Work Text:
Hey Kid,
You know, I’ve gotten a lot of these over the years. Never had the time to reply to them all, but I read every last one— eventually. Even yours.
Now, now, don’t look too embarrassed, they were great! Really sweet, and incredibly detailed. Probably a little too detailed, which is why my agency put it in the Potential Problem Pile, but that’s okay! Your inner fanboy was just showing a little too much, is all. It’s become a great asset!
Now, I bet you’re wondering how I’ve never brought this up before now, and, well, the truth is: I didn’t remember at all!
Before you start the waterworks on me, think back to what I said, okay? I got a LOT of these. All the time. I don’t really remember the specifics about any of them– well, I didn’t. I never thought I’d be writing one of my own, either, but life has a funny way of surprising us, doesn’t it?
So why did I go find yours, you ask? What made me even go rifling through them?
It was you, of course.
For weeks now, the world has been watching with bated breath as those innocent villagers were abused and oppressed. Protests rang out all over the world, and yet we Heroes could do nothing but try and keep the peace. Because it was all happening across the border, where none of us would dare venture for fear of the consequences.
But you didn’t care in the slightest about any of that, did you? Not as you snuck across that border and charged the camps, freeing countless innocents— young Uraraka at your side as always. I should’ve seen it coming, especially with how you talked about it in our conversation a few days before, but somehow I didn’t.
And I’m sure they didn’t predict having the Number One Hero charging through their front door and smashing it to bits, either. I’m sure you were well aware of all the potential ramifications, but you always did have a habit of charging forward, regardless. I wouldn’t expect a formal diplomatic invitation back anytime soon, but after freeing all those people, I think that’s something you’ll be able to live with just fine.
When I first saw the images of what you did– of the happy, sobbing faces of all those you saved crowding around you, I was in awe, just… SO proud. Aizawa had to wrap me up with his capture scarf to stop me from disturbing all the other teachers (they say hi , by the way). I kept screaming because I was so excited. I couldn’t believe what you’d accomplished, the message you were sending out to the world.
…And then I thought of everything you’ve been through since that day on the beach, and I realized that I absolutely COULD believe it. Even back then, you were tested in ways I couldn’t have handled at your age. That almost NO ONE I KNOW could have handled.
There were times you faltered, of course. We all do sometimes– even me. That’s nothing to be ashamed of, especially when you pick yourself back up as you did. When young Iida, Uraraka, and the rest of Class A chased you down and refused to let go, they were finally able to get through to you in a way that I never could. Until right now, that was probably the proudest I’d ever been of my students.
You stumbled, yes, but you CHOSE to come back to us, and that’s what matters in the end. And when you did, you were a little wiser, but still the same kind, compassionate, selfless kid you were before everything went to hell.
The RESILENCE that must’ve taken, Izuku.
It defies all understanding.
You don’t look back at me anymore— and nothing could make me happier.
Your mother and I— and Aizawa too, even if he won’t admit it— will miss the ever-eager pupil who showed up to UA with bones already broken. Always. But that’s not really who you are anymore, is it? It’s your turn, now.
So, the next time you’re wondering if you measure up…
…Or if you ever think of yourself as just “All Might’s Successor”...
…Know that YOU’RE the Number One Hero against whom all Heroes will one day be measured.
The Number One Hero I always strived to be.
With love, from your Number One fan,
Toshinori Yagi