Chapter Text
"Young Midoriya, wake up. We're landing." Toshinori said as he gently shook his successor.
Izuku stirred as his eyes opened slowly. "Huh?"
"We've arrived at I-Island, my boy," Toshinori said as he sat down. "Perhaps you're putting in too many hours with Endeavor."
"No, I was just up late helping the others study." Izuku yawned before looking out the plane's window at the artificial island they were approaching. "Exams are coming up, and Hawk's has been hinting that they're gonna be hard."
"I'm impressed with how well he's taken to teaching. I'm glad you second years are in good hands," Toshi said as the plane started to touch down.
"He's a good homeroom teacher," Izuku said as he got up. Toshi smiled and pulled his phone out, discreetly texting Melissa. Just as last year, Melissa had set up a surprise for her father, this year, Toshi and her had set up a surprise for Izuku.
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After dealing with the swarm of fans desperate to shake hands and say hello to the retired All Might and the rising star Deku, the two made their way to Melissa Shield's lab.
"Izuku! It's so good to see you again!" Melissa said as she pulled him into a tight hug.
Izuku laughed as he returned the gesture. He was so nervous in his first year when he met her, but after all he had gone through, talking to a pretty girl was no sweat for him. "It's good to see you again as well."
"Uncle Might, I'm glad you guys arrived on time," Melissa said as she hugged her uncle. "The surprise will be here in a moment."
"Surprise?" Izuku asked as he looked at Toshi, who laughed nervously.
Before he could question his mentor, the door to the lab swung open, and a voice boomed, "I am here!"
All eyes turned to the door as America's number one hero, Star and Stripe, entered wearing casual clothes. "Master!"
"Oh no," Toshinori muttered as he was suddenly lifted off the ground in a hug. He realized what he had been doing to people for years as his ribs were crushed. "T-to tight, Cathleen."
"Oops sorry master. I haven't had a chance to see you in this small form." Cathleen said as she set down Toshi and turned to Izuku. "Ah, my fellow student, the great Deku! Come here, brother!"
"A-ah y-y-your Star and Stripe!" Izuku said before getting scooped up into a crushing hug.
Cathleen kissed his cheek hard before laughing. "That I am. It's wonderful to finally meet you!"
As Izuku was set down, Melissa chuckled and accepted a much gentler hug from Cathleen. As the two women separated, Melissa said. "Surprise, Izuku, I set up a meeting between you and Aunt Cathleen."
"That's so awesome," Izuku muttered as Cathleen boomed with laughter.
"I've wanted to meet you ever since I heard you were All Might's disciple," Cathleen said as she patted Izuku on the shoulder. "Let's get some lunch and chat!"
"That sounds awesome," Izuku said as he let her lead him out, followed by Toshi and Melissa.
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"I was saved by All Might while my family was on a trip to Santa Monica Pier when a villain robbed a casino and nearly trampled our car," Cathleen said as she held her third sandwich. "I thought we were gonna die, but then out of nowhere, he arrived and saved us."
Toshi chuckled as Cathleen motioned to him. "Not even in costume. Freshly graduated from UA and a total newcomer to America. After that day, I dedicated my life to being a hero as great as him."
"That's amazing," Izuku muttered. "He really has inspired so many people."
"Of course, he's our symbol of peace. So, how did you meet All Might?"
Izuku chuckled and regaled Star and Stripe with how he was saved from the Sludge villain and how he clung to All Might. Cathleen laughed, calling him a true fanboy. Izuku laughed, but as he told them about the conversation on the roof, Cathleen sobered. "Master, you really should be better with your words. While I don't really disagree, given who you were talking to, it might have been better to word it differently."
"I do regret how I worded things. I've strived to make up for that blunder in my teaching of Young Midoriya and his classmates."
"You've more than made up for it ", Izuku said before talking about how he had inadvertently set the Sludge villain free and rushed in to save Bakugo.
Cathleen patted him on the back as she grinned in a way that reminded Izuku of All Might. "I can see why our master took you on and passed his quirk to you. You really are the best of us, Izuku Midoirya. I can't wait to see what you'll be able to do as a full-fledged hero."
Tears welled up in Izuku's eyes as he thanked her for her kind words. Cathleen patted his back gently and said, "Come on now. There is no time for tears; let's finish up this delicious food. There are some attractions I want to challenge you to."
Izuku laughed and wiped his eyes before grabbing his sandwich. "I won't hold back, ma'am, so no hard feelings if you lose."
Cathleen boomed with laughter. "I like your confidence, Izuku. Now eat up, and let's see if you can back it up!"
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"I haven't had someone put up that much of a fight in a long time," Cathleen said as she stood before Izuku. "You're gonna be a real monster when you graduate. I can't wait to challenge you again!"
"I look forward to our next meeting, ma'am," Izuku said as he took her hand in a firm handshake.
" Aw, come on, drop the ma'am stuff," Cathleen said as she pulled him into a bone-crushing hug. We're All Might's disciples; just call me Cathleen! "
"I-I'll try to remember that. " Izuku gasped before he was released.
After saying her goodbyes, America's number-one hero left. Her superiors never liked it when she left the country for too long. Once they were gone, Melissa grabbed Izuku's arm and asked, "Did you like your surprise?"
"Y-yeah, I did," Izuku said as he smiled at the older girl. "I'm glad I got to meet her. Thanks for setting this up, you two."
"I'm glad you enjoyed it, my boy. Now come on, we should get signed into the hotel so we have time to get ready for the party. " Toshi said.
"Right. I'll see you at the party, Melissa. " Izuku said as the woman released his arm and nodded.
"See you there. You better dance with me this time around."
Izuku laughed as he started walking. "As long as no villains show up, I'll make sure we dance."