Chapter Text
Following the Sports Festival, there was many things Nedzu needed to deal with. There was a Media circus starting, most of it involving the fight between Bakugo and Akitani. He was starting to regret letting it go ahead to satisfy his own curiosity. A personal weakness. Ah well. That wasn’t his major focus right now. He’d handle that later, but he needed to work fast. If Akitani was who he thought he was, he needed to work as fast as possible. Move everything ahead. And, most importantly, paper work.
Within the day, Nedzu had Naomasa sign of on an investigation that required Akitani to be brought under UA protection, the suspicious paperwork behind Akitani’s so called uncle worked perfectly, and had moved him from Musutafu general to UA. Unfortunately, he had to wait. Even with Chiyo’s assistance, his injuries were simply too much for his body. And, on closer inspection, that wasn’t simply because of his fight with Bakugo.
According to Chiyo, his body was heavily injured and exhausted. It had been shifted beyond it’s original capabilities. An inspection on his X-rays showed off the obvious reason why. His little toe had an extra joint. He was quirkless at some point but at another, that fact had changed and he had gained Galeforce somewhere. Or perhaps, it had been gifted.
“ Impossible.” Toshinori growled. “ There is only one man who could give someone a quirk and he is dead.”
“ And yet we have a young student who was once quirkless and now has an extremely powerful quirk. One his body has struggled with keeping up with. I imagine it will acclimate now it’s been forced into stasis, but he’s been struggling. Whether he knew it or not.” Nedzu retorted. “ Detective, what have you on Akitani’s uncle?”
“ It’s as you thought. The paper work doesn’t match.” Naomasa stated. “ The date of adoption is messed up. Razor had been imprisoned for 3 days when the supposed attack happened. His arrest was publically announced the afternoon afterwards, however. I assume that’s how the mistake was made. While most of it seems fine, there’s no records actually saying that a Mikumo Akitani existed before he arrived in UA. We haven’t investigated the bar mentioned yet, but we may need extra support if it is who you believe it is we are dealing with.”
“ But if the boy isn’t Mikumo Akitani, who is he?”
“ Izuku Midoriya.” Nedzu leant forwards. “ A boy who vanished eight months ago. He matches every description. A quirkless boy at the same height. He’s been wearing contacts to change his eye colour, we discovered. I imagine, should we wash it out, his hair would be green as well.”
“ Did you say… green?” All Might asked. “ A quirkless boy with green hair… That sounds familiar actually.”
“ You might know him.”
“ I’m not sure. But there was a quirkless boy I met months ago. He asked… let’s see. It stuck out to me. Ah, that was it. He asked if someone quirkless could be a hero, I believe.”
“ And you said?” Naomasa asked.
“ I… told him no. Tried to convince him to take another path. A doctor or policeman. Somewhere safer.”
“ Toshinori…” Naomasa sighed.
“ In my defence, it worked before with Melissa. Though, perhaps I was a bit too tactless.” He sighed. “ Could this be my fault?”
“ Perhaps partially.” Nedzu admitted. “ I believe we need to do a deeper investigation into this. First of all, I’m going to calm the media down. Toshinori. Can you go and speak to Young Bakugo about Midoriya. I believe the two have a history. Noamasa, keep looking into Akitani’s supposed uncle.”
“ Actually, regarding that. We got a request for him to be returned into his families custody.”
“ Ask to speak with him in person. Stall as much as you can. We cannot lose Midoriya.” Nedzu frowned. “ I’m pushing the dorm system through so he stays on the campus. It’ll be ready by the end of internships.” They just needed to hold out until then.
**********************************
Aizawa finally announced it as he was handing out recommendations for hero internships.“ Shouldn’t we wait for Izu… For Akitani to get back before we do these?” Bakugo asked. Aizawa went silent for a bit before returning to his desk.
“ Unfortunately, Akitani hasn’t yet recovered from his injuries. He’s under UA custody until he does, however we cannot wait for him. I apologize.”
“ The fuck are you talking about in custody? Is he in trouble? Cause I’m the one who put him in that mess so if anything I-”
“ Excuse me.” Bakugo paused. The class looked at the door to see the full form of All Might standing there. “ Apologies to interrupt, Mister Aizawa. I am here to speak with Young Bakugo.” Aizawa nodded.
“ I understand. Just bring him back in one piece.”
“ Of course.” All Might grinned. Bakugo sighed. What did the asshole teachers want now? He stood up and left the room
“ What’s this about?”
“ Come with me.” He said simply. They walked in silence. Bakugo recognised the route after a while. They were heading to the nurses office. Recovery Girl was waiting for them. They passed the main room and stopped outside another room further down the hall. Normally, students weren’t allowed this far. Bakugo never stopped to wonder why. Recovery Girl opened the door. Bakugo looked alarmed as he saw him.
“ Izuku.”
“ I see. So is it right to assume that this young man is Izuku Midoriya?” All Might asked.
" Can I see him?” All Might looked at Recovery Girl. With a sigh, the old woman nodded and let the student and teacher inside. Katsuki took a seat next to Izuku’s bed. He was bandaged up, one covering one of his eyes, and was still asleep. The heart monitor beside him was steady. He was alive at least. Katsuki breathed. “ This is my fault. I got to caught up in the moment. Forgot to hold back. Fucking hell. I’m a god damn moron.” He buried his head in his hands.
“ What’s your history with him?”
“ We used to be friends.” Katsuki said with a sigh. “ But then he was diagnosed as Quirkless and I… Damn it.” Katsuki couldn’t believe this was happening. “ I… really thought he’d killed himself when he went missing. Cops didn’t wanna bother looking for another quirkless kids body. I was shocked. I knew it was my fault. Best I could do was become a hero for both of us. But then he came back and I convinced myself I was seeing things but… It really is him, ain’t it?”
“ It appears so.”
“ Man. Auntie’s gonna lose her mind.”
“ Auntie?”
“ Inko Midoriya. His mom.” Katsuki looked up. “ Our parents our close. But I was too fucking proud to believe someone without a quirk could ever be anything more than worthless. Couldn’t fucking accept one flaw in my own god damn best friend. I was a fucking asshole. Izuku doesn’t deserve this.”
“ My boy, I’ll be frank. It’s not your fault.”
" Of course it fucking is.”
“ No. Because I looked over the files regarding Young Midoriya’s disappearance. I believe that was the day of the Slime Villain attack, yes?” Bakugo nodded slowly.
“ You saved me.”
“ I did. But before then, I actually met young Midoriya.” Bakugo glanced over to him. “ He asked me if he could be a hero, even if he was quirkless. And I told him it was unlikely and tried to steer him down a different path. That evening, he disappeared.” Bakugo was silent. “ It was a foolish moment, thinking back on it. I thought what worked for one would work for another. And I believe it led to what happened with him. Nedzu believes your friend got caught up in something serious. Something I failed to put a stop too years ago. And for that, I take responsibility for what happened. Don’t burden yourself with this.”
“ Is he… gonna be alright?”
“ I certainly hope so, my boy.” All Might said. “I certainly hope so.”
**********************************
Toru was restless. According to Momo, Izuku had been taken into UA’s custody. After everything he’d done for her, he was in trouble. While Sensei had ordered them to stay put and let him handle it, it wasn’t enough. In secret, she had Giran alter her sneaking suit. Then, the week of UA’s internships, she decided it was time. Not many people knew what she was doing. Ochako did. Momo and Shoto as well. No-one else. Giran dropped her off and wished her luck.
It took her a while to find him, tucked away in a small room off to the side of the nurses office. Sneaking in was easy enough. She knelt next his bed. “ Izu…” She placed a hand on his. “ What did they do to you? I’m… so sorry I-I couldn’t help you when you needed me. But I’m here to help now. So... please. Please be OK.”
“ I wouldn’t.” Toru gasped and shot up. “ Young Midoriya is recovering at a steady pace. Moving him now would only serve to impede that progress.”
“ W-What?”
“ Ha ha. No need to be afraid.” Toru finally noticed him, sitting in the rooms corner sipping on a cup of tea. “ Am I a mouse? Am I a marsupial? All that’s known is that I’m the principal. I’d prefer to be able to see you, if you would.” Toru paused. “ There’s no use hiding. My sense of smell is as good as any other animal. Trying to leave now would just be wasting time. So please.” He offered her a seat. With a heavy sigh, Toru relented. She uncloaked. “ Please. Sit.” She didn’t, staying by Izuku’s side. Nedzu smiled, pushing a tea cup across the table towards her. “ I doubt you’ll remove the mask.” Toru didn’t answer. “ So. Is Young Midoriya a friend of yours? I imagine, due to the action of sneaking into UA, it must be something like that, yes?”
“ He’s more to me than that.” Toru said, bitterly. “ He’s done more for me that you heroes could ever hope too.”
“ Ah, so it’s loyalty that drives you.” Nedzu nodded. “ I suppose that means you won’t tell me who the both of you work for. Or is it that your just loyal to Midoriya?” Again, Toru didn’t answer. “ I’m not going to hurt either of you, you know. You don’t have to be on edge.”
“ I’m not falling for it. I know who you are. Izuku tells us you’re the smartest being in Japan. Dangerous.”
“ I am glad he thinks so highly of me.” Nedzu took a sip from his teacup.
“ What do you want with Izuku?” Toru asked.
“ I’m not seeking his arrest, if that is what you’re thinking. Right now, he’s just a poor young boy who got swept up in the idealog of a mad man. He’s a victim. Though, judging by his position and your apparent expertise, I would have to guess you are both members of the League of Villains.” Toru froze. “ You’re lucky no-one died. If it had, that would have changed something.”
“ Izuku didn’t want anyone… many dead.” Toru said. “ They were after All Might. But Izuku made it clear. Students weren’t to be killed.”
“ If that’s true, I’m personally very glad to hear that.”
“ He’s no monster.”
“ I didn’t believe he was.”
“ Then why-”
“ Toru…” Both hero and villain froze as, slowly, a hand grasped Toru’s gloved hand.
“ Izu… Y-You’re…” Izuku groaned as he sat up.
“ Ugh… my head is- Woah!” Toru lunged forwards, grabbing him in a crushing hug.
“ Izu… I… I thought you were…” She sniffed. “ You left me alone, you dummy.”
“ Toru…” Izuku looked concerned. “ Sorry but I’m not quite sure what’s happening.”
“ You… can still see me right?”
“ Huh? Of course. Why? Is it your quirk again? Are you alright?”
“ I am now.” She said happily. Izuku smiled.
“ Ha. Good. I’m glad.” The two were startled by two sudden claps.
“ My apologies to ruin this tender moment. However, I believe young Midoriya requires a full check up now he’s awake.” Toru groaned. She didn’t want to let him go. Didn’t trust what the heroes wanted. Izuku placed a gentle hand on her head.
“ It’s fine.” He told her. Finally, she relented.
“ I-I’m sorry. It’s just that I-”
“ Later.” He told her. Then he turned his attention to UA’s principal. “ So. Cat’s out of the bag, huh?”
“ Indeed it is.” Nedzu tld him. “ Izuku Midoriya. I have questions for you. But first, let me bring in Recovery Girl. You were very hurt during your match against Young Bakugo and I can’t in good conscience continue until I know you’re healthy.”
“ My. How noble.” Izuku rolled his eyes. “ Fine. Do what you want. But let Violet go.”
“ Izuku?!”
“ Let her go and I’ll give you what you want.”
“ No! I won’t leave you!” Toru stopped him. “ I came here to get you. I refuse to leave without you.”
“ But-”
“ Neither of you are in any danger, Young Midoriya. I believe you have misunderstood the situation.” Nedzu smiled. “ I just want to talk. At the moment, all I have on you is forged documents and her is breaking and entering, neither of which I think is serious enough to be worth involving law officials.” Izuku remained silent.
“ I stick by my condition.”
“ Of course. I’m afraid I can’t let either of you leave UA, but we have dorms prepared for students. I’m happy to let you stay there.” Nedzu smiled. “ It’s nice to see you well, Young Midoriya. I look forward to our conversations.”
**********************************
Following Chiyo looking over the young supposed villain, Ectoplasm escorted Midoriya and his companion, all Nedzu knew was her name was Toru, to the dorms. Though it they were confined, with no-one else living there at that time, they weren’t in any danger either. Unfortunately, Toru didn’t have a phone on her. He’d have to try and convince her to give him her parents phone number. Couldn’t have Naomasa be saddled with a pointless missing persons case, after all.
He decided to bring the faculty together to inform them of the new developments later that afternoon. “ So, let me get this straight.” Aizawa asked. “ There are two young villains on our campus as guests, a conspiracy involving a thought to be dead, extremely powerful villain and you want to try and convince the first group to take down the second?”
“ That about sums it up.” Nedzu agreed.
“ They attacked my students, Nedzu.”
“ With orders to not kill them, I’ve been assured.” Nedzu pointed out. “ Besides, wasn’t Midoriya one of your students as well?”
“ I thought he was, though if you’re too be believed, he was a spy.”
“ The boy is a victim of circumstance, Aizawa.” All Might spoke up. “ We cannot blame him for All for One’s actions. He’s a master manipulator.”
“ And he has violent tendencies.” Vlad King reminded everyone. “ He almost murdered his classmate. Goaded that classmate into almost murdering him right back.”
“ As I understand it, only towards Katsuki Bakugo.” Nedzu stated.
“ His classmate. How reassuring.” Aizawa rolled his eyes.
“ Who’s the other person?” Thirteen asked. Nedzu thanked her mentally.
“ All we know is she’s called Toru. Her quirk appears to be invisibility.”
“ How didn’t we notice her come in?” Mic asked. “ Yo. Tin Claws. Ain’t that supposed to be your job?”
“ I assume she was wearing a special suit, yes?” Power Loader asked. Nedzu nodded. “ Hmm. She likely has the same tech I use on certain hidden rooms around the place to avoid detection. Never thought someone would use my own tricks against us. It’s an oversight I’ll fix as soon as I can.”
“ So what’s the plan going forwards?” Hound Dog asked.
“ My hope is that Midoriya will listen to reason. I want to know why he’s doing what he’s doing. That girl, Toru, mentioned something interesting. She said Izuku saved her more than any hero could hope too.”
“ Saved?” Snipe raised an eyebrow. “ What does she mean?”
“ I don’t know but I intend to learn.” Nedzu told them. “ As for now, it’s possible we may have to weather another attack to prevent our guests from leaving before I’m done with them. It may or may not happen, but I will not let us be taken by surprise again.” Nedzu slowly watched the room. Judging by his fellow teachers steely gazes, he knew they agreed. He really hoped it didn’t get to that point but he also knew that wasn’t to do with him. In the end, everything came down to Izuku Midoriya.
**********************************
Izuku was still trying to get his head around the events of this afternoon. After he woke up, not only did he find out that he was a captive of UA academy but that he was injured far, far worse than he had wanted. He let his anger get the better of him. Again. And it had cost him majorly. And this time, it had hurt a friend. More than that now. He needed to get Toru out. Needed to get out himself. Before Tomura or Mina or someone else did something stupid. Maybe he could get a message to Momo or Denki somehow.
Right now, however, he was sitting in the common room of an empty dorm building. Sitting across from the principal of UA, Nedzu. “ How are your injuries?” Nedzu asked.
“ They ache whenever I move.” Izuku admitted. “ I’m still getting used to the new depth perception of only having one eye. That’s probably the worse thing about it.”
“ I see. Well, I’m sure it will get better.”
“ Cut the small talk, Principal.” Izuku said coldly. “ We both know you aren’t here to ask me about my injuries and what type of tea is my favourite.”
“ Very well. I’ll oblige.” Nedzu leant forwards. “ Let me be frank. You’re working for All for One aren’t you?”
" I don’t work for anyone.” Izuku told him.
“ But you do know him, yes? He was the one who gave you your quirk.” Nedzu took a causal sip of his tea. Izuku remained silent. “ You know, from X-rays and professional opinions, you didn’t let your body fully acclimate to the new quirk. Frankly, I’m surprised you were only out 3 weeks. I’d have expected over a month.”
“ People keep telling me I’m not one for giving up.”
“ Obviously.” He leant back. Izuku felt his skin crawl under the rats analytical gaze. “ Why did you do it though?”
“ Why what?”
“ You went along with all of this. Got took in by All for One. Why?” Izuku huffed.
“ Like a hero would possibly understand.”
“ I’m aware of your history.” Nedzu told him. “ Diagnosed quirkless. Mistreated by Katsuki Bakugo, by his own admittance. I’ll have to have Detective Tsukauchi open a formal investigation into child abuse cases in Aldera. Bullying is incredibly counter intuitive to the growth of a child and egging children on is only asking for villains and criminals to spread further. Frankly, they’re an embarrassment to educators.” Nedzu shrugged, dismissively. “ Then there’s the matter of All Might.” Izuku grit his teeth. “ He remembers you, you know.”
“ You don’t have to lie to me. Like hell he remembers the kid who he broke the dreams of.” Izuku growled. “ He looked right at me when I was Akitani and it was like he was looking right through me. Only thing he recognised was a hero to be with a powerful quirk. I know fine well about what he thinks about the Quirkless.”
“ Was that it? Struggles of being Quirkless? You know there were-”
“ Don’t!” Izuku growled angrily. “ Just don’t. Don’t act like you understand what it’s like being Quirkless. You’re smart, Principal Nedzu. But don’t think you can read minds.”
“ Do you know my background?” Nedzu asked. “ I was a lab experiment. Humans ran tests on me because I was an animal with a quirk. They treated me as less than human. Why wouldn’t I understand?”
“ Cause you have a quirk.” Izuku told him. “ That’s why you’re even here. They respect you because, even though you’re an animal, you have a quirk. People see me and I’m not even human. I’m a source of pity or anger. Either a poor soul cursed by life or a waste of resources who shouldn’t even be allowed to exist. You don’t know how that feels. You don’t know what it’s like, day in and day out to question whether you even deserve life. To being told you can’t be anything just because of one stupid extra joint.” Izuku leant back. “ See, this is what I can’t stand about you heroes. People are so blinded by the glitz and glamour that they can’t see that all you care about is yourself. So many people suffer under your supposed care and you don’t bat an eyelid.”
“ And you know about the pain of others, do you?”
“ Of course I have. Toru was almost driven mad by her quirk. If not for Sensei’s help, she might well have been.” Izuku told him. “ One of my friends had their father killed in a hero attack because they were being lax on the job and that hero still parades, being idolised by the masses. Do you even know how untouchable heroes are in this day and age? I have another friend whose parent was a hero and he was abused day in and day out because they wanted to make a perfect successor. Another has to bare the weight of their parents protecting those monsters for money and reputation. Another was treated as an outcast because of a dangerous quirk. Another had their family life become hard because of lack of proper financial support. Do you get it? Your society doesn’t work. It leave people like us to suffer and die.”
“ And you helped all those people?” Nedzu asked. Izuku blinked. That was not what he expected to hear.
“ I… I mean… I guess but… that’s not important.”
“ Oh, I believe it is. i believe it is very important. You helped people who couldn’t help themselves. You became their hero.” Nedzu told him. “ And that is why I believe you can do better than All for One. Better than this League of Villain.” Nedzu took another sip from his tea cup. “ What if I told you there was a way I could bring down the Hero Commission and all the corrupt heroes it protects. And I could do it all with out firing a single shot.”
“ Excuse me?”
“ Oh, Mister Midoriya, I am well aware the Commission is shady, to say the least.” Nedzu smirked. “ And I have been planning on bringing them down for years. It’s not easy. I know how powerful they are. You could help. Bring down the Commission, not with violence and bloodshed. But with espionage and trickery. You’re better than this. You and all the people that you helped. You don’t need violence to make a real difference. Please. Stand with me and I promise you the Commission will pay. And perhaps I can convince you not all heroes are fame seeking monsters like you believe.” Izuku paused.
“ And you can agree that none of my friends will be imprisoned?” He asked. “ I won’t agree to anything unless you can agree not to harm them.”
“ If you can get them to agree to stand down and abandon All for One, then I don’t see a need for them to be arrested for anything. One attack no-one got killed in is something I can overlook.” Nedzu smiled. “ Will you help me?”
“ I don’t have a choice, do I?” Izuku sighed. “ Fine. Give me a laptop and access to the internet. I can have them stood down within an hour. Then you can explain your plans. I’ll admit. I’m interested.”
**********************************
“ The long line of arrests of Pro Heroes continues today as Number Two Hero Endeavour was brought into police custody today with allegations of domestic abuse. This follows files seized by the police following the shut down of the Public Safety Commission earlier in the month.” The news droned on in the back ground. Izuku smirked, looking down at his laptop.
Crucible : I can’t believe this. Is he really going to jail?
Forge: In order to save face, my parents handed over all files about cases involving him.
Forge: I’m sure if you and your brother come forwards and with all the other evidence, it should be a fairly open and closed trial.
Brainstorm: what next
Forge: Well, Izuku, Denki and I have finals soon.
Blackout: AAAAAAAAAAAA
Blackout: Don’t remind me. Last time, they made me and Kodai fight that fucking psycho rabbit. It was a nightmare.
Singularity: Ain’t the principal a rat?
Izuku chuckled. It had been six months since Izuku had agreed to work with Principal Nedzu. Honestly, he never expected it to go as well as it had. A few things had changed since then. He was able to convince Tomura and the others to stand down from their villainous activities, though he was sure Sensei didn’t like that idea, not that he ever heard from the man. Hell, it was rare he left UA these days. He was still known as one of the group who attack the USJ and it wasn’t like pros took apprentices from the first years anyway. Somehow, he was still in the hero course. How that happened was anyone’s guess. He wasn’t alone either. Momo and Denki were with him too.
Due to an agreement with Nedzu, not many people ever came to know who the League’s personnel were. Nedzu knew, because of course he did. Damn rat tried making an account on Venality only to get swiftly perma-banned. Officially, they were a rogue group who attacked UA once and got defeated for their troubles. Not many knew the truth and Izuku was fine to keep it that way. Of course, his identity was something that was never going to stay secret forever. He hadn’t even bothered. Bakugo outed him the first day he stepped back into the classroom even if he wanted to keep it a secret. He may have still been trying to be a hero, but he wasn’t going to stop being cynical about the nature of heroes quite yet. But, if Nedzu proved anything, changing something from within was more satisfying then running the risk of killing innocent people while changing it with force.
Being in UA for real was actually quite nice. Toru was in UA, thanks to her being forcibly transferred to the school in the early days of their agreement just so Nedzu could keep in an eye on her. Though it was the target of teasing from both Denki and Komori, a girl who had somehow managed to make friends with Bakugo of all people, he enjoyed being with her. It put his heart at ease. There was a small knock on his bedroom door. “ Yeah?”
“ Mister Izuku?” Speaking of putting his heart at ease. Izuku looked up from his laptop.
“ Hey Eri. How are you?” The young girl sat down on Izuku’s bedroom carpet.
“ I’m alright.” Eri said happily. Eri was a nice girl. Way too nice for the hand she was dealt. When he was first brought in to see her, she was nothing like she was now. She was afraid. Her eyes were dull, she never smiled and she seemed to shake even when she wasn’t cold. Broken. She’d been rescued by an upper class student on Work Studies with Sir Nighteye. Mirio Togata, one of UA’s best and brightest. Dense as he could be, he and Izuku got along fairly well, even if Izuku pretended not to notice Togata’s sudden power spike since the year began and All Might being his personal tutor. He didn’t want to think of the implications.
Nedzu knew Izuku had history helping people like her. It’s why he brought him in. So he could help. And he did the best he could. Eri was better now. She didn’t flinch at shadows anymore. Her eyes were brighter and she smiled a lot more these days. Izuku still helped her getting over her fear of using her quirk. Toru helped where she could, not baring to see someone she recognised as what she once was suffer more than she should. Even Togata took time out of his day to help her out. “ Are you busy?”
“ Don’t worry about it. I’m just messaging some friends.”
Toxicity: So, what happens now ten? World peace?
Violet: Ha. I doubt it will be that easily
Brainstorm: it’s so annoying to see that bitch avoid justice
Crucible: That’s understandable. But I’m just glad that bastard can’t hurt us anymore.
Brainstorm: you lucked out
Toxicity: Ugh
Usagi: What?
Toxicity: Those freaking Quirk Cultists are doing another meeting
Toxicity: Why am I heeeere?
Crucible: Leave
Toxicity: Debating it.
Usagi: Or you could sell information to the police.
Usagi: Might bring down your bounty.
Toxicity: Blegh. I’ll take my chances.
Izuku chuckled. Unlike the rest of them, who had found ways to get back to a more normal life, Mina and Toga were unfortunately still wanted for murder in multiple regions of Japan. Right now they’d manage to join some group called the Meta Liberation Army in order to lie low for a while. Apparently, it was a pain but Mina had Himiko. That was all that really mattered to her. Izuku was just happy she was happy.
“ You hungry, Eri?” Izuku asked. Eri nodded. Together, the two headed down stairs. Entering the room, he let out an annoyed sigh. “ Ah. Dammit.”
“ Izu!” Komori cheered. Sitting at the kitchen table was the Bakugang, as Komori called them. Izuku didn’t mind Kirishima or Komori really. Both were nice people. While Komori may have been overly energetic for Izuku’s liking and Eijiro tried to get way too into his business that first month he revealed his actual name, but they weren’t offensive. Not like the asshole they chose to hung around. At least He hadn’t rubbed off on his new extras.
“ Just here to get something to eat. Me and Eri both.” Izuku said, dismissively.
“ That’s cool.” Komori nodded. “ How are you, Eri?”
" I’m fine.”
“ Awesome!” She nodded. She looked over to izuku. “ Sato left some cake in the fridge earlier. Baku’s cooking tonight as well.” She hummed. “ Which… I guess means you won’t be joining the rest of us huh?” Izuku didn’t answer. He instead opened a cupboard and took out two plates. He heard Kirishima whispering.
“ Come on, man.” He nudged the boy at his side. “ Katsuki, you have to.”
“ He won’t.” Izuku told him. Kirishima flinched. “ He won’t waste his time with things that don’t earn him anything in return.” Izuku took the cake out of the fridge. “ Keep wasting your time trying to humanize him, Kirishima. It won’t earn you anything.” He casually plated up a slice for him and Eri.
“ Come on, man. I know you have history, but that’s-”
“ Uncalled for?” Izuku chuckled. “ If he wants to try something, I’ll be waiting. Not that I expect anything from him.” Izuku took his food, offered a reassuring smile to Eri and started heading to his room. He doubted anything would change. That asshole was either a bully or a coward. Either way, it was best for Izuku to just ignore him and move on.
He came to UA as a spy for a group of Villains. He joined the hero course as a spy. But things were different now. Now, he was serious. If there were other options, then he might as well try and take them now they were proven to work. If he wanted something, he’d take it. He just needed the power and the means. That hadn’t change. He wanted people to respect him. Respect the quirkless and the broken. And he’d do that. But he also didn’t want to hurt people. In the end, he was still the same boy he was a year ago. Perhaps with a bit of a harder shell, but he still wanted to be a hero. So that’s what he’d become. Become a hero. Change the system. If it could be done, he’d do it. Things had changed. Or perhaps, they’d just gone back to the way they were before. Izuku didn’t really know. But he did know one thing. He was going to be a hero.
**********************************
“ I’m disappointed. He had so much potential. I did not expect his will to be so weak.” All for One sighed. “ And now all my plans have fallen apart. Tomura took a leave of absence. Midoriya is dead set on becoming that which I thought I’d gotten him to hate. Nedzu, you brilliant theif.” He chuckled darkly. Tomura wasn’t gone for good. There was always a chance he could bring him back around. But it was an unnecessarily annoying task that young Midoriya had presented to him.
“ I told you, sir. Trusting children is always a mistake.” Doctor Garaki told him.
“ Indeed. I understand that now. Perhaps it’s time we take a more proactive approach. What do you think, Haru?” From the corner of the room, Haru Garaki’s cold gaze fell on the great villain.
“ Mistakes were made. I can still salvage the situation.”
“ Are you certain?”
“ Trust me.” Hana smirked. “ I’m a doctor.” All for One laughed heartily. He’d lost one battle. But he’d lost many others in his long, long life. And there was always another. All for One learned from his mistakes. The Commission’s corruption being revealed meant more disgruntled people to puppeteer in his favour. Tomura may have stood down, but he always had his sister. Once chance had failed but many more had opened. All for One was a patient man. He knew he’d win in the end. All he needed to do was be patient.
“ And so the battle begins anew.”