Chapter 5: Birthday Celebration
ONE MONTH LATER (IZUKU'S BIRTHDAY)
Izuku sighed as he stretched out in legs in class. Something that he noticed was that with all of his reading and information that he learned from his memory recall from the Brain Boost quirk, the classes were starting to seem repetitive. He still listened but he wasn't even paying attention half the time and was still getting A's on all his tests, quizzes, and homework.
He felt something hit the back of his head and he wiped it away to see it was a mushed-up paper ball. He looked back to see it was Bakugo spitting it at him. He shook his head trying to get back to the lecture. It was his birthday, and he wasn't sure how he was going to celebrate it. Even if his parents still treated him badly and barely gave him attention, they still gave him a half-decent birthday. He was half tempted to spend it with Jiro and hang out with her instead.
The other thing that made him happy was that Chase had sent a notification of a goal being Birthday Boy and it said that he would be allowed to create two more quirks. It made him smile at the possible abilities he could do with that. Plus his sensei gave him a break from the dojo for today to allow him to relax.
Bakugo spit another ball on his head and Izuku dodged it, getting a surprised look from him. This made him madder, and he decided to spit a few more. Izuku just accepted the hits to make him stop for a bit.
"Alright, class that is all for today. Make sure to study for tomorrow's test," said their teacher as most of them started to pack up.
Izuku gathered his belongings, carefully slipping his notebooks into his bag. As he stood to leave, Bakugo bumped into him intentionally, nearly making him drop his things.
"Watch where you're going, Deku," Bakugo sneered, his ever-present smirk twisting his features.
"Yes, Bakugo," said somewhat mockingly at him. Bakugo stopped for a second and scoffed. That was another thing that had changed. He had stopped calling him Kacchan as the was a name for his friend, not an asshole who treated him like shit every day. Funny enough it was starting to visible bother Bakugo that he wasn't do it anymore.
He picked up his things while walking down the halls and saw his siblings hanging out by the door. "Yo, Deku, how you are doing?" asked Inori a little too sweetly. Bakugo was standing near Ichiro, and they smirked at them.
"I'm fine. Why?" he asked confused. He knew he hadn't done anything yet so why were they messing with him?
"Nothing," she said walking around and pulling his bag off his back. He didn't resist as that would cause more problems. She dumped out his bag to see what he had in there.
Izuku sighed inwardly as his books and notes spilled onto the hallway floor, scattering in every direction. Students passing by glanced at the scene but didn't intervene—most had learned to avoid getting involved when it came to Bakugo and Izuku's so-called "friends."
"Seriously, Inori?" Izuku muttered, bending down to gather his belongings. He kept his voice calm, though irritation simmered just beneath the surface.
"What's this, huh?" Inori snatched up one of his notebooks, flipping through it with exaggerated curiosity. "Are you writing a diary or something? How pathetic."
Ichiro snickered, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. Bakugo watched the scene with a smug grin, clearly enjoying the humiliation.
" They are books from the library," he said trying to get it back, but Inori yanked it away from him.
"Let's see what it is," she said using her telekinesis to pick up the books to see.
Inori's telekinetic grip hovered the books in mid-air, her smirk growing wider as she read the titles aloud.
"'Heroic Strategies for Rescue Missions," she said mockingly. "'Advanced Quirk Analysis,' 'Tactical Planning for Pro Heroes.' Geez, what a nerd. You think you're hero material, Deku?"
"More than a lot of people yes," he said bluntly. Inori sent him a glare on his way.
"Are you still seriously trying to become a hero?" she asked.
Izuku met her glare head-on, his green eyes steady and unwavering. "Yes, I am. And no amount of this," he gestured to his scattered books and notes, "is going to change that."
Ichiro heard this from the wall he was leaning on. "Dude, we have been through this hundreds of times. You. Are. Quirkless."
Izuku didn't flinch, though the weight of Ichiro's words pressed heavily against him. "And I've told you just as many times," he said, his voice steady, "a quirk isn't what makes a hero. It's their heart, their determination, and their willingness to do what's right."
Most of the people had left the hallway and there was no one around now meaning Izuku had to get out of there otherwise they would use their quirks on him.
Izuku subtly glanced around the now-empty hallway, his heart pounding. He knew what was coming, this wasn't the first time his siblings had cornered him when no one was around. He tightened his grip on his scattered belongings, his mind racing for an escape route.
Inori floated the books higher, her telekinetic grip tightening. "You're so full of yourself, Deku. Acting like you're better than us just because you read a bunch of books."
"I never said I was better," Izuku replied, standing his ground. "I just refuse to give up."
"Refuse to give up, huh?" Ichiro said with a mocking laugh. He activated his quirk. "Let's see how far that stubbornness gets you."
Bakugo smirked, cracking his knuckles. "You really don't learn, do you, Deku? Let's teach you a lesson you won't forget."
"Yeah, how about no. Why would guys waste your time on someone who you think is useless," he said trying to deter them.
Bakugo's smirk faltered for a moment, and Izuku's words seemed to hang in the air, heavy with defiance. Inori and Ichiro paused, as though considering the suggestion. The three of them powered down and Inori sighed putting the books down.
"Fair point, glad to see that you are seeing yourself as useless now," said Inori walking away from him with Ichiro and Bakugo following them. "Bye loser," she said before shutting the door.
He sighed at this. He will never understand why the hell they get a sick kick out bullying him. Not to mention that if he fought back then they would fight back harder. He needed to get an offensive quirk created soon so he could better defend himself.
He walked outside and didn't seem to notice his purple-haired friend. "Yo, Yagi," called out Jiro leaning up against the wall.
Izuku blinked, snapping out of his thoughts at the sound of Jiro's voice. He hadn't noticed her standing by the wall, her arms crossed as she waited for him. A small smile tugged at his lips, and he walked over to her, trying to shake off the frustration he still felt from the earlier encounter with his siblings.
"Hey, Jiro," he said, his voice a little more tired than he intended. "Sorry, I was just lost in thought there. Wait, what are you doing here? Your school is like 45 minutes away from here," he said wondering.
"Well, it is your birthday, and I thought I would come and see my friend. Unless you don't want me to," she said raising an eyebrow.
"No, no! I'm really glad you came, Jiro. I just didn't expect it. I wasn't planning on doing anything for my birthday."
Jiro's expression softened in response, and she stepped forward, gently nudging his shoulder with hers. "Well, now you've got something to look forward to, right? I'm not going to let you spend your birthday sulking in a corner somewhere."
"Are…are you sure you want to come to my place for a party? I don't think it would end well," he said scratching the back of his head.
"With what…your siblings and parents. Who gives a rat ass what they think? I sure as hell don't now let us get going," she said pushing him along.
"Alright, alright, I get it. I'm not going to ruin my own birthday by sitting around feeling sorry for myself." Izuku gave her a small but genuine smile. "But I'm warning you—things might be awkward."
Jiro raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Awkward? Oh, come on, I've dealt with way worse. I can handle your family."
Izuku's laugh was weak but real, and he felt a small sense of relief. Jiro always knew how to lighten the mood. They made their way out of the school, the cool air of the late afternoon brushing against their skin. Izuku couldn't help but glance back toward the school, his thoughts drifting to his siblings. The encounter with them still stung, but Jiro's presence was a comforting reminder that he wasn't alone.
As they made their way to his home, Jiro chatted about everything under the sun—her latest band practice, the upcoming school events, and her own frustrations with school life. It was nice to hear something that wasn't about his lack of a quirk or his family's constant indifference. For the first time that day, Izuku felt like he could breathe again.
When they arrived at his house, Izuku hesitated for a moment. The familiar, oppressive atmosphere of the house loomed ahead. His parents' indifference, the teasing from his siblings—it was all waiting for him behind that door. But Jiro was by his side, and that gave him the courage to push the door open.
Inside, the house was as quiet and empty as usual. His parents were nowhere to be seen, and his siblings were probably off doing their own thing, leaving him with the distinct impression that he was an afterthought, even on his own birthday.
"Come on, let's do this," Jiro said, her voice full of determination. She looked around the house, her expression a mix of curiosity and mild disdain. "Wow, this place is like a ghost town. You live here, huh?"
Izuku chuckled nervously. "Yeah, it's pretty quiet most of the time."
"So, what do you usually do for your birthday, anyway?" she asked, glancing around.
"Oh well, I mean I don't really do much," he said flustered. He really had was not used to this feeling of having someone over for him and him only.
Izuku scratched the back of his head awkwardly, not used to having someone genuinely interested in what he did for his birthday. The house was always so empty, so quiet, that it had become normal for him to just let the day pass without any fanfare. But now, with Jiro here, it felt… different.
"I don't know," he muttered, glancing around. "I usually just read or work on stuff for school. My parents don't really make a big deal out of it, and my siblings…" He trailed off, unsure of how to finish that thought without making things worse. He didn't want Jiro to feel sorry for him.
Jiro's gaze softened as she observed him. She walked over to the kitchen and opened the fridge, peeking inside. It was just as empty as the rest of the house, and she raised an eyebrow. "Looks like no one's even bothered to stock up for you."
Izuku shrugged, trying to play it off as if it didn't bother him. "It's fine. I don't need anything."
Jiro turned around, hands on her hips. "I don't know, man. I'm not about to let you spend your birthday alone in this place, especially without even a little celebration. How about we get some food and hang out? I can't be the only one who thinks that sounds like a decent plan for a birthday."
Izuku blinked, the offer catching him off guard. It had never even occurred to him to do something like that. Going out with Jiro, having a meal, and just… enjoying his day without the usual weight of his family's neglect hanging over him. It sounded too good to be true.
"I… I don't want to inconvenience you," he said hesitantly, glancing at her. "It's not a big deal, really."
Jiro rolled her eyes and stepped closer, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Stop that. You deserve to enjoy your day, and I'm going to make sure you do. It's not an inconvenience, alright?"
Izuku couldn't help but smile at her insistence. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea after all. Maybe it was time to actually do something for himself, to not let his family's indifference dictate how his day went.
"Okay," he said with a small nod. "Let's go get some food. I think I could use a change of scenery."
"Good choice," Jiro said, grinning. "Let's get out of here."
Izuku followed Jiro as she led the way down the street, not sure exactly where they were going but happy to be in her company. They didn't need to say much; it felt like the kind of quiet companionship where words weren't necessary.
Eventually, Jiro stopped in front of a small diner, its neon sign flickering in the twilight. The warm light spilling from the windows made it look inviting and cozy, the kind of place where time seemed to slow down.
"How about here?" Jiro asked, turning to Izuku with a smile.
Izuku looked up at the dinner and nodded. It wasn't fancy, but it didn't need to be. It was the kind of place that felt like it could offer comfort, warmth—everything he needed right now.
"Yeah, this looks perfect."
They walked inside, and the friendly bell above the door chimed as they entered. The diner was warm, with the smell of freshly cooked food in the air. A waitress greeted them with a bright smile, and they took a booth near the window. Jiro immediately grabbed the menu and started scanning it, while Izuku just sat there for a moment, taking it all in.
"So, what's the birthday boy in the mood for?" Jiro asked, raising an eyebrow as she flipped through the pages of the menu.
Izuku glanced at the menu, but nothing really jumped out at him. He wasn't used to picking out food for himself; it was usually something his parents or siblings handled. But with Jiro here, it felt a little different. He thought about what he usually liked but never really got.
"I'll have the pancakes," he said after a moment, surprising himself a little. It was something simple, comforting. Something he'd never ask for at home, but today… today he felt like it was okay.
Jiro nodded approvingly. "Pancakes, huh? Good choice. I'll take the waffles. We'll both have a sugar overload."
Izuku laughed softly, the tension in his chest loosening just a bit more. He wasn't sure why, but it felt good to do something spontaneous. Something for himself.
The waitress came by shortly after, and they placed their orders. As she walked away, Jiro leaned back in the booth, crossing her arms over her chest.
"So, what's your deal with your family?" she asked, her voice quieter now.
Izuku felt the question catch him off guard. He hadn't expected her to ask. It wasn't something he liked talking about. But looking at her, he could see that she wasn't asking out of pity or judgment. She was genuinely curious, genuinely concerned.
"It's a long story. My family… let's just say they don't exactly see me as… important."
Jiro tilted her head, her gaze steady. "What do you mean?"
He sighed, realizing there wasn't much point in sugarcoating things. "Well, my siblings all have quirks—powerful ones, too. They've always been the center of attention. You know how I said I had a quirk? Turns out I was a late bloomer and got it much later than a lot of other kids. I tried to tell them I had one, but they never believed me."
"For once, I thought maybe… maybe they'd notice me. Maybe they'd finally see that I wasn't just the 'quirkless kid.'"
He paused, his gaze dropping to the table. "But they didn't. Hell, my dad told me to give up on my dream and to be more realistic with myself."
Jiro's fingers drummed lightly against the edge of the table, her lips pressed into a thin line. She looked ready to say something, but she held back, letting him continue at his own pace.
"It's not just about the quirk, though," Izuku said, his voice softer now. "It's everything. The way they treat me, the way they talk to me—or don't talk to me. Birthdays, holidays, school events… I'm always an afterthought. If I even cross their minds at all."
Jiro's expression darkened, her hands balling them into fists. "That's so messed up. How can they treat you like that? You're their kid, for crying out loud. They should be supporting you, cheering you on, not ignoring you. I knew it was bad, but not that bad."
Izuku shrugged, his shoulders heavy with the weight of years of disappointment. "I've gotten used to it. It still hurts, but I've learned not to expect much. It's easier that way."
Jiro leaned forward, her tone firm but compassionate. "Yagi, you shouldn't have to 'get used to it.' What they're doing isn't okay. You deserve better than that. Way better."
"I know…I am thinking about moving out. It would be better for my health. I get that I just turned 13 but it would be better than living like that," he said.
Jiro blinked, momentarily caught off guard by Izuku's declaration. "Wait, you're seriously thinking about moving out? At thirteen?" she asked, her voice a mixture of surprise and concern. "That's a big decision, Yagi."
Izuku nodded, his expression solemn but resolute. "I know it's not normal for someone my age, but I've thought about it a lot. Staying in that house… it's not good for me. But if I have to put up with it then I will. The money is only there in case I absolutely need to move out. They might not give me all the attention that a kid needs but they still give me a roof over my head."
Jiro leaned back, processing his words. She could see the truth in his eyes, the weight he carried despite his young age. "Have you thought about where you'd go? What would you do if you did?" she asked gently, not wanting to dismiss his feelings but also wanting to make sure he'd considered everything.
"I've been saving up," Izuku admitted, his voice quiet but steady. "Truth be told I have a job making decent money right now, but I am trying to start an online business to make a lot more money just in case I have to buy an apartment of my own."
Jiro went wide-eyed. "That is pretty surprising being able to manage all of that and you are thirteen."
"Yeah, I know, I am a nerd, but I have been making custom notebook covers with heroes on them. It is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but I put people like Endeavor, All Might, and other heroes on there. I even have had a few people buy them."
Jiro stared at him, her expression a mix of amazement and respect. "Wait, wait, hold on. You're telling me you've already got customers? Like, actual people buying your stuff?"
Izuku nodded, a small smile creeping onto his face. "Yeah. It started with just a few people in my neighborhood. Word got around, and now I've got a small online store. It's not making a ton of money yet, but it's growing. I'm trying to build it up before I make any big decisions."
"That's insane, Yagi," Jiro said, shaking her head in disbelief. "In a good way, though. Most people wouldn't even think to do something like that, let alone pull it off."
"Thanks," Izuku said, his cheeks flushing slightly. "It's been a lot of trial and error. I had to learn how to use design software, figure out shipping costs, and deal with things like marketing. I even made my own website. It's not perfect, but it works."
Jiro leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand. "You're seriously blowing my mind right now. Here I was, thinking you were just a shy, quirk-loving nerd, and you're out here running a business like some kind of entrepreneur."
Izuku laughed softly. "Well, I'm still a quirk-loving nerd. But this… it's been my escape. When I'm designing or planning, I don't have to think about… everything else. It's something I can control, something that's mine."
A comfortable silence fell between the two of them for a while and it was nice. Jiro finally decided to pop the question. "Say Yagi, what is your quirk?" she asked leaning in. "You never really talk about it," she said quietly.
Izuku hesitated, his eyes drifting toward the window as he considered Jiro's question. It wasn't that he didn't want to tell her—he just didn't know how she would react. His quirk was… complicated, to say the least. But there was something about her, something in her steady gaze that made him feel like he could be honest.
"Well," he began, his voice quiet but steady, "I would like to show you," he said extending his hand out to her. Jiro looked confused but trusted him and took his hand anyway. Their hands touched, and Jiro felt a faint warmth spread through her palm. Izuku closed his eyes, a look of concentration crossing his face. Jiro tilted her head in curios, to ask what was happening when she noticed something strange.
She felt a pulling gnawing at her and before she knew it she was standing in an empty area with Izuku next to her. She looked around with curiosity, fear, and a bit of excitement.
"What is this?" she asked looking at him.
"This is my Mindspace," he said snapping his fingers. Soon Chase, the screen, and the library appeared making her awe at the appearance of them.
"And this is my quirk known as Synthesist. I can create quirks by storing the knowledge of them in here to then create better, stronger, or even weaker quirks if I wanted," he said making her shocked.
"Huh…" was all she said.
Izuku laughed which made her annoyed, "I am being serious you know. You are the first person that I have ever shown this place too. Oh, and this is the man that helps me with it, Chase. He is pretty much an A.I. of this place and he helps me create the quirks when I need to."
"Hello, Jiro," Chase greeted me in a calm, even tone. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I must commend you on your remarkable auditory quirk. It's a fascinating addition to the collection."
Jiro blinked, unsure how to respond. "Uh, thanks? So, you're, like, a quirk-making assistant or something?"
"Precisely," Chase replied, his tone carrying a hint of pride. "I am an artificial intelligence programmed to assist Izuku in analyzing, synthesizing, and perfecting quirks. Together, we push the boundaries of what is possible within the constraints of quirk science."
Jiro turned back to Izuku, her mind racing to catch up. "Wait a second. So, you're telling me your quirk isn't just about copying quirks? You can store them, study them, and make new ones?"
"Yeah, pretty much, but I think you should go back before your faces hit the table," said Chase as he pushed them out of the Mindspace, and they were back in the normal world.
Izuku and Jiro found themselves back at the dinner table, their hands still touching briefly before Jiro instinctively pulled hers away. She blinked a few times, trying to process what had just happened, her mind swirling with thoughts.
"That was… insane," Jiro said, her voice a little breathless. "I mean, I knew quirks could be complex, but what you just showed me? That's on a whole other level." She stared at Izuku, her tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity. "And you're just sitting here like it's no big deal?"
Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "It is kind of a big deal, but I've been living with it for a while now. Honestly, it's the one thing I have that makes me feel like I can actually make a difference, you know? Like I'm not just… invisible."
Jiro's expression softened. "Invisible? Yagi, there's nothing invisible about you. You just transported us to some mental library with an AI that can literally create quirks. That's as far from invisible as it gets."
Izuku shrugged, his gaze dropping to the table. "Thanks, Jiro. That means a lot. But you don't know what it's like at home. My siblings, my parents… they don't see it. Or they don't want to. I've tried showing them, explaining it, but it's like I don't exist. Like I'm still just the quirkless kid they wrote off years ago."
Jiro frowned, her fingers drumming against the table again. "They're idiots," she said bluntly. "Sorry, but they are. You're sitting on one of the most incredible quirks I've ever heard of, and they're too blind to see it. That's their loss, Yagi. Not yours."
"Yeah, I know, but please promise you won't tell anyone else. If this quirk of mine were to get out. It could cause a lot of problems," he said looking at her holding her hand.
Jiro felt the weight of his words as he held her hand, his green eyes pleading for her understanding. She could see the vulnerability he tried so hard to mask, the fear of betrayal that lingered beneath his resolve. With a firm nod, she gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.
"You have my word, Yagi," she said, her voice steady. "I won't breathe a word of this to anyone. Your secret's safe with me."
Izuku let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. "Thank you, Jiro. It means a lot to me. I'm not sure I could handle it if… if people started looking at me like I'm some kind of science experiment."
"Sooooo…what quirks have you made?" she asked leaning in fascinated to know.
Izuku smiled at the way she looked. "My first quirk is called Brain Boost. It continuously always gives an additional 40 IQ to me with no problems. My second quirk is called Cell Surge. I can heal people with physical touch as well as me having a faster healing factor."
The next couple of hours were just talking about his quirk and how it worked as well as other topics such as music and Izuku's business he was starting.
Soon it was time to go and Jiro and Izuku walked outside to head home.
As they stepped outside, the cool night air greeted them. The stars shone brightly above, and the soft hum of the city echoed in the distance. Izuku felt a sense of calm, though a lingering feeling of uncertainty remained. He'd just shared something deeply personal, and Jiro had taken it in stride, offering her support without hesitation. That felt good, but it also made him question just how much more of himself he could reveal.
"Well, this has been… a lot," Jiro said, glancing at Izuku as they walked down the street. "I mean, I knew you were talented, but this whole 'quirk creation' thing? That's next-level stuff."
"Yeah, but aside from that, Jiro, I really appreciate what you did for me today. You didn't have to, but you still did it. Thank you for a great birthday. It was the best in a long time."
Jiro smiled warmly, glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. "I'm glad you had a good birthday, Yagi. And hey, it was the least I could do. You've been carrying so much on your shoulders, and today... well, I just wanted to make sure you felt seen. You deserve that, you know? Besides I got you a gift," she said pulling it out.
Izuku blinked in surprise as Jiro pulled a small, neatly wrapped box from her bag. "A gift? For me?" he asked, a bit taken aback.
"Yeah, you didn't think I'd let you off without a present, did you?" Jiro said with a mischievous grin, holding it out to him.
Izuku took the gift and they both stopped in the middle of the street.
Izuku carefully unwrapped the box, revealing a beautiful, sleek notebook inside. The cover was made of deep brown leather, soft to the touch, with an embossed symbol on the front that looked like a star surrounded by swirling lines. It was simple, yet it had a certain elegance about it. He ran his fingers over the edges of the cover, intrigued by its quality.
"This… this is really nice," Izuku said, looking up at Jiro with wide eyes. He didn't expect a gift like this, especially considering how much else she'd already done for him.
Jiro smiled, a little embarrassed, but her expression was full of affection. "I thought it might be something you'd like. I know you've got a lot of ideas floating around, and well, you're always jotting things down on scrap paper or napkins. I figured you might need something a little more… official, you know?" She gestured toward the notebook, her voice softening. "Something to put all your dreams and plans in. A place to write down your future."
Izuku felt his chest tighten with emotion as he looked at the notebook. The gesture was so thoughtful, and it spoke volumes about how much Jiro understood him. She didn't just see him as the quirky, sometimes awkward guy trying to find his place in the world—she saw the potential, the drive, and the dreams that had been quietly growing within him for years.
"I don't even know what to say," Izuku mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. "This is perfect, Jiro. I… I never really had a place to put all the things I want to do, all the things I want to build, and this—this is exactly what I needed."
"Well, that is good. You could even use that to put down your hero analysis's down if you want so that it isn't on old yellow paper," she said as she started to walk again.
"That would be dope," said Izuku still smiling at his gift.
"Please do not use the word dope in a sentence ever again," she said.
Izuku chuckled nervously at Jiro's comment, his smile widening. "Right, right. No more 'dope.' I'll stick to the classics."
Jiro gave him a side-eyed glance but couldn't help the soft smile that tugged at the corners of her lips. "Good choice." She nudged him with her elbow playfully. "Anyway, I'm glad you like it. But seriously, don't go filling it with just hero analysis. You've got a lot of other ideas, too, right? You should write those down too."
"Oh, I will. Cause I am a certified nerd," he said pointing at himself.
Jiro rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress her smile. "Certified nerd, huh? Well, at least you're owning it."
Soon they arrived at Jiro's house and Izuku still had that same smile on his face at the gift he was given, and Jiro was glad he liked it. "Thanks again for everything Jiro, you are a dope friend," he said hugging her and catching her by surprise.
She had a slight tinge of pink on her cheeks as she hugged him back. "I thought I told you to not use dope in a sentence."
Izuku pulled back from the hug with an apologetic smile, still holding onto the notebook. "Sorry, I couldn't help it," he said sheepishly. "But seriously, you're one of the best friends I've ever had. I'm lucky to have you in my life."
Jiro's earphone jacks twitched slightly, and she started to fiddle with one of them. "Well, I am glad you are here too but let's do our best no matter what we do," she said.
Izuku nodded, his expression softening as he met Jiro's eyes. "Yeah, you're right. Let's keep giving it our all. We'll make sure our futures are something we can be proud of."
Jiro's lips curled into a small, sincere smile. "Exactly. We can't afford to hold back." She paused for a second, glancing at Izuku as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "And hey, don't forget to take care of yourself too. You can't be the best if you burn out."
"Thanks, Jiro. See you later," he said waving at her.
Izuku turned on his heel, the weight of the notebook in his hands grounding him. He glanced back over his shoulder one last time, catching a glimpse of Jiro watching him from her doorway. She gave him a small wave, and for a fleeting moment, he thought he saw her smile lingering even after she stepped inside.
As he walked home, the city felt different. The usual hustle and bustle of late-night life seemed muted, giving him space to think. The events of the day replayed in his mind, each moment with Jiro standing out like a vivid snapshot. From the easy banter to the heartfelt gift, it all felt surreal. He clutched the notebook a little tighter, as if afraid it might vanish if he didn't.
He walked up to the apartment to see that it was locked, which made him sigh. This meant he had to go through the window…. again. He opened the window to his room and crawled in. He could hear some laughter coming from downstairs. He decided to open his door slightly to hear what was going on and peaked down the stairs.
"Thanks again Mom and Dad that was a great time," said Ichiro sounding happy. Inori finished laughing and sighed, "Yeah it was amazing Dad and Mom. It was a great birthday."
Toshinori smiled, "Glad you both enjoyed it, but I would like to give you one more present. Mom and I thought this would be a good one," he said standing back from them.
Toshinori stood there breathing in and steam filled the room. "Look out my family, for I am here!" he exclaimed showing him he was All Might.
"No way!" Ichiro exclaimed, his grin nearly splitting his face. "Dad, you're so cool! How did you even keep this a secret from us for so long?"
Inori clapped her hands together, her expression glowing with awe. "This is the best birthday ever! You're a real hero, Dad! The number 1 hero."
Izuku knew he was All Might, but it didn't hurt any less when he saw this type of interaction between them.
"Yes, my children but I need to say something very important to you that must stay between us and no one else. It is about my quirk One for All," he said making the two of them listen. Inko took a seat next to her husband as her children sat across from them. Izuku too wanted to know about this story. He knew the mechanics of One for All but not the full story, so he still listened in from the top of the stairs.
"One for All is a quirk that can be passed on from one person to the next. It person that it goes to collects more and more power than the last. Long story short, It's more than a quirk—it's a responsibility, a torch passed down to fight against the darkness that threatens the peace of our world."
Ichiro's eyes gleamed with curiosity. "So, it gets stronger with every person? Like… all their strength combines?"
"Exactly," Toshinori confirmed. "Every person who has carried One for All has added their own strength and will to it. It's not just about power; it's about the ideals and determination of those who wield it. That's what makes it unique. It's not just mine, it's the collective effort of everyone who came before me."
Inori tilted her head, clearly deep in thought. "But why pass it on? Why not just keep it yourself?"
Toshinori's expression softened, his smile tinged with a bittersweet edge. "Because no one can carry this burden forever. A few years ago. I was injured and I can only hold this form for so long a day. About 5 hours as of now. And eventually one of you will be the successor for One for All." he said transforming back down to his skinny form.
Ichiro frowned, his brows knitting together. "But you're saying one of us might have to take it next? Why us?"
"Because I see incredible potential in both of you, my children. You two are destiny for greatness," he said smiling at the two of them. Izuku scowled at his father with those words. Either his father was so blinded by his children's power that he couldn't see how horrible they were, or he was an idiot. Probably a bit of both. His elder siblings were the reason why he was bullied damn near every millisecond.
"And from this day on. I will be training you two as much as I can so that the two of you can be prepared so that I will know in the future or to pass on this power to," he said clenching his fist.
Ichiro's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Train us? Like real hero training? That's so awesome, Dad!" He punched the air, already imagining himself in All Might's shoes. "I'll make you proud, I swear!"
Inori, however, looked more contemplative. "But… how will you decide which of us gets it? Isn't that a huge responsibility to just hand over to one person?"
Toshinori nodded solemnly. "It is, and that's why this isn't a decision I can make lightly. You both have so much potential, and I need to see how you grow—not just in strength, but in character. A hero isn't just someone who fights villains. A hero inspires others, protects those who cannot protect themselves, and upholds the values that make our society strong. That's what I'll be looking for."
Ichiro grinned; his confidence unwavering. "Well, that's easy. I've got everything it takes. You don't have to look any further, Dad."
Inori shot him a sidelong glance. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Ichiro. This isn't about who's stronger or louder. It's about who's ready to carry the weight of something bigger than themselves."
Ichiro huffed, folding his arms. "Yeah, yeah. We'll see who ends up being the better fit."
From the shadows of the staircase, Izuku clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging into his palms. The bitterness in his heart grew heavier with every word his family exchanged. Destined for greatness? he thought, his teeth grinding. How blind can you be, Dad? You're grooming bullies to inherit a legacy they don't deserve. Do you even see what's right in front of you? Do you even see me?
Ichiro and Inori in unison, determination gleaming in their eyes. "We won't let you down," they said, their voices filled with conviction.
Izuku shook his head. He wiped away the tears forming in his eyes and went quietly into his room.
"If they are getting serious now too. Then I will be even more serious," he said as he opened the book that Jiro just bought him starting to write down ideas for what he had to do in the future.