiss on the lips and bolted past the girls and out of the room. 

“What!” Ashido protested. “You can’t just kiss and run!”

“Come back here!” yelled Hagakure. 

The two girls sprinted off after their classmate. Jiro rolled her eyes, but there was a satisfied smirk on her lips as she left. Midoriya stood a little flabbergasted, but the whoops from the boys brought him back around. Kirishima gave him a big grin and held up a hand.

“High five, bro!” he laughed. Midoriya tepidly obliged.

“Good job! Knew you had it in you!” Sero congratulated him. 

The knot of boys slowly made their way to their own rooms. Emi’s grin was as wide as her face. Nemuri was right. Young love did have a way of filling one with hope. Watching these heroes-to-be reminded her of that. She wished for more in the future. As a hero, it was a future she would fight for. 

A future of hope and love. 

Chapter Text

Mondays were the Hero Faculty Department meetings. It being the third week of May, students were either at Work Studies or Internships. Earlier that year, the Hero Commission had instituted “Team Up” work studies for students. These were a hybrid between the Work Studies and the Internships, with more responsibility like a Work Study but less obligation. Second years were doing another Team Up rotation this week, and would move into Work Studies the following week. UA had changed the weekday to be a four day on (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday), three day off (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) schedule for the rest of the semester. This allowed the students to get to their Team Ups/ Work Studies and back without the extra stress of missing classes.

This also meant the Faculty meeting was going to run long as they had much to discuss about the schedule. As Nezu went on, Emi tried to pay attention, but her nerves were getting the best of her. She had something to address but, not being a full faculty member, she did not know how she was going to be received. Either way, she did not come to UA to not be herself. When Nezu asked if anyone had any other comments or items to bring up, she raised her hand. The table looked at her.

“Yes, Ms. Fukukado?” asked Nezu.

“I’d like to bring up a deficiency I see lacking in the Hero Curriculum.” she replied. Eyebrows raised around the table.

“I am all ears.” Nezu replied, wiggling his for effect. 

“When you brought me on, it was to test out for another homeroom teacher for an expanded third hero class.” she started.

“Yes.” Nezu agreed.

“It was also because you needed a more subtle frontline combat hero that could teach using their wits when outquirked, and had good cooperation skills.”

“Also correct.” Nezu answered. 

“The problem here is that there’s still a major deficiency in one key area of the future of hero work. Team and Agency leadership.” Emi replied. This was the hard part of it.

“Which was what you were brought on for.” Vlad replied. Emi shook her head.

“I’m good at cooperation and teamwork ; not creating and dispatching those teams.” Emi explained. “What I do is use my conflict resolution skills and natural charm. My teams were built around the same philosophy. But I only had three teams, and we focused solely on suppression. And we were more like easy back up rather than the main squad. Granted, if we needed to get the job done we did it, but it was because of overwhelming numbers, communication and cooperation.”

“So small team tactics.” Snipe summarized. Emi nodded. 

“Exactly. Class B actually does a pretty good job at that, as we saw at the Sports Festival this year. Class A can as well, but they’re still focused more on individual quirks as they have quite a few powerhouses to center around. That’s a good option to have, but the Hero Commission has heavily emphasized teamwork in the last year. Probably because they are hoping flooding the streets with more Heroes, even those that aren’t combat specialists, will help make people safer.”

“It’s not a bad plan.” Nezu stated. “Having a large number of balanced teams would help the system be more resilient to multiple disasters and harder to dismantle if a few top Heroes retired.”

“Right.” Emi agreed. “Now, most of the Hero teachers here aren’t great at small team tactics either, except Midnight and Ectoplasm, so that’s still a gap I can fill. UA has been designed to turn out those combat specialists. But you need someone who can teach strategy of teamwork. Someone who can see a situation, create teams from a pool of Heroes to address it the best, and dispatch them. They need to be able to quickly make the determination of the right combination of strengths and weaknesses, and be able to do so for suppression, evacuation, and rescue.”

“I feel like you have someone in mind.” Aizawa said. Emi nodded and pressed a button. The file loaded up on the teachers’ screen. 

“I do.”

“Welcome to Joint Heroics!” Emi greeted the two Class 2 groups. They were standing at Training Ground Beta in the fake city. Emi, Aizawa, and Kan were present, but so were All Might, Midnight, and Present Mic. 

“Once again we have a chance to defeat Class A in-”

“Monoma, can you wait to go on a rant until I’m done?” cut off Emi. The blonde haired boy shut his mouth. “Great! As I was saying, welcome to Joint Heroics! As it is your second year and you are in your Work Studies, we are focusing less on making you better and more how you fit into the Pro Hero system. And part of that is working in a team at an agency!”

Emi paused for effect. Monoma raised his hand.

“Not yet.” Emi assured him. “Anyway, you all will be learning how to work in a team. Now, you’ve done team exercises, but they’ve been directed by the teachers. What we will start working on is all of you directing your efforts as if you were part of an agency. That means analyzing situations, dividing up into teams, and resolving the issues. And not just one type: all types!”

Emi smiled at them.

“And for that, we need someone who is great at it. As great as we all are,” Emi motioned to herself, Aizawa, Kan, All Might, Midnight, and Present Mic, “we’re not great team leaders. We needed a Hero that could teach you how to do all of that, and one of the best. That Hero is…”

Emi motioned to the double doors of the building behind the teachers. Small smoke explosions obscured the door, but all heard them open. Through the white smoke stiffly walked a tall man in a grey suit with a cane. His dark blue hair and square jaw was immediately familiar.

“Tensei!” Iiida cried and ran to his brother. The man smiled at his sibling and wrapped him in a hug.

“Surprised?” he laughed.

“Very! You did not tell me you were offered a position at UA.” 

“Well, it just happened earlier this week.” he answered. “I did have to avoid getting on the same train as you this morning, though!”

“It’s so good to see you recovering, Ingenium!” Midoriya enthusiastically exclaimed. The older Iida gave him a smile.

“Now remember, I passed that name onto my little brother here.” he replied. “But let me introduce myself to the others.”

“Of course!” said Tenya, and moved back with his class.

“As you may have figured out,” Tensei started with a smile, “my name is Tensei Iida. I am the former Pro Hero Ingenium. I was injured in the line of duty against the Hero Killer, but that has not stopped me from working at my agency. I am proud that Team Idaten is still one of the most respected Hero Agencies in Japan.”

“Tensei is being humble.” Aizawa interrupted. “Team Idaten is still one of the fastest rising Hero Agencies in Japan. It’s ability to rapidly analyze and dispatch Heroes to situations makes it nearly unparalleled in the number of solved incidents, with only a few agencies outpacing it. Furthermore, they do so with those that are not seen as powerful, mixing the right heroes in the right combinations to take on any incident. This has allowed them to not only be more resilient to loss of team members to other agencies, but also to continue to expand their agency and teams. At last count, Team Idaten had sixty-five members.”

“We’re up to seventy now. Thanks, Eraser.” Tensei added. “As he was saying, my agency emphasizes teamwork. Our policy is to gather Heroes with Quirks with a single strong point, and deploy the right people in the right places to take on incidents with outstanding teamwork and coordination. For that reason, Team Idaten is formed by dozens of sidekicks who work together. These sidekicks might have been overlooked by other agencies, but at Idaten we put them in a position to succeed and grow. Not only that, but we highly value those not on the front lines like patrollers, navigators, and all of the other support staff working for us behind the scenes.”

“And that’s why he is here!” Emi concluded. “Because he’s really awesome. Definitely not because he was cheap since he’s still gainfully employed elsewhere, unlike the rest of us.” 

“Isn’t UA hiring a lot of staff?” asked Sero. “First you Ms. Fukukado, and now Mr. Iida?”

“Quite right!” came Nezu’s voice as he popped out of Aizawa’s scarf.

“Principal Nezu!”

“UA has had to adapt to the changing environment of Hero work in Japan.” Nezu continued as he slid down Aizawa’s scarf to the ground. “To do that, we’ve had to bring on staff members to compensate for our deficiencies. Eraserhead expelling a whole class into General Education two years ago only for them to earn their spots back the last year also made us light on Year Three teachers.”

“I apologize for nothing.” Aizawa deadpanned. 

“Though I will say it is kind of turning into a class reunion.” Mic agreed. “Nice to see you again, Tensei my man.”

“Nice to see you too, Yamada.” he smiled back.

“Good to see you up and about.” Vlad agreed. “You think you’ll be up for continuing our Class A versus Class B challenges from school?”

“Maybe not so soon.” Tensei laughed. “Besides, I still have to teach sometime!”

“He is quite right.” Nezu cut in. “Our students' teamwork is deficient, as was evident on the Provisional Licensing exam. With Iida on staff, our First Years will have a better chance this year, and hopefully our Second Years will be able to make up ground quickly.”

“Just leave it to me, Mr. Principal.” Tensei smiled. “Covering ground quickly is my specialty.”

Emi watched as Tensei, Nemuri, Hizashi, and Aizawa talked. Vlad came over as well as his class left. The dynamic between the five was easy to see. All old classmates, they picked up time as if it never left. It made Emi long for her own class and comrades from Seiai Academy. Unfortunately, most were scattered across the country. She sighed.

“Why the long face?” asked Nemuri as she split from the group.

“You all just have such an easy dynamic. It makes me a bit jealous.” Emi admitted. Nemuri scoffed.

“Nonsense. We were just catching up.” Midnight looped an arm through hers. “You are one of us now.”

“I don’t know if that’s how this works.” Emi smiled as Nemuri began to drag her towards the group.

“Too late. I’ve adopted you.” Nemuri rebutted.

“Adopted?” Tensei smiled at the pair. “Didn’t think you were the motherly type, Midnight.”

“Please, call me Nemuri.” she demurred. Emi noticed something strange about her.

“Sure, Nemuri. It’s a bit less formal than I’m used to.” he answered, and put a hand on the back of his neck. “Even in school you were an intimidating upperclassman.”

“Well, little things like a couple of years don’t matter at our age, do they Tensei?”

“I guess you’re right.”

Nemuri looped her free arm through his, and gently began guiding them towards the exit.

“How about we all grab lunch? I know this little cafe that’s to die for.”

“I’d love to, but I promised Tenya I’d eat lunch with him.” Tensei replied. “To make up for fooling him.”

“Such a good big brother.” Nemuri cooed.

“I do try.” he answered. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

Tensei bowed stiffly, and made his way towards the shuttle with Class As students. Emi watched Tenya light up at his approach (as did Midoriya, the fanboy). Nemui sighed. Emi glanced at her and saw something very interesting on her face.

“Nemi.” she prodded the woman.

“Hmm?”

“Is that a blush I see?” Emi asked mischievously. Nemuri shook her head.

“What a silly idea!”

“You’ve got a thing for Tensei, don’t you?”

“No! I’ve told you I’m not like that.” Nemuri dropped her voice. “It’s just...only three people - who are attracted to women and available - have ever told me no before. Shota, Hizashi…”

“And Tensei?” Emi squealed happily. Nemuri nodded as the pair walked to the exit.

“Yes. I tried right after he graduated school - almost literally at Shota and Hizashi’s class graduation party - and he told me no.” Nemuri sighed. “Told me it would be ungentlemanly as I had been drinking.”

“Oh no.” Emi chortled. “That probably made it so much worse for you.”

“You have no idea.” Nemuri giggled. “Such chivalry. Anyway, before I could take another pass he had a girlfriend. Well, that meant off limits. It was only a couple of years ago they split, and I meant to get around to seeing him but with school it took up so much time. And then everything that has been happening…”

“So what you’re saying is…” Emi gave her a wicked grin. “You may be hot-for-teacher?”

“Oh dear.” Nemuri licked her lips and looked at her. “That’s basically my default state.”

“But Tensei is nearby now…”

“All the better for me!”

The two women giggled. Their laugh caused Aizawa to turn his head, quirk at the ready. When he saw it was not needed, he furrowed his brow. What were those two up to?

Chapter Text

A knock at her door shook Emi from her work. The evaluations for Class A on the latest exercise were coming along slowly. Picking up her coffee mug, she took a sip as she stood. Before she opened the door, she took another one in preparation. Standing behind it was a tall dark haired girl. 

“Yaoyorozu.” Emi said. “What can I help you with?”

“Sorry to disturb you, Ms. Fukukado.” Yaoyorozu bowed. “I know you’re rather busy.”

“I’ve got an open door policy to all my students.” Emi dismissed. “What can I do for you?”

“Um...you see…” the girl looked down and away. Emi waited for a moment before she realized the girl wasn’t going to continue.

“Lady problems?” she ventured. Yaoyorozu’s head snapped up.

“Oh no! The girls take care of each other.” she replied. 

“Then what can’t they help you with?” Emi asked. Yaoyorozu looked away again. That meant… “Ah. Teenager problems.”

“I...well...you see…”

“Come on in.” Emi waved. “I’ll put a pot of tea on and we can talk.”

“If it’s not too much trouble, Ms. Fukukado. I don’t want to bother you-”

“No trouble at all.” Emi turned and walked away. Yaoyorozu hesitated a moment before following.

As Emi put the pot on to boil, she waited for the girl sitting at her counter to say something. When she did not, Emi made them both a cup of tea. After even the first sip no words came forth, the woman decided to poke the girl. 

“So, tell me about your teenager troubles.” she urged. Yayorozu looked away, slightly flushed. 

“Well, they’re not troubles per se.” the girl fidgeted. “I mean, there’s no trouble going on. Not that you should expect trouble, I just meant that there wasn’t anything being done to start trouble…”

“Yaoyorozu.” Emi cut off the rambling girl.  “Start at the beginning. There’s someone you like…”

“Well, I don’t know if like is the right term. I do respect him a great deal.”

This is going to be long. Emi thought to herself as the girl rambled on about all the positive qualities the boy had. 

“Sounds like a great guy.” Emi said when the girl took a breath. “I can see why you like him.”

“Yes, but I don’t know if I like him.” Yayorozu paused. “You know, like him, like him.” 

“You spent five minutes talking about all his great qualities. And you don’t know if you like him?”

“Well, I mean, do I just admire him? There’s others that I admire.”

“Does anyone else make you feel the same way you do when you think about him?”

“No. But I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel.”

“Whenever he is around do you want to be near him?”

“Well, yes, but-”

“And do you feel giddy when you are?”

“Yes, however-”

“And can’t think straight?”

“Yes, though-”

“And want to keep him from getting hurt?”

“Yes, naturally-”

“And want to run your hands over his chest?”

“All the time, but-” 

The girl gasped and covered her mouth. Emi’s split into a wicked grin.

“And there you have it! Young love!” Emi threw her hands up. Giggling, she brought them back down to the counter where the beet red girl still had not said anything. “You like him Yaoyorozu. Now, whether that will grow depends on the both of you. But you have your start.”

“So, how do I…?” Yaoyorozu’s quiet voice escaped between her fingers. Emi arched an eyebrow.

“Let him know?” she asked. Yaoyorozu nodded. “With Todoroki, you’re just going to be upfront. The boy doesn’t pick up on social cues well.”

“I...its...But…” Yaoyorozu stammered and Emi laughed.

“Relax. Relax.” Emi calmed the girl. “There’s only two people it could have been, and since you started with him it had to be Todoroki.”

“...I’m that obvious?” asked Yaoyorozu. Emi smiled.

“If you pay attention enough. But your classmates are unlikely able to see past their own feelings. Most likely few know or suspect.”

“Okay.” Yaoyorozu nodded her head. She stood and clenched a fist in front of her. “Okay. I can do this.”

“That’s my girl!” Emi cheered. Their tea finished, the two walked towards the door. “Though I do wonder, Yaoyorozu: why me? Ms. Sarashiki is the backup counselor for female students who may feel uncomfortable around Mr. Inui.”

“Well…” Yaoyorozu paused by the door. “Ashido heard Ms. Kayama talking to you about your dates the other day after Hero training with Mr. Iida. She went on and on about it.”

“Of that I’m certain.”

“And, well, you’re a Pro and I’m trying to be a Pro…”

“No, it makes sense.” Emi opened her door. “I wish you luck, Yaoyorozu.”

“Thank you, Ms. Fukukado.” Yaoyorozu said as she stepped outside the door. Pausing she turned around. “Ms. Fukukado?”

“Yes?”

“You said that it could have only been one of two people. Who was the other one?” Yaoyorozu cocked her head to the side. 

“This cool chick with a short bob and great singing voice.” Emi replied. Yaoyorozu blinked before blushing again.

“Oh!”

“Yep. But the mystery was solved so-”

“I mean, that’s not possible, is it?” the words slipped out of Yaoyorozu’s mouth.

“What’s not possible?” Emi asked, eyebrows raising.

“To like both boys and girls? I mean, I know that same-sex relationships exist, but you can’t like both at the same time, right?”

Emi inwardly sighed. How sheltered was this girl? Especially with this class. 

“Come back in, Yaoyorozu. I’ll make us some more tea...”

Chapter Text

Today was a glorious day for the teachers at UA. It was one of those days that rarely came by, and when it did, they snatched it with both hands and held on tight. Despite the sense of fulfillment they got from teaching upcoming heroes, it was days like these that got them through the year. Their students were off on work studies and team ups. The classwork had already been graded. Their own Hero certifications were not due. With no responsibilities, this Saturday was a free day for the teachers.

That's how Aizawa and Emi ended up sparring while Midnight and Mic looked on. Like before, Aizawa was using his greater mobility against her. Emi, however, was keeping pace with him. Without any of her previous tricks, she had retreated into a more conservative, technical fighting style. Her slight evasions and counter attacks had been frustrating Aizawa. None of his feints or baits had brought her out of her defensive box. So hedecided to try something different. 

"You're not being your usual self there, Joke. Don't tell me you're scared," he taunted. Emi moved in to try and catch him, but Aizawa spun away. 

"Talking? Now I know I've got you worried," she retorted. Aizawa tried to feint a punch to lead into a kick, but Emi saw through it. She closed the distance and kicked at him. Aizawa blocked it and rolled away. "Perhaps you should save your breath, Eraser. You're getting winded and slow."

They traded a series of feints and blows. Emi had been right; Aizawa was getting tired. So he pulled a final trick from his sleeve. He let her get close and said,

"Do you know I have a cat named Mochi?"

"W-what?" Emi stuttered, faltering for a moment. 

Aizawa seized on the opportunity to grapple Emi and toss her to the floor, pinning her. Helpless, she tapped out. With a smile Aizawa stood and offered a hand to her. She took it but still glowered at him. 

"What?" he asked as they walked over to the other two Heroes. He reached into his bag to grab hair tie. 

"Not funny lying to me. You know I love cats."

"I wasn't lying." 

"You have a cat?"

"Hizashi?"

"A big old white fluff ball!" the other hero said, showing a picture on his phone. "And she's a cuddler."

"Hmph," was her reply, crossing her arms.

"You can come over if you want to see her," Aizawa said, tying his hair up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. "Eri has been asking for me to bring you back to the apartment, anyway."

Emi flushed red. It took him a moment, but Nemuri’s titter and Hizashi's smile made him understand.

"Uh, that didn't come out right."

“Yeah, no, I know what you meant,” Emi replied quickly. “Let me hit a shower and I’ll pop over.”

“Emi!” came the excited cry of the little girl as she entered the apartment. Emi smiled as the girl ran over.

“Manners, Eri.” Aizawa said from next to Emi at the door. The girl stopped and bowed.

“Hello, Miss Fukukado.”

“Hello, Eri.” Emi bowed. “How are you?”

“I’m well. I asked Aiza if you could come over a lot, but he said you were busy.”

“I have been,” Emi replied. “How has school been going?”

“It’s been going great!” the girl beamed. “Mirio has been helping me! Want to see what I drew?”

“Of course!” Emi responded with similar enthusiasm. 

Eri ran towards the little kitchen in the apartment. Both adults took the opportunity to walk further in. Emi spied the white fluffball that was her cause of her earlier undoing lounging on the back of the couch. The cat allowed Emi to pet her after a quick sniff. Eri came running back out of the kitchen, holding up a piece of paper. On it was a bunch of flowers and a sun with a smiley face.

“That’s gorgeous!” Emi said. “I can tell you put a lot of work into it.”

“Yeah! It’s the garden at the park we go to every Saturday,” Eri smiled. She stopped in the dramatic way children do when they have an idea. “Are you going to the park with us today?”

Out of the corner of her eye, Emi saw Aizawa tense. Eri looked at Aizawa and then back to her. Emi squatted down and ruffled the girl's white hair. 

“Wish I could, kiddo, but I’ve got to meet a Hero Agency about work today. Maybe some other time.”

“Awww, okay.”

“Joke,” Aizawa cut in, “can you keep an eye on her while I shower?”

“You still haven’t showered?”

“Kids play havoc on a schedule.”

“Of course.” Emi looked at Eri, still in her house clothes. “Do you want me to help her change?”

“If you could.” Aizawa nodded. “That would make getting to the park quicker.”

“Yea!” Eri clapped and grabbed one of Emi’s hands with her own, pulling her towards what Emi suspected was her room.

“Manners, Eri.” Aizawa repeated.

“It’s fine.” Emi smiled at him before turning it on Eri. “Let’s get you dressed.”

Entering the side room that was Eri’s bedroom, the little girl hopped onto her bed, and bounced off the other end to get to her dresser. She turned to look back at Emi. With a big smile, Emi hopped onto the bed and bounced off it to get next to the Eri, causing her to giggle.

“Now, let’s see what you got her for clothes. It’s a bit chilly today, so you’ll need something warm.” Emi said as Eri opened drawers. Emi’s eyes locked on a particular outfit, and she pulled it out with a big smile. “How about we give Eraser a nice surprise.” 

When Aizawa left his room, showered and dressed, he met a beaming Emi. Next to her in a hideous green cat sweater with pastel print cat leggings was Eri.

“Well?” asked an overly excited Emi. 

“Let’s go.” Aizawa smiled and held out his hand. Eri bounded over to take it. Both looked at Emi. “Lock up when you leave, Joke.”

“Okay, Eraser.”

As the pair walked out the door, Aizawa gave Emi one last look.

“And no rubber chickens, whoopie cushions, or other gags.”

“Would I do that?” Emi tried to shrug innocently, fooling no one.

Chapter Text

Emi made her way up to class 2-As shared dorm living room. Having an interview with a Hero agency over the weekend, she had taken this Monday off. Good thing as the agency had put her through the paces. Saturday had been the interview, Sunday (normally a rest day) had been testing her knowledge on proper paperwork procedures, and today had been physical skills testing. She had slunk into her basement apartment before the rest of the class had been done with school, and just relaxed. Now, just before bed, she wanted some water. Having apparently ran out of her own, she walked upstairs to grab some out of the communal refrigerator.

The living room was dark. That was how it was supposed to be after curfew. What was not as it was supposed to be was the sound of breathing coming from the couch. Inwardly sighing, Emi figured that one of the students had fallen asleep and their classmates had not woken them. She was about to walk over when she heard another sound. A voice, not in words but something else. 

Emi quickly dropped into stealth mode. She carefully placed her feet, shifting the weight only after she was certain no sound would be made. Purposely staying in the shadows created by the dim light coming through the windows, she moved to get a better look. There were two people on the couch, and they were intertwined. Emi inwardly winced, praying she would not see what she feared. Luckily enough another step and angle change illuminated their still worn clothes. The spikes on both of their heads gave her an idea of who they were. A moment later their voices confirmed it.

“Ah, Ashido,” Kirishima’s voice whispered, “we could get caught.”

“Relax,” her voice was a little louder, if still a whisper, “Mr. Aizawa is out.”

“What about Ms. Fukukado?”

“We’d hear her. She’s not exactly stealthy.”

That settled it for Emi. There would be no normal reprimand for them. Instead, she would deliver a worse punishment - embarrassment. Creeping over towards the light switch, she snagged a chair on the way. The fact neither would-be hero heard her made Emi more annoyed. Gently placing the chair down, Emi sat carefully. Digging into her pockets, she pulled out a pair of sunglasses she had in case she ever needed them for a punchline. Emi leaned toward the light switch, and the floor creaked.

“What was that?” asked Kirishima.

“Probably just building or Koda’s rabbit again,” Ashido replied. 

Emi flicked on the switch.

“What’s up, Doc?”

Ashido squealed and went to jump up. Still entangled in Kirishima, all she managed to do was faceplant into the floor. Emi crossed her legs and arms as Ashido scrambled to her feet.

“I’m disappointed in both of you,” Emi said. “Besides breaking curfew, which is bad enough, you completely missed me sneaking into the room, grabbing a chair, and placing it next to the lights. That tells me you are careless, which is even worse.”

“Are you going to tell Mr. Aizawa?” asked Aishido. Emi raised her eyebrows.

“I should, but the fact you are more worried about Eraser finding out versus the punishment I am going to dole out means that I’ve been lacking in my education.” Emi let that hang. “So no, I won’t. Rather, you will be punished personally by me starting tomorrow. I will let Eraser know it is remedial education.”

“What kind of punishment?” Kirishima asked, sitting up. Emi gave him a cheshire cat smile.

“You’re just going to have to wait to find out. Now, bed, both of you now!”

Ashido squeaked and tore off towards the girls’ side. Emi gave a look as Kirishima laid back down.

“Ms. Fukukado, can you give me a few minutes?”

Emi sighed, shook her head, and flicked off the lights. Teenagers.