Chapter 6: New Quirks and The UA Tour
2 WEEKS LATER
Izuku sat in his Mindspace after a long day of school, work, training, and a bit of bullying from his classmates. It was the norm as he tried to figure something out with Chase.
"Chase, I really don't know what to do here. I mean I have 108 quirks stored up in the Quirk Library now with 3 Quirk creations available, but I don't know what the best course of action is," he said with a finger on his chin.
Chase snapped his fingers getting a cup of tea for Izuku as he walked over to him. "I can help make recommendations and give you answers to problems you have about quirks, but I cannot tell what quirks you should specifically put together," he said handing it to him.
"I know that, but can you give me some insight," he asked genuinely.
"Well sir, I would try to have a quirk with versatility or a fighting-based quirk," he said simply. It was a simple suggestion but a good one for that. Izuku nodded thoughtfully at that and pulled up some quirks on the screen for him to use.
Izuku tapped his chin as he browsed through the holographic interface in his Mindspace, quirks arranged in neat rows, each with a brief description of its abilities. The Quirk Library glowed faintly, a testament to the immense power he had accumulated through years of hard work, observation, and sheer determination.
"Alright, let's break this down," Izuku muttered, his voice steady despite the whirlwind of thoughts racing through his mind. "If I'm going for versatility, I'll need a quirk that can adapt to various situations. But if it's fighting-based, then I'll need something with raw power, something that can hold its own against overwhelming odds."
Chase nodded approvingly, a slight smile tugging at his lips. "Precisely. But remember, combining quirks isn't just about raw compatibility. You must also consider how you'll use them strategically in real-world scenarios."
Izuku nodded, his emerald eyes flickering with determination. "Maybe I don't need to combine quirks this time," he said pulling up a quirk he had read extensively on in his Mindspace.
Chase looked at the screen, "Blackwhip?" he asked questioningly.
"Yeah, you said I could use a versatile quirk in my arsenal. This is one of the best ones in my library. Here I will read the description," said Izuku.
Izuku cleared his throat and read aloud the description of Blackwhip, his finger tracing the glowing text on the screen.
"Blackwhip: A quirk that allows the user to manifest powerful, flexible tendrils made of dark energy. These tendrils can be controlled with great precision and used for a variety of purposes such as binding, swinging, or even attacking. The user can control the tendrils' length, strength, and flexibility, making this quirk highly versatile. However, it requires mental and physical stamina to maintain control, especially when multiple tendrils are in use simultaneously. The quirk is highly effective in combat and for mobility, but prolonged use can lead to fatigue. It also says that with all that time being in One for All the power is amplified, and it is made more powerful now."
Izuku looked up from the screen, his expression thoughtful. "It's versatile enough to be used in both combat and utility situations. And with my enhanced cognition, I could probably use this with great precision, even under pressure."
"That seems like a great idea. Do you want to change anything about the quirk before we seal the deal?" asked Chase as he went up to the screen preparing for the adjustments.
Izuku hesitated, his eyes tracing the details of Blackwhip once more. He had always seen its potential, but now, with everything he had gone through, his training, his growth, and the weight of his struggles, he understood it on a deeper level. The versatility it offered was incredible, but would it be enough to face the challenges ahead?
"No," he said softly, but with resolve. "I think Blackwhip is exactly what I need. I don't need to change it. I just need to learn how to control it better. If I can master this... I'll be unstoppable." He nodded to himself, and a quiet determination settled in.
Chase tilted his head, considering Izuku's words carefully. "I want you to realize this though Master Izuku. This is the first quirk that will be for combat or fighting purposes. Unlike Brain Boost and Cell Surge, you need to actively train with this quirk so you can grow powerful with it."
"I know," Izuku said, his voice steady. "I'm ready for it. If I'm going to be strong enough to protect those I care about, I need to master this."
Chase's expression softened. "That's the spirit, Master Izuku. However, remember to pace yourself. Rushing will only lead to mistakes. Mastery doesn't happen overnight, but with time, your control over Blackwhip will become second nature."
Izuku took a deep breath, grounding himself in the reality of the journey ahead. He had already faced so many challenges, but this—mastering Blackwhip—would be a whole new battlefield. Yet, something about it resonated with him deeply. The versatility of the quirk, its ability to be used both defensively and offensively, gave him the edge he needed.
"I'll take my time," Izuku agreed. "Let's do this," he said clenching his fist.
"Excellent sir, I shall begin the process," he said.
Chase began to hit a few buttons, and a light started to form. This light was green mixed in with black similar to what the Blackwhip looked like. Eventually, it settled and Izuku stood up from his seat and looked at it.
"Blackwhip is ready to be integrated into your body, sir," said Chase as he stood beside him. "Reach out and claim it," he said.
"You can do this, Izuku," he whispered to himself, clenching his hands into fists. "This is the next step."
He reached out to it and touched the light. He let it flow throughout his body. Almost immediately he felt the power it gave. He closed his eyes, and he could feel the power flowing everywhere. His head, chest, arms, legs, feet, everything. The feeling felt warm, it felt right. The feeling eventually went away and Izuku opened his eyes.
Chase looked at him curious, "How do you feel?" he asked.
"Great…I feel…the power it gave for a while," he said looking at his arms. "I think that I am ready to make another quirk," he said happily but Chase frowned.
"As much as that would be cool Master Izuku. We can not to that. You see your body can only handle creating one quirk every 24 hours otherwise it puts tremendous strain on you. Why don't you go and try to train with Blackwhip to get a handle on things and then we can come back to it?" he offered.
"Ah, I see…" Izuku said, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I got a little carried away there." He let out a small laugh, trying to shake off the rush of excitement that still pulsed through his veins. He had just experienced the power of Blackwhip, and it was incredible. The last thing he wanted was to overstrain himself by rushing into another quirk.
Chase gave him a patient smile. "It's understandable. Good luck. Be sure to train in a secluded area in case Blackwhip freaks out on you," he said.
"I will. Thanks again Chase," said Izuku pushing himself out of the Mindspace. Izuku got up from his bed and sighed, it was 3:50 am meaning it was time to get ready to train. His body was accustomed to getting up this early anyway and he was used to it. His progress thus far has been amazing. His body was starting to become more defined in his muscles and was starting to get taller. He stood at a height of 5'6" and at 13 that was tall all things considered. Ironically, he was the same height as his siblings but that didn't matter.
Speaking of siblings, they were starting to train harder than they ever had before. The one thing he was glad about was some days they were too sore to bother him, and they left him alone for the most part. He had still been keeping up with his guitar-playing skills and was debating on buying an electric guitar. Jiro had helped him in that department which made him happy. He was hoping to repay her someday and he would, but it would take some time to do so.
He quietly made his way out of the apartment as he did every day and tried to find a clearing to work on Blackwhip. It said in the profile that this belonged to the Fifth user of One for All, and it relied heavily on emotions to keep in check. He was still thoroughly debating if he should make One for All a quirk of his to show that he was worthy of having the power, but he really didn't know what to do. He didn't want to be like his father in that way.
Izuku found a clearing in a small forest that he would usually work on his moves, and he did verify that he could be there so that there would be no trouble as it was a training area for people. He set down his workout bag and the school bag and walked to the middle of the clearing.
"Alright, Blackwhip," Izuku murmured to himself. "Let's see what you can really do." He started to focus on different feelings trying to get Blackwhip to emerge in front of him. He did remember that it would be progress no matter what, so he closed his eyes and hoped for the best.
"Come on…" Izuku murmured under his breath, focusing on his emotions. The excitement of having Blackwhip was still fresh in his mind, but he needed to control that rush.
A few moments passed, and nothing happened. Izuku's fingers twitched slightly, and his muscles tightened, but there was no sign of Blackwhip. Frustration bubbled up inside him. He had worked so hard to get here, and now it felt like the quirk was slipping away from his grasp.
"No," he muttered to himself. "I can do this. I've come this far. I can control this."
Taking a deep breath, he refocused, letting his frustration melt away, replaced by a sense of purpose. His heart slowed, his mind becoming clearer. Izuku's fingers relaxed, and he allowed his focus to drift deeper, remembering the past struggles he had overcome, the emotions he had harnessed to push forward. His desire to protect those close to him—his friends, his family, the people who believed in him—those were the emotions he needed to channel.
The green-black light flickered in his mind's eye. He could feel it—Blackwhip, responding to his emotions. It was closed. All he had to do was reach for it. Slowly, cautiously, Izuku extended his right arm, feeling the power stir beneath the surface. His fingers tingled with the anticipation of control, and then, with a slow exhale, he reached out.
And there it was.
A dark tendril of energy surged from his hand, snapping into the air like a whip. Even if this was for less than a second it still showed to him.
Izuku's eyes widened in astonishment as the tendril of Blackwhip disappeared as quickly as it had appeared, leaving only a faint shimmer in the air. The sensation lingered in his hand, almost like an echo, a reminder that he had done it—he had summoned Blackwhip, if only for a fleeting moment.
A grin spread across his face. "I did it," he whispered, his voice filled with awe. But the momentary success wasn't enough. He knew he had to push further, to hold onto the quirk longer, to make it an extension of himself rather than just a fleeting burst of power.
He clenched his fists, his resolve strengthening. "Alright, let's try that again."
"Focus," he muttered to himself, shutting out the distractions of the world around him. "Feel it. Don't force it."
This time, he didn't try to summon Blackwhip immediately. Instead, he let his body relax, his mind wandering to the emotions that fueled his desire to be a hero. His love for saving people, his passion for becoming stronger not just for himself but for others—those feelings began to stir within him. He thought of his family and how he had been treated all these years to let it influence him somewhat.
A flicker of green-black energy began to form in his palm. It danced and crackled like a spark of life, hesitant yet eager.
"There you are," Izuku whispered, a small smile tugging at his lips.
A small tendril of Blackwhip formed and was about a foot long but it disappeared almost immediately after. Izuku sighed at this. "I didn't think that this was going to be this difficult. But I have about a couple of years before I go to UA," he said to himself.
Training continued until he had to go to his class at 8, as he normally did. Granted, there was barely any progress, but he had time.
2 MONTHS LATER
Izuku had been proud of the progress he has made. Blackwhip was getting easier and easier to control. He was able to create one Blackwhip for 5 seconds but if he did two tendrils it could only be for one second. The quirk was still to much to handle that much power and it made him frustrated from time to time.
He had used one quirk creation recently and that was Danger Sense. It belonged to ...the Fourth User of One for All, Hikage Shinomori. Danger Sense was a quirk that alerted him to imminent danger through a sharp tingling in his head. At first, the sensation had been disorienting, like an overwhelming itch he couldn't scratch, but with time, he began to adjust.
He was honestly thankful for all the bullying at school for once as he was able to feel the malice from people when something was going to happen. He had adjusted the quirk to be more manageable to handle it he had eventually gotten used to it as a whole, but this was a very handy quirk.
The next quirk that he created was something he called Eagle Eyes. It was a very simplistic quirk, but it allowed him to pick up movement easier with his eyes. He had gained prefect vision with this quirk, and it boosted his perception significantly, enabling him to track fast-moving objects with incredible accuracy. Eagle Eyes wasn't as flashy as Blackwhip or as critical as Danger Sense, but it was invaluable in training. With it, Izuku could anticipate movements better, plan his actions more effectively, and notice details others might overlook. As he said before he wanted effective and non-flashy quirks so that not many people wouldn't know of his power to create quirks. The more and more he thought about it, the more he realized that this power would make people freak out and he might get hunted down for it. He might've been overexaggerating, but you couldn't be too careful.
He was playing his guitar right now to relieve some stress. A big part of his stress was gone as he quit his part-time job to solely work on his online business. The superhero theme covers were a success, and he was making a little over a thousand dollars a month. It was starting to get too troublesome to make the covers himself so he started to find a way so that the designs would be put on the covers faster. He created a machine to help with that and he was surprised when he did. He knew he was smart but not the type of smart to put designs on the covers of notebooks.
It was simple really. He placed the design and cover in the machine, and it pressed it down to transfer the design onto the cover. A big plus to it was he could reuse the designs. He had designs of Endeavor, All Might unfortunately, Mirko, Edgeshot, Ryukyu, Hawks, ...and even some lesser-known heroes like Fat Gum that he drew himself. Customers loved the variety, and orders kept pouring in from all over Japan. Izuku was amazed at how much his business had grown in such a short time. It felt good to have something he could call his own, something that was thriving because of his hard work and creativity.
He was interrupted when his sister knocked on his door. This really confused him as she never did that. Not since they were much younger anyway. He went to the door and opened it.
"Yes, Inori," asked Izuku curious at what she wanted.
"What the heck are you doing in here, Deku?" she asked trying to look into his room.
"Why does that matter?" he asked.
"Because I wanted to know. But Dad said he wanted to talk to all three of us," she said still trying to peak in.
He furrowed his brow at that but shrugged his shoulders, "That's surprising it all three of us, he probably means you and Ichiro." This confused her slightly, but she shook her head as she headed to the living room with Izuku in pursuit.
He walked downstairs to see everyone was already sitting, including his father who was standing at the head of the table. He sat at the end of the table while his mom and siblings were at the other end.
Toshinori cleared his throat to speak, "Well you three now that you are here. I have something for all three of you," he said pulling out five slips of paper and sliding it over to them. The three of them opened it to find it was an all-exclusive pass to tour UA.
Izuku stared at the slip of paper in his hands. An all-exclusive pass to tour UA? He couldn't deny the thrill that coursed through him—UA was a place he had idolized for as long as he could remember. But at the same time, his mind raced with caution. Something didn't feel right at all, he felt like there was something more to be said.
"No way!" said Inori looking at the tour pass.
"This is awesome! How did you get these?" exclaimed Ichiro.
"I have my ways and connections. I figured that all three of you wanted to go to UA and we could take a tour of the place. They have the best heroics program for up-and-coming heroes for you two and one of the best general educations in all of Japan for you Izuku," he said smiling at him.
And there it was. He knew there was going to be something like that. The good thing was it was up to him for what program he wanted to do at UA. The Hero Course being the one he was choosing to do.
Toshinori sighed, "Though the bad news is that myself and you mother cannot go with you tomorrow as we have an important business meeting. So, you will have two other tickets. You could even bring a friend or two if you wanted," he said offering. Ichiro and Inori looked at each other as if they were the only two that knew what was happening. Izuku shook his head as he knew why. His mom and dad had to go across Japan for a mission. His mom from what he figured out was his little helper with phone calls, telling him missions, and appointments. They were only doing this in front of him because they were still under the impression that he didn't know his father was All Might.
Inori smirked, "We could bring Bakugo. He always wanted to go, and he would be mad if we didn't invite him," she said thinking of what would happen if they didn't.
"Who else could we bring?" asked Ichiro thinking of anyone.
"I don't care who you bring, as long as those passes get used," said Toshinori walking away with Inko following behind.
"I have someone I could bring," said Izuku shrugging.
Inori and Ichiro looked at him surprised that he had a friend. Ichiro scoffed at that, "That's a good one. Don't make me laugh like that," he said wiping a tear away from his eyes. Izuku's expression didn't change as he pulled out his phone making them shocked more.
"Wait, you actually have a friend," asked Inori pointing at him looking at Ichiro. Izuku rolled his eyes as he got up to walk away from the table. There were a few more seconds of ringing and Jiro picked up the phone.
"Hello?" Jiro's voice came through the speaker, slightly groggy, as if she had just woken up.
Izuku smiled softly. "Hey, Jiro, it's Izuku. I was wondering if you'd be interested in going on a tour of UA tomorrow." Inori and Ichiro were jaw dropped looking at their younger brother. To their knowledge, he had no friends and would spend most of his time reading, at school, or doing his own thing.
There was a pause at the other end, followed by a sleepy chuckle. "A UA tour? Are you serious? The UA?"
"Yes indeed. It says the tour on the pass starts at 9 am. Would you be down?" he asked hoping she would say yes.
"Damn straight. Who else is going," she asked happily.
"My siblings and friend of their called Bakugo," he said making his siblings confused now.
"Alright. I'll be there at around 8:15 tomorrow morning ready to go," she said excited. He turned around to see his still gob smacked siblings and nodded at them. "Now we have a fifth for tomorrow," he said returning to his room upstairs.
Inori looked over to Ichiro who looked back at her. "You think she is quirkless just like him?" he asked.
"His friend has to be. I don't see anyone hanging out with our brother," she said crossing her arms over her chest.
The next morning, Izuku woke up earlier than usual. There was a sense of excitement in the air, but a nervous tension settled in his stomach as he prepared for the tour. He quickly got dressed, made a light breakfast for himself, and then grabbed the tour passes from his desk. He made sure to set them in his pocket, checking that he hadn't forgotten anything important.
He walked downstairs and heard a knock on the door and Izuku opened it to see Bakugo right in front of him. "Move it loser," he said going over to Ichiro and Inori who was at the table.
"Morning Bakugo," he said to himself shaking his head. He prayed to God that today would go well. He knew that it would be fine if Jiro were to show up because he knew his siblings and Bakugo didn't do anything stupid in front of people because they didn't want to ruin their image.
"So, Kacchan. Did you know that Izuku has a friend," said Inori smirking slightly.
Bakugo froze at the mention of Izuku having a friend, his eyes narrowing in suspicion. "My ass he does."
"It's true bro. He talked to the guy last night," said Ichiro leaning back in his chair.
Bakugo's glare intensified, his arms folding tighter across his chest. "No way. Izuku, having a friend? That's a joke." His voice was dripping with disbelief. "What's the catch? Is she just like him? Quirkless and pathetic?"
Izuku's arm twitched showing a small tendril of Blackwhip for less than second, but it faded away.
"Is it that hard for guys to accept that I have a friend," he said getting more frustrated.
Bakugo's sharp eyes locked onto Izuku, and the intensity of his gaze was almost unbearable. "Tch. You think I'm stupid? Just because you have some friends doesn't mean you're not still a pathetic loser," he sneered.
"Yeah, whatever Bakugo," he said shaking his head. Bakugo noticed this and glared. Before he could say anything there was a knock on the door and Izuku smiled knowing who it was. Ichiro, Inori, and Bakugo leaned in their chairs to see what this friend of look liked.
Izuku quickly moved to open the door, and sure enough, standing there was Jiro, looking as cheerful as ever. She gave him a wide smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Hey, Izuku! Ready for this tour?"
"Hey, Jiro!" Izuku greeted her warmly, stepping aside to let her in. "Yeah, I'm ready. It's gonna be a great day."
"Dang right it is," said Izuku smiling. Ichiro looked at the friend and spit out his drink catching the other two's attention. "You're a girl!?" he yelled out.
Jiro tilted her head slightly, a small smirk forming on her face as she looked at Ichiro. "Yeah, last time I checked, I was still a girl," she said, her tone light and playful, not taking offense at the surprised outburst.
Izuku and Jiro had planned this, which is why they weren't too shocked at the way they were acting. Izuku had given her the low down of how they acted and what they did to him, and he had to call her at some point because she threatened to beat them to a pulp. It meant a lot she would do that for him, but it wouldn't do anything to help his cause.
"Alright, let us get going to the train station. My future school awaits me," said Bakugo leaving the apartment.
Izuku, Jiro, and the rest of the group quickly gathered their things and made their way out of the apartment. Bakugo, already ahead, was stomping down the stairs with an air of impatience, clearly eager to get going. His words were sharp and clipped as he moved quickly, never once looking back to check on the others. Izuku sighed but didn't let it bother him too much. It was just Bakugo being Bakugo, after all.
As they walked to the train station Inori looked back to Jiro and Izuku smiling happily as they walked along the path.
"So, this is where Deku is getting all of his confidence from. That's why he started to walk around with more of it. It's because she became his friend." she thought to herself narrowing her eyes at Jiro.
Meanwhile, Jiro was chatting away with Izuku, her voice light and energetic as they continued on their way to the train station. "So, Izuku, are you nervous at all? I mean, we're about to see UA, the place where the best heroes are trained. I'm kind of excited, to be honest. I've heard the place is crazy with how they do things."
Izuku smiled softly, his hands tucked into his jacket pockets. "A little nervous, yeah. It's just… I've always dreamed about going to UA, and now that it's so close, it feels unreal."
Jiro laughed lightly, elbowing him gently. "I bet it's overwhelming, but you'll be fine. You've got the heart of a hero, and you've worked hard to get here. That's all that matters."
Izuku blushed slightly with her encouragement. "Thanks, Jiro. It feels good to hear that."
Inori went wide-eyed. "That settles it. That is where he is getting confidence from. Whenever he doubts himself, she is there to bring him up. I need to do something about this before this gets out of hand."
As they neared the train station, the group's energy started to pick up. Bakugo, as expected, was already at the platform, tapping his foot impatiently. Ichiro and Inori were discussing something quietly, though Inori occasionally shot glances toward Jiro, her earlier suspicions still lingering. It was clear that she was calculating her next move, trying to figure out what was so special about Izuku's new friend.
They all boarded the train and were on their way to UA. Izuku couldn't help but smile as the train bustled by buildings waiting to go to his dream school.
Jiro was lost in her own thoughts as they headed to UA. "He wasn't kidding. Just off first glance, these three look like snobby kids. I am amazed that Izuku turned out the way he did with this pressure. I am glad I found him and made him my friend otherwise he would be a lost soul right now." She thought looking at her friend marveling at the sights.
The five future heroes soon made it to their stop and started to walk to the UA grounds.
As they stepped off the train and began walking toward UA, the air was filled with a mixture of awe and anticipation. Even Bakugo, usually brash and dismissive, couldn't entirely hide his curiosity as the grand structure of UA Academy came into view. Its towering gates and sleek modern design were a testament to the prestige of the school, the beacon of hero training in Japan.
"Wow," said Ichiro looking around. "Agreed," replied Inori.
The five of them soon stopped as the passes said to wait at the gate of the entrance, and they were there fifteen minutes early, so they were all good to go.
The group stood outside the massive gates of UA, each lost in their own thoughts. The air was crisp with the anticipation of something great. Izuku couldn't help but fidget with his tour pass as he glanced around at his companions. Bakugo leaned against a nearby post, arms crossed and tapping his foot impatiently, while Ichiro and Inori were whispering to each other, likely about Jiro.
Jiro, on the other hand, was the picture of calm confidence. She had her hands in her jacket pockets, her eyes scanning the impressiveness of the academy. "This place really lives up to the hype," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else.
Izuku smiled softly at her words. "Yeah, it really does," he agreed, his voice tinged with a mix of awe and excitement. "I've read so much about it but seeing it in person is… something else."
Jiro nudged him playfully. "Guess this means we'll just have to work even harder to make sure we belong here, huh?"
"Yeah," he said smiling.
Before Izuku could respond, a loud voice cut through the quiet. "You'd better not embarrass me, Deku!" Bakugo barked; his fiery glare fixed on Izuku.
Confused, Izuku tilted his head to the side with a perplexed look on his face. "You're the only one yelling. Meaning that you are likely the nervous one."
"Excuse me!" he yelled out, but the conversation was stopped from a tap on Izuku's shoulder.
"Pardon me, sir, but are you here for the tour of this campus," asked a deep voice from behind him tapping on his shoulder.
Izuku turned around and blinked, looking up at the figure with the bird-like head. "Oh, yes! We're here for the tour," he said, showing the tour pass he had been nervously fiddling with.
The figure nodded, their sharp beak dipping slightly. "Very well. I am also on this tour. My name is Fumikage Tokoyami. Pleasure to meet you," he said shaking his hand.
"Nice to meet you too, Tokoyami," said Izuku smiling at him.
He wasn't the only one to show up. There were three more people on this tour. A girl that had vines for hair, a somewhat tall girl with black silky hair done up well in a ponytail, and a boy who stood well above the rest with multiple arms and a mask on his face.
"OH YEEEEAH! WHO IS READY TO GET THEIR TOUR ON!" yelled a man with blond hair as he struck a pose. Everyone knew who this was as they stared at him.
"For those of you that don't know. My name is Present Mic! I am going to be your tour guide my little listeners!" he said pointing to all of them.
Izuku had stars in his eyes as he saw a hero right in front of him. "Oh my gosh," he said whispering to Jiro. "I listen to his podcast every morning."
"Me too. I forgot that he was a teacher here at UA," she said panning back over to him.
"Alright, my little listeners. I need you names so that I can keep track of you all and not get in trouble again for losing a person," he said scratching the back of his head.
"Inori Yagi."
"Ichiro Yagi."
"Katsuki Bakugo."
"Ibara Shiozaki."
"Mezo Shoji."
"Izuku Yagi."
"Kyoka Jiro
"Momo Yaoyorozu."
"Fumikage Tokoyami."
Present Mic smiled as he finished writing the names down. "Awesomesauce! Now how about we get going my future heroes," he said striking another pose.
The group, now fully gathered, stood in front of the towering gates of UA, ready to embark on the long-awaited tour. Present Mic waved his hand enthusiastically, leading them forward with unbridled energy. "Follow me, my little listeners! We're going to get an exclusive look at the place where all the heroes are made!" His voice echoed off the walls, and Izuku couldn't contain his excitement as he walked beside Jiro, trying to match her stride.
As they passed through the gates, the scale of UA Academy hit them like a tidal wave. The sheer size of the grounds was overwhelming. Tall buildings towered over them, each one a symbol of the countless heroes that had trained here. Izuku felt a lump form in his throat as they moved deeper into the campus. This was it—the place he had dreamed about for so long. Now, he was walking on its hallowed grounds.
"First stop, the main training area!" Present Mic shouted, breaking the silence. "Let me tell you, this is where all the magic happens. The real action! This is the place where you can train your quirks to the most of your potential or even get some actual physical training in. We have full size cities, mock battle zones, and combat arenas. We also use this space for some of the more intense exams and testing, including the famous entrance exam!" Present Mic grinned, clearly proud of the facilities.
Present Mic's voice boomed again. "Alright, let's move on to the gym, my little listeners! This is where you're going to get a real taste of the training here at UA. Some of you might find it tough, but it's all part of the process of becoming a true hero!"
Present Mic continued, "This gym is also where we host a lot of the practical exams and where students can get hands-on experience with their quirks. Let me tell you, the stuff we do here can get pretty intense, and if you're not careful, you might find yourself out of your depth. But don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to train and figure things out."
"This place is…very dignified," said Momo behind them.
"Indeed, it is…it is living up the expectations I expected from such a prestigious school," said Tokoyami.
The group looked around, soaking in the environment. Shoji examined the various devices with keen interest, while Momo appeared to be mentally assessing the space. Her intelligent eyes scanned the equipment, likely thinking about how she would utilize these resources when it was her turn to train.
Bakugo, who had been silent for most of the tour, grumbled impatiently. "Yeah, whatever. Let's get to the good stuff."
"Oh, we will, Bakugo, was it? You will see much more and what UA has to offer," he said.
Present Mic led the group further into the sprawling UA grounds, his enthusiasm never faltering. "Alright, my little listeners, next up on our tour is the Support Development Studio! This is where all the tech-savvy minds come together to create the gear that helps heroes do what they do best."
The group entered a large building buzzing with energy. Inside, they were met with a flurry of activity: students designing suits, testing gadgets, and collaborating with instructors. The air smelled faintly of metal and oil, the sounds of welding and machinery humming in the background.
"This place is incredible!" Ichiro exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. "They're building hero gear right in front of us."
Momo's eyes gleamed with interest. "The level of innovation here is astounding. I've read about this place but seeing it in action is something else."
Jiro nudged Izuku lightly. "Bet you'd love to try some of this tech out, huh?"
Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. "It's amazing. I'd probably spend hours here if I could."
"Let's keep moving!" Present Mic announced, clapping his hands.
"The next stop is the Dormitories. Something that is new to the UA school. They were implemented this year," he said making his way across the campus.
There was a quiet silence for a little while as the group slowly made their way to the newly build dorms.
"Welcome to the dorms," said Present Mic showcasing the buildings before him. "As you can we have Class 1A and Class 1B sharing the building together. This goes for the second years and third years. Let us not forget we have dorms for the Support Course and General Course students," he said opening the door for them to enter the Class 1A building.
The group stepped into the Class 1A dorm building, greeted by a spacious and modern common area. The room was tastefully decorated, with a mix of sleek furniture and colorful accents that gave it a warm yet contemporary feel. Large windows allowed natural light to stream in, and a soft hum of activity could be heard from the adjacent kitchen and lounge areas.
"This is the shared living space where you'll spend a lot of your downtime," Present Mic explained, his arms spread wide. "It's designed to help you bond as a class while giving you all the comforts you need to focus on your training. Each floor has its own unique layout, and your private rooms are fully customizable!"
The students began exploring the common area, their excitement palpable. Momo walked over to examine the bookshelves lining one of the walls, while Shoji observed the kitchen setup with interest. Tokoyami found a corner near the windows, quietly admiring the view of the campus grounds.
"Ah and here is one of our amazing first year students," said Present Mic placing an arm around a student who was on the couch. Izuku looked to see the boy had small black eyes with blonde spiky hair a smile on his face.
"Hello everyone. My name is Mirio Togata," he said. Mirio Togata's bright, warm smile immediately put everyone at ease.
"I am a first year here and I can say that everything here is amazing and if you all attend here in the future you will all get the best education," he said winking and giving a thumbs up.
The group chuckled at Mirio's infectious enthusiasm. His bright personality seemed to radiate positivity, easing any lingering nerves among the potential students.
"Thanks, Mirio," Present Mic said, gesturing to the rest of the group. "Why don't you tell them a little more about what it's like to train here at UA?"
Mirio nodded eagerly. "Of course! UA really pushes you to grow—not just as a hero, but as a person too. The teachers are amazing, the facilities are top-notch, and the challenges. Well, let's just say you'll discover what you're truly capable of."
Jiro tilted her head. "What kind of challenges do you mean?"
"Great question!" Mirio responded. "For example, there are mock battles where you have to strategize against classmates, rescue simulations that test your quick thinking, and physical challenges that push your limits. Oh, and the teachers sometimes jump in to make things extra tricky!"
Bakugo smirked, his competitive side already stirred. "Sounds like my kind of place. I'll show everyone how it's done."
Mirio chuckled, unfazed by Bakugo's boldness. "That's the spirit! But remember, teamwork and adaptability are just as important as raw power."
As the group continued to ask Mirio questions, Izuku couldn't help but feel inspired. He admired Mirio's confidence and easy demeanor. If I make it to UA, I want to carry myself like that, Izuku thought.
"Alright, alright, let's not overwhelm the guy!" Present Mic interjected with a laugh. "We've still got more to see, my little listeners! Next up, let's head to the cafeteria."
The group followed Present Mic out of the dorms and toward a sleek, modern building with wide glass doors. Inside, the cafeteria was bustling with activity. Students were scattered across tables, some chatting animatedly while others focused on their meals or books. The aroma of freshly cooked food filled the air, making more than a few stomachs rumble.
"This is the cafeteria!" Present Mic announced. "They've got everything you could want—nutritious meals, quick snacks, and even options tailored to students with specific dietary needs. Trust me, the food here is so good, you'll forget it's part of school life!"
Momo raised her hand slightly. "Do they cater meals for students with... unique quirks that affect their dietary requirements?"
"Absolutely!" Present Mic assured her. "We've got chefs and nutritionists who work together to make sure every student gets exactly what they need to perform their best."
The group spent a few minutes exploring the cafeteria, with Ichiro marveling at the variety of food options on display. "This place is like a five-star restaurant," he whispered to Jiro, who nodded in agreement.
"Actually, what is convenient about this is that it is lunchtime right now. So how about we all get some grub, and I will meet back with you here in a bit. I need to go talk to one the teachers here," he said winking at them and walking away.
As Present Mic strolled off, the group found themselves standing in the middle of the bustling cafeteria. They exchanged glances, some feeling a bit hesitant about diving into the lunch crowd, while others were eager to sample the food.
Izuku and Jiro sat together while they noticed that his siblings and Bakugo were at a table far away from them. He was fine with that, so he didn't need to deal with them.
Izuku and Jiro exchanged a small smile as they sat down at a corner table, trays of food in front of them. The aroma of freshly made curry wafted from Jiro's plate, while Izuku's tray was laden with a balanced assortment of rice, grilled fish, and steamed vegetables. The quiet hum of the cafeteria seemed to provide a momentary reprieve from the energy of the day so far.
"Excuse me mind if I we can sit here?" asked Momo with a tray in her hands. Izuku looked to see Shoji, Tokoyami, and Ibara were there too.
"Of course," he said smiling gesturing to the seats.
The group settled into their seats, and the atmosphere at the table quickly became lively. Momo placed her tray neatly in front of her and adjusted her posture, always composed and elegant. Shoji, with his calm and collected demeanor, sat down with minimal fuss, while Tokoyami chose a seat that allowed him to keep an eye on the room. Ibara, serene as always, folded her hands briefly in silent prayer before picking up her utensils.
"This place really does feel like a step above a regular school," Momo said, glancing around the cafeteria. "Even the food options seem designed to cater to every taste and need. It's impressive."
Shoji nodded in agreement. "It's clear UA takes its students' well-being seriously. The facilities, the dorms, and now this cafeteria—it all shows their commitment to developing heroes in every aspect."
"I find the balance between functionality and aesthetics here to be quite... harmonious," Tokoyami added, his tone reflective. "It fosters a sense of unity while maintaining individuality."
Ibara smiled softly. "It's truly a blessing to be in an environment that supports us so fully. I can see why so many students aspire to join UA."
"So, it was Izuku Yagi, was it?" asked Momo getting his attention. "Yes," said Izuku.
"Are you apart of triplets then because you have the same last name as those other two individuals?" he asked.
Izuku straightened himself before answering her, "Yes…I am. We don't really get along all that well," he said honestly. "That's why they are a standoffish from me."
Momo tilted her head, her expression softening with curiosity and a touch of concern. "I see… That must be difficult for you."
Tokoyami nodded; his voice solemn. "True strength often arises from solitude. Though the journey may feel lonely, it hones one's spirit."
Shoji gave Izuku an encouraging look. "But it doesn't mean you have to walk that path entirely alone. There's strength in finding others who support you."
"Oh, I know. That's why I am friends with Jiro right here," he said pointing over to her. He put an arm around her and smiled, "She is pretty punk rock as she likes to say." Jiro shrunk a little bit and blushed slightly.
Jiro quickly swatted Izuku's hand off her shoulder, though her cheeks remained tinted with a faint blush. "Don't get carried away, Yagi," she mumbled, her tone a mix of embarrassment and amusement.
"So, uh, what is everybody's quirks?" he asked trying to get to know everyone.
Momo was the first to respond, her tone polite and eager to share. "My quirk is Creation. It allows me to create any non-living material or object, as long as I know its molecular structure. It's incredibly versatile, though it requires a lot of studying to master." She smiled modestly. "I've spent years learning chemistry and engineering to make the most of it."
"That's incredible," Izuku said, his eyes lighting up with genuine admiration. "The amount of knowledge and strategy you must need… It's like you're carrying a portable laboratory with you!"
Momo blushed slightly at the compliment but maintained her composure. "Thank you, Yagi. It's a privilege to use it to help others." Jiro looked at the blushing girl with a weird feeling in her chest. She didn't know what it was, but she didn't like Izuku complimenting other girls.
Tokoyami nodded; his expression serious. "I am Fumikage Tokoyami, and my quirk is Dark Shadow. It allows me to manifest a sentient shadowy creature that I can control."
Ibara spoke next, her voice soft yet confident. "My quirk is Vines. My hair functions as extendable and flexible vines that I can control with precision. They're excellent for capturing, restraining, or even shielding others. However, they require care and hydration to remain effective."
"Like a living shield and tool," Izuku murmured, visibly impressed. "That's so unique. It must feel like an extension of yourself."
Ibara smiled, a serene warmth in her eyes. "Indeed, it is. I view it as a gift to serve others."
Shoji chimed in, his deep voice calm and steady. "I go by Shoji Mezo. My quirk is Dupli-Arms. I can replicate different parts of my body, like hands or eyes, on the tips of my tentacle-like arms. It's great for multi-tasking, reconnaissance, and close combat."
"That's so practical," Izuku said, leaning forward slightly. "You must have incredible adaptability in both offense and support roles."
Shoji nodded. "It's useful, though it also means training a variety of skills to maximize its potential."
Finally, Jiro cleared her throat. "Well, my quirk is Earphone Jack. I can plug my jacks into objects to channel soundwaves, either to amplify my heartbeat for sonic attacks or to pick up faint vibrations and sounds."
"That's very unique," said Momo.
Jiro shrugged, a slightly sheepish smile tugging at her lips. "I guess it's a bit unconventional, but it works for me. Plus, it's handy when I'm not playing music," she added with a wink.
"What about you Yagi?" asked Ibara. Jiro looked over to him realizing that this could be a problem. She knew that he had five quirks now, six if you include Synthesist and he couldn't just openly say it.
Izuku hesitated for a moment, his mouth opening slightly as he tried to figure out how to explain his quirks without revealing too much. He couldn't exactly tell them about all five of his quirks—six if you counted Synthesist. The truth was complicated, and he didn't want to draw too much attention to himself. But before he could formulate an answer, the loud boom of Present Mic's voice cut through the air.
"Alright, kids, are we ready to continue the tour?" Present Mic's trademark enthusiasm bounced through the cafeteria as he approached the table with a wide grin on his face.
Izuku quickly straightened up, glad for the interruption. "Uh, yeah, ready when you are!" he said, flashing a quick smile to his classmates, who seemed just as eager to move on from their lunch break.
Present Mic gave a quick thumbs-up. "Great! Follow me, everybody! We've got more to see, and it's time to hit the ground running."
As Present Mic led the group toward the hallway, the students shuffled along, chatting amongst themselves and stretching a bit after their meal. Some seemed relieved to be away from the lunch table, eager to get moving again, while others looked like they were ready for a break after all the new information they'd absorbed.
"Bathrooms, bathrooms!" Present Mic called back to the group; his energy unwavering. "You've got about two minutes before we move out. Make sure you're all set, 'cause we've got a packed schedule ahead!"
Jiro walked into the bathroom to wash her hands real quirk after her meal. She heard someone else enter and turned her head to the door to see it was Izuku's sister who was walking in. She assumed she had to use the bathroom too, but she was there for a different reason.
"Jiro," she said distastefully.
"Yes, Inori," she replied to her.
"How much did he pay you to hang out with him," she said leaning against the wall.
She tilted her head confused, "Excuse me?"
"My brother is too boring to have friends. Not to mention he doesn't even have a quirk. So how much did he pay you to be his "friend." she said putting up air quotes.
Jiro's confusion deepened as she processed Inori's words. She had expected this from what Izuku told her, but this? This felt different, and it caught her off guard. She blinked, taking a step back from the sink. "I'm sorry, I don't really understand what you're saying."
Inori's eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, leaning against the bathroom wall in a relaxed yet pointed stance. "You heard me. Izuku's got no charm, no skills. He doesn't have a quirk at all. Why are you hanging out with him." She scoffed, clearly dismissing her brother's abilities with a flick on her wrist. "He's the kid who should've been left in the shadows, but you are hanging out with him for a reason that I can't think of. He is about the pinnacle of uselessness."
Jiro's hands balled into fists as her anger began to boil over. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. How dare Inori talk about Izuku like that? He was a hardworking, kind-hearted person, and to have his own sister belittle him in such a way was beyond infuriating.
She closed the gap between them, her voice low but edged with fury. "You really think that's how things are? That Izuku is some kind of burden to be thrown away just because of who he is.?" Jiro's tone was sharp, and the energy around her crackled with frustration. "You don't know the first thing about him. Do you think because he doesn't fit into your little box of what's 'useful' or 'cool,' that he's worthless? All I see is that he has an asshole sister and brother who don't give a shit about him. That's where I went in, showing him is worth something and that he can be something. It's disgusting to see siblings treat him like this," she said angrily.
Inori's eyes widened slightly at Jiro's words, but the shock quickly faded into a cold, disdainful smirk. She uncrossed her arms and stepped closer, looking down at Jiro as if she were the one in control. "You think you know him, huh? You think you understand what he's been through? You don't get it. He's always been the disappointment in our family, the one who never lived up to expectations. It's not my fault he can't keep up. If you're determined to waste your time on him, then be my guest. But don't act like you're doing him any favors. You're just indulging his pathetic fantasies," Inori said turning away from her.
"And you're just being a huge bitch in his life that thinks too highly of herself. I can't imagine how your parents treat him," she replied to her bitterly.
Inori paused for a moment, her back still turned to Jiro, but Jiro could feel the sharpness of her words hanging in the air. It was clear that Inori was on the defensive now, and Jiro's last remark had struck a nerve. Inori's entire demeanor had shifted, her posture stiffening as she clenched her jaw tightly.
"Watch your mouth you fucking lesbian looking bitch," Inori spat, her voice icy. "You don't know a thing about our family. Don't think you can come here and act like you know what's best for Izuku. You don't know what it's like to have him dragging down everything he touches."
Jiro, unphased by the comment, got in her face to say one last thing. "Then you know nothing of him. 10 years from now Izuku is going to be the number one hero smiling at world and being a hero to everyone and their hearts. Your family will be the ones at the bottom," she said pushing her slightly as she left the bathroom in a huff.
"Alright, alright! Everyone ready to go? We've got places to be and things to do! Time to get moving, folks!" said Present Mic. "Let's finish this up."
The next couple of hours went by in a flash as the group wondered about the rest of the UA campus. Soon they were at the gate ready to leave.
"I would like to thank you all for coming to tour our marvelous campus and get a glimpse of what we have to offer here at UA," Present Mic said with his usual enthusiasm as he waved them toward the exit. "Remember, this place is full of opportunity, and you're all capable of great things. Take in everything you've seen today—it's just the start!"
The future UA students began to walk away but Izuku was stopped by Momo who turned to him quickly. "Wait I would like to exchange my numbers you with you so that we can stay in touch. You do plan on attending UA, right?"
Izuku blinked in surprise as Momo approached him, a gentle but determined smile on her face. His heart skipped a beat at her words. He had only just met her, but it seemed like she was already making an effort to keep in touch. It was something he hadn't expected but felt a little grateful for.
"I—uh, yeah, I do plan on attending UA," Izuku said, his voice a bit uncertain but hopeful. "I'd be happy to exchange numbers!"
Momo's smile grew wider, and she pulled out her phone, unlocking it with a quick swipe. "Great! I think it'll be good for us to stay connected. We're all going to face challenges ahead, and it might help to have someone to bounce ideas off of or just talk to every now and then."
Izuku nodded enthusiastically, already feeling the weight of the upcoming challenge, but also sensing that he was starting to build a network of people who would be there to support him. He reached into his pocket for his phone, quickly pulling it out and unlocking it.
"Here you go," Izuku said, holding out his phone to Momo.
Shoji looked at this and smiled from one of his arms. "That is a great idea. Let's stay in touch with each other," he said giving his number out. He saw Bakugo, Inori, and Ichiro had walked from the group to make their way home ignoring them as they exchanged numbers. He soon had Ibara's, Shoji's, Momo's, and Tokoyami's numbers, and felt a sense of camaraderie forming among them. It felt like he was finally starting to build a support system, one that might carry him through the challenges of UA.
"It was nice meeting you all," said Izuku to them as him and Jiro started to walk away.
"Let's hope that we see each other again," said Ibara bowing to him.
Izuku smiled softly, his heart warm with a mixture of nervousness and excitement. "Yeah, I hope so too," he replied, bowing slightly in return before turning to walk alongside Jiro.
Jiro looked down at the ground as they made their way to the train station. Izuku caught notice of this and frowned a little.
"You ok Jiro?"
Jiro hesitated for a moment; her hands stuffed deep into her jacket pockets. She kicked a stray pebble on the sidewalk, watching it bounce away before she spoke. "Yeah… just thinking about some stuff."
Izuku tilted his head, concern evident in his expression. "Was it something Inori said?"
"How did you know," she said looking at him slightly surprised.
"Because she went into the bathroom the same time you did and you came out of the bathroom looking like you were going to go Super Saiyan," he said moving closer to her.
Jiro chuckled softly at Izuku's attempt to lighten the mood, but the tension in her shoulders didn't entirely ease. "Yeah, she had some... choice words," she admitted. "She said some really awful things about you. About how useless you are and how you don't deserve friends. Honestly, it pissed me off more than I thought it would."
Izuku sighed. "What did she say about you? Cause I know she said something to you specifically."
Izuku followed Jiro onto the train, his concern growing. He took a seat across from her, waiting for her to answer. Jiro leaned back against the window; her arms crossed tightly as if trying to shield herself from the memory of the conversation.
"She called me a 'lesbian-looking bitch,'" Jiro finally muttered, her tone half-disbelieving, half-angry. "I don't even know why she felt the need to say it. It's like she was just reaching for something to hurt me. It's not the first time someone thought I was a lesbian. I don't get why people associated short-haired woman with lesbian."
Izuku's eyes widened, and his expression immediately darkened. "That's awful. I'm so sorry, Jiro. She had no right to say something like that."
"Yeah, well, I'm used to dealing with people who think they can get under my skin by throwing around insults," Jiro said, shrugging, but her voice betrayed a hint of hurt. "What really got to me wasn't what she said about me—it was the way she talked about you. Like you were some kind of inconvenience to her, someone who didn't deserve to have people care about him. It made me want to punch a wall."
Izuku looked down at his hands, his fingers curling into fists. "She's always been like that. Even when we were kids, she never saw me as her equal. It's not just Inori, though. My brother, Ichiro, he's the same way. It's like I don't even exist with them most of the time, and when I do, it's just to remind me that I'm not enough. I know I have told you a lot about them and how they treat me but that's just what they do. I'm sorry for bringing you into this."
Jiro's eyes softened as she looked at Izuku. She uncrossed her arms and leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "Hey, don't apologize. You didn't bring me into anything—I chose to step in. Besides, you don't deserve to deal with that kind of crap alone. And for the record, they're wrong about you. You're not 'not enough.' You're plenty."
Izuku blushed heavily at the compliment and didn't know what to do. He did know he had to address what Inori said to Jiro. It was mean, to put it simply and he felt like he needed to say something to her because it was visibly bothering her.
Izuku took a deep breath, his determination rising as he looked at Jiro. He leaned forward slightly, his voice soft but resolute. "Jiro, what Inori said to you... it wasn't just mean. It was wrong, plain and simple. You didn't deserve that, and I hate that she made you feel like you did."
Jiro shrugged, her fingers idly playing with the zipper of her jacket. "It's not like I haven't heard stuff like that before. People like to think they know me based on how I look. Short hair, a bit of an edge to my style—suddenly I'm some stereotype they can throw insults at. It doesn't usually bother me, but today... it did. I know I am not a lesbian, but I hate it when people say that stuff."
Izuku was turning red from embarrassment. He knew he wasn't good with this type of stuff. He knew he was an awkward kind of guy, but he needed to push this to the side for now. It was for Jiro.
Izuku shifted nervously in his seat, clasping his hands together as he struggled to find the right words. "I-I get that. I mean, not exactly, but... people have said things about me too, stuff they think they know just by looking at me. Or because of my quirklessness. Or... well, used to be quirklessness." He rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly, glancing at Jiro to gauge her reaction.
Jiro leaned her head back against the window, her lips curving into a faint smirk. "You really are a dork, Midoriya. But... thanks. I guess you'd understand better than most." Her smirk faded as she turned her gaze to the passing lights outside. "Still, it doesn't make it any less annoying. I don't care if people think I'm a lesbian or whatever—I know who I am. But when someone says it like it's an insult? Like it's something I should feel ashamed of?" She clenched her fists. "That gets under my skin."
Jiro then went wide-eyed as she felt something on her right cheek, and it was his hand. Izuku was struggling to do this as he was looking away from her slightly but continued. He moved his hand to where a couple of fingers were near her Earphone Jack, and a few were on her cheek.
Jiro froze, her breath catching in her throat as she felt the warmth of Izuku's hand against her cheek. Her usual sharp, sarcastic demeanor was stripped away, leaving her vulnerable and unsure. "Y-Yagi…?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Izuku's face was a deep shade of red, and his eyes darted away, refusing to meet hers. "I-I just... I wanted to say something," he mumbled, his voice trembling. "You're amazing just the way you are, Jiro. If it means anything…I like your hair…I like your personality…it makes you look…gorgeous," Izuku finally managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. "Strong. Confident. Cool. That is what you are." His hand trembled slightly against her cheek. "I-I mean, not that you need my opinion or anything! I just—uh—wanted you to know."
Jiro blinked, stunned into silence. She had never expected those words to come out of Izuku's mouth—especially not directed at her. For someone so perpetually awkward, he had a knack for throwing her completely off guard. Her face felt hot, and she was sure her expression was betraying just how flustered she was. Her face was almost a bright red, and her right Earphone Jack unconsciously move around his fingers that were still touching her face.
Izuku, still visibly panicked from his own boldness, quickly started rambling in an attempt to fill the silence. "I-I just mean, like, you have this way of being... y-you know, yourself. And it's really... uh... inspiring?" he said pulling his hand away. "Not that I'm saying I'm inspired by you or—wait, I mean, I am, but not in a weird way! Just—"
"Stop," she said. Izuku froze, completely taken off guard by Jiro's sudden embrace. His heart raced in his chest, and for a moment, he couldn't even remember how to breathe. Her arms wrapped around him tightly, and he could feel the warmth of her body pressing against his. It was an unexpected move, especially from someone like Jiro, who usually kept her distance with her tough demeanor.
"J-Jiro...?" he stammered, his voice almost caught in his throat.
Jiro didn't pull away, though. She held him there, and he could feel her take a deep breath, almost as if she was trying to ground herself. It took him a few moments before he realized that, for the first time in a long while, she wasn't being sarcastic or hiding behind her usual sharp remarks. She was simply... being herself. He had never seen this side of her before…and he liked it. And it made Izuku's heart thrum even faster.
"You're such an idiot, Yagi," Jiro murmured, her voice muffled against his chest, and he knew she didn't mean it. Izuku looked around to see no one else was in the train car and he looked down at Jiro who was still embracing him. He slowly put his arms around her and blushed heavily at the contact.
"Why's…that?" he asked slowly.
"No reason," she said into his chest. The train then came to a stop.
Jiro pulled back, releasing her embrace with a small sigh, though her fingers lingered on the edge of his jacket as she looked up at him. Izuku stood frozen for a moment, still feeling the warmth of her touch, his heart hammering in his chest. It felt like the train had stopped for longer than usual, as if time had momentarily slowed down just for them.
As the doors to the train slid open, Jiro adjusted her jacket, straightening up and offering him a small, playful grin. "Well, looks like we're here," she said, her tone returning to its usual teasing self. But there was a softness to it now, a sense of understanding that hadn't been there before.
"Yeah…let's walk your home," said Izuku not meeting her eyes as they got up. They left the train station and there was silence between the two of them for almost the whole journey. Thankfully for Izuku, it was a quick walk to get to her house.
As they reached the intersection near Jiro's house, Izuku stopped, glancing at her. "Well, here we are. Safe and sound."
Jiro smiled, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before she gave him a small nod. "Yeah. Thanks, Yagi."
Izuku took a deep breath before speaking. "I meant what I said…Jiro…I hope you know that." Jiro smiled as she looked at him.
"I know, you big ol' nerd," she said smirking. Izuku went to say something but was cut off by another hug from Jiro. He was a few inches taller than her, and she still hit his upper chest.
Izuku blushed for what was the hundredth time in the past thirty minutes and hugged her back. "You know…you don't have to call me nerd for everything."
Jiro chuckled softly; her arms still wrapped around Izuku's waist as she leaned into the embrace. "It's a term of endearment, Yagi," she teased, her voice full of warmth. "Besides, you're not exactly helping yourself by being so... well, you."
"I know but know…you are amazing Jiro. I won't let you have to deal with my family like that again…you didn't deserve it," he said still pissed at what Inori called Jiro.
"I know I didn't, but you all don't deserve anything that they do to you," she said getting out of the hug now.
"Yeah. Have a good night, Jiro," he said starting to walk away from her.
"Oh, and Yagi," she called out to him.
Izuku turned around, still blushing slightly. "You said all that stuff about me so I should do that same," she said clearing her throat.
"You are a very selfless, caring, and incredible as a person. Never let that change about you," she said her face turning red from saying it. Though Izuku didn't see that. He smiled at the compliment.
"You are too. Have a good night, Jiro," he said turning around and leaving. Jiro immediately went inside and turned to shut the door leaning against it slightly. Mika saw her daughter had been talking about Izuku outside and knew something was up.
"How was the tour of UA, honey?" Mika asked, her voice light but with an underlying curiosity.
Jiro let out a soft sigh, still trying to steady her breathing. "It was fine," she muttered, her voice quieter than usual. She quickly kicked off her shoes and walked further into the house, trying to act as though nothing out of the ordinary had occurred.
Mika raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying the casual response. She moved toward Jiro, who was now fiddling with the sleeve of her jacket. "You're not fooling me, sweetie," Mika said with a small smile. "What happened out there? You've been acting a bit different ever since you came back."
Jiro flushed a little bit poking her Earphone Jacks together. "Oh, you know…something happened…Izuku defended me…said some stuff to make me feel better…"
"Oh, what a nice boy…I knew he was good kid…" she said leaving the answer open for her to finish.
Jiro cleared her throat, trying to ignore the heat in her cheeks. She rubbed the back of her neck, suddenly feeling more self-conscious than she had earlier. "Yeah, he… some girl called me a lesbian...again…he didn't take it lightly and reassured me that there was nothing wrong with me…he said I was gorgeous, strong, confident, and…" she said getting more and more red as she spoke.
Mika's eyes widened with surprise, a warm smile spreading across her face as she watched Jiro squirm in embarrassment. "Well, well... sounds like someone made an impression," she teased gently, her tone light but affectionate. "I knew that boy had a good heart, but hearing it from you—well, that's something."
Jiro groaned, burying her face in her hands for a moment. "Stop it, Mom. You're embarrassing me!" she muttered, though she couldn't hide the slight flush in her cheeks. "I didn't expect him to say those things… and honestly, I wasn't sure what to do. It's just… no one's really ever stood up for me like that before. I'm going to my room!" she said all flustered. Her mother let out a gentle smile as she went back to the kitchen.
"Keep that up Izuku honey, and she will be…something more," she said smiling at a picture of her and her husband.