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Chapter Text

After his exchange with Tomura, Stain slipped away into the shadows, his movements deliberate and methodical. Crouching low in a quiet alley, he pulled out his phone, his eyes narrowing as he searched for information on Izuku Midoriya. The flickering screen illuminated his scarred face, the faint sounds of pursuit from nearby heroes a distant concern.

"So, even All Might seeks to cultivate a successor," he muttered, his voice low and venomous. His gaze locked onto footage of Izuku as Stinkfly, gliding effortlessly through the air.

"This one... I’ll ensure he earns the title of hero," Stain hissed. His finger hovered over a clip of Izuku exiting the stadium, his face bright with laughter as he chatted with his friends.

"But if he’s tainted—corrupted by the filth of false heroes—I’ll cut him down with the rest." Stain’s glare turned sharp, his focus shifting to those gathered around Izuku, his contempt for them palpable.

.....

[Miruko agency]

"Alright!" Miruko shouted, hands on her hips and an impatient grin on her face. "Now that your bellies are full, quit lounging around! Get your costumes on and let’s get this day rolling!"

Izuku and Itsuka immediately nodded, grabbing their suitcases and heading to their respective rooms.

Izuku quickly unbuttoned his shirt and shrugged off his blazer, setting them aside before unlocking his case. The moment he opened it, his eyes landed on his costume neatly folded inside—but something unexpected caught his attention.

"Huh?" he muttered, tilting his head as he noticed a bright, colorful note sitting on top of his outfit.

The handwriting was unmistakable: messy, bold, and practically jumping off the page with chaotic energy. It could only belong to Mei Hatsume.

“Hey, Midoriya! Saw you at the Sports Festival—Congrats on taking the gold! Anyway, I noticed you’re using more kicks now, so I upgraded your costume with these SUPER AMAZING iron soles I whipped up! They’ll make your kicks even stronger AND sturdier. You’re welcome. Try not to ruin them too fast, okay?!”

Curiosity sparked, Izuku carefully pushed aside his hero costume to reveal the new addition resting at the bottom of the suitcase: a pair of sleek, reinforced iron soles. Their thick black bases gleamed under the room’s light, and the faint scent of machine oil confirmed Mei’s handiwork.

....

Izuku blinked, letting her enthusiastic words sink in. "That's amazi—" He froze mid-sentence, his eye twitching in annoyance as his gaze fell to the bottom of the note.

“Yep, I took ALL the details into account for my most valuable personal client!”

With a frustrated groan, Izuku crumpled the paper in his fist, his eyebrow twitching furiously. "Still not her client..." he muttered under his breath.

But as his gaze shifted back to the iron soles, guilt began to creep in, gnawing at the edges of his conscience. His thoughts drifted to Melissa.

She was his designer—the one who had agreed to support his hero journey with her careful, thoughtful creations. It felt wrong, almost like a betrayal, to use someone else’s work.

After a moment of hesitation, he sighed and reluctantly began fitting them onto his costume, silently resolving to make the most of Mei’s “babies.”

...

As Izuku stepped out, he found Itsuka and Miruko already suited up in their hero costumes, ready for action. Itsuka’s eyes immediately fell on the iron soles attached to his boots.

"Whoa! New upgrade? Those iron soles are awesome!" she said, a grin spreading across her face.

Izuku chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his neck as he adjusted his hoodie. "Y-Yeah, something like that."

Miruko, standing nearby with her arms crossed, raised an eyebrow as her gaze settled on his costume. Her lips curved into a sly smirk. "What’s with the bunny ears? You trying to copy me, huh?"

Her tone was teasing, but there was a playful edge that almost made it sound like a real question.

Izuku quickly waved his hands in protest, his cheeks flushing. "N-No, it’s not like that! They’re actually inspired by All Might’s bangs—a tribute to him."

Miruko’s smirk faltered for a fraction of a second as a faint twinge of jealousy flickered in her chest. She masked it with a confident grin, leaning forward slightly. "Hah, fanboy to the core, huh? Figures."

Izuku’s blush deepened as Itsuka stifled a laugh beside him.

"Alright, let’s move!" Miruko declared, motioning for them to follow as her energy radiated through the room.

"Right!" Izuku said with a determined nod.

"Of course!" Itsuka added, cracking her knuckles.

Miruko’s grin widened as they headed out, but instead of taking the stairs down to the exit, she veered off toward the stairwell leading upward.

Izuku and Itsuka exchanged confused looks before following her up the steps.

"Uh, Miruko? The exit’s downstairs," Itsuka called, glancing back.

Miruko didn’t even slow her pace, throwing a look over her shoulder with a daring grin. "Downstairs is for quitters. If you’re interning with me..."

Reaching the rooftop, she strode confidently to the edge. Her powerful legs bent like coiled springs, every muscle taut with anticipation. With a booming laugh, she launched herself into the air, soaring in a graceful, powerful arc that left the two interns gaping.

"...you better be ready to keep up!" she shouted mid-leap, her voice carried away by the wind as she disappeared into the skyline.

Izuku and Itsuka rushed to the edge, staring in awe at the sheer distance she had covered.

"Did she just...?" Itsuka muttered, blinking in disbelief.

"Yeah..." Izuku replied, his admiration tinged with nervousness. 

Miruko’s voice echoed faintly as she called back to them. "Don’t just stand there, slowpokes! Move it!" As she landed on a building.

""Alright, let’s do this!" Izuku said, determination blazing in his eyes.

Itsuka nodded, her jaw set with resolve. "No way I’m letting her leave us in the dust."

Izuku sprinted to the edge of the building, activating the Omnitrix. The faceplate popped up, displaying a holographic figure as it cycled through various aliens. "Spider-Monkey! I’ve always wanted to swing through the city like Spider-Man from the comics! This is my chance! It’s Hero Ti—"

Before he could slam his hand down, Itsuka grabbed his shoulder firmly, pulling him back.

"Wait, Izuku."

"Huh? What’s up?" Izuku asked, glancing between her and the rapidly vanishing Miruko, who had already cleared another massive gap between rooftops. "We need to catch up to her!"

Itsuka hesitated, her cheeks tinged pink. "I’m not as fast as you or Miruko, but... I think I can keep up if I use my strength to leap like Four Arms does."

Izuku’s eyes widened, realization dawning on him. "Oh! That’s perfect! During our Sports Festival fight, your new strength gave you some serious jumping power!"

"Exactly," Itsuka said with a confident grin, though her fists clenched tightly. "So, any tips, genius?"

Izuku instinctively placed a hand to his chin, analyzing quickly. "Okay, you’ll need to focus all your strength into your legs. It’s not just about jumping hard—you have to balance the force evenly, or you’ll lose control mid-air."

Itsuka listened, nodding seriously as Miruko’s distant form taunted them with her effortless momentum.

"When you land, bend your knees to absorb the impact," Izuku continued. "That way, you won’t waste energy or hurt yourself, and you’ll be ready for the next jump."

"Got it," Itsuka said, steeling herself.

She took a few steps back, exhaling sharply before sprinting toward the edge. Her legs coiled like springs, and the force of her leap cracked the ground beneath her boots.

"W-Whoa!" Itsuka shouted as the wind rushed past her, the city below turning into a blur. Miruko, mid-air herself, widened her eyes slightly as Itsuka soared past her.

"Hah! Not bad, kid!" Miruko shouted with a grin, watching as Itsuka landed with a heavy thud on the next rooftop.

Itsuka stumbled, tripping and rolling as she hit the ground. She groaned, rubbing her elbow as she muttered, "Ow... So uncool."

The sound of a shadow passing over her made her glance up. Miruko was already leaping again, her powerful form silhouetted against the sky.

"Think you can pass me? Please!" Miruko called back, her voice brimming with amusement.

Itsuka’s cheeks burned, but she clenched her fists, pushing herself back to her feet.

"I’ll show you just how well Class 1-B can keep up with a pro!" she shouted, determination driving her as she coiled her legs again and launched herself after Miruko.

Miruko glanced over her shoulder, her grin widening. "That’s the spirit, rookie! Keep up, and maybe I’ll take you seriously!"

Itsuka narrowed her eyes, the thrill of the chase pumping adrenaline through her veins. Each leap felt heavier, more precise, as she closed the gap. 

Izuku watched from below, adrenaline coursing through his veins. "Alright, I need to catch up!" he muttered, determined. As the Omnitrix hologram displayed Spider-Monkey, he brought it close to his face and slammed down on the faceplate. A burst of green light engulfed him.

He felt his body morph, the familiar energy surging through him. But when the light faded, he blinked in confusion, looking at his new form.

"Spider–wait, what?!" His voice carried a mix of shock and disbelief as he examined his body. Instead of the expected monkey-like appendages, instead he had the a body mixture of a mantis and a grasshopper. 

"Crashhopper?!" he groaned, his tone filled with dejection.

"What the hell are you waiting for?!" Miruko’s sharp voice snapped him out of his daze, her figure already a blur bounding between rooftops.

Crashhopper shook off his disappointment. "No time to change!" he muttered, crouching low. His claws dug into the concrete, his hind legs coiling with tension. Electricity crackled around his legs, an untamed storm of green energy swirling with the power of One For All at 16%.

With a deep breath, Crashhopper unleashed a devastating leap. The ground beneath him shattered in a spiderweb of cracks as he rocketed forward like a missile, wind howling in his wake.

Miruko glanced back mid-air, her lips curving into a smirk. "Not bad, kid," she said, her voice carried by the wind as she kicked off the side of a building, her powerful legs sending her soaring effortlessly. Her movements were fluid, almost playful, as though taunting Izuku to keep up.

Itsuka struggled a bit with her jumps, her footing unsteady as she bounded between ledges. She glanced to her side just in time to see Crashhopper’s massive leap propel him past her, the air around him rippling from the force.

He caught sight of Miruko ahead, her white hair streaking behind her like a comet as she leapt with fluid grace from one building to the next.

With a booming crash, Crashhopper caught up to Miruko.

Miruko’s sharp laughter echoed. "You’re getting there, but you’ll need more than brute force to keep up with me!" She twisted her body, pushing off a nearby ledge with a powerful kick, her next leap sending her further ahead.

Crashhopper landed hard, the impact cratering the ground beneath him. He didn’t miss a beat, coiling his legs again and launching forward with renewed vigor. 

With a powerful leap, the three converged midair before landing on the rooftop of a tall building. Miruko touched down effortlessly, her landing as precise as it was graceful. Crashhopper, however, hit the ground with a heavy thud, cracks spiderwebbing beneath his feet.

"W-Whoa!" Itsuka yelped, her arms flailing wildly to regain balance as she stumbled toward the edge of the roof.

Before she could lose her footing, Crashhopper lunged forward, catching her mid-fall with his claws. "Gotcha!" he said, helping steady her as she wobbled.

Itsuka exhaled in relief, glancing up at him nervously. "Thanks, Izuku. Guess I still need to work on my landings."

Miruko turned to face them, her hands on her hips and a sly grin tugging at her lips. "Not bad, you two," she said, her golden eyes sharp with approval. "You’re still a little rough around the edges, but at least you’re not dead weight."

Crashhopper straightened up, the corners of his mandible-like mouth quirking into an awkward smile. "Uh, thanks?"

Itsuka dusted herself off, her determination overshadowing her embarrassment. "I’ll get smoother—I promise."

Miruko’s grin widened, a flicker of excitement in her gaze. "Good. I don’t need anyone slowing me down." She crouched low, her powerful legs coiling beneath her. "Now, enough catching your breath—we’ve got work to do."

Her voice cut through the air like a whip as she leapt off the skyscraper in a blur of motion, landing on a distant rooftop with a forceful impact that sent a gust of wind rippling through the nearby buildings. She turned her head back, her white hair catching the sunlight like a banner.

"We’re heading to a construction site near Minamiyama District," she called, her tone brisk yet teasing. "Try not to lose me this time!"

Itsuka stepped closer to the edge of the rooftop, watching as Miruko bounded effortlessly across the skyline. Her jaw tightened in determination. "She really doesn’t slow down, does she?"

...

As they ricocheted from building to building, the rhythmic thuds of their landings echoed faintly through the sprawling cityscape. Miruko slowed her pace slightly, her movements smooth and controlled, as though she were simply enjoying a casual morning workout rather than testing the limits of her agility.

"Alright, let’s get this outta the way," Miruko called over her shoulder, her voice cutting through the air like a whip. "What are your hero names?

She vaulted off the edge of a rooftop, flipping effortlessly mid-air before landing on the next building with a grace that spoke volumes about her experience. Her powerful legs absorbed the impact with ease, launching her into another leap before either of them could fully respond.

"Battle Fist!" Itsuka shouted, her tone proud as she pushed off a nearby ledge. She landed on another rooftop, wobbling slightly as she fought to regain her balance. 

Miruko’s lips quirked into a grin as she glanced at Itsuka with an appraising look as she passed by her own billboard, which showcased her and Ryukyu in a dynamic pose. 

"Not bad. Straightforward and punchy. Literally." She smirked before her gaze shifted to Izuku.

Her attention shifted to the green, insect-like figure bounding beside them, his claws gouging faint marks into the buildings as he leapt. "And you, Midoriya?" she asked, her grin widening. "What’s your hero name?"

The casual confidence in her voice made Crashhopper falter slightly, his jump coming down just a fraction harder as he ricocheted off a building. Adjusting mid-air, his claws scraped against the concrete as he steadied his trajectory.

Clearing his throat as he landed, Crashhopper called out, "Dekiru 10! The Alien Force!"

Miruko’s ears twitched at the answer as she landed lightly on a moving train, letting its momentum carry her for a moment. Glancing back at him with a raised eyebrow and a smirk, she tapped her chin in mock consideration. "Dekiru, huh? That’s a bold choice. Sounds kinda cocky if you ask me." Her grin turned sharp. "Not everyone likes a hero who brags—unless you’ve got the skills to back it up."

Crashhopper landed beside her on the train, his legs tensing as he prepared for the next jump. His antennae flicked with determination as he met her gaze. "That’s exactly why I chose it," he replied, his tone steady and filled with resolve. "Dekiru means 'I can do it.' I want to be the hero who always can—no matter what."

Miruko blinked, the fire in his words catching her off guard. For a split second, her grin softened, and a faint blush dusted her cheeks before she quickly masked it with a scoff.

On the opposite side of the train, Itsuka glanced at him with a small smile, her own cheeks tinged pink as his confidence seemed to resonate with her.

"Alright, Dekiru 10," Miruko said with a grin that promised trouble, "let’s see if you can actually live up to that!"

Without waiting for a response, she launched off the train, her powerful legs propelling her high above the city. She twisted mid-air, her white hair streaming behind her as she aimed for a cluster of buildings below where bystanders had begun to notice their energetic pursuit.

Crashhopper and Itsuka exchanged a brief look before following her lead, the force of their leaps cracking the concrete and leaving a trail of faint tremors as they plunged into the heart of the bustling district.

Itsuka propelled herself forward, grabbing onto a ledge with one hand and swinging gracefully onto a rooftop, her ponytail swaying with her movement.

People on the streets below craned their necks, shielding their eyes as they caught glimpses of the heroes bounding across the skyline.

"Whoa, it’s Miruko!"

"Hey, look—it really is her!"

"Awesome! Seeing her in action is so rare!"

Miruko smirked as their voices drifted upward. "Guess I’m still popular," she said, barely out of breath as she bounced effortlessly from one rooftop to another. "I probably should’ve mentioned that we’ll be out late tonight."

"Late?" Itsuka asked mid-leap, landing beside a rooftop air conditioning unit before vaulting off again. "How come?"

Ahead, the glint of a speeding bullet train reflected in the sun. Miruko’s grin widened as she kicked off another rooftop, aiming for the train. "Let’s kick this up a notch! And I'll tell you more."

Crashhopper landed beside Itsuka, the ground beneath him spider webbing from the impact. "Wait, the train?!"

"Yup!" Miruko said, twisting mid-air to stick her landing gracefully on the train’s roof. "It’s moving, so don’t mess this up!"

Crashhopper crouched low, his legs coiling with a crackle of energy. "No pressure," he muttered before launching himself. The world blurred as he arced through the air, landing hard on the train roof. The impact dented the metal beneath him, but he kept his balance, claws digging into the surface.

Itsuka wasn’t far behind, using her enhanced grip to swing from a nearby signpost and land on the train with a determined grunt.

"Nice!" Miruko shouted, her voice cutting through the deafening roar of the bullet train. Her crimson eyes flicked toward the passing cityscape. "Now listen up!"

She crouched low, her muscles taut, ready to spring. "Most heroes stick to daytime patrols for the public’s peace of mind, but actual crime? That mostly goes down at night," 

With a powerful leap, she soared off the train, her body a blur as she landed atop a water tower with a metallic clang.

Crashhopper exchanged a glance with Itsuka. "No time to hesitate!" he said, coiling his legs before launching himself off the train. His landing sent a crackling shockwave through the rooftop.

Itsuka wasn’t far behind, her hands gripping a vent as she propelled herself after them. The wind whipped her ponytail as she landed smoothly next to Miruko.

Miruko grinned, her white hair trailing in the breeze. "Villains think the dark’ll give them an edge. Guess they forget most of us have quirks that don’t care about lighting." She sprang from the water tower, landing on a steel girder that groaned under her weight.

"That tracks," Crashhopper said, bounding after her, his claws digging into the side of a building as he launched to the next rooftop.

"But wouldn’t patrolling all day tire heroes out by nighttime?" Itsuka asked, her voice steady despite the strain of keeping pace.

Miruko barked a sharp laugh, her next leap carrying her across a wide gap to a taller building. "Tired? If you’re a hero worth a damn, you push through it. Daytime patrols are light duty, kid—barely a warm-up. By the time night rolls around, we’re ready to go all out. You just gotta get used to staying sharp at night."

Crashhopper landed hard beside her, concrete cracking beneath his feet. 

Miruko stopped abruptly at the edge of a rooftop, her gaze locked on a sprawling construction site below. The skeletal frameworks of unfinished buildings.

"So,"she said, crouching low."since things are pretty dead during the day, we’ll use the extra time to train. No point wasting it standing around."

With a smirk, she planted a foot against the building’s ledge and launched herself high into the air, her body twisting gracefully. She landed on a rusted crane, its structure groaning under her weight.

Crashhopper followed, his leap powerful and precise, though he skidded slightly on the crane’s slick surface.

Crashhopper, landing a moment later, found himself momentarily entranced by the fluidity of her movements.

Itsuka swung herself over, landing lightly beside them.

Miruko tilted her head, her grin wide as she surveyed the site. "Alright, rookies," she said, rolling her shoulders, she turned around to the two teenagers and quickly saw the exhausted expressions. 

Itsuka and Crashhopper panted heavily, their chests heaving as they leaned against each other for support. With a green flash, Crashhopper reverted to Izuku, his legs wobbling as he tried to steady himself.

"One hell of a workout," Itsuka muttered, wiping sweat from her brow as her ponytail clung to her damp neck.

"Tell me about it," Izuku gasped, hands on his knees. "I can barely breathe." Their flushed faces glistened under the dim, flickering lights of the construction site.

Miruko crossed her arms, watching them with a sharp, appraising gaze. "Not bad, but you’re both green," she said bluntly. "Before we move on, I need to see exactly what you’ve got. A proper rundown of strengths and weaknesses." Her crimson eyes locked onto Itsuka. "Kendo! You’re up first."

Itsuka stiffened, straightening up despite her trembling legs. "Y-Yes!" she managed, steeling herself.

Miruko rolled her shoulders, her smirk shifting into a more serious expression as she dropped into her fighting stance. Her powerful legs were spread evenly, her hands relaxed but ready. "Alright, here’s the deal: you’ve got five minutes. Come at me with everything you’ve got—no holding back. I want to see what makes you tick, understand?"

Itsuka swallowed hard, nodding as she set the timer on her phone. The beep echoed through the unfinished building, and she bolted toward Miruko, her movements sharp despite the lingering fatigue.

‘If I can just grab her, I might have a chance to turn the tide,’ Itsuka thought, her eyes fixed on Miruko’s stance. She recognized the fluidity of Miruko’s kicks—pure Taekwondo precision. But as Itsuka closed the distance, Miruko vanished in a blur of motion.

A sudden force struck Itsuka’s side as Miruko spun behind her, launching a kick that sent her skidding across the dusty concrete.

"Gh!" Itsuka grunted as she scrambled to her feet, her arms throbbing. "How is she this fast?!"

Miruko didn’t let up, her figure a streak of white and crimson as she leapt into the air, her heel poised for another devastating strike. Itsuka braced herself, locking her gaze on Miruko’s right leg.

‘A roundhouse kick—I can block this!’

But Miruko’s smirk deepened. At the last second, she twisted, shifting her weight to her other leg. 

Her left foot connected with Itsuka’s side like a sledgehammer, the impact sending shockwaves through her body. Itsuka tumbled, the wind knocked from her lungs as she skidded across the ground, her vision swimming.

The unfinished building groaned under the force of their sparring. Dust cascaded from the rafters, and loose metal beams clattered ominously nearby.

Itsuka dug her fingers into the ground, forcing herself to rise. Her entire body screamed in protest, but she refused to stay down.

"Not bad, kid," Miruko said, her voice carrying over the din. "You’ve got guts. Let’s see if you can take this!"

With a swift pivot, Miruko drove her heel into Itsuka’s midsection with a back kick that felt like a battering ram. Itsuka clenched her teeth, the pain radiating through her ribs, but this time, she stayed on her feet, clutching her stomach.

Miruko raised an eyebrow, impressed. "You’re tougher than you look," she said, stopping the timer. She stepped forward, offering a hand to the trembling girl. "Good effort. You’re not bad, but you’ve got a long way to go."

Itsuka took her hand, her pride stinging more than her body. "Thanks," she muttered, her voice low. ‘She didn’t even break a sweat… If she’d hit any harder, I’d be out cold.’

Izuku, perched nearby on a stack of crates, watched in awe, his notebook clutched tightly in his hands. His eyes darted across the page as he scribbled furiously. "She’s incredible. Her speed, her precision, the sheer power behind every kick..."

He gulped, both nervous and exhilarated. "So this is what a  top pro hero can do."

"Midoriya, get over here!" Miruko barked, her commanding tone leaving no room for hesitation. She strode over to a cooler box, grabbed an ice pack, and tossed it casually toward Itsuka, who caught it and placed it on her head.

"Thanks..." Itsuka mumbled, her voice still strained as she made her way over to Izuku and took a seat beside him.

.........

"Good luck," she muttered under her breath, "You're gonna need it."

Izuku gulped, his nerves spiking as he stood and set his notebook aside. Swallowing hard, he moved to the same spot Itsuka had just vacated, trying not to let the anticipation rattle him too much.

Miruko rolled her shoulders, the picture of confidence and poise. "First up, you’re using one of your forms. Five minutes. After that, I wanna see what you can do without it. Got it?"

Izuku nodded quickly, the green glow of the Omnitrix catching Miruko’s sharp gaze. She smirked, her excitement barely contained.

As the faceplate of the Omnitrix popped up, Miruko started a countdown timer on her phone, all the while doing a few stretches, her movements fluid and calculated. "When the beep goes off, kid, I want you to come at me with everything you’ve got—no holding back. Got that?"

"Yes, ma’am!" Izuku responded. His fingers hovered over the Omnitrix, scrolling through the playlist of aliens as his mind raced.

'Miruko’s specialty is her insane leg strength and speed. She’s ranked seventh for a reason—if I can find a way to hinder her movements, I might stand a chance.' His thoughts swirled as Goop’s hologram hovered over the Omnitrix. Goop could be perfect to slow her down.

Miruko, meanwhile, watched him intently, her ears twitching with anticipation. She smirked to herself as she stretched her legs, bouncing slightly on her toes.

"Better not keep me waiting, kid," she muttered, rolling her neck.

The timer ticked down.

BEEP!

Izuku slammed his hand down on the Omnitrix, the familiar green flash erupting just as Miruko launched forward, her raw speed sending her flying off a nearby metal beam.

The light of Izuku’s transformation hadn’t even faded when her foot connected with his form—a resounding crack splitting the air as a dust cloud erupted.

Miruko’s grin widened as she flipped back midair, her landing controlled and effortless. But a growl echoed through the dust, sharp and animalistic, making her ears twitch.

Out of the haze, a massive black claw swiped at her. She dodged with ease, her grin never faltering as she backflipped and landed a safe distance away.

"LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING...!" Rath’s guttural roar boomed through the air as the dust settled, revealing his hulking, tiger-like form. His muscles rippled with barely contained power as orange electricity crackled around him. "RUMI USAGIYAMA, NUMBER SEVEN PRO HERO IN JAPAN!"

Miruko’s eyes gleamed with unbridled excitement. She planted her feet firmly, her stance steady but loose. "Oh? Bold enough to call me by my first name, huh?" Her grin turned wolfish, her voice dripping with challenge. "You’re either crazy or stupid, but either way, I’m gonna kick your ass!"

Rath dropped onto all fours, electricity sparking along his frame as he launched himself forward in a blur of orange and black. Miruko’s sharp eyes barely tracked him as she ducked under his first swing—a punch so heavy it obliterated the ground where she’d been standing, leaving a deep crater behind.

She twisted in midair, her body a blur of motion as she drove her knee into his face with brutal force. The impact was solid, but Rath barely flinched before swiping at her again.

Miruko spun gracefully, evading the claw with inches to spare before delivering a spinning axe kick that smashed Rath into the ground. The force rippled outward, cracking the concrete beneath him as she used his body as a springboard to leap away.

Miruko landed lightly on another beam, high above. 

She crouched there, licking her lips as she sized him up. Her breathing was even, but her heart pounded with adrenaline. "Damn, kid’s strong as hell," she muttered under her breath, watching as Rath pulled himself up with a guttural growl. Her grin widened.

'But that form? It’s built for brute strength, not speed. The enhancer part of his quirk is helping him keep up, but it’s not enough.'

Rath’s sharp claws tore into the ground as he roared again, his eyes locked on Miruko with feral intensity. She smirked, brushing some dust off her thigh. "Alright, big guy," she taunted, her stance shifting slightly as she prepared for his next charge. "Let’s see if you can land a hit this time."

Miruko crouched effortlessly on a high steel beam, her gaze steady and calculating.

Rath, his muscles coiled with tension, dropped to all fours. Orange electricity sparked around him as he exploded forward, charging toward a nearby beam with blistering speed.

The skeletal frame of the building creaked under the force of his charge, but Rath paid no mind. His powerful limbs dug into the metal as he swiftly began to climb, the metal beams groaning in protest beneath his weight.

"RUMI USAGIYAMA!" Rath bellowed, his claws gouging deep into the beam as he scaled it like a wild predator. "LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING—RATH IS GONNA BEAT YOU TO A BLOODY PULP!"

Miruko arched an eyebrow, her lips curling into a smirk. 'So this form makes him a hothead, huh? That'll be fun to exploit.'

"Aw, is the big, scary kitty cat having a bad day?" she cooed, her voice dripping with mockery, as though she were talking to a toddler.

Rath’s growl intensified, the veins in his neck bulging as his claws dug deeper into the metal. "MIRUKO, NUMBER SEVEN PRO HERO, RATH IS NOT A PUSSY CAT! RATH WILL TEAR YOU TO SHREDS!"

Miruko chuckled, resting her hands on her hips. "Well, if you say so. But you should really pay attention to your surroundings, big guy."

Rath’s eyes narrowed in confusion, his claws freezing mid-climb. He glanced up, his Danger Sense flaring just as Miruko’s leg shot out in a powerful back kick. 

Her foot slammed into a nearby supporting beam, and the sickening CRACK of metal breaking echoed through the framework.

"What the—?!" Rath snarled, his claws digging in deeper as the beam beneath him groaned.

Before he could react, the structure gave way entirely, snapping like a twig. The beam toppled backward, sending Rath hurtling toward the ground with a thunderous crash.

A massive dust cloud erupted from the impact, shrouding the area in debris. Miruko stood on her perch, watching with a self-satisfied smirk as Rath tossed the twisted hunk of metal off himself, his sharp teeth bared in frustration.

"First rule of fighting," Miruko called down, her tone as cocky as ever. "Never lose your cool. It makes you predictable—and sloppy."

Rath wiped dust from his face, his glowing orange eyes narrowing as he growled. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!"

Miruko crouched on the beam, resting her chin on her hand. "Oh, come on, kitty. You’re supposed to be smart, right? That fight you had with Bakugou says it all."

"HUH?! I BEAT THAT KID! THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?!" Rath roared, slamming his fists into the ground and creating a web of cracks.

Miruko leaned forward, her smirk turning sharp. "Yeah, sure you beat him, but that was because you were faster and stronger. If you two were fighting on the same level of speed and power, he'd have stomped you," she said, her tone teasing but cutting. "Your movements were sloppy as hell."

Rath growled, his fists clenching as his irritation boiled over. With a snarl, he grabbed a nearby beam and hurled it like a javelin at Miruko. 

Miruko leapt into the air, her powerful legs sending her twisting in a graceful arc. The beam sailed past her, smashing through another support. The entire framework of the unfinished building groaned and shuddered as if on the verge of collapse.

Miruko landed lightly, her grin never wavering. "Oh? Touched a nerve, did I?" she teased, her voice low and dangerous.

Rath’s eyes narrowed with a growl. "LIKE HELL I WOULD'VE LOST TO HIM!" he roared.

.....

Miruko landed gracefully atop a pile of support beams, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she looked down at Rath, her smirk widening. "Aw, what's the matter, big bad pussy cat? Gonna cry?"

Rath growled, his claws flicking out from his wrists as his body tensed. The mockery only fueled his anger, his breathing heavy with irritation. Without a second thought, Miruko launched a powerful back kick, sending a thick support beam flying through the air toward him like a battering ram. The beam cut through the air with a deep whistle.

Rath’s reflexes were lightning-fast. He angled his body, claws slicing through the beam mid-flight, and with a harsh crack, the beam split in half. Both pieces plummeted to the ground, crashing with an earth-shaking thud. As the dust swirled around him, Rath’s Danger Sense flared, more beams hurtling toward him, their momentum making the air feel charged.

He leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding one as it whipped past, but his movements were slowing. The constant barrage of debris was wearing on him. Miruko’s voice cut through the chaos, laced with mocking intent. "When you're fighting someone stronger than you—you should be faster!"

Before Rath could fully process her taunt, Miruko’s figure blurred above him. She descended from the dust cloud like a hawk diving for its prey, landing on his shoulder in one fluid motion. Instantly, her powerful legs wrapped around his neck, locking him into a vice grip.

Rath’s eyes widened, his clawed hands shooting up to pry at her legs. His strength was unmatched, but the pressure around his throat was suffocating. He clawed at her thighs, but each movement only seemed to make her hold tighter.

"LET RATH GO!" he roared, his voice strained as he attempted to shake her off. But Miruko’s grip was absolute, her muscles like coiled steel.

"Sorry, pussy cat. Looks like you’re taking a nap."

The tension in Rath’s body escalated as he realized his air supply was quickly dwindling. In a panic, he attempted to throw his body around, slamming his back against the walls and framework of the unfinished building with bone-crushing force. The impacts rattled the structure, sending steel beams and debris cascading to the ground. The impact from each slam sent a shockwave of noise through the area, but Miruko didn't flinch. She held on, unyielding.

"You're gonna have to do better than that!" Miruko taunted, her voice dripping with amusement. Each time Rath tried to slam her off, her thighs only seemed to tighten around his neck, her muscles flexing with controlled precision. The power in her legs was unreal.

Rath's face contorted in frustration. His claws scraped across her skin, but Miruko barely flinched. He groaned in desperation, his movements becoming sluggish as the lack of oxygen set in. The edges of his vision began to blur. "N-No... Rath... won’t... yield..." His voice grew softer, weaker. "You're... strong... powerful... legs..."

Miruko’s grip tightened once more. Rath’s body went rigid before going completely limp, his head falling back in defeat.

Miruko stood up with a casual smirk, her arms crossed over her chest as she looked down at him. The satisfied glint in her eye was unmistakable, but there was a touch of respect there, too.

"Hmph," she muttered, clearly impressed but trying not to show too much. She stepped back, her gaze lingering on him for a moment before the familiar beep of the Omnitrix filled the air.

BEEP BEEP BWOOO

A flash of green light erupted, and Rath's hulking form shrank, his orange fur dissolving as Izuku was left lying in a heap, unconscious in Miruko’s lap. The momentum of the transformation had left him sprawled against her, his body limp and his breath steady but shallow.

Miruko rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smirk. She looked down at him with an amused glint in her eye.

"Not bad, kid," Miruko said, her voice carrying a note of approval, though her grin remained cocky. "But you've still got a long way to go."

She then paused, feeling a warm trickle of blood run down from her forehead. Her smirk grew, the adrenaline coursing through her veins as her heart pounded in her chest.

"Haven't had this much fun in months," she muttered to herself, wiping the blood away with a satisfied laugh.

[Esuha City: Fatgums Agency]

Momo stood tall, her posture perfect as she bowed respectfully to the imposing pro hero before her.

"Ah, you must be Momo Yaoyorozu!" the large man greeted, his voice boisterous and warm. His round figure, with a wide mouth and small nose, gave him a unique and striking appearance.

"Hello, sir. Momo Yaoyorozu reporting for duty! Thank you for the humble invitation," Momo replied, as she straightened and met his gaze.

The man waved dismissively with a smile. "Oh, no need to be so formal. We’re all friends here!" His cheerful tone contrasted with his large frame, and he gestured for her to follow him. "You made it just in time for lunch! Come with me, and I'll introduce you to everyone, including my other intern. We can go over the plans for this week."

Momo nodded gracefully, following the larger hero through the hallways. As she walked, she couldn’t help but notice how everything seemed scaled up—doors, walls, and even the hallway itself seemed slightly taller and broader than what she was used to at UA. 

She noted how spacious the corridor was, allowing her to walk comfortably alongside Fat Gum without feeling cramped.

Fat Gum led her through another doorway into a comfortable, welcoming cafeteria. 

The scent of food filled the air, and Momo’s attention was immediately drawn to the back of the room, where an older man with dusky skin and short red hair stood in front of a massive wok, expertly flipping ingredients.

His yellow chef’s jacket and black slacks gave him an authoritative yet relaxed presence.

"Welcome to our humble cafeteria!" Fat Gum’s voice boomed as he ushered Momo inside. "Let's grab a bite, then we’ll chat about the week ahead."

Momo smiled politely, her mind already turning to the tasks ahead as she followed Fat Gum deeper into the room, ready for the meeting to come.

As they neared the kitchen, Momo noticed the man at the stove glance over, his grey eyes sharp beneath the flick of a toothpick between his lips.

"Evening, boss. New recruit?" he asked casually, his voice gruff but friendly.

"Yup, fresh meat!" Fat Gum replied with a grin, giving Momo a playful slap on the back. "Shi-chan, this is Momo Yaoyorozu! We’ll be setting up a diet plan for her in a bit."

Momo immediately raised her hands, flustered. "Oh, there's no need for that—"

"Ah, no, it’s definitely needed!" Fat Gum said, his tone serious for a moment. "You’ve got that impressive quirk of yours, but if you want to make the most of it, you need to stay in top shape. A little help from the right diet will get you there."

Momo’s face flushed slightly, and she suddenly felt self-conscious. She didn’t think she needed to change anything about her body. The whispers and glances from her classmates, especially the boys, usually made her feel like her appearance was just fine. "But... people do say I'm thicker than a bowl of oatmeal. Maybe I should cut down a bit..." she thought, feeling uneasy.

Fat Gum, noticing the shift in her expression, smiled warmly and added, "Trust me, it’s all about balance. Just like me, you’ve got to make sure you’re fueling your body properly so you’re always ready to go."

"Taishirou, you idiot!" Fat Gum ducked as a pan flew through the air, embedding itself into the wall behind him with a loud crash. He gulped nervously. "You’re making her anxious, you fool! No one’s ever told you that telling a teenage girl she needs a diet is a bad idea?!"

Fat Gum quickly straightened up, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Ah, of course! I didn’t mean it like that, Yaoyorozu!" He chuckled awkwardly, trying to calm her down.

"We’re not talking about cutting back on food," Fat Gum explained, his voice more serious now. "We’re talking about getting the right nutrients so your body can work with your quirk more efficiently."

Momo blinked, her initial discomfort easing. She nodded, starting to understand.

"Take me for example," Fat Gum continued with a grin. "I need high levels of protein, gluten, and polyunsaturated fats to keep my body in tip-top shape. Even Amajiki—er, Suneater—my other intern, needs lots of omega-3, keratin amino acids, and complex sugars to stay strong."

Momo blushed slightly, realizing her misunderstanding. "I... I’m sorry for jumping to conclusions."

"Don’t worry about it," Fat Gum said with a reassuring smile. "We’re here to help. Sometimes, that means explaining things that might feel a little awkward at first."

"Thank you," Momo replied, her usual reserve giving way to gratitude. She bowed politely before lifting her head with a more determined expression.

"Now, let’s eat, but first...! Tamaki, get in here!!" Fat Gum bellowed, causing Momo to jump slightly in surprise.

There was a long pause before a young man, a little older than Momo, appeared in the doorway. He was tall, with pale white skin and messy indigo hair sticking out from behind his head. His ears had a slight point, almost like an elf’s, and his tired, thin eyes seemed to avoid looking directly at anyone. His hands were stuffed into his pockets, his posture tense.

"H-Hello, I'm Amajiki Tamaki," he said in a near whisper, barely audible.

"Sorry, I didn’t catch that," Momo said, offering him a polite smile.

Tamaki seemed to retreat further into himself, his head down as he mumbled again, "I’m Amajiki Tamaki."

"Oh, um, I’m Momo Yaoyorozu," she introduced herself, bowing slightly to him.

Tamaki didn’t respond at first. Instead, he fidgeted nervously, his hands pulling at his sleeves, looking anywhere but at her. Momo could almost feel the anxiety radiating from him.

"Y-Yeah, can I go home now?" Tamaki muttered quietly, almost to himself, but loud enough for Fat Gum to hear.

"Not happening," Fat Gum immediately shot back without missing a beat.

Tamaki's shoulders slumped as though the world had weighed down on him, a shadow of despair almost instantly forming around him. He seemed to retreat into himself, the timid boy withdrawing further.

"You’ll have the pleasure of showing them around," Fat Gum continued, slapping Tamaki on the back with a loud thud. "Show her to the changing rooms so she can get into her Hero costume. And while you’re at it, put yours on too. Now be a good senpai and show your kouhai around!"

Momo couldn’t help but giggle at how meek Tamaki was, his nervousness and hesitation reminding her of Izuku.

"See? She’s even laughing at me," Tamaki muttered to himself, his shoulders slumping further as a wave of self-consciousness seemed to engulf him. His aura shifted from quiet nerves to something darker, a soft, depressed presence.

"Oh, no, it’s just... you remind me of my friend, Midoriya," Momo explained quickly, feeling a sudden sympathy for the boy. "He stutters too when he’s nervous, but when he gets comfortable, he’s amazing."

Tamaki flinched at the mention of Midoriya, his body shaking slightly. "Y-You mean that first-year who nearly destroyed three stadiums?"

"Uh, yes, but he’s really kind and sweet! Please don’t judge him by the Sports Festival," Momo quickly defended Izuku, hoping Tamaki wouldn’t misunderstand.

Fat Gum chuckled from behind them, his voice loud and jovial. "Come on, Amajiki, hurry up and show her around!"

Tamaki hesitated, his hands tightening in his pockets. With a reluctant sigh, he nodded slowly, his voice barely a whisper. "F-F-Follow me."

Momo followed quietly behind him, doing her best to give him space and not pressure him.

[Hosu City]

Ochako was in her hero costume, walking down a busy street beside a broad man with a muscular build and long mint-green hair that spiked backward.

His hero costume included a white mask with four holes in a square pattern, resembling a gun muzzle with slight barrel stems protruding from the sides.

"Basic hero protocol: control crime. When something happens, the police will contact us. These alerts come in fast but are sorted by city and prefecture. We file reports on what we've done—arrests, rescues, fighting villains, and so on. Then, a special agency evaluates our performance and decides our pay. It's a lot, but you'll pick it up quickly."

'I didn't expect him to be so friendly,' Ochako thought, surprised by his kind demeanor.

"We just need to stay cautious with the recent spike in hero murders and Stain-related crimes. Villains, copycats, and opportunists are all swarming in the wake of the tragedy here a few weeks ago," Gunhead explained. Ochako nodded, swiveling her head to keep an eye out for any potential threats.

[With Miruko]

Izuku slowly regained consciousness, his senses muddled. He felt the softness of something beneath him, but there was also the firmness of something solid pressing against his back. He could hear voices, Itsuka's and—was that Miruko's? Her voice was closest, lingering above him.

"Huh? Oh, look who's up," Miruko's voice teased with an amused edge.

Izuku’s eyes snapped open. The first thing he saw was Miruko’s crimson eyes, those fluffy rabbit ears, and her beautiful, confident face gazing down at him. His face immediately turned bright red as he realized where he was—his head resting on her lap.

"You're finally awake. That's good. You recover faster than most villains—impressive!" Miruko said, her tone playful yet impressed.

Izuku shot up in a panic, quickly standing to his feet and bowing rapidly, his face a deep shade of crimson. "I-I-I am s-sorry, M-Miss M-Miruko!!"

Miruko raised an eyebrow, looking to Itsuka for some clarification. Itsuka gave a sympathetic shrug and explained, "Sorry, he can't talk to the opposite gender after..." She gestured toward Izuku, still sitting on Miruko’s legs.

Miruko smirked, then glanced down at Izuku with a teasing glint in her eyes. "Oh, so you have the guts to call me by my first name, and now you wanna act like a scared rabbit?"

Izuku’s face turned even redder as the memory of what he said earlier came rushing back. "S-Sorry, I-I didn’t mean it, Miss Miruko."

Miruko chuckled, shaking her head. "Hey, enough with the ‘Miss Miruko’ crap. We’re back to training. Ready to keep up, kid?"

Izuku nodded, his heart still racing, and began to reach for the Omnitrix, but Miruko stopped him with a hand on his wrist. "Ah, not so fast. I need to see what you can do without relying on those alien forms."

Izuku gulped, nodding again as they both moved to the center of the area. Miruko’s confident smirk didn’t waver as she swung her hair back, her posture oozing cocky self-assurance.

Taking a deep breath, Izuku steadied himself. His body crackled with green lightning as he focused, feeling the familiar rush of energy. "One For All, 16%!!'

His emerald eyes locked with Miruko’s crimson gaze. He could feel the weight of her stare, but now that they were facing off without any alien forms, the tension between them felt different. 

Miruko had seen him fight with his various forms, and she knew he had an aura of relentless persistence, the kind that said no matter how much you beat him down, he'd always get back up. But seeing him like this—no alien power, just his own strength—gave her a different perspective.

Without warning, they both lunged forward, faster than Kendo could even track. Miruko blurred out of sight, reappearing in an instant next to Izuku, her roundhouse kick already in motion. 

Izuku barely had time to react, throwing his arms up in defense, but the kick still slammed into his side, sending him hurtling into the wall with a deafening crash. 

Dust exploded around him as he hit the ground, but before he could even try to get back up, Miruko was already there.

With a swift leap, she landed a second kick to his midsection, sending him sprawling back to the ground. Before he could recover, she was on top of him, pinning him to the floor with ease.

Miruko smirked down at him. "Tch, I’ve gotta say, you’ve got some guts. But you’re not using those legs enough."

Izuku groaned, still trying to catch his breath as she kept him pinned. "W-What do you mean?"

Miruko’s expression softened just a bit as she shifted, rolling off him but still hovering close. "Listen, kid. When you’re up against someone faster and stronger than you, you’ve got to use every part of your body, especially your legs. They're not just for running or jumping. You can generate more power in your kicks than with your arms."

Izuku blinked as he stood up, processing Miruko's words. "Generate more power...?" he muttered to himself. The thought lingered in his mind as a surge of green electricity enveloped his body. He pushed One For All to 16%, feeling the familiar rush of energy coursing through him.

But this time, he focused more intensely on his legs, trying to recall Miruko’s advice. Slowly, he pushed his legs to 20%, his muscles humming with power. He didn’t feel the usual strain, which surprised him. With newfound confidence, he aimed a roundhouse kick, releasing it with full force.

The result was a powerful shockwave that blasted through a nearby pile of support beams, sending them flying in all directions.

Miruko stood with her arms crossed, nodding in approval. "That's good. You’ve got some serious power in those legs."

Izuku beamed with pride, but Miruko raised a hand, cutting off any celebration. "Hold on, kid. That was impressive, but there’s still more to it. You’re generating the power, but you need control and timing. In battle, it’s all about the right moment."

Izuku focused, eager to learn. Miruko dropped into a low stance, her eyes locking onto his. "Watch me closely."

With lightning speed, she closed the distance between them, landing a quick, well-placed kick to a nearby steel beam. The kick was light, but it cracked the metal with ease. "See that?" she asked. "I didn’t use brute force. I used precision. The key is to hit with the right part of your leg, not just the power behind it."

Izuku nodded, trying to absorb the lesson. Miruko smiled, knowing he was eager to learn. "When you're in close quarters, aim for pressure points, joints, or weak spots. You want to disable your opponent, not just throw a heavy hit. The legs are great for range and quick attacks, but they’re also perfect for quick counters. For instance—" She shifted her weight and sent a low kick that swept a pile of beams off the ground, sending them skittering.

"Control your movements. If you're too predictable, you’ll leave yourself open." Miruko grinned and stepped back. "Now, let’s see you try it."

Izuku breathed deeply, focusing on the technique. He started slow, thinking about Miruko’s words. He extended his leg for another roundhouse, aiming for the beam with more control this time. Instead of using sheer force, he focused on the accuracy of his kick. This time, the beam splintered cleanly, just as Miruko had demonstrated.

"Better," Miruko said with a nod of approval. 

"Kendo, your turn." Itsuka stood up, ready for her own sparring match. Miruko, as relentless as ever, went straight for her without hesitation, but she held back just enough to keep it challenging. Izuku, still recovering from the last round, shifted between forms like Four Arms and Spider Monkey, trying to gain an edge. 

Each time, Miruko’s speed overwhelmed him. Even when he switched to Diamondhead to trap her with his crystalline abilities, she proved too quick, evading his attempts effortlessly.

He came the closest with Spider Monkey, but Miruko’s sheer power broke through his defenses. One well-placed hit from her sent him crashing into a wall, knocking him out cold.

For the next two hours, both Izuku and Kendo found themselves hammered into the ground, slammed against walls, and relentlessly pummeled. Miruko’s stamina, unmatched by either of them, became painfully obvious. 

By the end of the session, she appeared only winded, while Izuku and Kendo were left breathless, panting, on the verge of collapse.

Izuku was panting heavily, still catching his breath after the intense training. Off to the side, Miruko stretched, slipping off her purple thigh-high boots. She glanced at her feet, noticing some bruising from all the movement.

Izuku, still recovering, couldn’t help but glance at her feet in surprise.

......

"That should be it for today," Miruko said, her voice light as she watched Kendo collapse next to Izuku. He let out a small chuckle despite his exhaustion.

"Huh? What's so funny?" Miruko raised an eyebrow as Izuku continued to catch his breath.

"I don't know how you can laugh right now," Itsuka groaned from the floor. Izuku suddenly realized his eyes had been locked on her bare feet, and the laugh that escaped him was barely contained.

"I-I might be delirious from the pain, but..." Izuku paused, catching his breath. "I just remembered something. There’s this long-running debate on your hero page. People keep asking if your feet or toes are elongated because of your quirk." Kendo’s head snapped up at the mention, and she chuckled too.

Miruko glanced down at her bare feet, her expression amused as she tilted her head. "Seriously? People actually ask that?" she said, snickering lightly. "Men ask the weirdest stuff. This is why I stay off the internet—especially when it’s anything about me. Don’t need any weirdos offering 'assistance.'"

Izuku and Kendo blinked in confusion. "Assistance?"

Miruko waved her hand dismissively, continuing to chuckle. "Eh, forget it. Anyway, there’s your answer. My feet are normal. My quirk doesn’t mess with anything else on me, aside from my ears and tail." She shrugged, starting her cooldown exercises as Itsuka sipped from her water bottle.

"You’ve got a solid base with your forms," Miruko said, her tone more serious now. "Honestly, I thought you'd be more of a jack-of-all-trades, master of none, but you’re pretty damn good. Just... don’t keep wrecking your body like that. That could seriously fuck you over later down."

Izuku nodded, taking her words in.

"Focus on speed. You need to be faster if you want to switch forms smoothly. You have to make quick calls. Use that analytical brain of yours to size up the situation and pick the right form."

Izuku nodded again, his mind racing with thoughts of improving.

"Now, Kendo, you need to work on your defenses and speed. You’ve got the strength. One solid hit from you, and your opponent’s down. But if you can’t land that hit, it’s pretty useless," Miruko said, looking at the exhausted Kendo.

Izuku, still trying to catch his breath, nervously spoke up. "Uhm, Miruko... could I have your autograph?" he asked, surprising himself by not stuttering. He handed her his notebook, and she raised an eyebrow as she took it, flipping through the pages.

She scanned a full-body sketch of her in costume, which made her smirk a little, feeling like the artist had exaggerated her figure. As she continued flipping, she saw pages of notes on her strengths, weaknesses, and potential moves, before finally landing on a page with some of her ideas about how to incorporate them into his own fighting style.

"Does he really think I look like that? It's... kinda flattering," she muttered with a small smile. Miruko grabbed the pen, about to sign it when a mischievous idea crossed her mind. With a smirk, she handed the notebook back to Izuku.

"If you want my autograph," she said, her grin widening, "you’re gonna have to earn it. No forms, just you. Pin me, and I’ll give it to you. I don’t give things out for free."

Izuku blinked, confusion and determination crossing his face. "You’re on," he said, standing a bit straighter, his eyes locking onto hers.

Miruko raised an eyebrow and got into his face. "Think you can handle it?"

Izuku took a moment, nodding with resolve. "I’ll earn it."

She gave him an approving nod before turning to Itsuka, who had a similarly determined look on her face. "Alright, what's next, Miruko?"

Miruko’s signature grin spread across her face as she looked at the two teens. Izuku, still a little flustered, couldn't help but mentally snap a picture of her smile. But before he could respond, Miruko leaned in, her finger poking his chest. Both Izuku and Itsuka were caught off guard, though Itsuka felt a twinge of jealousy.

"First things first," Miruko said, her voice suddenly stern. "I don’t want to hear 'Miss Miruko' from either of you. Makes me feel ancient, and I’m only in my twenties. Call me Miruko. Got it?"

Izuku blushed a deep red but nodded quickly, while Itsuka chuckled. Miruko gave him a teasing wink, her playful demeanor still intact.

"Alright, let’s get moving," Miruko said, her voice carrying that confident edge.

Izuku and Itsuka blinked in surprise.

"You’ve shown me what you’ve got, so if we run into any villains, you won’t be dead weight," she added, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. 

"Now, let’s go knock some villain heads."

Tenya’s body groaned in pain, his muscles aching from the brutal sparring. Every part of him throbbed with the bruises from Gran Torino’s relentless attacks. He could feel the sting of every strike, every hit still reverberating in his body.

Gran Torino tossed him a can of orange juice, his voice gruff yet almost playful. "I stocked up for you, kid. You’re probably running low on fuel by now."

"Thank you, sir," Tenya managed, wincing as he caught the can and popped it open, taking a quick drink.

"You’ve got talent, kid. Raw power too. But you’re too stiff. Citrakayah are supposed to be flexible creatures."

Tenya’s eyes widened, and he choked slightly on his juice. "Wait, you know about the—"

Gran Torino waved him off, his eyes narrowing with a knowing grin. "Of course I do! Citrakayah aren’t bad, but Kinceleran? Now that’s a real treat, in my opinion." He sighed dramatically, his posture loosening for just a moment. "But enough about that..."

Gran Torino’s eyes snapped back to focus, his tone shifting to something more serious. "You’re too used to running a straight race, kid. But in close quarters, you fall apart. Even with your speed, you’re not there yet."

Tenya couldn’t respond at first, still recovering from the drink. He swallowed hard and was about to speak when Gran Torino cut him off again.

"So, what made you think you could take down the Hero Killer when you couldn’t even touch me?" Gran Torino’s voice was sharp, his eyes gleaming with a hint of challenge.

Tenya nearly choked on the air instead of his juice. He spluttered, scrambling for words. "Sir, I— I wasn’t—"

"Save it," Gran Torino snapped, not even waiting for an explanation. "Midoriya caught on to your little plan. Can’t believe the teachers didn’t figure it out either. Though, I guess with your personality, they probably thought it was too out of character for you." Gran Torino raised an eyebrow, then shook his head. "Still, the kid knows what you’re going through."

Tenya opened his mouth to argue, "You don't understand. I-"but Gran Torino didn’t give him the chance.

"You think you’re the only one who's faced tragedy like that?" The old man’s voice was low, cold even, as he stared Tenya down. "Ha!" He chuckled bitterly, shaking his head. "A villain took my best friend. It was decades ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday."

....

"Eh, you get to my age. It doesn't take much to put you back in the past," Gran Torino muttered with a sigh. "Her name was Nana Shimura. Most people don’t know her hero name, but she went by Nimbus…”

“Nimbus…?” Tenya echoed, puzzled.

Gran Torino nodded, his gaze distant as if lost in time. "This was before All Might took the stage. Back then, the world wasn’t as peaceful. Being a hero wasn’t about fame or popularity. It was about survival, and honestly? It was pretty much a death sentence.”

Tenya's eyes widened in disbelief. "Being considered suicidal?" he repeated, trying to wrap his mind around it.

"Yeah. There was a villain who had a personal vendetta against her and her apprentice," Gran Torino said with a heavy sigh. "Her apprentice was none other than All Might himself."

Tenya blinked in confusion. "But… All Might was still in school back then, wasn’t he?"

Gran Torino’s voice became harder as he continued, "You gotta realize, kid, All Might wasn’t All Might back then. Not like the legend you know today. He was just a fresh graduate, barely out of U.A. and not the hero everyone idolizes. And this villain… he was the worst kind. The kind you don't forget."

He paused for a moment, as if the memory pained him. "I had to grab All Might and run like hell. Nana stayed behind, holding off that villain just so we could get away."

Tenya’s eyes widened as the pieces started to fall into place. "The time he spent in America… that was for training to face that villain?"

Gran Torino gave a sharp nod. "Yeah. He was training to get strong enough to take down that bastard and stop the people still after him. And eventually, he did take down Nana's killer."

Tenya stood in stunned silence, the weight of Gran Torino's words sinking in. After a long moment, he finally asked, "Did… did it help?"

Gran Torino shook his head, the sadness in his eyes still sharp despite the years that had passed. "Not even a little bit. The best I got from it was knowing that guy couldn’t hurt anyone else, but that’s all. That kind of vengeance? It doesn’t bring anything back, kid. It doesn’t fill the hole in your heart."

Tenya’s hands clenched, and he looked down, feeling his chest tighten. "So… you’re telling me I should just let it go? Just forget what he did to my brother? I… I shouldn’t seek justice for him?"

The words tore from him like a desperate plea, and he crushed the can in his hand, the sound sharp in the quiet room.

Gran Torino studied him for a moment, his eyes sharp and understanding. "I’m not gonna sit here and tell you murdering someone’s wrong. I know how you feel. I’ve been there. But from what I’ve seen, vengeance doesn’t give you what you think it will. It doesn’t fill the hole, doesn’t bring back what’s lost. If you want real justice, you’ve got to bring him in the right way."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation hanging in the air before Gran Torino broke it with a grunt. "Alright, enough of this old man’s reminiscing. Time to get back to business. We’re here to train, not to mope. I already told you—you're too stiff. You need to loosen up. And then there’s the issue with your brother."

Tenya’s eyes widened, his voice rising in confusion. "What are you talking about? Tensei is a great person! The ideal hero! He’s a model for everyone to look up to!"

Gran Torino’s gaze hardened. "And that’s exactly what's holding you back, kid."

[Fat Gum Agency]

Amajiki led Momo through the agency, his hands shoved deep in his pockets. He gestured awkwardly to the rooms they passed, avoiding eye contact as he spoke in low, nervous tones. He finally led her to the room she’d be staying in, stepping back just slightly to let her enter.

Momo bowed slightly, her voice warm with appreciation. “Thank you for your assistance, Amajiki. I hope I can learn from you.”

Amajiki gave a stiff, curt nod. His gaze never met hers, instead focused on the floor as he backed away, muttering under his breath, “I wanna go home…”

Momo watched him hurriedly retreat, a mix of confusion and concern crossing her face. She blinked slowly, her expression softening.

“Well, that was... interesting,” she muttered under her breath, her eyes still fixed on where he had disappeared. A trace of intrigue remained in her gaze.

She set her suitcase down on the bed, her thoughts drifting. From my experience, nervous stuttering boys often turn out to be surprisingly strong. I should keep a close eye on him.

Her mind wandered briefly, and an image of a green-haired boy with freckles flashed in her thoughts. The memory of their shared kiss made her cheeks flare bright red, and she hastily shook her head as if trying to clear the thought.

“No,” she muttered firmly to herself, trying to focus. “I need to stay on track. I need to get stronger— for Izuku’s sake and for my own. I can’t let distractions hold me back.”

Her heart beat faster, and the redness in her face only deepened as the lingering emotions flared again. A small, wistful smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Though... it’s always beneficial to have additional motivation.” She couldn’t deny the warmth that came with those thoughts, a soft blush coloring her cheeks."I'll have to channel these... feelings into my training." 

Momo exhaled slowly, redirecting her focus as she moved toward her suitcase. She opened it to find her new costume waiting for her, but as she unwrapped it, her eyes widened in surprise. The design had been completely altered.

A frustrated groan escaped her lips. She had been fond of her old design, finding it practical and comfortable, suited perfectly to her Quirk. The familiarity had been comforting. But now, this new version—she couldn’t help but feel disappointed.

The thought of Mineta’s lingering stares only deepened her frustration. 'Ugh, him.' His constant ogling had become a source of discomfort, and she’d grown tired of his lecherous glances and drooling. She couldn’t even imagine the kinds of thoughts running through his mind, and it made her stomach churn.

"I could still make my original design if I needed to," Momo thought, her fingers brushing over the fabric of her new costume. Yet, Izuku’s praise of Melissa Shield’s design skills echoed in her mind, encouraging her to at least try it on. As she slipped into the suit, her initial reluctance gave way to tentative gratitude. The costume was far more practical—and far less revealing—than her old one.

Her breath caught as she turned to examine her reflection in the mirror. The sleek red-and-white bodysuit hugged her form, its modern design drawing attention to her figure without being overtly flashy. She twirled slightly, noting the plunging neckline and the open back, as well as the sleeveless design and strategically placed openings along her legs, which would undoubtedly make using her Quirk more efficient.

Her gaze shifted downward, taking in the golden utility belt with its neat pouches, and finally her new boots—sturdy white ones with red accents. Unlike the calf-length red heels she used to wear, these looked durable and ready for action.

(without the red sleeve) 

"I have to admit, Melissa’s done an excellent job," Momo murmured, though her tone carried a faint trace of reluctance. Her fingers traced the fabric over her abdomen as she whispered, “No wonder Izuku seems to admire her.”

The thought stirred an unexpected pang of insecurity. 'Did he admire Melissa for more than just her skills? She's is Quirkless maybe she can relate to him... In ways I never could.' She pushed the thought aside, shaking her head firmly. 

'Focus, Momo.'But the seed of doubt had already taken root.

Her train of thought abruptly shifted when she realized something was missing. “Wait… Where is it? Where’s my Yaoyorictionary?!”

Panicked, she rummaged through her suitcase and scanned the room, her brow furrowing in frustration. Finally, she spotted a small disc nestled among her belongings. Hesitantly, she pressed the button on its surface, and a holographic image of Melissa Shield sprang to life.

"Hello, Momo Yaoyorozu," Melissa’s cheerful voice greeted her. "I owe Izuku a favor, so I offered to help with your costume design. And, wow, it definitely needed some work!"

Momo’s eyes widened as she took in the holographic figure—Melissa’s bright blonde hair, her confident smile, and her polished demeanor. There was something about her effortless grace that made Momo’s chest tighten. 'What is this feeling… am I jealous?'

Melissa’s hologram continued, “First things first—I ditched the heels. Seriously, why do designers still insist on those? How were you even running and jumping in them?”

Momo’s lips parted to respond, but Melissa held up a note in the hologram.

“Oh, and if you’re wondering about the bookshelf… check the note,” Melissa said, her tone still upbeat. “It’ll explain my concerns.”

Momo grabbed the note, her heart sinking as she read the list:

---

Dangers of Momo’s Original Costume Design:

Spinal injury risk: Vulnerable to paralysis or long-term damage.

Falling hazard: Prone to head trauma, broken bones, or internal injuries.

Villainous attacks: Exposed to severe injuries in combat situations.

Design flaws: Prioritized style over safety.

Lack of protection: Left vital areas exposed and vulnerable.

Melissa’s Warning: “A broken spine waiting to happen.”

---

Momo stared at the note, her face growing pale. Her earlier annoyance at Melissa’s adjustments faded, replaced by a grim understanding. “Oh… Oh my.”

......

.....

Momo trembled, realizing the consequences of her costume design. Melissa's hologram reassured her, "Don't worry, there are plenty of better ways to implement your encyclopedias. Izuku made these for you."

[Flashback]

A couple of weeks, of weeks ago.

Melissa yawned, her star-striped shirt slipping off one shoulder as she stretched lazily. Settling back into her chair, she glanced at the screen where Izuku’s concerned face greeted her. “Looks like you’ve been overworking yourself again. Don’t burn yourself out, okay?” he said, his voice carrying its usual warmth.

Melissa raised a brow, her lips curving into a teasing smile. “Oh? Coming from you, that’s the pot calling the kettle black!” she shot back, her tone light but pointed.

Izuku’s face instantly turned crimson, and he fumbled with his words. “W-W-What are you talking about? I-I’m just concerned about your well-being!”

Melissa couldn’t help but burst into laughter, her giggles filling her dorm room. “Izuku, you’re like an open book. I know you’re worried, but relax. I’m fine.”

Her teasing seemed to melt his embarrassment, and a warm smile replaced the flush on his cheeks. “I-I know,” he admitted softly, “I just want to make sure you’re taking care of yourself. You’ve been working so hard lately.”

Melissa’s expression softened, and her voice took on a gentle tone. “I appreciate that, Izuku, I really do. But you and Papa don’t need to worry so much. I promise I’ll take it easy… if you do?”

Izuku blinked, surprised at her sudden challenge, before nodding with a sheepish smile. “Deal. I’ll try to take it easy.”

“Good. Now that we’ve got that settled,” Melissa said with a playful glint in her eye, “I was wondering—do you want to talk about your class’s hero costumes?”

Izuku perked up instantly, his enthusiasm shining through as he leaned closer to the monitor. “Oh! Absolutely! I’ve been thinking about ways to improve Iida’s costume to make it more efficient for his speed-based abilities!”

Melissa chuckled at his sheer excitement. “Izuku, slow down,” she said, trying to keep up with his ideas. “You’ve mentioned before that Momo’s costume seems… impractical.”

Izuku hesitated for a second, then shared an image of Momo’s current design. Melissa took one look at it and choked on the sip of tea she’d just taken. “WHAT KIND OF IDIOT DESIGNED THIS?!” she blurted out, her cheeks puffed indignantly.

"S-So many… why is it so sexualized? S-She’s fifteen…" Melissa muttered, her voice trembling. She could already envision the risks and impracticality tied to such a design.

"I-Is it really that bad?" Izuku asked, his tone genuinely innocent.

"Yes! It’s completely unnecessary and dangerous! Not to mention clearly designed by some perv trying to get their kicks!" Melissa snapped, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.

"We’re going to have to revamp this," she declared firmly. "Make it functional, safe, and—at the very least—appropriate."

The two sat in front of their computers, the glow from the screens reflecting their determination as they bounced ideas back and forth.

Eventually, Melissa leaned back, frowning slightly. "We still need a way for her to access information quickly, especially in the heat of battle," she mused. "She can’t flip through a book or scroll on her phone mid-fight. That’s just not practical."

Izuku’s eyes lit up as inspiration struck. “I’ve got an idea!” he exclaimed, quickly activating the Omnitrix. Cycling through forms, he skipped past Diamondhead and stopped at Brainstorm. Slamming the dial down

Melissa nodded, unfazed by the transformation. "Alright, Brainstorm, let’s get to work. What do you need?"

Brainstorm clicked his claws with an air of superiority. "Ah, at last, you seek my genius! How refreshing. I’ll require a simple pair of glasses—not too ostentatious—a vessel for the advanced neuro-circuitry and nano-processors I shall design to interface with a vast database of information. And of course, your assistance, Melissa. While your intellect is... passable, it will suffice for such a task. After all, we are crafting this marvel for Momo Yaoyorozu."

Melissa smirked, suppressing an eye roll. "Oh, joy. Another chance to bask in your intellectual glory ."

Brainstorm’s tone turned almost theatrical. "Indeed, you should be. Someone must shepherd you through the labyrinth of my brilliance. Your intellect, while respectable for a human, lacks the grandeur of true genius. That said, your ability to comprehend my concepts is... commendable."

Melissa’s eyebrow twitched at the backhanded compliment, but a faint blush crept onto her cheeks. "R-Right. Let’s just focus on the task. You can keep your grand genius speeches to yourself, okay?"

As she began gathering materials, Brainstorm continued, his voice oozing condescension. "Now, Melissa, do try not to get distracted. Quantum physics is hardly child’s play, though I suppose I could simplify it for your understanding."

Melissa paused, clenching the wrench in her hand, her eye twitching in irritation. If he weren’t on a screen—and separated by an ocean—she might’ve thrown it at him. "Uh-huh, because that’s exactly what I need right now, a lecture from a crab."

Despite the grating attitude, Melissa couldn’t deny she was learning new techniques through their collaboration. What had started as a favor for Izuku had turned into something far more enriching.

Hours slipped by as the two worked through the night. Melissa, now sporting protective goggles, wielded a blowtorch in one hand, carefully shaping the metal frame of the glasses, while her other hand typed furiously on her keyboard.

"Welding the circuitry to the frame now... Installing the neural interface software," she muttered, her voice muffled behind the goggles.

Brainstorm’s voice crackled from the speakers. "Excellent. Ensure the connections are precise. And do update the database; I will tolerate no oversights."

"Already on it," Melissa replied, smirking despite her exhaustion. "Uploading global molecular structure data to the glasses as we speak."

Brainstorm let out an approving hum.

As dawn broke, their marathon work session finally came to an end. Exhausted, Melissa slumped forward, her head resting on her keyboard, while Brainstorm’s form flickered on the monitor, eyes shut in what could only be described as a mechanical equivalent of rest.

On Melissa’s desk sat the completed glasses, sleek and polished, their lenses catching the soft glow of the morning sun. Though she was drained, a small, proud smile remained on her face as she drifted off to sleep.

[Flashback over]

Momo opened the sleek case, her eyes widening as she took in the glasses inside. She carefully picked up the accompanying note and read it aloud:

"I call these The Yayospecs! You know, kind of like Yaoyorictionary but specs." ~Izuku

A small giggle escaped her lips, and a soft blush rose to her cheeks. "Yayospecs," she repeated with a fond smile. "That’s rather clever of him."

Her amusement faltered as she read the next note, her expression shifting to a deadpan stare:

"Obviously, think of an item. It’s not like I made them for no reason." ~Brainstorm

She chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Typical Izuku,” she muttered affectionately. With a deep breath, she adjusted the glasses and thought of a simple speaker.

Almost instantly, her vision was overlaid with detailed schematics and the molecular structure of the speaker. Her eyes widened as she muttered, "Carbon fiber woofer, titanium alloy tweeter, polymer matrix…" She trailed off, awe-stricken, before exclaiming, "This is incredible!"

Her heart raced as she marveled at the Yayospecs' capabilities. “I can see the molecular structure of any recorded object—just by thinking about it!” Her voice brimmed with excitement.

Another note caught her eye, and she quickly picked it up:

"You can thank Izuku; he was the brain behind this." ~Melissa

Momo’s face turned a deep shade of red as she clutched the note to her chest, her mind swirling with gratitude. Izuku went to such lengths to help me?

“Oh my gosh, I have to thank him!” she whispered fervently, pacing as she tried to compose her thoughts. "But how? A simple thank you seems so insufficient. Perhaps I could… no, too formal. Maybe… no, too impersonal. What if—"

She shook her head, forcing herself to focus. “No, I’ll think of something meaningful,” she resolved, her determination shining through.

As she glanced at her reflection in the mirror, now fully dressed in her new hero costume, her cheeks flushed once more. 'For now, I’ll show him I’m worthy of his support through my actions.'

With that, she stepped out of her room, her mind still racing with ideas, but her heart set on making him proud.

....

Izuku and Itsuka weren’t disappointed by the work they completed with Miruko during patrol, though it wasn’t exactly what they expected. Miruko took the lead, her pace fast and purposeful as they followed closely behind.

Their first stop was a local park, where Miruko gave them their task without much fanfare. Izuku immediately activated Fasttrack, zipping through the area to gather scattered litter in seconds. Meanwhile, Itsuka climbed a tree to rescue a stuck kitten, gently handing it back to its relieved owner.

"Not bad," Miruko commented, her sharp eyes watching them closely. "At least you’re not tripping over your own feet."

Next, they came across an elderly woman struggling with her groceries. Without hesitation, Izuku transformed into Four Arms, effortlessly carrying most of the bags. Itsuka and Miruko handled the lighter load, walking alongside the grateful woman.

"Thank you so much, heroes!" the woman exclaimed as they reached her home. "You’ve saved me so much time—I can focus on setting up for my granddaughter’s birthday party now!"

Miruko gave her a casual smile. "No problem, ma’am. Take care."

The rest of the patrol was quieter, but Miruko didn’t waste the opportunity. She began lecturing them on hero protocols as they walked.

"In a villain situation, first priority’s always civilian safety," she said, her tone firm. "Keep your eyes open and think fast. Got it?"

"Yes, ma’am," Izuku and Itsuka replied in unison.

Miruko’s lips curved into a smirk. "Of course, I leave the hand-holding to the rescue types. My job? Crush the villains before they can do more damage."

Izuku’s eyes widened, and Itsuka raised a brow.

"That’s… one way to look at it," Itsuka muttered.

Miruko chuckled. "Don’t get too comfortable. Remember, we’re not cops. Our job’s to hold down the fort until the real law shows up. But that doesn’t mean you slack off."

"Understood!" they both said, standing straighter under her intense gaze.

As they continued their patrol, Izuku found himself studying Miruko more closely. Initially, he’d been intimidated by her no-nonsense attitude and fierce reputation, but he was beginning to see a deeper side—one that blended strength, pride, and genuine care for her work.

"Miruko," he asked cautiously, "why did you want to become a hero?"

Itsuka glanced at him, equally curious about the answer.

Miruko shrugged, her usual smirk appearing. "Why? Because I love fighting," she said bluntly. "Being a hero lets me brawl with strong opponents without getting thrown in jail. Plus, it’s a killer workout."

Izuku blinked, stunned by her honesty. "T-That’s… straightforward."

"Hey, don’t look so shocked," Miruko said, her sharp teeth flashing in a grin. "I like helping people too, sure. But if I’m being real, the adrenaline, the thrill—that’s what gets me out of bed every day."

Itsuka chuckled. "Honestly, that makes sense. Fighting can be… exhilarating."

"Exactly," Miruko replied, her grin widening. "There’s nothing like a good fight to remind you you’re alive."

Izuku nodded slowly, processing her words. "Not every hero needs a tragic backstory. Even if her reasons seem simple, there’s real strength in being honest about what drives her," he thought.

Their conversation was interrupted by a distant shout.

"Stop! Thief!"

Miruko’s ears twitched, her sharp eyes locking onto the commotion ahead. A man darted through the crowd, clutching an elderly woman’s purse.

"Finally," Miruko said, a wicked grin spreading across her face. "Alien Force, you’re up!"

"Huh?!" Izuku exclaimed, startled by her sudden command.

"Quit standing around—move it!" she snapped.

.....

Izuku sprang into action, his eyes locking onto the fleeing thief. The man leapt onto a building, his powerful jumps propelling him effortlessly from rooftop to rooftop like a spring-loaded cannon. Izuku’s heart raced as he activated Fasttrack, his speed matching the thief’s agility stride for stride.

"He's got a jumping Quirk!" Izuku muttered, a spark of excitement in his tone as he zipped between the narrow alleyways, bounding from walls to roofs to keep pace.

Behind them, Miruko crossed her arms, a wide grin spreading across her face. "Look at him go. This just got interesting. Let’s see if Alien Force can actually pin him down."

"Don’t underestimate Izuku," Itsuka said, her eyes tracking his movements. "But I’ll step in if he screws up."

The chase intensified as the thief glanced back, his sneer twisting into a taunt. "A kid playing hero? Pathetic! You think you can catch me?"

Izuku’s eyes narrowed, his expression hardening. "I’m not playing," he said under his breath, his hand slamming down on the Omnitrix dial. The green glow of transformation surged around him as he shouted, "It’s Hero Time!"

In an instant, his form shifted into Amphibian, the green light fading to reveal his sleek, electrified body. AmFibian’s blue, bioluminescent streaks shimmered as he leapt after the thief, bouncing between buildings with ease, sparks crackling in his wake.

The thief faltered, startled by the sudden transformation. "What the—?!" he yelped, shielding his eyes from the green flash.

AmFibian smirked, electricity building in his hands as he called out, "Let’s see how far that Quirk of yours can take you!" With a burst of energy, he unleashed a bolt of electricity that arced through the air like a lightning strike.

The thief barely had time to react before the volts coursed through him, his body seizing mid-jump. The force sent him careening through the air, crashing into a rooftop with a dull thud.

His body jerked uncontrollably before plummeting, spiraling downward in a trail of smoke.

AmpFbian floated forward, watching as the thief hurtled toward the ground. "Not so fast," Itsuka called out, her voice firm. She leapt from her vantage point, her Quirk activating as her hand grew to an enormous size. With precise timing, she caught the thief mid-fall, her enlarged fingers cushioning the impact.

The thief groaned, dazed and immobilized in her grasp. "Gotcha," Itsuka said with a triumphant smirk, shrinking her hand back down as she secured him.

AmpFbian hovered nearby, sparks dancing across his body as he observed the scene. “Nice catch, Itsuka,” he said, his voice distorted slightly from his alien form.

"Nice work yourself," she replied with a smirk, her hand returning to normal. "But you were moving a bit slow. You almost lost him."

"I had him," AmFibian protested, though his tone was more playful than annoyed.

Itsuka scoffed, her grin widening. "Sure, sure. That was a shockingly good move, though."

Amphibian groaned, rubbing his face with one sparking hand. "Please, not the puns."

Miruko glanced over her shoulder, her sharp gaze locked on the situation. "Alien Force! While we're handling this, get that purse back to the nice old lady! BattleFist, you keep your eyes on the target!" she barked, her commanding tone leaving no room for argument.

Izuku, now in his AmpFibian form, nodded quickly, zipping over to the old woman with the purse in hand. The elderly woman’s face lit up as she patted the alien’s glowing head.

"Thank you, dearie," she said warmly.

AmpFibian gave her a polite nod, then tapped the Omnitrix dial. In a flash of green light, he reverted to his human form and jogged back toward Miruko and Itsuka. Just as he reached them, someone bumped into him.

"Oh!" Izuku exclaimed, turning to see a boy about his height. He wore a white hoodie with the hood pulled low, shadowing his face, and a black surgical mask. "I’m sorry!" Izuku apologized quickly, bowing slightly.

The boy’s hidden gaze lingered on Izuku for a moment. "That costume... Are you a hero?" his voice rasped, low and slightly strained.

Izuku straightened up, his emerald eyes lighting up. "Um, well, not a full hero yet! I’m still a student, but we’re out here on our hero internships!" he replied enthusiastically, his energy spilling over.

The boy tilted his head slightly, looking Izuku up and down. “Must be nice... getting to use your Quirk however you want,” he muttered, his tone carrying a hint of bitterness.

His body suddenly jerked forward with a violent cough, his frame trembling as if held together by frayed strings.

Izuku’s expression immediately shifted to concern. “Are you okay? You don’t look well.”

The boy staggered back, shaking his head. “You’d... better not get any closer,” he muttered quickly before turning to leave, his steps unsteady and uneven.

Izuku stood frozen, worry etched across his face. “Maybe he’s sick...” he murmured under his breath.

“Hey, Alien Force!” Miruko’s voice cut through the moment like a whip. “Stop standing around and get your ass over here! We’ve got work to do!”

Izuku flinched, snapping out of his thoughts. “S-Sorry!” he stammered, bolting toward Miruko and Itsuka. As he ran, his thoughts briefly lingered on the boy and his worsening cough.

Behind him, the boy’s hacking grew harsher, echoing faintly in the distance.

Miruko lounged casually on top of the subdued villain, chewing on a carrot like it was no big deal. Her crimson eyes flicked toward Izuku and Itsuka, sharp and assessing despite her relaxed posture. "Now, I ain’t in the habit of handing out pointers for free, but you two did pretty damn well for rookies. That said..." Her grin turned mischievous. "I’ve got some notes."

"Midoriya!" Miruko barked, her voice snapping like a whip.

Izuku straightened up instantly, his stance rigid like a soldier being addressed by a drill sergeant. "Y-Yes, ma’am!"

"You did good, kid," Miruko said, her tone more relaxed but no less direct. "You’re fast—real fast—but you hesitate too much. You’ve got instincts for a reason, so trust ‘em. Stop overthinking and just move. Got it?"

Izuku nodded rapidly, his face tinged with a faint blush at the unexpected praise. “Y-Yes, ma’am. Thank you!”

Miruko smirked, clearly amused by his flustered reaction. Then she turned her attention to Itsuka. 

"Kendo!"

"Yes, ma’am!" Itsuka replied, standing up straighter despite the fatigue evident in her posture.

"Nice work snagging the villain when you did. That move was slick—kinda sly, but effective. Good thinking." Miruko gave her a thumbs up, her grin widening.

Itsuka’s cheeks flushed as she rubbed the back of her neck. "You saw that?"

"Bunnies have killer peripheral vision," Miruko replied with a cocky smirk, her eyes closed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

"What do we do now, Miruko?" Izuku asked, tapping the Omnitrix dial on his chest to transform back into himself.

Miruko hopped off the villain, dusting off her gloves. "Already called the cops. Now, we babysit this punk until they show up. Once they’re here, we make sure they’re cuffed and hand over a quick rundown of what went down. After that, we file an incident report. A copy of it’ll go to the agency, and it’ll count toward your evaluation."

The two nodded, taking in her instructions. Itsuka plopped down on the curb, clearly worn out but attentive.

Miruko crouched down beside the unconscious villain, her tone turning slightly teasing. “Not bad for your first day, huh? Didn’t expect you two to get into trouble this fast, but hey, nothing beats hands-on experience.”

Izuku and Itsuka exchanged glances, a mix of pride and exhaustion settling in. Miruko grinned, the sharp edges of her personality softening just a bit. 

.....

In a dimly lit alleyway, the boy staggered deeper into the shadows, his frail body shaking with each violent cough. His breaths were ragged, and his voice came out as a rasp. "Damn... my Quirk..." He clutched his chest, leaning heavily against the wall for support.

"I gotta... release it," he muttered weakly.

A thick, black gas began to seep from his body, coiling and writhing like a living thing. It flowed out of the alleyway, spreading across the city streets and cloaking the area in an unnatural fog.

Nearby, a couple strolled through the now misty streets. The blonde woman clung to the arm of a man with pointed, elf-like ears, her brow furrowing as she glanced around. "Is it just me, or is it getting foggy all of a sudden?" she asked uneasily.

"Huh? Oh, you're right, it does seem—" The man stopped mid-sentence, inhaling the strange gas. His eyes rolled back, and without warning, he crumpled to the ground.

"Hey! Don't scare me like that," the woman said with a nervous laugh, her grip tightening on his arm. When he didn’t respond, her voice wavered. "Come on, get up already... this isn’t funny." She knelt down, shaking him frantically.

Before she could call for help, the fog coiled around her like an invisible predator. She gasped, inhaling the gas, and collapsed beside him, her body limp.

Around them, other bystanders began noticing the strange fog, their confusion quickly turning to terror. People screamed as the gas reached them, many clutching their throats before collapsing one by one. 

......

Izuku, Itsuka, and Miruko were on patrol, casually walking through the city when suddenly, Izuku’s Danger Sense flared to life. His eyes darted around, scanning the surroundings in a panic.

Miruko’s nose twitched, and she instinctively covered her face with her hand. "What’s that awful smell?" she asked, clearly disturbed by the pungent scent that seemed to hang in the air.

Before anyone could respond, a piercing scream broke the tension. "AGHH!! S-SOMEBODY HELP!" A person shouted, and the three of them turned to see dozens of pedestrians sprinting away in a frenzy, their faces twisted in fear.

"What the hell is going on?" Miruko muttered under her breath as a man ran up to them, gasping for air.

"There’s some weird fog... You breathe it in and you collapse! I’m not sure if it’s poisonous or—" The man’s words were cut off as he stumbled away, trying to get out of the fog’s path.

At that moment, all their phones beeped, signaling an urgent announcement. Itsuka quickly pulled hers out, reading the message aloud.

"This just in: a hazardous fog has emerged in Sarukami Ward, sending the area into chaos! Citizens are advised to find shelter immediately."

"The source of the fog is believed to be a man named Takeshi Busijima, known for his poisonous gas Quirk. He has a history of previous offenses."

Itsuka gulped nervously, looking up at Miruko. "Miruko, what do we do?"

Miruko grinned, her eyes glinting with excitement. "Ain’t it obvious? When a villain pops up, you kick ‘em down!" She paused, considering. "But we’ll need gas masks. The cops should be providing those soon."

Izuku hesitated, then turned to Miruko, determination lighting up his face. "Miruko, I think I have a better idea."

She raised an eyebrow, curious. "Huh?"

Izuku nodded and quickly activated the Omnitrix. The faceplate popped up, and he scrolled through his selection, his fingers moving quickly over the dial. "I can create wind pressure using my Quirks in tandem. If I transform into Stinkfly, I can use my wings to generate enough wind to push the gas away."

Miruko’s expression shifted, and she cupped her chin in thought. "Hmm… it’ll take too long to get the masks, and we can’t afford to wait. You’re up, Midoriya!"

Izuku nodded and slammed his hand down on the Omnitrix. A green flash of light erupted around him, and a foul smell filled the air. "Ugh!" Miruko grimaced, holding her nose in disgust.

"Stinkfly!" the transformed Izuku called out as he took off, his wings buzzing like blades of an industrial fan, slicing through the air. He soared high above the city, heading straight for the thick, black fog that rolled through the streets like a creeping menace.

Miruko and Itsuka wasted no time, each of them moving swiftly into action. Miruko leaped from building to building, her movements graceful and powerful. Itsuka, following close behind, used her enhanced strength to launch herself with tremendous force, mimicking Miruko's jumps as best as she could.

Pedestrians screamed as they ran, their legs pumping frantically to escape the fog that seemed to chase them, with some dropping to the ground, unconscious, after inhaling the poisonous gas.

"Yikes, here it comes!" 

"No! Don’t shove!" someone yelled as they pushed through the crowd, desperate to flee.

A man sniffed the air, gagging immediately. "What the hell is that smell?!"

Izuku, in his Stinkfly form, flew high above the chaos. His wings fluttered furiously, gathering power with each beat. With One For All crackling around him, he poured 16% of his strength into his wings, unleashing a massive gust of wind. The force of it swept through the air, dispersing the fog in a wide arc.

Miruko dove in, her eyes scanning the area as she grabbed two children who were about to collapse, leaping them both to a safe distance before the fog could touch them.

Itsuka quickly enlarged her hands, grabbing three people at once, her powerful legs propelling her forward in a single, powerful leap, each landing a short distance away in a safe zone.

"Alien Force! Clear the fog and go after the villain!" Miruko barked.

Stinkfly nodded, zooming through the sky with intense precision. His wings beat harder, creating powerful gusts of wind that swept the fog away in waves, clearing a path for the citizens to escape. Each flap sent a shockwave of air, the gas evaporating as it struggled to keep up with the force of the wind.

The streets slowly started to clear as Stinkfly continued to weave through the city, his wings cutting through the poisonous fog, while Miruko and Itsuka ensured everyone was safely out of harm's way. 

.....

Using his lower pair of eyes, Stinkfly caught sight of the boy running down an empty street, his body hunched as he tried to escape.

"Found him!" Stinkfly shouted, his voice sharp as he shot toward the villain, his wings slicing through the air with a blade-like shutter.

The boy heard the ominous sound of Stinkfly’s approach, his eyes widening in terror. Panic flooded his face as he stopped in his tracks, his chest heaving. "Please... don’t get in my way, Hero!" he pleaded, his voice raw with desperation, his hand clutching his stomach as if holding something in.

Stinkfly flew closer, confusion etched across his features. "What is he trying to do?" he muttered to himself, but as he soared above the villain, he noticed something disturbing—the boy was heading towards the outskirts of the city.

"Why is he going to the outskirts?" Stinkfly wondered aloud, his antennae twitching.

His eyes narrowed in frustration. The villain had stopped momentarily before unleashing another powerful burst of poisonous gas. Stinkfly veered away, not wanting to get too close. The gas began to spread rapidly, surrounding the boy like a blanket of noxious fumes.

"Crap, he's heading to a popular area!" Stinkfly realized, panic rising in his chest. He flapped his wings harder, moving faster, but his eyes widened in disbelief as the boy suddenly changed course.

'He’s changing direction?' Stinkfly thought, stunned. The villain wasn't heading toward the outskirts anymore, and something felt off.

Stinkfly’s gaze sharpened as he surged upward, aiming to stay above the thickening cloud of gas. His wings hummed as he pumped more energy into them, his focus now solely on the boy.

He quickly charged One For All through his lungs, pushing the power into his vocal cords, ready to shout.

"Hey!" Stinkfly's voice cracked through the air like thunder. "WHAT ARE YOU EXACTLY AFTER? WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!"

The boy froze mid-step, his body shaking uncontrollably. His tear-streaked face looked up at Stinkfly, eyes wide with desperation, the weight of his actions pressing down on him like a vice.

"ARE YOU... DO YOU NEED TO RELEASE YOUR QUIRK?" Stinkfly shouted, his tone firm but laced with a sense of urgency. The gas was beginning to form a deadly barrier between them, but Stinkfly kept his distance, hovering just above.

The boy dropped to his knees, his shoulders shaking as if the weight of his own body was too much to bear. He looked up at Stinkfly, his voice cracking under the strain.

"Yeah..." he whispered, his voice tinged with shame. "My Quirk makes this stupid poison gas... When I don’t use it... it builds up inside me... and it... it hurts." His hands trembled as he clasped them over his stomach, fighting to hold it in. "But using Quirks isn’t allowed… So I’ve got no choice but to store it inside me... I can’t help it."

Stinkfly hovered closer, his heart sinking. "But holding it in only makes it worse, right?" He couldn't help but think of his own struggles with controlling his emotions—how his bottled-up feelings toward Bakugou had nearly got him to kill Bakugou.

The boy’s shoulders shook violently, and then his voice rose in frustration and fear. "BUT I’VE HIT MY LIMIT AGAIN!!" he screamed, his words sharp and desperate. "BEFORE MY OWN QUIRK DESTROYS ME... I HAVE TO LET IT OUT!" His breath came in ragged gasps as he collapsed onto the ground, his face contorting in pain. "DOES THAT MAKE ME A VILLAIN, HUH?! DOES IT, HERO?!"

Stinkfly hovered above him, his expression softening. The boy’s voice was full of so much pain and anguish, his inner conflict bubbling to the surface like a volcano ready to erupt. The gas began to swirl around him, pushing against the boy's body, as if trying to escape its own containment.

The villain’s chest heaved, tears streaming down his face. "DOES IT MAKE ME A VILLAIN?!" he shouted again, his voice breaking. His hands clenched into fists as he fought to control the gas within him. "I DON’T WANT TO BE THIS WAY!"

Stinkfly’s heart ached as he hovered silently, watching the boy’s struggles. He understood all too well the pressure of holding something in, of fighting against something that seemed impossible to control.

....

"No, it doesn’t," Stinkfly said firmly, his wings flapping with a sharp shutter as he hovered in place. The boy, Takeshi, stared at him with confusion, his eyes wide as he tried to process the hero's words.

"You’re gonna let it out," Stinkfly continued, his tone more commanding now. Takeshi blinked, the realization dawning on him, but his panic only deepened. He sniffed, unsure if he could even trust what he was hearing.

Stinkfly didn’t wait for another second. He pressed his finger to the intercom. "Miruko, I need an empty area of the city. I’m going to have… What was your name again?" He turned his attention back to the boy.

"T-Takeshi…" the boy whimpered, his voice trembling with unease.

"We’re gonna have Takeshi let out the poisonous gas," Stinkfly said firmly, and on the other end of the comms, Miruko’s voice immediately shot through, full of disbelief.

"HUH?! WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU WANT THE VILLAIN TO LET OUT THE POISONOUS GAS?!" Miruko shouted, her voice sharp with shock.

Stinkfly winced but stayed calm. "I... I have a plan. No one's gonna get affected by the poison. I need an empty area, a street, a block... anything," he said quickly.

Miruko’s voice was laced with skepticism. "What, are we giving villains a free pass now?"

Stinkfly quickly explained the situation, his voice steady but urgent. "He’s been holding this gas inside for too long. He can’t keep it in anymore or it’ll destroy him from the inside. We need to get him to release it somewhere safe."

"Unleash it? All of it? I've been stockpiling the gas for years... It's too dangerous... Last time I did so I ended up hurting a lot of people..." Takeshi said, his voice trembling with guilt and fear.

Stinkfly gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. I’ve got an idea."

Miruko’s voice was steady again, though still skeptical. "Alright, kid. There’s an empty street a few blocks south-west from where you are. You’ll be clear."

Stinkfly didn’t hesitate. "Thanks, Miruko," he said before turning back to Takeshi. "Follow me!"

Takeshi, still hesitant but trusting the hero’s confidence, stood up, his legs shaky. With a deep breath, he began running, following Stinkfly as he flew ahead, his speed pushing them both forward.

"Trust me, okay?" Stinkfly called back over his shoulder as he flew low to the ground, glancing down to make sure the boy was keeping up.

Takeshi nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and relief. He didn’t know why, but Stinkfly’s words gave him a sense of safety. He ran harder, keeping pace with the hero, his breath still ragged but determined.

They finally reached the empty street, the area devoid of life, with no signs of movement. Stinkfly hovered above, scanning the area. When he was certain no one was around, he flew to the far end of the street, landing safely. A green flash engulfed him, and in an instant, he was back to his original form—Izuku Midoriya.

He looked from the end as he pressed the button on the Omnitrix, the faceplate popping up as he quickly scrolled through. "Takeshi! Let it out! Don’t hold back!"

Takeshi hesitated, but the strain in his body became too much. With a final, desperate gasp, he released the gas. It exploded outward from him like a bomb, black fumes billowing from his body and rapidly expanding through the city.

"Fasttrack!!" Izuku shouted, his voice cut short by the roar of his own transformation. In an instant, a green flash erupted and Fasttrack shot forward like a bullet from a gun, his body a streak of blue as he darted around the mist. He spun in a tight, controlled circle, desperately holding his breath to avoid inhaling the toxic gas, his legs pumping with explosive speed.

His mind raced as the gas surged toward him, but he didn’t falter. I’ve got this... he thought, focusing on his newly perfected move.

The winds howled as Fasttrack pushed himself faster, his figure becoming a blur of blue, his limbs a blur of motion. He whipped around the cloud of gas, forming a vortex with each lap, the air thick with pressure and speed. The gas, like a wild beast, tried to escape, but he kept it contained, moving in tighter spirals until the vortex reached higher and higher into the air.

The winds roared louder, like a storm with no mercy. As the tornado began to pull in more and more of the black mist, the streets cleared. Pedestrians, stumbling backward, watched in awe as the gas was sucked upward, away from the danger zone. Paramedics rushed in, carrying the victims who had already collapsed, their bodies too weak to move on their own.

“What the hell is that—A tornado?!” someone yelled.

Fasttrack’s grin widened, his speed not slowing even for a second. The tornado began to twist higher, the gas rising with it like a living thing, its serpentine shape dragging everything with it. The winds howled and ripped at the buildings as Fasttrack moved in tight, controlled spirals, his feet blurring on the ground, as he continuously accelerated the vortex.

The gas, once scattered through the streets, was now helpless against the vortex, getting pulled away in a massive spiral that reached toward the sky.

With a final, deafening rush, the last of the gas was sucked up, pulled high into the upper atmosphere, and dispersed into nothing.

Fasttrack broke away from the vortex, his body screeching to a stop, his chest heaving with exhaustion. The city was calm again, the skyline clear and blue, the air fresh. In his arms, Takeshi, his eyes wide with disbelief, was now free from the poison that had threatened to consume him.

"Yes! It worked!" Fasttrack grinned ear to ear, his adrenaline still surging through him.

"Ugh..." Takeshi groaned, his body shaking as Fasttrack looked down at him in concern. His mind raced—had he pushed himself too hard?

"Are you okay?" Fasttrack asked, his voice low, still buzzing from the incredible speed he’d just unleashed. He heard footsteps and turned just as Miruko and Itsuka dashed toward them.

"Hey, Izuku, are you alright?" Itsuka called, her tone filled with concern.

"Yeah, I’m okay!" Fasttrack said, his breath coming out in quick gasps as he checked Takeshi’s condition.

Miruko slowed, eyeing Takeshi suspiciously. "Is that the villain?"

Fasttrack shook his head, his eyes softening. "He's not a villain," he said, his voice firm. He turned to Takeshi, crouching down to meet his eyes. "Are you alright?"

Takeshi looked up at him, his face breaking into a relieved smile. "The poison... it’s all gone..." His voice cracked with emotion, tears streaming down his cheeks. "Thank you... thank you, heroes."

Fasttrack felt something stir deep in his chest at the sight of the boy’s relief. It wasn’t just about saving the city. It was the gratitude, the joy of seeing someone so genuinely freed from the burden they’d been carrying.

"No problem," Fasttrack said quietly, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

.....

The police quickly arrived on the scene, and we wasted no time explaining the situation to them. But their response was immediate and dismissive.

Click.

"Don't worry, we'll take this villain in," one of the officers said, snapping handcuffs around Takeshi’s wrists with a cold, practiced ease.

Izuku and Itsuka exchanged confused glances, both unsure of what had just happened.

"We'll file the report, you should probably head off to your adoring fans, Miruko," said the second officer, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

"And you, Midoriya, impressive job handling that poisonous gas. Running around and creating your own tornado? Cool. You're definitely going to make a great Pro Hero someday," the first officer added.

Izuku, still processing, didn’t seem to care much for the praise. "Didn't you hear us? He didn’t mean to hurt anyone! His Quirk just went out of control, and he had to—"

But the officer cut him off without a second thought. "You didn’t hear us, huh? This guy’s a villain, plain and simple. Poisonous gas in a high school? Yeah, that’s something only a villain does. Don’t overcomplicate things, kid." He rolled his eyes as if explaining something to a child.

Izuku’s frustration grew, his chest tightening. "But he didn’t—"

"Save it," the officer snapped. "He’s a repeat offender. You’re a first-year, so I get it, you don’t really know how this works yet." He spoke to Izuku as if he were a child who had just learned how to tie his shoes.

Izuku blinked, his frustration growing. "Yeah, but—"

"A villain’s a villain. That’s the way the world works. You’ll get used to it."

Izuku’s hands clenched into fists, his voice rising in frustration. "He didn’t mean to hurt anyone! His Quirk was out of control! He’s been struggling with it his whole life—"

The second officer, seemingly unfazed, turned to his partner and said, "Hey, Komokori, once we’re done with this villain, how about we grab something to eat? I’m starving."

"Sweet. I’m famished," Komokori replied nonchalantly, ignoring Izuku entirely as they led Takeshi away.

Izuku’s hands balled into fists, his anger simmering beneath the surface. All Might's words about holding back his feelings echoed in his mind, but this wasn’t just frustration—it was injustice. He couldn’t just stand by. Clenching his teeth, he grabbed the nearest officer’s arm, his grip firm and unyielding.

Silence settled around them, the air thick with tension.

The officer turned, his eyes narrowing with annoyance. "What the hell do you think you’re doing?"

"I said he didn’t do anything wrong," Izuku’s voice was steady but edged with frustration.

The officer’s expression twisted with disbelief. "Huh? What are you talking about now?"

Izuku didn’t flinch, his green eyes locked on the officer’s. "He couldn’t contain his poisonous gas. If he did, it would’ve killed him. He’s been holding it in all his life—"

"Yeah, yeah. Heard that one before. 'Struggling with his Quirk,'" the officer interrupted, waving his hand dismissively. "Come on, kid. You really think we’re gonna buy that? You’re just wasting our time. You’re not even a Pro Hero yet. What would you know? Just some villain making excuses."

Izuku’s stare hardened, his grip tightening around the officer’s arm. "He isn’t a villain."

Miruko and Itsuka exchanged a quick glance, both noticing the officer’s patience wearing thin.

"Listen, kid," the officer sneered. "I’m not gonna explain the world to a first-year. I’ve got other cases to deal with, and you’re wasting my time with this nonsense."

Izuku’s face twisted with anger, his hands shaking. He knew he shouldn’t hold back—everything about this was wrong. "Let him go," he demanded, his voice rising.

Itsuka and Miruko both stiffened in surprise. Izuku had never sounded this certain, this fierce before.

The officer’s tone turned hostile, the sneer never leaving his face. "Oh, I see. Got a hero complex, huh? Think you can change the way the world works with your little tantrum?" He straightened up, his voice dripping with disdain. "Go ahead, keep running your mouth, but you're just wasting our time. If you’ve got a problem with it, maybe we should bring you in too."

"Sounds like the words of another villain," the other officer chimed in, his voice mocking. "Maybe we should lock both of you up. How does that sound, Midoriya?"

Izuku’s grip on the officer’s arm tightened further, his body tense with barely contained rage. "What you’re doing is wrong," Izuku said, his voice low but full of conviction.

One of the officers glared at him, his eyes glowing a menacing red. "Oh, and what are you gonna do about it?" He took a step forward, trying to intimidate Izuku.

Izuku’s head dropped, his eyes narrowing, and before anyone could react, emerald electricity exploded from his body, crackling and snapping through the air. The wind pressure surged around him, blowing the officers' hats from their heads.

Miruko and Itsuka instinctively covered their eyes, shielding themselves from the sudden surge of energy.

"Let him go!" Izuku shouted again, his voice fierce, the electricity surrounding him flickering like a storm. "What you're doing is wrong! He didn’t deserve this! And stop calling him a villain!"

The first officer’s eyes widened, taken aback by the sudden power. He was about to retort when Miruko swiftly stepped in between them, her posture firm but calm.

"Alright, boys, why don’t we all take a deep breath?" Miruko said, her voice steady and commanding. She then turned to Izuku, her eyes softening slightly. "Midoriya, let him go."

.....

Izuku’s eyes widened, his thoughts racing as he opened his mouth to protest. "But–"

"I-I’m okay..." Takeshi spoke up, his voice shaky, and already resigned to his fate. "I hurt people... I didn’t mean to, but... I still did." The guilt was thick in his tone, and his words hung heavy in the air. "I’m used to it, don’t worry." He gave a forced smile, but it only made the pain in his eyes more apparent.

Izuku could see it clearly—the torment Takeshi was hiding behind his smile. Miruko and Itsuka could see it too, and it made the situation feel even heavier.

"You really going to throw away your future for someone like me?" Takeshi scoffed, the bitter smile still lingering on his face. "Don’t ruin it, Midoriya. I already hurt people. You don’t need to get hurt because of me."

Izuku’s heart ached as he lowered his head, the weight of Takeshi’s words settling in his chest.

Miruko sighed, her expression softening as she spoke. "We can’t erase his actions, sorry."

Itsuka, sensing Izuku’s frustration, gently placed a hand on his arm, guiding him to release his grip on the police officer. Izuku’s head hung low, a lump in his throat making it hard to speak.

The police officer, rubbing his sore arm, glared at Izuku. "Damn brat," he muttered, shaking his head as they started to drag Takeshi away. Takeshi’s shoulders trembled slightly, his head hanging low in resignation. Izuku stood still, feeling powerless, like he was being swallowed by the hopelessness of the situation.

Itsuka's voice cut through the silence, a bit more upbeat but still tinged with concern. "Y-You can still get your hero license!" she said, her eyes hopeful.

Izuku blinked, surprised by her words. "Yeah, with a Quirk like yours, you’d make an incredible hero!" he said, trying to lift Takeshi’s spirits, though the weight of the situation still clung to him.

"And when the news gets out about what happened, we could start a petition. It might lighten your sentence!" Itsuka added, her voice filled with determination.

But Takeshi didn’t respond. His head remained low as the police officers dragged him away, his shoulders shaking slightly as he held back sobs. His silence made Izuku’s heart ache even more.

Miruko’s voice was quiet as she turned to them, her gaze somber. "This isn’t his first offense… He probably has a record… and a black mark."

Izuku and Itsuka exchanged looks of shock, the realization sinking in.

"No way a hero school is gonna accept him," 

.........

After a few more minutes, the citizens affected by Takeshi’s gas had been carefully placed on stretchers and loaded into ambulances. Miruko, Izuku, and Itsuka helped where they could, ensuring everyone was accounted for and safe.

But Izuku couldn’t shake the gnawing pit in his stomach. Why did he just let Takeshi go? He hadn’t done anything wrong. He was forced to hold his Quirk in because he wasn’t allowed to use it—and when it inevitably became too much, he was punished for it. What would happen next time? Would Takeshi be forced to go through this all over again? Forced to hope a hero was nearby, only to be arrested again? The cycle felt unnecessarily cruel.

"Hey." Miruko’s voice cut through his spiraling thoughts, snapping him back to the present.

Izuku turned to her, surprised. "Y-Yeah?"

"You did a pretty good job out there," Miruko said casually, though her tone carried an underlying sincerity. "You assessed the situation, figured out what was going on, and got everyone to safety as quickly as possible."she turned to him with a smirk.

"That tornado you whipped up? If you hadn’t thought of that, things could’ve gone south fast. That’s not something just anyone can do, especially a first-year."

Izuku blinked, her words catching him off guard. "O-Oh, uh… thanks… I guess," he stammered, his face reddening slightly.

Miruko’s crimson eyes narrowed slightly, her lips tugging into a grin. "Still, you’ve got guts, kid. I saw the way you stood up to those cops back there, all fired up over that kid. You were ready to take them on, weren’t you?"

Izuku flinched slightly, looking away. "I-I didn’t mean to cause trouble… it’s just…" He trailed off, his hands clenching by his sides. "He didn’t do anything wrong. He shouldn’t have to live like that—constantly holding his Quirk in, waiting for the day it gets out of control again. There has to be some kind of place where he can safely release it, right? Something to stop this from happening again."

Itsuka, walking beside them, raised an eyebrow. "Huh? That’s… not really how things work, Midoriya," she said, her tone tinged with confusion.

Miruko snorted, her laugh sharp and humorless. "Yeah, you must not have had your Quirk that long if you’re asking something like that," she said, shooting him an amused look.

They reached the hotel lobby, the hum of activity around them a stark contrast to the earlier chaos. Miruko turned to Itsuka. "Hey, Kendo. Go on ahead. I’ll catch up with you later."

Itsuka nodded, giving Izuku a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don’t beat yourself up about it, okay? Miruko’s already filed for a lighter sentence for him. She’s got his back, and so should you."

As Itsuka walked off, Miruko glanced at Izuku, her gaze sharper now. "So… judging by your reaction earlier, I’m guessing you’ve never had any Quirk counseling, huh?"

Izuku flinched, his mouth opening in surprise before he hesitated. "Uh… no, I didn’t think it was necessary."

Miruko scoffed, shaking her head. "Yeah, figures. Well, for most of us with dangerous or ‘villainous’ Quirks," she said, making air quotes with her fingers, "it’s drilled into our heads early. Don’t use your Quirk. Hold it in. Over time, that just becomes your normal. That kid? He’s been doing that his whole life, and when he finally can’t anymore, the world labels him a criminal. That’s how it works."

Her words hit Izuku like a brick, and his head lowered as the weight of it all sank in.

"Hey," Miruko said suddenly, her tone softening just a fraction. When he glanced at her, she smirked, her sharp crimson eyes gleaming. "I wasn’t kidding when I said you’ve got guts, standing up for that kid like that. Most people would’ve backed off the second those cops pushed back. But you didn’t."

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, his face flushing slightly. "I-I just… I couldn’t let it slide," he muttered.

Miruko chuckled, her grin widening. "You’ve got something, Midoriya. I like that."

Izuku’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly looked away, his face burning red. "T-Thanks…" he mumbled.

As they walked toward the stairs, Miruko found herself sneaking another glance at him. 

There was something about the kid—his unwavering sense of justice, his willingness to stand up even when the odds were against him—that tugged at something deep within her.

"Yeah," she muttered under her breath, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You’ve definitely got my attention."

........

Izuku collapsed onto his bed, the long day of hero work and training leaving him utterly drained. His body ached, and his mind was foggy as he scrolled through his phone, catching up on texts from his classmates.

Many of them—particularly the girls—were asking how his internship was going, sharing brief updates about their own. It seemed, from their messages, that none of their experiences were quite as eventful as his. Too tired to reply, Izuku’s eyelids grew heavy, and he drifted into a deep sleep.

........ 

Hours later, the Omnitrix began to glow yellow, the hum of its activation stirring Izuku from his rest. He groggily sat up, squinting at the light emanating from the watch. “Huh? Yellow? What’s going on now?” he mumbled, still half-asleep.

The Omnitrix’s dial spun briefly before reverting to its familiar green. Then, an unfamiliar silhouette appeared on the device—a rounded figure resembling an Earth dry-cell battery, with sharp accents and a peculiar energy about it.

“New alien?” Izuku whispered, his curiosity piqued.

Before he could contemplate further, a high-pitched chirping laugh filled the room. Startled, Izuku looked up to see a strange creature perched on his desk. The alien was small, barely a foot tall, with a black cylindrical body accented by yellow. A lightning bolt shape adorned its chest, and plus and minus symbols were visible on its back. Its legs were sharp and pointy, and it waved at Izuku with its three-fingered hands.

“You… you’re an alien right?” Izuku murmured, stepping closer.

The Nosedeenian responded with more chirping laughter before releasing a small zap of electricity that struck Izuku’s arm.

“GAH!” Izuku yelped, stumbling back as his body briefly twitched. The alien’s laughter grew louder as it zipped around the room, sending out playful bursts of electricity and taunting him.

“Hey, wait!” Izuku yelled, grabbing his red shoes and chasing after the mischievous creature. Sparks of green electricity crackled around his body as he moved, lighting up the darkened room.

The commotion jolted Miruko awake. Her ears twitched as she caught the sound of hurried footsteps and a faint electrical hum outside her room. She glanced out her window and saw Izuku, illuminated by green energy, chasing a streak of yellow light into the night.

“What the hell is that kid doing now?” she muttered, throwing on her jacket and storming out of her room. She knocked on Itsuka’s door with urgency. “Kendo, get up! We’ve got a runner!”

Itsuka groggily opened the door, rubbing her eyes. “Huh? What’s going on?”

“Midoriya’s gone AWOL,” Miruko said bluntly, already sliding into her hero costume. “Put your gear on."

Snapping awake, Itsuka quickly changed into her hero costume and followed Miruko. They both leapt out the window, landing softly on the ground below.

Meanwhile, Izuku was hot on the trail of the alien creature, his eyes glued to its glowing form as it zipped through the powerlines. Just as he picked up speed, a voice called out, "Heads up!"

Before he could react, something—or rather, someone—slammed into him, knocking him off balance. The figure briefly came apart, floating in midair before reforming into Setsuna Tokage.

"Ow!" Izuku exclaimed, stumbling back.

"Whoops. My bad," Setsuna said casually, brushing herself off. “Didn’t think I’d run into you… literally.” She glanced at the glowing trail ahead. “I’ve been tracking some spark-spitting bastard messing with stores around here.”

"Not just a troublemaker," Izuku corrected, panting slightly. "It’s an alien."

Setsuna’s eyes widened slightly, her smirk fading into a curious frown. “An alien? Seriously? Cool!"

Before she could press further, a loud shout interrupted them.

"Get back here, you little gremlin!"

They turned to see Mina Ashido sliding toward them on a trail of acid, her costume slightly charred. She stopped near Izuku, her hands on her knees as she caught her breath. "Midori? You’re here too?"

Before Izuku could answer, another voice rang out with commanding fury.

"Cease your transgressions, foul creature! You shall face divine judgment!"

Ibara Shiozaki stormed onto the scene, her vines snapping like whips. She was chasing another Nosedeenian, which was gleefully waving a pair of white panties in its tiny hand.

“Return what you have stolen!” Ibara shouted, her face flushed with righteous fury.

The alien tossed the panties high into the air and darted away. Ibara’s vines shot out, catching the garment before it hit the ground. Her cheeks flushed a deeper red as she realized what she was holding.

“L-Look away at once!” she demanded, her voice stern but shaky. “I… am currently… without proper undergarments.”

Setsuna immediately spun Izuku and Mina around with a smirk. “Alright, alright. No peeking, you pervs.”

Once Ibara adjusted her robes, she cleared her throat, her voice regaining its usual commanding tone. “So, you’ve encountered these wretched beings as well?”

Mina grinned, her hands beginning to fizz with acid. “I’m all for a little alien butt-kicking.”

Setsuna stretched, her disassembled fingers floating back into place. “Same here. Let’s wrap this up quick.”

The group nodded in silent agreement, ready to continue the pursuit, but the aliens struck first.

A burst of electricity surged toward them, shocking them momentarily. Izuku winced as his body twitched involuntarily, but he quickly recovered, his determination unwavering.

The aliens zipped further ahead, their glowing forms lighting up the darkened tunnel as they darted deeper underground. 

Without hesitation, the group followed, their steps echoing against the rocky walls. For minutes, the tunnel seemed endless, the only illumination coming from the alien creatures they were chasing.

Then, they saw it—a faint glow at the end of the tunnel, growing brighter as they approached. When they finally burst through the opening, their breaths caught in their throats.

A sprawling city lay hidden beneath the surface, its design both alien and industrial. Massive gears and pipes wound through the city like veins, while towering chimneys emitted faint streams of smoke. The structures, rusted and patched together, gave the impression of a society built from scrap but teeming with life. Bright yellow lights flickered from various points, casting eerie shadows across the landscape.

“Woah…” the group gasped in unison, their voices barely above whispers.