Midoriya grips his hands together into fists. He doesn't want to appear too excited, but…
Well, he just can't help it!
It's time for Practical Heroics, which is usually a highlight of his day anyway, but, today, things are different.
Dazai and Chuuya are going to be participating in the lesson today, which he knows because he had point-blank asked the two earlier. He had felt a little awkward bothering them with it; he had convinced himself Dazai wouldn't feel up to it yet and that Midoriya asking would make things worse. Thankfully, Chuuya had been quick to reassure him that they would be joining in today.
Why is that such good news?
Well, Todoroki had proposed to Aizawa-sensei not too long ago the idea of having more exercises where Dazai and Nakahara aren't split off from the class. Aizawa-sensei had agreed, or so Midoriya had heard, which means there is a real possibility that Midoriya might end up on the same team as either Dazai or Chuuya, maybe even both!
Back during the cops vs robbers fight he had been somewhat relieved when Yaoyorozu picked to join Dazai and Chuuya's team. Looking back on it now, he wishes he was the one picked.
There's no use focusing so much on the past though, so instead Midoriya should focus on the future and what he hopes to get out of this training session.
He'd love to be able to go over plans with Dazai: he's a smart guy, with a thought process different from Midoriya's own. Having a second opinion like that on his plans could help him work out any weaknesses and come up with good back-up plans.
Working with Chuuya would be nice, too. His application of his Ability is insane to watch sometimes, some of the techniques he uses Midoriya wouldn't be able to ever think of himself. Maybe Chuuya would even be willing to pass along a few tips…
Of course, he has other goals than working with those two! He needs to work on One for All some more, especially when incorporating Gran Torino's style of movement. If he's being honest, Midoriya is struggling a bit with that. It's tricky to make sure he's using the right amount of power while moving so fast…
Oh, maybe he could try it in a different way? How about like-
"Oh, Deku!"
Midoriya snaps out of his thoughts as Uraraka walks up to him. Looking around Midoriya can see that most of the class have come outside already, which means it shouldn't be too much longer until Aizawa-sensei starts the lesson.
"Hey!" Midoriya greets with a smile.
Uraraka places a finger on her chin with a mischievous look, "You seemed to be thinking pretty hard just then, should I be worried?"
That causes Midoriya to flush with embarrassment. Ah, he didn't know it was so obvious…
"In my experience that sort of thing never ends well, be on guard."
Midoriya turns his head to find Chuuya and Dazai walking towards him, although, on second glance, it seems more like Chuuya is dragging Dazai along.
Dazai huffs loudly, "Chibi! That's so rude to say."
Chuuya rolls his eyes but doesn't bother verbally responding to him.
Uraraka laughs, although with far more enthusiasm than the situation calls for. After calming down a bit she happily sighs, "Sorry sorry, I just thought about Deku trying to act like Dazai does."
Oh, wait, does she mean-
"That impression of me from the other day was terrible, just so you know." Dazai dramatically turns his head away.
Midoriya feels himself wilt a little. He already knew his attempt to use Dazai's taunting wasn't perfect, but was it really that bad? He had still won in the end anyway, but now he can't help but feel the doubt creep in.
Maybe he should practise it some more in private.
Dejected, Midoriya allows his eyes to drift away as the conversation continues around him.
That's when he notices Aizawa-sensei staring in his direction. Instinctively, Midoriya feels his posture straighten up. Had he done something to get in trouble?
All Might, who is standing right beside Aizawa-sensei, isn't looking this way, so he's probably fine? If he had done something to get in trouble then All Might would have also noticed it, right?
-
Aizawa, who hasn't quite realised his staring has been caught, mentally sighs.
Is he being over dramatic? Maybe he should bring this up to Recovery Girl, even if that does end with her telling him to stop worrying over small things again. As it turns out, Dazai sleeping so much during his days with Recovery Girl was a good sign. Well, it would have been, if he wasn't faking it.
Still, it's better to be safe than sorry, right?
Looking at Dazai and Nakahara next to class 1A… Aizawa can't help but think they look a little small for their ages. Not in the height way, although he's sure Dazai would jump to make a joke at that, but rather in a malnourished way.
Did the Port Mafia feed them enough? Those two are growing teenagers after all…
-
Fortunately, Midoriya doesn't have to suffer under the heavy weight of Aizawa-sensei's eyes for much longer.
Once the final members of class 1A appear Aizawa-sensei is quick to start the lesson, as he always is.
"Alright, listen up," Aizawa-sensei starts, "As you know final exams are soon. In preparation, you'll be doing some work on on your agility today. Today you'll be tackling this obstacle course."
Aizawa-sensei gestures towards the training grounds behind him, "You'll be working in teams of three. One will be trying to get to the finish line while the other team tries to stop them and, before you ask, the teams have already been picked out."
Midoriya can't help but laugh a little when certain classmates look disappointed at that final part. While there are people Midoriya would want to team with more, he's honestly happy to work with anyone. There is still a lot to learn about his classmates after all!
"I want to work with the Bandaged fucker," Bakugou declares, which comes as a surprise. Usually Bakugou just goes along with whoever he gets put in a team with. If he doesn't like his teammates or thinks they aren't strong enough then he'll just bulldoze through the task by himself.
Aizawa-sensei rolls his eyes, "Watch your language. You'll work with who I tell you to, no complaints."
Midoriya mentally tunes out when Bakugou tries to fight Aizawa-sensei on that. For a moment he wonders why Bakugou would want to work with specifically Dazai, surely he would prefer to be on the opposing team so he can beat Dazai?
Then again…
"That bastard only won last time because I was caught off guard, if I get used to it then I'll definitely beat him next time!"
Bakugou had said that a little while ago when he demanded Dazai to use his Ability on him. Could it be that Bakugou wants to team with Dazai so he can get used to No Longer Human? It would make sense. Being on the same team as Dazai would give Bakugou more opportunities to have this Quirk taken away, weird as that sounds.
Then again, is it even possible to get used to that sort of thing? Quirks are such an intergral part of a person's body. Even for someone like Midoriya, who spent so many years without one, he hates the feeling of being without it.
Midoriya comes back to reality to find Bakugou wrapped in Aizawa-sensei's capture weapon.
Despite the aggressive teen trying to wriggle out of his grasp, the man himself continues to speak , "Like I said, the teams have already been picked out. Either All Might or myself will come around and give you all a number, when you have it go stand with whoever has the same."
Without any further fanfare Aizawa-sensei releases Bakugou and begins walking around the class giving out numbers, All Might not that far behind. Midoriya tries his best to overhear who has which number but, with all the chatter from other people trying to find their groups, he can't make anything out.
It doesn't take long for All Might to stop in front of Midoriya, "Your number is four!"
Midoriya nods and turns , intent on setting out to search for his teammates.
Before he can, however, All Might places a hand on his shoulder.
"Young Midoriya," he starts, "Find me after class, we have something to talk about."
Well, that's worrying. Still, Midoriya agrees with a nod, "Alright!"
All Might smiles, a small comfort against Midoriya's new anxieties, before moving to the next person.
For now Midoriya pushes his worries from his mind, he needs to go find his teammates and start coming up with a plan.
Unfortunately, he won't be on the same team as Uraraka, Iida, Tsu, or Todoroki. As he said before, he would have liked to work with his friends but it's not a big deal! Working with people he usually doesn't work with will help him learn new things and consider different perspectives.
Midoriya feels someone tap his shoulder. When he turns he finds Ojirou smiling at him, "Oh, Midoriya, you're group four, right?"
"I am!" Midoriya feels his spirit rising. He hasn't had the chance to work with Ojirou that much, which is a shame given how talented he is. Both his Quirk and his hand to hand skills are amazing to watch in action.
"Ah, Midori-kun, you're really group four?" Dazai asks, seemingly having appeared out of nowhere.
Midoriya nods in Dazai's direction, "I am… Oh, are you group four too?"
He really, really hopes so…
Dazai grins, "That I am, let's do our best to win, shall we?"
Midoriya tries to act cool about it, unfortunately he has a sneaking suspicion he failed to do that.
It's a good thing that Aizawa-sensei calls everyone's attention back to him; if he didn't ,then Midoriya might have embarrassed himself even more.
Aizawa-sensei glances around the groups before nodding, "I'll now reveal who will be fighting who. Listen well because I won't repeat it."
It isn't an empty threat: there have been a few occasions of Aizawa-sensei refusing to repeat himself if students weren't paying enough attention.
Midoriya makes sure to listen well. He could rely on his teammates to listen out for it but, well, he prefers to do it himself, to be safe.
It seems that, despite his protests, Bakugou wasn't paired up with either Dazai or Chuuya in the end. His team won't even be fighting them either, which Midoriya is partially glad for. If Midoriya's team had been selected to fight Bakugou's then things might have got… dangerous.
He makes sure to give Uraraka an encouraging look when her opponent is announced.
And then-
"Dazai, Ojirou, and Midoriya, you'll be stopping Iida, Asui, and Tokoyami."
Midoriya perks up at the sound of his name. Iida, Tsu, and Tokoyami, huh? It'll be a hard fight but not an impossible one, or so he hopes anyway.
Once Aizawa-sensei has finished calling out the match-ups, he turns and gestures towards the training grounds behind him, "Kaminari's group will be going first, you'll have twenty minutes to make it to the finish line. The rest of you follow me."
While Kaminari complains about having to go first, Midoriya sends a reassuring look to his teammates before following behind Aizawa-sensei. There should be enough time for Midoriya to come up with a good plan, and maybe even discuss it with Dazai, before it's their turn.
Once in the observation room Midoriya takes a look at the monitors covering one of the walls. The training grounds seem to be an industrial complex, if the large metal pipes and buildings are anything to go by.
Aizawa-sensei calls the start of the match as Midoriya is further absorbed by his thoughts. Moving around will be difficult for a lot of the class, especially the ones with more straight forward Quirks. Of course, that also means moving around to stop people will also be difficult for the same reasons.
Some people might say the environment gives a clear advantage to those with movement-enhancing Quirks, they might say it's an unfair fight.
Midoriya would agree on a surface level. It is an unfair fight, but that's the whole point. Not every situation as a Pro Hero will be tailored to fight everyone's Quirks. Those who can apply their Quirks in different ways or just otherwise overcome the disadvantages will have a much higher chance of success as a Pro Hero.
Well, he thinks, there's no use in wasting any more time.
Midoriya turns to his teammates, "Alright, since we have a little time let's come up with a plan." He tries to speak in a neutral way, like he doesn't really care either way. Internally, he is quite the opposite.
Thankfully, neither Ojirou or Dazai call him out on anything.
Instead Ojirou nods, "What are you thinking?"
"Iida and Tsu are going to be hard to catch, so we should make sure to stop them right at the start," Midoriya explains, "I'm thinking that I take Iida on since I have the best chance of keeping up with him if he does get away. That would leave Tsu to Ojirou and Tokoyami to Dazai."
"As long as Tsu doesn't slip away from me then I should be able to stop her," Ojirou replies.
Midoriya smiles, he had thought as much. Tsu has an advantage in this sort of lesson, her frog-like qualities make jumping around a breeze. Iida has a good shot of winning too, although things will be harder given how uneven the terrain is.
Ojirou should be able to keep Tsu busy in one place, although if she slips away then it's basically guaranteed she'll win. Even if Iida slips away from Midoriya he should, hopefully, be able to catch up. He isn't good enough with his Quirk to catch up with Iida in a normal race, but with the aforementioned terrain it should be a lot easier.
That leaves Tokoyami to Dazai, which is a rather good match up actually. As long as Dazai can nullify Dark Shadow, which Midoriya assumes he can, then it shouldn't be hard to keep Tokoyami from getting far.
Midoriya turns to Dazai who had, now that he thinks about it, been strangely quiet.
Dazai blinks, like he got caught daydreaming during class, "Hm? Oh sure, I guess we can do that."
"Do you have something else in mind?" Midoriya quickly asks. Someone else might be upset by Dazai blatantly ignoring their plan; Midoriya, however, feels excitement. This has to mean that Dazai has his own idea for a plan, one that he might share and discuss with Midoriya!
Dazai looks around with a yawn. Midoriya glances over at the monitors to see Kaminari wrapped in a cocoon of tape.
"Maybe, not sure how 'heroic' it is, though…" Dazai trails off like that might be a deal breaker.
Ojirou looks a little hesitant but, unfortunately, Midoriya is far too curious to pass on hearing it now. Dazai's methods usually toe past the limit of what Pro Heroes usually do, nothing outright 'villainous', sure, but most Heroes would stay clear of those methods. His tricks are underhanded in a way, cruel in how he picks apart his enemies in real time.
That's what makes his plans all the more interesting though.
Midoriya feels like such a fanboy right now, especially when compared to how he acted around Dazai and Chuuya before… Well, before the incident happened. Back then he still tried to keep some separation between himself and them, he thought that being too curious about Abilities, Yokohama, and everything else would be inappropriate.
He feels a lot better about letting his mind run wild with questions now. For the most part he doesn't bother Dazai and Chuuya with them but, in a situation like now, it should be fine…
"I still want to hear it." Midoriya responds with determination.
Dazai's eye looks him up and down, perhaps trying to see if Midoriya is being honest.
Thankfully, Dazai simply grins, "Well, if you insist." He takes a step closer to Midoriya and Ojirou, his voice drops to just above a whisper, "I was thinking we try something more unconventional, a bit of mental warfare if you will."
Midoriya's mind helpfully brings back memories of his own one on one fight with Dazai, he wants to do something like that? It's not a bad idea but he had just said earlier that Midoriya did a terrible job at using that trick.
As if reading his mind, Dazai shakes his head, "You won't be in charge of taunting, Midori-kun, so don't worry about it. Now, have either of you seen any horror films before?"
"Horror? Not really, why?" Ojirou asks.
"Because," Dazai's grin widens, "that's what I have in mind. We'll pray on their natural concern and kindness, make them doubt if the race is even still on."
That does sound rather unheroic… At the same time, Midoriya feels thrill at the idea of being part of a scheme like that. To pull something like that off they would need to be precise with their movements and have a bunch of back up plans…
Midoriya internally sighs, he already knows he wants to agree so why pretend that isn't the case?
"Ojirou, are you alright with that?" Midoriya asks. If he isn't, then Midoriya will side with him and ask Dazai if he wants to adjust the plan Midoriya mentioned earlier.
Ojirou bites his lip; for a few moments, he glances around the room, in thought. Eventually he turns back with a slight nod, "Alright, but nothing too crazy."
Midoriya is quick to nod.
Beside him, Dazai grins even more. "Now, let's talk about the finer details…"
-
The air is heavy with heat. Each step into the inferno that is outside begs the question of why? Why brave the heat and sun, when seeking shelter is the easier option? For some there isn't a reason good enough for such a thing.
For Tokoyami, however, his life's goal is far too important to cower in the shade. No, to be a Pro Hero, one must withstand the many tortures and difficulties of life.
This, as many others, will be another challenge he will overcome.
His fellow Hero-hopefuls must too harbour this dedication, for they stand at his side in the blazing heat without flinching. They gaze upon the metal structure that will soon become their cage, a space they will need to fight to escape from, with an eagerness that leaves even Tokoyami in awe.
Soon, they will have to run for their lives.
Soon, with evil at his heels, Tokoyami will need to navigate that metal cage so that he may succeed.
Soon, o-
'Fumi-kun is doing it again.'
With the echoes of his soul whispering in his ear, Tokoyami prepares himself for the inevitable.
The wind howls against the metal in front of him, it's song perhaps a warning of what is to come. Even still, he can't turn away now. No matter what horrors lay beyond that gate he will not back down, doing so would place shame upon his name and legacy.
-
The race soon begins. Tokoyami feels energy like no other fill his body, the determination to succeed and prove himself pushes him into action.
It takes but a moment for the first attack to arrive.
Like a comet of destruction Midoriya shoots onto the scene, his mind no doubt set on preventing Tokoyami and his team from succeeding.
But, of course, Midoriya has his own goal to achieve.
Tokoyami's win will be Midoriya's failure just as the reverse is true. Dedication, passion, and intelligence will be the secret to winning.
'Fumi-kun! Fumi-kun!'
'Not yet.'
With scary precision Midoriya lands before Tsu and does not hesitate to attack, his fist snaps quick and dangerous.
Tsu, one not to be underestimated, ducks low before leaping out of range. Midoriya is quick to follow with another burst of his Quirk, his movment not unlike that of Bakugou.
Tokoyami spares one last look at her before running forward. On the other side of her, Iida does the same.
Perhaps some would frown upon that action, those who value loyalty would surely upturn their noses and scoff. This action is not one of abandonment though, no, it is one of confidence and necessity. Tsu has her own strength and determination, just like Tokoyami has his own.
Midoriya is a competent foe but Tokoyami has confidence in Tsu.
-
"Woahh, you two are fast, huh?"
The voice, lonely and eerie, echoes like a warning alarm.
Tokoyami skids to a stop. Iida, some distance in front of him, does the same. His armour, bright and infallible, makes it easy to follow and spot him.
A flaw that might, one day, be fatal.
A flaw that Tokoyami, dressed in the colour of the shadows, will never need to worry about. Although, part of him concedes, wearing such a colour does have its downsides… The heat, still present and overbearing, only seems to get worse the moment he thinks about it.
"Stand down, foe! You cannot stop us from reaching the end!" Iida declares.
Tokoyami watches as Dazai, perched up high on one of the various metal pipes, looks down on them with a critical gaze. His eye, so dark it never seems to end, snaps from vague disinterest to deeply upset.
Dazai stands, his balance precarious upon the metal pipe. Tokoyami watches his hands carefully, they shift in and out of his coat in a teasing manor. When will they retreat into that coat and pull out a weapon?
"Ah! I totally didn't mean to stop you from winning!" One of Dazai's hands, thankfully empty, clutches onto his chest with dramatic flare.
He takes a step, careless and far too free for the situation.
Tokoyami watches as Dazai moves and wonders if the other fears gravity at all. If he were to fall, if the weight of his sins were to drag him off that pipe, it would surely hurt. The ground that might soon become Dazai's final resting place hides behind metal pipes and structures.
Then again, perhaps Dazai has long since learnt not to fear gravity and it's desperate pull on one's being.
Ahead of him, Iida tenses, perhaps preparing for a fight.
Tokoyami, knowing Dazai is not one to underestimate, pulls together his own courage and will to fight.
'Get ready.'
'Yes Fumi-kun!'
Dazai gestures wide with one arm, empty-handed, "Well, I-"
The motion of swinging his arm, dramatic and surely an intentionally distracting move, soon becomes his undoing.
In one moment, Dazai stands above Tokoyami on that pipe, intimidating and very much a threat, and the next his black soaked figure disappears over the edge of the pipe.
A short shout and then a thud are all that remains.
Tokoyami eyes the scene warily; had Dazai truly fallen or-?
"Quickly, Tokoyami! We need to make sure Dazai is alright!" Iida, his morals so bright like his armour, does not doubt Dazai's fall for a second.
Tokoyami follows behind as Iida ducks between pipes and walls to find where Dazai might be laid.
The moment Tokoyami sees the scene in front of him, all prior doubt washes away. This corner of the training grounds is bathed in shadows, any other time Tokoyami would have relished in the cool shade.
Dazai's unconscious body is what stops Tokoyami from finding solace in the shadows he is oh-so familiar with.
Iida's helmet hits the ground with a clang, his movements are quick and precise as he approaches Dazai. "Tokoyami, help me get him into the recovery position," Iida's tone, hard as it is, leaves no room for complaint.
Without needing any further instruction, Tokoyami settles beside Dazai.
'Fumi-kun! I thi-'
Dark Shadow's voice disappears from his mind once his hand makes contact with Dazai. The feeling is cold and painful, much like his own soul being pulled out. No, it's like half of his soul has been torn away, the remaining half left in the darkness while longing for it's companion.
For Tokoyami, one blessed with a sentient Quirk, he feels overwhelming grief at the missing Dark Shadow. It feels like both part of himself and a dear friend has died at the same time.
It's upsetting, but he must persevere.
A flash of movement catches Tokoyami's eye, it pulls at his attention like an omen of death.
It's only when he turns and finds Ojirou a second away from tackling Iida to the ground does his prior doubts come back full force.
When a thin, bandaged arm wraps around Tokoyami and pushes him to the ground he realises the truth of the situation. Dazai's fall must have been scripted, a morbid play put on to trick Tokoyami and Iida into lowering their defences.
"Aww, you two really care so much!"
Tokoyami attempts to struggle out of Dazai's hold, but, unfortunately, he has a dark feeling this will not end in his win.
-
With one final tug at his tie, just to make sure it's done properly, Chuuya is finished changing back into UA's terrible uniform. For once he's glad to be out of his Mafia clothes, only because his earlier match had left him nearly soaked through.
Who knew Yaoyorozu could make a water canon that powerful…
Dazai, who had been the first to get changed, dramatically sighs from behind him, "You're so slow… Don't you hate the 'Slug' nickname?"
Chuuya rolls his eyes. Even if he did move faster, Dazai would still call him that. That or Dog, Chibi, Hatrack, or one of the various other nonsensical nicknames he has for Chuuya.
It's self-indulgent but Chuuya makes sure to knock into Dazai's back before he turns around.
Dazai falls forward a little bit with a yelp, "Hey-! Chuuya!"
Chuuya ignores his complaint, picks up his bag, and walks right past the idiot. While Dazai hadn't done all that much in his own match, other than walk off a pipe and grapple onto Tokoyami like an octopus, Chuuya had worked hard.
He didn't want to make things too unfair for the other team so, instead of just flying over the entire course, he had stuck to jumping around on the metal pipes and buildings. This had made things a little more difficult but, in the end, Chuuya had still got to the finish line within the time limit.
Chuuya steps outside the changing room, Dazai close behind him, and is immediately struck with a sense of deja vu.
The 1A kids are all stood around, a tense feeling in the air…
For a moment, Chuuya readies himself to really put Mineta in his place. He also starts preparing exactly what he'll say when Aizawa and Nedzu get on his case about kicking a student through the wall.
As it turns out, Mineta is no where in sight.
Instead, Bakugou is stood front and centre with a nasty glare on his face.
Chuuya follows his line of sight to find Midoriya stood up against the wall, his face serious in a way Chuuya isn't sure he's ever seen before.
"Oi, Deku," Bakugou starts with a growl, "I don't know what's going on with your power but I saw the way you used it today. It seriously pissed me off."
How he used his power? Chuuya thinks back to Midoriya's round, if he remembers correctly then he used his Quirk to match jump around and keep Tsu busy. It had been interesting to watch, especially when Midoriya seemed to really start embodying the 'frog' vibes.
Beside Chuuya, Uraraka makes a sound of understanding, "Oh, oh, he must mean how Deku was flying around like him."
Chuuya feels gratified that he guessed right for a moment, then Bakugou gives Uraraka a look of 'how dare you interrupt me' before sharply turning back to Midoriya.
Things likely won't escalate to an actual fight, not with the whole class here ready to jump in and stop Bakugou if needed. Still, Chuuya takes a half step to the side so Dazai is properly behind him.
It would just be embarrassing if that Mackerel got hurt during Bakugou's temper tantrum, that's all.
"I won't have another half-arsed win like the festival. We'll be getting individual scores in the upcoming finals; new rankings. So we'll all know exactly where we're standing. I'll show you how much better I am." Bakugou spares a glance in Todoroki's direction, "And Todoroki? I'll kill you too."
Todoroki nods, clearly not bothered by the threat.
It isn't a surprise when Bakugou then turns to face Chuuya, and by extension Dazai.
"I won't lose to either of you two, either!"
With that he shoves his way past the other members of class 1A and down the hall, without so much as glancing back.
The tense energy in the hall soon disappears, groans and sighs soon take its place.
Chuuya doesn't pay much attention to whatever class 1A discuss after that point. Instead, his mind replays Bakugou's little deceleration, his challenge.
Bakugou wants to beat Midoriya and Todoroki? Sure, why should Chuuya care?
The fact that he directly challenged both Chuuya and Dazai though… Well, it would be shameful for Chuuya to lose now, right?
He still isn't sure what the actual practical exam will be, robots are too obvious but all his other ideas seem too far fetched. It doesn't really matter though, Upon the Tainted Sorrow isn't some second-class Ability.
Dazai would surely tease him if he found out how seriously Chuuya is taking this little challenge, but at this point he's used to it. Besides, now that Bakugou has publicly declared that he's going to win, there is no way Dazai will just let that happen.
-
It's only when Chuuya arrives back at the dorms that he realises he should have been paying at least some attention to the conversation round him.
As it turns out, while he was going over how he could beat Bakugou in a fight, class 1A had decided to hold the first actual study session once they got back to the dorms.
Dazai had, naturally, agreed on Chuuya's behalf.
Chuuya sighs. He had wanted to relax a little after using his Ability so much but whatever. He does need to brush up on a few things anyway, so being dragged into this study session isn't a terrible thing.
Once everyone has settled, with Chuuya and Dazai in their usual chair, Yaoyorozu claps her hands together with a smile, "Alright! I have some tea brewing but it won't be done just yet. Is there any topic you all want to start on?"
Chuuya looks down at the various notes and sheets of paper he has acquired from different lessons and sighs. He understands most of it but, due to him not paying class any attention when he first got here, his knowledge is spotty.
If he had to pick one thing that he needs the most help with then it would have to be…
"Anything to do with hero society."
Chuuya barely knows current active heroes, let alone the retired ones he's expected to remember.
Yaoyorozu is quick to nod, "Alright! We can begin on the present-day stuff and move our way back in history." She begins pulling out various sheets of paper and folders from her bag, each set thicker than the last.
Chuuya isn't an expert at school related stuff but still, that feels like way too much paper… Was he meant to be taking that many notes during lessons? If so then he is way, way behind.
"So," Yaoyorozu starts, "The Heroes we need to remember are the ones who have had significant effect on society so, for example, All Might. We also have to remember what they did and why it was a good thing."
All right, makes sense.
"There are also Heroes who had controversies that we need to remember, right?" Jirou asks.
Yaoyorozu smiles at her, "That's right! The easiest to remember is Resonator, do any of you remember what she did?"
Chuuya tactically looks away. If you held a gun to his head, he still wouldn't be able to tell you anything about this Resonator lady. What kind of name is that anyway? What, does her Quirk made her resonate with other people?
Does everyone outside of Yokohama have terrible naming sense?
Fortunately, it seems the other 1A kids aren't in the same boat as Chuuya.
"Oh wait! I remember that one," Kaminari looks pleased as he continues, "It was way back in the early days of Quirks and Pro Heroes. Resonator made a big fuss about being better than everyone else, specifically pointing out orphans, for some reason. Resonator got so much backlash she had to retire early."
Chuuya looks to Kaminari in disbelief.
Sure, he imagines most heroes have saviour complexes or whatever, but to actually acknowledge it out loud? And also, what the hell did she have against orphans?
Maybe Chuuya is a little biased because one, he's practically an orphan himself, and, two, for some reason, he always ends up befriending orphans. It just doesn't make sense, why choose a group that must have had pretty terrible lives already to hate? Did an orphan burn her house down or something?
Chuuya glances at Dazai; who knows what that guy's family situation is like, but he has burnt down a fair few houses... If it weren't for the fact that Resonator lived way before Dazai was born, then Chuuya would be inclined to think Dazai had something to do with the whole orphan-hatred-thing.
Either way, Chuuya already hates this woman and he barely knows anything about her.
"She's the reason Hero schools have Morality and Ethics classes," Jirou adds, "Also the reason why Heroes have PR teams."
Ugh, Chuuya had almost forgotten about that whole aspect. Treating heroes as celebrities has to be a conflict of interest or something, right?
Dazai, from his spot practically on top of Chuuya, sighs. "You guys really need a PR team to keep you from saying stupid shit in public?" His tone is distinctly judgemental, which causes Chuuya to sign in turn.
He's doing this on purpose, right? Just to cause trouble that Chuuya will later have to deal with.
Surprisingly, Mina is quick to laugh, "Some of us, yeah! Imagine how quickly Kaminari would end up having to retire otherwise-"
"Hey!"
The conversation descends into arguing as Kaminari weakly tries to defend himself.
Beside him, Dazai sighs before slipping off the chair, and by extension Chuuya. Once on the ground, he shuffles forward until he reaches the coffee table covered in papers.
Chuuya watches as he reaches over and grabs some blank sheets from the middle of the table. Thankfully, he doesn't make an effort to sit back next to Chuuya, instead he bends over his papers and starts…
Well, Chuuya can't see what he's doing, but he knows it isn't something productive.
For a moment, he considers calling Dazai out, then Chuuya realises that, as long as Dazai isn't directly bothering Chuuya, then it isn't his problem.
With that in mind Chuuya looks up at Yaoyorozu, who looks like she's both amused and annoyed by the argument of Kaminari and Mina. If Chuuya had to guess then he'd say she wants to continue the study session but, for whatever reason, can't speak up to tell Kaminari and Mina to shut it.
Well, Chuuya can help her with that. After all, the reason he's here is to learn enough to pass the written exam- not to listen to two idiots argue.
Chuuya waits until Yaoyorozu's eyes catch his before loudly speaking, "So, what's the next topic?"
Thankfully, Kaminari and Mina take the hint and stay quiet.
Yaoyorozu gives him a smile before flipping through her notebook to a new page, which, just like all the others it's covered in neat writing, "So, next up is the after effects of a fight."
"That's like destruction to buildings and people getting hurt, right?" Jirou asks.
With a smile, Yaoyorozu nods, "It is! Some people also call it the collateral damage, either name works! There are a few statistics you need to remember, I have some flashcards. If you'd like to use them!"
Despite asking, Yaoyorozu doesn't actually wait for an answer before passing her flashcards along the group. Chuuya idly wonders if she made them special for this session or if these are her personal ones.
The flashcards haven't quite made their way around to Chuuya when Kaminari frowns down at one of them, "Jeez… Is it just me or are these numbers insane?"
Chuuya manages to catch sight of one of the flashcards and mentally agrees. Aren't Heroes all about protecting people? The average number of civilians hurt per fight should be a clean zero, maybe with some leeway if hostages are involved. Don't even get him started on the amount of money spent yearly on fixing buildings up…
A few class 1A kids seem to disagree and start to make counter-arguments. Chuuya isn't that surprised by it, being raised in this environment would make it hard for them to see the flaws.
"You don't have to answer this, but what's it like in Yokohama?" Mina's voice swiftly ends the discussion before it can become an argument.
Chuuya glances up at that, even though he was paying attention to the conversation he still feels lost. How had Mina ended up asking about Yokohama?
Perhaps seeing his confusion, Mina is quick to continue, "You guys don't have any Heroes or Villains, but you do have Abilities. Surely, there are some aftereffects though, right?
Oh, so that's what she was thinking.
Well, it would be a lie to say Yokohama is without its damage. That being said, Chuuya gets the distinct feeling there is a difference between the damage in Yokohama and the damage everywhere else.
"If you know where to look," Chuuya eventually says.
"If we know where to look? What do you mean by that?" Sero asks, his eyes lit up with intrigue. It's a familiar look, where had he…
Ah, right. That's the sort of look Midoriya would sport shortly before falling into his mumbling state. It's a good thing the kid isn't here then, or else Chuuya doubts he'd be able to get a word in with all his mumbling.
Chuuya contemplates what he should say. Or, more accurately, what he can say. Class 1A might have promised to be better classmates but that doesn't mean they won't pass along information to Aizawa or any of the other Pros, especially if that information was deemed alarming enough.
Dazai won't be of any help, not with how he's still hunched over his sheet of paper.
"Well, I guess you could say the damage is strategic," Chuuya picks his words carefully. "Most gang fights happen on their own territory or in the more abandoned parts of the city. It's either that or damage is kept to a specific area where the target is."
That's mostly the truth anyway. Sometimes things get a little out of hand and unaffiliated buildings get caught up in whatever fight that happens to be going down.
The Port Mafia is more strict on following those rules than the Sheep had been. It makes sense to Chuuya, one of the Port Mafia's main functions is to protect Yokohama from what can't be dealt with in the 'light'. If the city was covered in gunshots and damage from Abilities then they would be doing a terrible job.
"Wait, so everyone just does that?" Kaminari asks with a reasonable amount of scepticism.
Chuuya nods but, as it so often happens, finds himself cut off before he can start speaking.
Dazai, still not looking up from his paper, hums, "It's an easy trade really. Follow these rules and you'll be mostly left alone; who wouldn't agree to that?"
Mina looks between Dazai and Chuuya with a dumbfounded expression, "Are police even real in Yokohama?"
That gets an authentic laugh from Chuuya.
"Yep! They just happen to be really incompetent," Dazai explains.
Well, that or paid off to ignore certain things.
"Even if they are incompetent it's fine," Chuuya explains, "The people in Yokohama are used to this. They know how to keep themselves safe."
"Wait, what about the Quirkless- well, Non-Ability users? There has to be special rules about not getting them involved, right?"
Chuuya shares a glance with Dazai, right, Quirkless people. Before this mission he didn't know all that much about Pro Heroes and Quirks, it had never been information he needed to know after all. The one thing he did know, however, was the general treatment of Quirkless people.
The first time he had heard of Quirkless people was back when he was still with the Sheep. After a routine beatdown of some other gang that had attacked some of the younger members, Chuuya happened to be walking past an electronics store. In the front window was a large TV playing news from outside of Yokohama. It was already late into the evening at that point, there was no chance he was getting to sleep before morning broke, so he had stopped to watch for a bit.
At first, it was boring, the sort of thing that made you wonder how it ended up on the news at all. Then, right at the end of the broadcast, a segment about Quirkless people came on. According to the presenter, a large group of Quirkless people had organised a protest due to the rising amount of targeted attacks against them.
The news presenter had spoken about the protest like it was a nuisance, she acted like the Quirkless people were being inconsiderate and overreacting. Of course, she had never said any of that verbally, but Chuuya could tell she was thinking it. He's always had a talent for sensing emotions after all.
That had stuck with him, especially when he continued to hear about the mistreatment of Quirkless people over the years. Here is this group of people who are just asking to be treated equally and yet it seems everyone is determined to ignore them.
The job of protecting people and fighting usually lands on the shoulders of Ability users in Yokohama, but that's not to say Non-Ability users are just sat on the sidelines. Chuuya would be a fool if he were to ignore the Port Mafia members older and more experienced than him that don't have an Ability.
There aren't any special rules about protecting Non-Ability users, not because no one cares, but rather because those rules aren't needed.
People who grow up in Yokohama know how the place works. They know where certain gangs hang out, they know who not to piss off, and who to completely avoid. They can point out an Ability user within minutes, simply because information about them is passed around at lightning speed.
Yokohama tends to run on a mutual understanding: if you do this, then I do that. If you stay in your area, I'll stay in mine. Unspoken rules are dime a dozen over there and yet, despite it all, Yokohama is able to stay mostly peaceful.
Of course, when Pro Heroes come barging in things get out of balance. Their sense of justice demands they do something about Yokohama, that they protect the oh-so vulnerable citizens.
Chuuya sighs and mentally hopes this conversation doesn't end in disaster. "There aren't any rules like that."
That causes alarm to shoot around the room.
"You just let them get hurt, then?"
"There's no way they can stand up against Ability users, though!"
"That seems totally unfair…"
For a moment Chuuya debates just letting the class say what they want and waiting for the conversation to move to something else. He really isn't in the mood to lecture a bunch of kids on why their worldview is totally messed up.
But then, as more comments about Quirkless people being unable to do anything pile up, he can't help but think of that news presenter. Her disgust for Quirkless people had been far more pronounced but, as many things are, it must have been a learnt thing.
If someone had stepped in and said 'hey, that's a fucking crazy way to think', would she had a different outlook now?
Dammit, seems like Chuuya will be giving out that lecture after all.
"Your flaw is thinking people without powers are defenceless," Chuuya chimes in, his voice effectively cutting off any further comments. "They aren't babies, you know."
Across the table Jirou's face turns red with embarrassment, one of her hands begins to twirl her earphone jack around, "Well, no, of course no. It's just, compared to people with Quirks and Abilities, it'll be more dangerous for them."
Which is a fair point, although it doesn't excuse their attitude.
Chuuya sighs, "You do know that Quirks and Abilities aren't everything, right?" When no one verbally responds, Chuuya continues, "Your own teacher is practically Quirkless, hell, you all know Dazai could beat every one of you, and all that bastard really has going for him is his brain and gun skills!"
"Hey!"
Chuuya ignores Dazai's complaint. "I'm not saying those without Abilities or Quirks are crazy strong or whatever, just that they aren't stupid and helpless. The people in Yokohama have adapted to that way of life, they know how to deal with Ability users and keep themselves safe for the most part."
It's funny how the kids of 1A look so incredibly chastised right now, you would think Aizawa was the one scolding them and not Chuuya.
Good, Chuuya thinks, it's better they learn it now then grow up into idiots.
Surprisingly, the awkward silence doesn't last as long as Chuuya had expected it to.
"I have a question, if you'll allow it," Yaoyorozu's face is set in determination, something that Chuuya can respect.
Chuuya nods and a moment later Yaoyorozu speaks again, "I want to understand your point better, could you please tell me more about how Non-Ability users navigate life in Yokohama?"
What an unnecessarily long way to ask 'Expand on that?' Still, Chuuya respects her for being upfront like this. He'd rather have to explain things more than have her walk away with doubts.
Chuuya is about to explain things when Dazai decides to interrupt, "Hey, who is the most dangerous person in class 1A?"
Yaoyorozu seems a little confused by the change in topic but still answers, "Well, apart from you two… Maybe Bakugou?"
"Right, and what things tend to cause his little temper tantrums?" Dazai asks, still not looking up from his paper. Honestly, Chuuya is getting a little concerned about whatever he's up to.
The 1A kids glance around at each other as they begin thinking aloud.
"Uh, Midoriya doing better than him?"
"Hah, more like anyone doing better than him."
"Oh! He totally hates it when people talk during lessons."
"And when people don't take Practical Heroics seriously."
"He's really dead set on being number one, so maybe when people doubt that?"
"Exactly!" Dazai finally looks up from his paper, "Now, what happened when me and Chuuya came along?"
That seems to be a harder question to answer. For a few minutes, the kids look at each other in confusion, their faces scrunch up as the seconds go by.
Eventually, Mina gasps, "Oh wait, I get it!"
From beside her, Sero speaks up, "Are you going to share with the class?"
Mina nods, "Yep! Ok so, when Dazai and Chuuya came along they didn't know what things piss Bakugou off. They ended up doing those things and that caused fights but! The rest of us knew what to avoid and how to deal with his temper already."
Understanding washes over the 1A kids as Mina explains.
Yaoyorozu places a finger on her chin, "In that analogy, we are the citizens of Yokohama and Bakugou is the gangs or Ability users."
Dazai nods and, much to Chuuya's chagrin, gets thatsmile on his face. He's about to say something to make everyone uncomfortable or upset, isn't he?
"Yep~ Although, you did miss something…" Dazai trails off, which naturally only builds intrigue.
"I did?" Yaoyorozu looks equally confused and curious.
Dazai's singular eye takes on the 'I have no emotions' look, which pairs well with his just a tad beyond normal smile. It's a type of expressions that freaks you out without being obvious as to why.
"In that analogy, me and Chuuya are the pesky pros that keep breaking in."
Chuuya can see as the kids realise exactly what Dazai means by that. Pros who sneak their way into Yokohama aren't actually helping, not a bit. Instead they are upsetting the social norm, a social norm they know nothing about.
They come barging in and start fights where they shouldn't, they challenge people who are better left alone.
For a few moments no one speaks, the silence is heavy and somewhat uncomfortable.
Then, in a move that does not surprise Chuuya, Dazai's tone does a 180.
"Now, lay your eyes on my latest invention!"
Dazai dramatically holds up what can only be descried as a paper monstrosity. Looking closer, Chuuya can see various different hand writings and note taking styles mixed throughout…
With a look around the table Chuuya can confirm that Dazai did, in fact, steal other people's notes to create whatever the hell that thing is.
The atmosphere from before shatters as the others realise this and despair covers their faces.
Well, there goes the study session. Whatever, he'll force Dazai to tell him what he needs to know later.
Maybe he could ask Aizawa actually, at least he could trust what the man is telling him is the truth. Dazai is just as likely, if not more so, to make a big lie up so Chuuya looks like a fool…
As Chuuya is busy contemplating this, Midoriya walks into the room.
His eyebrows are pulled together and his right hand is set against his chin. Surprisingly, there are no mumbles to be heard as he walks past the group and right up the stairs.
Chuuya can't tell if he's in the middle of mentally debating the meaning of life or just thinking about Quirks. Knowing Midoriya, though, it's probably the second one.