Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Izuku Midoriya was making his way to the train station when he first met the man that changed his life. Orientation day for Class 2-A of U.A High was today, and tomorrow was move-in day. He wondered if this was the year he'd get over his fears. Would he confess to Ochako? Maybe she even liked him back. Maybe.

Sometimes Izuku laughed to himself about how he had managed to face the strongest villain the world had ever seen, and yet paled in fear when it came to talking with a girl. 

However, the man he was stopped by forced him to leave dreamworld and snap back to reality. “Excuse me sir, are you Deku the hero?” The man asked. He seemed to be in his sixties, a regular salary-man by the looks of it, but the bags under his eyes and disheveled hair spoke a different story. 

“Oh, uh, yes sir, yes I am. Technically hero-in-training, but yeah. You want an autograph?” Izuku was used to this by now. After saving Japan, quite a lot of people begin to look up to you. Usually it was someone younger, but he wasn't one to judge.

He chuckled frailly, “Maybe some other time. Listen, when you get there, please, try again. Save my family. In the Final War, save them, please.” He said, stepping closer.

Izuku was startled, but he wasn't feeling anything with Danger Sense. He didn't seem to be in harm's way. “I'm sorry, what?”

“Please, try again.” He said tears began forming in the corners of his eyes, before quickly grabbing Izuku by the wrist and jabbing a red syringe into his own leg.

‘Trigger!?’ Izuku thought, before the man started convulsing, light blue flames jumped from his hand and covered Izuku's body, but they didn't hurt. The man began aging right before his eyes, hair falling out, skin going sallow. “Please.” was the last thing he said, and the last thing Izuku heard, before the world started flashing before his eyes. 

It seems that he would have to wait to confess a bit longer.

—

Izuku Midoriya woke up some time later, unaware of when. The sun just barely breaching the horizon let Izuku know that it must be early morning. 

‘EARLY MORNING?!’ Izuku thought, ‘Did that guy knock me out for the whole day?’ Izuku checked himself over. He was fine, physically, but that wasn't what caught his attention. He was no longer wearing his school uniform, but rather one of his favorite, ‘t-shirt’ t-shirts, and plain black shorts. Izuku was confused. He was also missing all of his possessions he had, including his phone. ‘Was I robbed?’

There were other early morning commuters around him, staring at the kid who just woke up off the floor. Or maybe it was because he was Deku. Not trying to be egotistical, Izuku hoped it was because he's Deku. ‘I need to get home. Maybe figure out what happened.’ He thought. 

— 

Once he arrived home, Izuku knocked on the door since he didn't have his key on him. His mom should still be home.

Inko Midoriya opened the door. “Izuku?” She said, “What are you doing outside? I didn't even hear you leave.” 

Stepping inside, Izuku went to work quickly consoling his mother. “Honestly, I'm not too sure myself. I was stopped at the train station by this weird man on my way to U.A and-”

“Why were you going to U.A? Don't tell me you were going to go snooping around in there young man!”

“Wha- mom, why would I-” He was cut off by a door opening and closing somewhere else in the house. Danger sense didn't activate once again, but the paranoia in Izuku's mind did. He activated One for All, but his body felt like he was struggling to hold a percentage or two. ‘What's going on?’ He thought.

“Mom?” A familiar voice sounded,“Who were you speaking to?” 

Izuku Midoriya entered the room. But… not the other Izuku Midoriya. The other… uh… anyways.

Inko stared at her son across the room with wide eyes. Then she stared at her son right beside her with even wider eyes. She quickly backed away from Not Son with a speed that both Izuku's had never witnessed.

“Who are you!?” She yelled, “Stay away from me and my son!” 

Izuku¹ (the first) stared at Izuku² (the second) and quickly realized what must have happened. “Wait, mom, I can explain! It's me, Izuku!” 

Izuku² had moved to protect his mother. A look of determination was in his eyes, although Izuku¹ could tell he was afraid. It made him impressed, looking at what he is.

Quickly pushing those feelings to the side, Izuku¹ tried to explain what he thinks happened as best he could. “S-so, I'm p-pretty sure I'm from the future. Please, what's the date?” 

“February 3rd, 2214.” Izuku said, still with his guard up.

“The day of the sludge villain incident!”

“Huh?”

“Uh, nothing for now. Listen, I'm from about two years in the future.” 

“I look exactly the same two years in the future?”

“What?” Izuku¹ said, before looking down at himself. He noticed the lack of muscle in his chest and arms, and looking around, he realized how things seemed taller than they were before. “No, no no no no no! I just started having another growth spurt! I was sure I was gonna be 180 cm!” 

Izuku² cleared his throat. 

“Right, right, sorry. I think that being transported back in time also gave me the body I had at the time. God, couldn't I have at least started lifting weights if I wanted to be a hero?”

“H-hey!”

“Sorry, again. Look, on my way to the train today, er- or, I guess, in two years in the future, a man grabbed me by the arm and used his quirk to - speculating here - send me back in time. To now.” 

“Prove it.” Izuku² said.

“I've- we’ve been diagnosed quirkless since we were four, and have been bullied for it since. We hide the burn marks and bruises we get from Kacchan because we don't want mom to worry. Also, one time when we were twelve, we wanted to know more about the material used in hero costumes that helped protect the wearer despite seeming thin, so we searched up 'Mirko Leotard-’”

“ALRIGHT, that's enough, I believe you!”

Izuku² looked a little less on guard, and a little more red-cheeked. Inko stepped out from behind her son. “Izuku?” She said, tears forming in her eyes. 

“Mom.” He said, tears forming in his as well, “L-listen, I need to get going, lots of things are happening today, and I need to get on top of them. Izuku.” He said, pointing to the him across from himself, “We need to talk privately later. In the meantime, get to school. There's a villain fight you're not gonna want to miss. New hero debut and everything.” 

Izuku² almost squealed in happiness, rushing back to his room to get ready for school. And to make sure he brought a notebook. Not that he had to make sure of that.

Izuku¹ quickly kissed his mom on the forehead before leaving. “We'll talk when I get back.”

—

Yagi Toshinori was keeping watch in a park like he usually did. He'd go on walks to keep his frail physique active, and liked to do so while on the watch for crime. It was the least he could do. This was probably his favorite bench in Musutafu park. He could keep an eye on his surroundings while still taking some time to be alone. 

Well, he was alone, until some green-haired teen started running towards him. Toshinori didn't get up yet, but he kept himself primed if the kid tried anything. Why would someone run up to a stranger alone anyways?

“Mr. Yagi! Thank God!” That disturbed Toshinori greatly. Why did this kid know his name? Barely anyone did. “I was hoping you'd be here, you told me about this place, afterall.” The kid continued, “I thought I was going to have to wait until the sludge villain incident to talk, anyways-” Toshinori continued to get more and more suspicious.

“I know you're All Might.” Toshinori spit blood. 

“Young man, what are you talking about, that's-”

“I know about One for All, I know about All for One, I know about Nana Shimura and the ones before, they say hi, by the way, I know that you're injured and can't stay in hero form for more than three hours.” He stopped to take a breath, and Toshinori took his chance to get in a word. “Kid- you…” he had managed to tell him things that only a few people in the world knew. He glared at the kid. “How do you know that?”

The teen went to sit down beside him. “Name's Izuku Midoriya, I'm the ninth holder of One for All, your successor, but from the future. I think someone sent me back in time to save someone I couldn't save before.”

“Okay, I-” Toshinori was finding it hard to respond to something as wild as this, “I guess I believe you.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean, you've told me things that no one else should know, so I guess it's really you. I'd like you to meet a friend of mine-”

“Tsukauchi Naomasa, detective, lie detection quirk.” Izuku listed off to a stunned All Might.

“Just to… confirm what you're saying is true. Anyways, you're saying that I'll give my power to you in the future?”

“Actually, not to me, that’s the wild part, watch this.” Izuku let One for All flow throughout his body, red veins criss-crossing his skin, green electricity arcing in the air around him, "I've already got it! Which means that two versions of One for All exist at the same time!”

Toshinori pondered this for a moment. ‘Two versions? This is great news! I could have two successors!’ he spoke up, “So, Young Midoriya, you've seen the future, who should I give it to?”

Izuku immediately started squirming slightly once Toshinori finished. “M-me?” he said.

“What? You want double the power or something!?”

“N-no, not at all, I meant the other me!”

“The other you?”

“Yeah, when I got here, I went back home just to find out that the me from before is still here, meaning that there’s two mes!” Izuku’s tone got more excited as he spoke. “Speaking of, you're probably gonna have to save him in like five hours.”

“Save him! Why?” Toshinori spat.

“He- I- We pass under a tunnel after school today, and when we do, a slime villain comes out of the sewer and attacks us. You save us, and that's how we meet. And then, y’know, other stuff happens, but I'll make sure it doesn't happen again.”

Toshinori took a deep breath before making a big decision. “Okay. Let's do this Young Midoriya. I guess I’m getting two successors, who are the same people, but not, because one of them-”

Izuku put a hand up and interrupted him again before it could get any worse, “Just think of us like we're twins if it helps.”

“Y-yeah, kid, I can do that.”

Toshinori eyed Izuku for a moment before speaking again. “I gave my quirk to someone so… small?”

“I get bigger! Time travel made me small again!”

“All right, all right, my bad, kid. Now, tell me more about the future.” His voice became grim, “You mentioned All for One, now why would you have to know about a monster like him?”

Izuku sighed, mentally preparing himself to speak about All for One, Shie Hasaki, the MLA, and the Final War. Toshinori needed to know everything. “Okay, let's talk about the future.”

—

Izuku² Midoriya was having a weird day. Never in a million years would he have expected himself to show up to the door one day, insisting that he was from the future. At first, he thought that this had to be someone with a shape-shifting or illusion based quirk, right? If so, he had to ask them about it, how it worked, what their limits are, things like that. And yet, the things he said disproved that. He knew what Kaachan did to him, and that he tried to cover it up. 

Also, he knew something that he promised to himself to never speak about with anybody ever!

Izuku’s cheeks began to heat up again. He slapped his face with both hands, which gained the attention of his classmates around him. 

Also, he knew something that hadn't happened yet, the villain attack on his way to school. He even said that there would be the debut of a new hero, and he was right! He had never even heard of Mt. Lady before this! He had to be a time traveller, that was the only explanation. And he said that they needed to speak privately! What did that mean? Was he going to give him secrets for the future? Would he instruct him? Give him tips on the economy? Tell him who would win the next sports festival? 

Izuku was so excited - and a little fearful - that he didn't notice his own muttering. Unfortunately, Kaachan did.

—

Okay, weird day turned pretty bad day. Another him shows up, Kaachan bullies him, blows up, and subsequently throws away his notebook, and he has to fight some fish to get it back. Izuku² was really hoping that whatever Izuku¹ - God, they really needed to figure this name thing out here - was going to tell him was good news, and not, ‘Hey, go in for a check-up now, they're gonna find something.’ Type of news.

Unfortunately for Izuku, pretty bad day turned to worst day as he suddenly found himself the victim of a sludge-based villain. 

“Haha, Sorry kid, but-”

“Delaware Smash!”

The villain was reduced to chunks as the sheer wind pressure tore through the tunnel. Izuku was thrown to the side as he looked down to the end of the underpass. There stood his idol, the unstoppable, unwavering, unmatched All Might.

Izuku watched as All Might, The All Might, quickly gathered up the sludge left by the villain into two plastic bottles. 

“Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!”

“Were you like this when we first met?” All Might said to the person by his - wait, Izuku¹?

“Y-yeah. Still kinda am.” He muttered.

Izuku² had so many questions. ‘Do I know All Might? Will I know All Might? Like, Personally!?’

“What's going on!” Izuku² yelled, “Also, Mr. All Might sir, can I please get an autograph?”

“Of course, Young Midoriya!” ‘He knows my name!?’ “But first, let me drop this villain off and hand him over to the proper authorities.”

“Yeah, right, cool, no totally. I'll wait.” Izuku² was positively bouncing on his feet. 

—

Fifteen minutes later, All Might was handing the bottles off to a slightly mystified/confused police officer. “I’ll uh, make sure these go to jail I guess? Gonna put these here soda bottles behind bars or somefin’.” he said as he walked off. Unbeknownst to all, the cap on the bottles wiggled and gave ever so slightly.

“Okay, wanna do this on a rooftop or something?” Izuku¹ asked. “Seems about right.” All Might said, “one in each arm?”

Izuku¹ nodded. All Might picked both Midoriyas in each arm. Izuku² was a mess.

All Might jumped, and with one leap landed on a tall office building. “Here, this should do. Should I go first?” he said. Izuku¹ nodded again. “Go ahead.”

All Might looked at Izuku². “Listen Young Midoriya,” 

‘It never gets old!’ 

“what is said here doesn't leave this roof, understood?” Izuku² gave a squeak in confirmation. All Might sighed. “Five years ago, I received a deadly wound in a fight with a villain.”

“Was it your fight with Toxic Chainsaw?”

All Might chuckled. “No, my boy, but good on you for remembering that. No, this villain’s name was scrubbed from the history books. I didn't think that I was going to have to tell you this so soon, but according to your… future self here,” 

‘So he told him!’ 

“You'll end up well acquainted in time, so I might as well tell you now. The villain's name is All for One. He has the power to steal quirks, and he is my nemesis, everything the Symbol of Peace stands against. And he… gave me this.” 

In a puff of steam, All Might transformed into his frail, skinny form. Izuku nearly passed out. The new, frail version of All Might lifted his shirt, revealing the massive scar that covered most of his lower torso. “Took out some ribs, a lung, and most of my stomach. Now, I'm down to three hours of hero work a day. The rest of the time, I'm this.”

Izuku¹ grimaced at the retelling of this story. He hated it. Hated what All for One did to his mentor. 

Izuku² fared no better, nearly screaming in shock at the image before him. He looked to All Might's left, and saw that his future self wasn't surprised at all. Was this what he wanted to talk privately about? But why? 

Suddenly, an explosion rocked the city, smoke appearing a couple blocks away. 

“No! I-I thought for sure it'd be different this time! Quick! Grab on!” Izuku¹ brought his other self close and grabbed on, before a tendril of black and green embedded itself into the roof and wrapped around a pipe. Izuku¹ quickly repelled the two down the building before breaking out into a sprint.

Both Izuku's arrived at the scene. Off to the side, the policeman from before could be seen. A trickle of blood was on his forehead, but he seemed to be breathing. 

Izuku¹ watched as the past became the present once again, Backdraft putting out the fires, Kamui Woods rescuing civilians, Deatharms being useless, that one bird-looking hero who Izuku¹ never bothered to learn the name of, it was all like before. ‘Which meant…’ Izuku¹ turned his head just in time to watch his past self rush towards the villain. ‘Right.’

Izuku¹ ran with all the power that he could let course through him without causing pain, letting him arrive right after his past self's bag slam against the slime monster's eye. He immediately started ripping the slime off Bakugo, his double having joined him in the endeavor. 

Bakugo coughed, clearing the slime from his lungs before speaking. “What the hell! I don't need- Why are there two of you!?”

“I couldn't watch you die, Kaachan!” Izuku² cried with tears in his eyes. The villain suddenly yelled as he raised his monstrous hand up and brought it back down upon them, “Get lost, kids!”

Izuku¹ started grabbing his other and preparing to get away, but before he could, All Might appeared, stopping the slime man's fist, before following through with his own punch, scattering the villain once more.

In the aftermath, Izuku¹ quickly grabbed past Izuku² and made a break for it before they could be scolded for what they had done, leaving All Might to deal with the press. 

Eventually he stopped running, allowing the two to catch a breath.

“I never thought this would happen. You?” Izuku¹ said. 

“N-never. Seeing my future self, getting attacked by a villain, m-meeting All Might, learning about All Might’s injury, rushing into danger like that, being saved by All Might,”

“Jeez, I really was just nothing but All Might, huh?”

“It all feels… surreal.”

Izuku¹ smiled. “Just you wait.” 

“Huh?”

“Hey!” someone yelled, both Izukus turned their heads towards the noise. “What the hell was that!?” oh, it was Bakugo, “Why the fuck are there two of you? Who are you?!” he pointed to the Izuku not in a uniform, “Explain now!”

“U-uh, well, you see-” Izuku¹ mumbled, ‘damnit, why couldn’t this Bakugo be my version of Bakugo!’ “We’re, uh, long lost twins! Separated at the hospital!” Izuku¹ said with a shaky smile. “Yeah!” His other self explained, just as shakily, “T-twins!”

Bakugo stared at them incredulously. “You really expect me to believe that shit!”

“I got hit by a cloning quirk?” Izuku² said.

“Nuh-uh!”

“I'm from the future?” The other responded.

“That’s just as stupid! You look exactly the same, what are you, two days from the future!?”

“Urk!”

“Y'know what, fuck off, I don't want to know about your worthless life! And don't think that I needed your help today!” He yelled as he strode off.

“Will he get better in the future?” Izuku² asked.

“Wellllll-”

Suddenly he was cut off by All Might springing into view. “I am here!” He yelled, before accidentally transforming back to his thin self in a spray of blood. The process caused present Izuku to scream, and future Izuku to flinch.

“Young Midoriya, I wanted to tell you something before we were interrupted, something that I was just guessing about, until I saw you in action. You moved while everyone else stood to the side. Young man, you showed me something today. You showed me that you too can be a hero.”

The entire time, Izuku² seemed to be just barely holding back his tears, but with his words, the kid fell to his knees and wept. 

“I hereby name you my successor. My power is yours to inherit.” Izuku looked up from his position near the ground. “Power?”

“What’d you think that was earlier when I got us off the building?” Izuku¹ said with a smile.

“Yes Young man, my power. My quirk. One for All is a quirk that’s been passed down from generation to generation, gaining more strength with each new inheritor. I was the eighth, and I want you to be the ninth. In fact, according to your future self-”

Izuku¹ waved teasingly from the side.

“I chose you in his timeline. I intended to pass my power on to you due to the advice of your future self, but after seeing you act, I am sure of it. Will you accept my quirk?”

Izuku²’s eyes were glassy with tears. “Of course!”

Chapter Text

“Okay.” Izuku¹ said on the morning of the second day that he had spent in the past. “We need to come up with a plan here. We can't both be Izuku Midoriya.” They looked each other in the eyes, unblinking for several seconds. 

“You can be Izuku.” They both said at the same time, before looking embarrassed.

“N-no,” future Izuku said, “You be Izuku, I've made up this plan for what to do. Trust me, you can be Izuku. I'll be fine being… someone else.” He seemed to get sad as he finished his thought. 

“A-anyways,” he continued, “I came up with a name. I'll be Saisho Midoriya, your twin brother. Go ahead and refer to me as that from now on. Once we get to U.A,” 

‘Oh my God, U.A!’ Izuku² thought.

“No one will know otherwise. Don't worry, I'll get some fake documents. I know a guy. Well, I know a mouse-dog-chimera-thing.”

“Are you talking about the principal of U.A?! You know the principal of the U.A!” Izuku squealed.

“Hehe, yeah. Again, back on track. Other than a new name, I'll need a new appearance. Just cause we're twins doesn't mean we need to be exactly alike. I've already decided. I'm gonna dye my hair!” He said, excitedly.

“Ooh, which color!?”

“Purple! Second favorite after green, after all.”

“And the two just go so well together. I love it!”

“I was also thinking of growing it out.”

“I love that! You'll look so cool.”

“Thanks, Izuku.” He said, teasingly.

“No problem, Saisho.” Izuku replied back in the same tone. 

“Please, call me Sho.”

Izuku smiled widely, small tears forming in the corners of his eyes. “It's like having a brother.”

“A big brother, I hope.”

“Ha! we're the same size.”

“We'll see about that. Anyways, let's talk about school. You're no longer going to go to Aldera. You're transferring.”

“What? Why?”

“Izuku, you know why. You- we didn't want to make a big deal about it. We didn't want to complain to mom, or be a burden. But guess what? What we're gonna go through in the next few months is a really big deal. Like, really big. So I think we should focus on you for now.”

“O-okay. What about you, though?”

Saisho laughed awkwardly. “I, uh, I'm not going.”

“That's not fair.”

“Listen, I'll be busy coordinating the next two years of our life. I won't have time for middle school, besides, I already did it.”

Izuku's brow raised accusatorily. “You already did a year of U.A, I don't see why you have to do it again.”

“T-that's different! Listen to your older brother on this!”

Izuku brought his hands up in mock surrender. “I concede.”

Saisho sighed. “Look, we have to get going now, our training starts today.”

“Oh, right!” They quickly got up and left the house.

Inko smiled from where she watched them from the crack in her door. ‘I have two sons now.’ She thought, happily. 

—

“All right, here it is!” Toshinori said dramatically. “Your new training site!”

Izuku blanched at the site. It was a dump. On a beach, but still a dump. 

“Y'see kid, people forget what heroes really provide. What the first heroes stood for. Community service!”

“I see,” Izuku said, “by cleaning up the beach, I'll not only be providing a community service, but also work out select muscle groups depending on the trash I haul.”

“Exactly!” 

Saisho interrupted their conversation, “Uhh, should I be a part of this?”

“Well, I imagine I've already had you do this.”

“Yep.”

“I still can't believe that you were trained by All Might!” Izuku blurted out.

“Hey kid, I told you to call me Toshinori in this form! And, well, to answer your question, I feel like you've already learned the lesson since you've done it already, so feel free to help out, but I want you to focus on rebuilding lost muscle first and foremost.”

“Yes sir. Also, you're listening to me about giving Izuku the quirk a month before, not the day of, right?” Saisho questioned harshly. He loved his mentor and all he's done for him, but sometimes he had to admit that he wasn't the greatest teacher. He’s a man, not a god, and men make mistakes.

Toshinori slumped forward. “Yes, I'll give it to him a month early. I'm just worried you'll get hurt, Izuku.”

“Don't worry, I'll make sure he doesn't go through the same things I did.” Saisho said as he pinched Izuku's cheeks.

“H-hey, can we focus, please! I wanna start the workout.”

“Ha ha ha, yes Young Midoriya, let's start.”

“Aaaactually.” Saisho said, “I-I'm gonna head over to U.A this morning. Need to get some things straightened out.”

“Alright Technically-Less-Young-Midoriya, see you later!” Toshinori said with a smile.

Saisho smiled back as he made a quick stop back home before heading for U.A.

—

“Come in, come in Mr. Midoriya, Toshinori said I should be expecting you.” Principal Nezu said. He seemed to be some small, cute chimera of a mouse, a dog, and a bear. He had a perpetual soft smile, despite the deep scar over his eye.

“He did?” Saisho said in an inquisitive tone.

“No, but I figured you'd be arriving sooner or later. Nice to meet you, I'm Principal Nezu.”

‘Right,’ Izuku thought to himself, ‘with how smart he is, I figured he'd know already.’

“And while this is my first time meeting you, this isn't the first time that you've met me, is it?” He questioned. 

“Huh?” Saisho was once again caught off guard. “How'd you know?”

“Many things, many things, the look of familiarity on your face, the fact that you didn't bat an eye to my appearance, as if you're used to it by now. Also, Toshinori called me yesterday saying that he found a new successor, but when I questioned him deeper about his successor’s status, he crumbled like a paper cup.” He chuckled before smiling ruefully. “He told me everything. But anyways, please, tell me why you're here. I wouldn't want to assume anything afterall.”

“Uh, right- ahem.” Saisho faked clearing his throat for no apparent reason. “So, since I'm from the future, I brought this.” Saisho took out a notebook and quickly flipped through it while talking. Every page was filled with text and drawings. “Every important event, how it happens, when it happens, plus sketches of significant villains, what makes them tick, their weaknesses, etcetera.” He closed it. “However, before this happens, I need help with three things.”

Principal Nezu seemed to have a glint in his eyes. Something dangerous. “Please, Midoriya, state your demands.” He chuckled.

Saisho sighed. Principal Nezu always seemed five steps ahead, and six steps away from world domination. Saisho - and the rest of humanity - was lucky that he was one of the good guys. “First, help me with my records. I technically don't have any, and if I'm to attend U.A, I'll need them.”

“Simple enough, I can fabricate some fake documents, birth certificate, social security number, that sort of thing that'll stand up against severe scrutiny in no time.” Nezu promised.

“Good, because that was the easiest thing on the list. Second, we need to perform a raid on the Shie Hasaki.”

“Yakuza? May I ask what for?”

Saisho's face tensed, the corners of his eyes creased. “They have someone. A young girl, probably four or five right now. She's being hurt and abused in the worst way possible. More info about it is available in the notebook, but they're using her to create a quirk destroying drug. If we act quick enough, then they won't have one produced yet.” Saisho looked at Nezu not with sadness, but with a glare of determination. “I- we have to save Eri, Principal Nezu. Please.” 

Nezu lost his smile for the first time. He empathized with the girl, after all, he had experience being a lab rat, being the subject of clinical trials. “Of course, Midoriya. I'll create a team as soon as possible. It may take some time in order to orchestrate a raid with little foundation, but I’ll do everything that I can.”

Saisho smiled slightly. “Good. Thank you sir.” He straightened himself. “One last thing. I also need to save someone else. Just in a… d-different way.”

The principal's eyebrow (if he had them) raised. “Oh?”

“There's this girl, Himiko Toga. She needs help. She's a villain, but she can change, she just needs help. She needs a support system. She currently has no one, and with a quirk like hers, it leads her down a bad path. But I know that there’s a path of redemption for her.” 

‘Once again, that look of determination.’ Nezu mentally laughed to himself. ‘Oh Midoriya, you'll be a great hero one day. I'm sure you already were.’

“All right.” Nezu said. “Tell me what needs to be done.” 

“Search for a Himiko Toga. She lives rather exclusively in more dense urban areas, helps her blend in. She's young, about my age, blonde hair, yellow, cat-like eyes, with long canines. In pretty much every encounter I've had with her, she's worn a middle school uniform. Might be her only real pair of clothes. She probably very recently attacked one of her classmates after years of quirk neglect led her to snap.” Saisho let out a small breath at what he was to say next. “Her quirk lets her change into other people after she drinks their blood. Because of this, I believe that she has a sort of dependency on blood. I think that if she were to be given a stable source of blood, as well as a support group that can accept her feelings and empathize with how she views the world, then she can be a good person. I've seen what she's done, I've heard what she's said, heard what she did, who she helped. She's capable of it. Any crimes involving blood banks, drainings, etcetera could lead us to her.”

Nezu started mentally preparing his mind for today. It would be a long one.

“Oh, and principal?”

“Hm?” Nezu came back to attention.

“Once you locate Toga, just tell me where I can find her. Just that. Please. I'll take care of everything else. Just… I may come back here needing another set of documents. Can you help me, sir?”

Nezu fake contemplated for a couple seconds. Of course he would do it. But he liked to watch people squirm. “All right, I'll help you out Midoriya.”

Saisho's face untensed, his eyes becoming far softer than they once were. “Thank you Principal Nezu. Here.” He handed over the notebook. “I hope you know what to do with that knowledge better than I.” Principal Nezu simply chuckled once more. “Oh, I have ideas. It was good seeing you, Midoriya. I'll keep you updated on your list of things as best as I can. Good luck.” Saisho smiled.

“Thank you sir.” He started walking away before stopping halfway to the door and turning back around. “Also,” he said with a nervous smile, “could you get started on that dorm project you've been thinking of? Might be a good idea to introduce the concept after the event marked ‘USJ’, page 54. Not a big deal, but… I'd like to live with my friends again.”

Nezu laughed. “Of course, Mr. Midoriya, I'll begin work on it right away. I'm just glad to hear that one of my ideas for the future was so well liked.”

—

Saisho found himself on the roof of a familiar building. It was the same roof that he first met the real All Might. The roof where his dreams were shattered. The roof that, if even just for a moment, he contemplated ending it all. Now, he used this quiet, isolated rooftop to have a chat. He sat down, crossing his legs beneath him, and closed his eyes. Before he knew it, he was back in the realm of the vestiges.

“Hey kid, nice to see you back again. Hell of a day, huh?” Nana Shimura said, laughing a little as she did, smiling as warmly as ever. She was a tall, muscular woman dressed in an out of date hero costume. Her onyx-black hair cascaded down her shoulders. Saisho was incapable of responding due to the strange mist that covered his mouth. 

“Don’t worry about us. I know that we've kept it quiet a little, but we're fine. The new state of your body forced your quirk to go into a sort of low-power mode in order to keep your limbs from blowing off your body. The other vestiges are pretty much asleep right now, but once your strength returns, they'll be back.” She ruffled the teen's curly hair. “You got another chance, kid. Make it count. We believe in you.”

Saisho woke back up with a start. What was previously a mid-afternoon day had passed, and a setting sun heralded the start of night. Saisho looked down at his hands. ‘Make it count.’

— 

Saisho got back much later in the day after doing some personal training, just in time for dinner. He arrived home to the sight of Izuku lying on the couch, exhausted, panting heavily, but using a grip strength tool all the same. “You're not overworking yourself, are you?”

“H-huh, what?” Izuku responded tiredly, slightly shocked from Saisho's appearance. He was going to have to get used to living with another person in the house, especially one who looked exactly like him.

“That plan was made to get you prepared one month ahead of schedule, which means it's even more intense than when I did it. And knowing me, you're just gonna work even harder anyway.”

“I'm j-just-” it was difficult for him to speak from his exhaustion, “just doing a little light workout while I wait.” 

Saisho smirked at him, “Just don't overdo it.”

“You're one to talk. Don't forget that you've told me all about your experience receiving One for All, Mr. Fifty-Fractures” 

“Oh shut up.”

They both laughed at each other before getting ready for dinner.

—

Timeskip: Three months later.

Saisho stood at the top of the stairs to Dagobah beach. About half of the trash was already gone, and he was up to 12% of One for All already. Izuku still hasn't gotten it, but with how his training is going, he should get it a month or two earlier than Sho originally did.

Saisho's phone buzzed. Good thing he got a new one for this timeline. It was an email from principal Nezu. Tagline; Toga, Himiko. Izuku opened it quickly, unconsciously activating a fraction of a percent of One for All to speed up his scrolling.

Nezu had found Toga. She was nearby, it seemed, and he had an approximate location of her. Saisho thanked Nezu before quickly rushing back home and putting on new clothes. A black hoodie, hood up, a mask, non-iconic bright red shoes. Clothes that wouldn't let him be easily identifiable. 

He left the apartment and made sure he was alone before he powered up One for All at 12% and took off, activating Nana Shimura's quirk, Float - which was more like Fly now - and skimmed low to the ground and through alleyways to avoid being spotted. It was early morning, but there could still be any unknown number of heroes on an early patrol. 

Luckily, he avoided detection. Well, he at least avoided detection from anyone that might cause any immediate problems. An untold number of pedestrians must have seen him, though.

Saisho landed on the roof of a low, seemingly abandoned building. This part of town had seen better days. He pulled out his phone and searched through Nezu’s message. From the chimera’s research, he estimated that Toga was temporarily residing somewhere in a 2 kilometer radius of where he stood. It'd be a lengthy process, but he’d better start now before she moved.

“How’d you get here?” a familiar voice said behind him.

Saisho quickly whipped around to face-oh, nevermind, there was a knife to his neck.

“Don’t move so suddenly, silly!” the voice giggled. Himiko Toga. ‘Guess Nezu’s estimation was a lot better than he thought.’

“I’ll ask something else instead,” she said before turning him around, knife still pressed firmly to his neck. She looked just like before. Short blond hair gathered into messy space buns on either side of her head. Her yellow, cat-like eyes and fanged smile gave her an animalistic quality. “What are you doing here?”

Saisho wanted to gulp, but was afraid the movement would slide his neck against the knife. He attempted to regain his confidence. “H-Himiko Toga, I’m here to help you.”

Her mood shifted. “Who said I needed help?” she growled.

“You need blood, don't you?”

She looked taken aback. “W-what, how’d you know that?” her grip on the knife loosened.

“You need blood, don't you? In order for your quirk to activate, you require blood, but you've been neglected. You've been denied an aspect of yourself due to the social stigma that was placed upon you by your parents, and this denial of what you need, what you require has led to a breaking point. But you can still be helped. Let me help you. Please.”

“I-I,” her grip firmed. “Who do you think you are telling me what I need? I… I don’t…” tears formed in the corners of her eyes.

“You're not a bad person, Himiko.” her pupils widened at the sound of her name.

“H-how do you know who I am? Who are you? Why do you know about my parents?” She became aggressive, and Danger Sense dully activated for the first time in months.

“I’d love to tell you, but I've got a knife to my neck that makes speaking stressful and a little uncomfortable.” He smiled sheepishly. In response, she narrowed her eyes at him slightly before lowering her knife and walking over to the ledge of the roof. She sat down, all the while keeping her eyes on his. 

“Right.” Saisho said before moving slowly to sit on the ledge with Himiko. Albeit outside of knife distance. “I’m going to tell you something that I've told… actually a couple people now that I think about it, but something that I would appreciate if you didn't repeat.” He took a deep breath, muttering under his breath something about how it never gets easier.

“Himiko, I’m from the future.”

“Future? Like, 29th century, space battles, lasers-” her seriousness with which she had started out had disappeared. “ooh! Are flying cars in the future a thing, or does that never happen? I always thought that they were never going to work. I mean, the terrorist acts alone that could be committed with such a thing-” She looked back to Saisho who held a nonplussed reaction. “Right, sorry, continue future-guy.”

“Oh boy. Okay, I'm only like two years in the future.”

“Aww.”

“And I want to set you on a different path.”

“And what's so wrong with the one I'm on?” She asked aggressively.

Saisho frowned slightly. “I've seen what you did, why you did it. You ended up becoming a villain because of the way you were treated by the world. You wanted to change it. I'm telling you that you can, but you don't need to hurt people to do so.”

“And why should I trust you future-guy?”

“My Name's Izuku Midoriya, but call me Saisho Midoriya. I-I can tell you why later, but…” he hesitated a moment before pulling up his sleeve. “D-drink. Y-you can drink my blood. I-I figured that you're going through blood mania from your quirk. I looked it up. Apparently, a lot of blood based quirk users are reliant on a steady supply of blood, and if they don't have it, their mental state suffers for it. In fact-” she put a finger to his lips. ‘When did she get so close?!’ 

“I got it, Saisho.” She giggled. “You just want me to taste you.” Saisho blanched in response. “Maybe you're a little right. I won't turn down a meal, anyways.” She grabbed Saisho's forearm. “Ooh, a little muscle, huh?”

Saisho scratched his head nervously with his free arm. “I'm trying to get back the muscle that I had before coming here. When I was sent back in time, it also affected physical state and-” 

“Again. You're doing it again.”

“O-oh. Sorry.” She giggled at him.

“I wouldn't normally mind, but I'm kinda hungry.” She lowered her mouth and bit down on his forearm. There was a small twinge of pain, but it felt surprisingly nice. Pleasant even. Like an interior forearm massage. After about a minute, Himiko pulled away. Her lips were stained red. “T-thank you.” She blushed. “M-maybe you're right. Maybe. But…” the corners of her eyes became wet with tears once more. “What if it's too late for me? What if I can't go back? W-what if I've already… already-”

“Stop.” Saisho demanded, taking a hold of her shoulders, “It's never too late to make up for what you've done. You can be a good person, Himiko. I bet you'd even make a good, no, a great hero.” Saisho once again hesitated for a moment, looking away before meeting her eyes once again, a new determination flared in him before he began again. “Stick with me, Himiko, I'll make sure you end up on the right path.”

“W-what do you mean?” 

“You need friends, you need family, you need a home, and you need blood. C-come live with me, I-I'll be able to-”

“Are you really proposing that I live with you? I barely know you.”

“Himiko, where were you sleeping tonight?” Her eyes wandered to the entrance to the building.

“In the abandoned building, am I right?”

Himiko avoided eye contact before sheepishly speaking. “I mean, the roof, not the building itself, but yeah.”

“Himiko, please. L-listen, you don't have to trust me immediately. There's something that we can do for each other beforehand.

Himiko blushed slightly. She was getting kinda into the cute future-guy who cares for her, and gave her blood, and was the only one who ever told her that she could be a good person. Honestly, pretty much whatever he said right now, she'd probably go along with it. “Like what?” She smiled softly.

“Help me take down the Yakuza.”

Himiko blinked. What? “What?”

“I know a perfect way to prove that you can be a good person. Help me save someone.”

“Okay… I'm listening. Explain.”

“Alright, so here goes.”

—

It was a week later. Saisho was dressed in his vigilante garb once again, standing on the roof of a building overlooking a cafe. While he was appreciative of Nezu's help, it was simply taking too long. The amount of red tape and legal jargon that Nezu would have to go through, as well as coordinating a team and rescue plan for this whole thing as well. It was taking too long. Every day that he waited was another day of torture for Eri. It took everything in him to not bust down the door now. 

He also knew the risks that such an operation carried. Too many people could get hurt. Too many could get killed. Saisho was going to make sure that no one died today. Even if he had to break a couple laws.

He knew that the laws were there for a reason, that they helped the little guy more than they hurt them. But he knew he couldn't just sit and wait. So he made a plan. Specifically, he’s had a plan made since day one.

“Heya.” Himiko called out as she arrived. “What are we here for?” She said as she stared out over the surprisingly peaceful area. It was nice, for a spot that she thought she was gonna be fighting Yakuza to the death in. 

“Little bit of reconnaissance.” He said. “Do you need blood?” He began rolling up his sleeve. Himiko began to drool a little. His blood was delicious. “N-no. I want to get this over with first.” Saisho smiled.

“Let me explain. There's a head yakuza in that cafe right now, goes by the name Chronostasis. His quirk allows him to stab people with his hair, and depending on which part he stabs you with, you slow down a certain amount.” He pointed over to the business in front of him. It was a cat cafe. “What's a head yakuza doing there?” She asked quizzically.

“I-I don't know. But I've been watching him for some time, getting an idea of his routines. He stops by this cafe every week, stays for an hour or two, then leaves. He should be leaving in another half hour or so.”

“So what's the plan? Full plan, anyways, not what you told me a week ago on that other roof.”

“Once he comes out, we wait for him as he crosses an alley into a street two blocks from here. Once there, we ambush him, knock him out, you drink enough of his blood to disguise yourself as him for a couple hours, we infiltrate, we rescue Eri, and get out of there.” He explained quickly.

“Spare no detail, huh?” Himiko said sarcastically.

“I'm trying to stay focused right now, not get caught up in the reeds and all that, y'know? I-if I think too much then… then-”

“I get it.” She interjected, “I'm a little nervous too. I wanna save that girl as well. I wanna do some good for once.” She smiled brightly, showing off her long fangs. “It'll go well, I'm sure of it.”

— 

It did not go well. 

“I knew you'd show yourself one day, kid. Think I wouldn't notice your creepy stalking?” The Yakuza stabbed at Saisho with his hair, who barely dodged it in time. “I figured I wouldn't need help to deal with someone as young as you, but I guess I was wrong. First time for everything.” He mocked.

Chronostasis had Saisho on the back foot for a little bit now. Someone like him didn't pose much of a threat nowadays, even with only 12% of One for All. But this wasn't his fight. It was Himiko's. He was holding back, waiting to see what she would do. If she could be trusted.

Suddenly she was behind Chronostasis. She had remained out of the fight the whole time at the request of Saisho, but jumped in, seeing him struggle. She drew her knife, Chrono unaware of her presence. Saisho readied himself. Hopefully she was going to do the right thing. Please.

Her knife flew in her hands, she handled it like a pro. It slashed. Saisho waited. There was no blood. “Hey buddy.” She called, “whaddya do when your hair is cut?” She said teasingly.

The villain's two long locks of blue hair fell to the floor. His face filled with horror. “W-wait-” He didn't get another word out before Saisho quietened him with a powered up punch to the jaw. He fell to the floor, Saisho catching him before his head could hit the ground. 

He turned to Himiko, a smile was on his face. “Good job.”

“Yeah, well someone needed to shut him up. He was talking too much trash, so I decided to talk some myself.”

“Yeah, but you didn't hurt him. You didn't stab him, you didn't kill him. You neutralized the threat and you saved me.”

She blushed slightly. “I- well it'd be bad to kill someone when you're trying to prove to me that I can be good.”

He laughed. “Whatever your reason was, I'm glad to see it work. C'mon, let's get started.”

She nodded and pulled out a syringe. “You're not going to just drink his blood?” He asked. “I don't like this guy. Feels too icky. This is business, I'll keep drinking skin-to-skin as a personal privilege.”

Saisho felt proud of her. She already was so different from before. Maybe because this was more than a year before he last met Himiko, but she seemed willing to change. 

She drew the villain’s blood before taking the plunger off the syringe and drinking it straight. She cringed slightly. His blood felt oily down her throat and the taste wasn't pleasant. Not like Saisho’s.

“Okay,” she said, “that should be enough for twelve hours when I activate it. What should we be doing about hairdo over here?” she said, nudging the man’s chest with her foot. 

“I brought some rope with me.” Saisho said, pulling a bundle of rope out of a mostly empty, concerningly large duffel bag he dropped down earlier.

“Please don't tell me that's what I think it's for.” she said, pointing at the duffel bag.

“I-it is.” he scratched his head in embarrassment. “How did you think we both would be getting in?”

“I don't know, I thought you’d- whatever.”

“No, tell me, what did you think I'd be doing to get in?” Saisho's mouth curved upward in a smile.

“I… thoughtyoudhideunderthebigcoatthisguyhas.” She said quickly and quietly.

“Pfft.” Saisho was barely holding it in. Himiko flustered and turned bright red. “Don't laugh! Your idea is just as stupid!” she yelled. “Do you really expect me to waltz right in? You really think it's gonna be that easy?”

—

It really was that easy. 

She should really keep her mouth shut at this point. Surprisingly, not many stopped her. Most kept to themselves, recognizing the hierarchy here. The few that did try to make conversation didn't suspect a thing. Himiko was a great actor after all. 

The only problem was finding where the girl was located. The hideout was a maze of tunnels and rooms, floor after floor of gray corridors and large open rooms, and while Saisho had some memory of the place which saved them some time, it still wasn't an easy task. He talked quietly into an earpiece when no one was around, telling her where to go. Eventually, they found it. It seemed unassuming at first, another door like any other. They’d opened quite a few on their way here, so it was a shock when they found a completely normal looking little girls room.

It was well furnished, with several toys scattered on the ground, and bright colors on the walls. Seeing how regular the room appeared made something inside Saisho burn. Sitting on the bed, quivering quite a lot, was Eri. She was a young girl, maybe 4 or 5 years old, with white hair, red eyes, and a small pale horn on the right side of her head. She was dressed in a simple grey gown. Bandages covered her legs and arms. She seemed even more fragile, more young and vulnerable, far too innocent for the hell she was going through. No one deserved to go through what she had.

“Zip me out.” Saisho said. Himiko complied and unzipped the bag, allowing Saisho to come out. “You're pretty heavy, y’know.” she grumbled.

He ignored her, instead focusing solely on Eri. “It's okay, Eri, my name’s Saisho Midoriya. I'm here to get you out. I am here, Eri. To save you.” He smiled as widely as he could. The room seemed brighter at that moment. “Himiko, leave the room, please, you look like one of the bad guys right now. Keep watch outside.” Himiko moved to comply. Saisho turned back to Eri. “Don't worry, that isn't the bad man, she's just disguised as him.”

Her body language softened, but she was still on guard. “W-why?” she said, voice breaking slightly as she spoke. “G-go away, please, they’ll h-hurt you. T-they said I deserve this. I made my daddy disappear, I-I'm a c-curse.” she started crying.

“That wasn't your fault, Eri. It never was, and I'm sure your dad would say the same.” He went to step further, but stopped himself. “Eri, can I hug you?” He asked. His heart was close to breaking for her all over. 

“Hug? W-what do you mean?” And there it broke. He composed himself. He needed to be strong today. For Eri. “It'll be fine, I promise.”

Eri nodded slowly. She trusted him. He wasn't like the others, that much was obvious. 

He got closer and Eri panicked. “W-Wait, I c-could make you disappear too!” He put his arms around her and held on tight anyway. His embrace was comforting. It was firm, but not constricting. His hand held her head against his shoulder. She cried, harder than she had in some time. “I'll save you, Eri. But you're gonna have to trust me.”

—

Minutes later, both Himiko and Saisho were walking down the halls, keeping as calm as possible. Himiko was still in disguise, Saisho was wearing a bird mask he brought with him, and Eri was lying as still as possible in the duffel bag. They were maybe halfway through before the alarms started to blare.

A voice came over an intercom, “Someone took the girl! Shutdown now, no one’s leaving! Be on alert!” Himiko and Saisho exchanged looks. The duffel bag squirmed slightly. They walked faster. Maybe they could get to the exit before they're found out. 

“Hey, excuse me, sir, you mind me asking what’s in the bag?” said a particularly ballsy Yakuza. 

“Nothing to do with what's going on, and nothing you need to know. Get out of my way.” Himiko said, keeping up the charade as much as possible. “Normally you’d be right sir, but I’m gonna have to ask-” Saisho interjected the man the same way for the second time today, knocking him across the room. “New plan.” he said, picking up Himiko and the duffel bag.

Himiko blushed as she was pulled into a bridal carry by a boy much smaller than the body she was transformed as. Luckily, the blush was kept hidden by the bird mask. 

Saisho blasted off with a combination of One for All and Float, keeping Eri close to his chest to reduce the effects of the change in gravity as he flew. 

Yakuza thugs appeared on their path, but were buffeted by the wind generated from Saisho's flight. Hall after hall they flew. Saisho was sure of it, they needed to get out now, before they had a chance to realize what was happening and put a stop to them. 

They made it all the way to the aboveground building before they were stopped. There stood Overhaul, in his red and gold crow's mask and green jacket. His white gloves were missing, and he seemed fuming. “WHERE DO YOU THINK YOU'RE GOING?” He yelled. “And you, Kurono,” Himiko almost snorted, ‘Chrono's name is Kurono?’ “What the hell do you think you're doing?”

“He captured me?” She said.

“Do you really expect me to believe that?” Himiko shrugged in response, “It was worth a try.” She threw a knife at him, anchoring his foot to the floor. “ARGH!” 

He reached down to the knife in his foot rearranging the atoms and getting it out of his foot, before focusing on the ground beneath him. 

Before Overhaul had even dissolved the knife, Saisho moved to blow a hole through the roof with his fist, rocketing through it the next moment. The ground exploded as the very atoms themself were rearranged into large spikes that hoped to spear him as he flew. Saisho weaved past one, and dodged another, further climbing into the air. Eventually, the spikes were unable to reach him, crumbling due to structural instability. With his enhanced senses, Saisho was capable of hearing the roar of intense rage Overhaul left following his brief escape. He hoped that one day the villain would suffer a fate much like the one from his own timeline.

Once they were outside in the open air, Saisho checked back up on Eri. “Are you alright, Eri?” He asked. A moment passed as he waited for a response, but it felt like an eternity. “Y-yeah.” Came a shaky response, “I-I'm fine.” Saisho blasted off as quick as possible, leaving the Shie Hasaki behind. Overhaul's weakness was distance and the open air. Without merging himself with Rikiya again, he had no chance of keeping up. 

Before long, Saisho had put a city between the two and landed on a rooftop. He quickly let down Himiko, who stumbled slightly like a sailor taking their first steps on solid land after months aboard a ship. 

He wasted no time unzipping the bag and checking on Eri, searching for any bruises or scratches. He cringed as he realized he would need to search for new injuries, not injuries in general. Finding no new scrapes, he verbally checked up again as well. “Hey Eri.” He smiled. “Holding up well?” 

“Y-yeah.” She said. She took a look around. She was outside, and could see the clear blue sky. She was rarely outside. “A-am I-” she choked up, tears flowing down her face. “You're free now, Eri. You're safe. Never again will that happen. I'll make sure of it.” Eri leaped to hug Saisho. He hugged back. His firm and warm hugs felt like nothing she could remember. She held on for some time in silence. “Eri?” Saisho spoke up, “Do you mind if I introduce you to some people?” He asked. Eri slowly pulled away and looked at him, tears still staining her eyes. She nodded and hummed in confirmation. “Good. Let's go meet some nice people. Maybe get you some candy or apples or something along the way.”

—

Saisho had informed Principal Nezu of what happened, as well as his reasoning for it. Unsurprisingly, Nezu wasn't surprised. He estimated that this would happen, and got a hold of Aizawa. 

Saisho told Himiko to wait for him outside U.A, and would meet up afterward. He hadn't told Nezu the deal he made with Himiko. 

This would be Saisho's first time meeting Eraserhead in this timeline. He was a little nervous, as he usually was around Mr. Aizawa. He arrives in his hero gear, capture scarf wrapped around his shoulders. His black hair was long and messy, eyes heavy with exhaustion, but Saisho saw how they scanned his surroundings constantly. He was an underground hero who was constantly on alert. His eyes settled on Saisho Midoriya, and the small girl he held in his arms. 

“Why'd you call me in, sir.” 

“Aha, courteous as ever, Aizawa.” Nezu chuckled. “I know this is going to sound strange, but I'm going to need to ask a favor of you.”

His eyebrow raised. “And that is?”

“Watch over this young girl. You needn't be with her constantly, but I've agreed to take charge of her as a ward of U.A, and I need you on standby. You see-”

“Her quirk is dangerous, and you need me to be there in case it goes off until she can learn to control it. I can tell.”

“Right as ever!” 

“Right.” He sighed. “And what's with the other kid?” He motioned to Saisho, “What're they doing here anyway?”

“Mr. Midoriya here is the son of a friend of mine, and he found this girl on the street after her quirk went off. He came here because he figured that I could help him out, and he was right.” Nezu smiled.

“Uh huh.” Aizawa said, not believing it for a second. “What is her quirk?” he asked. 

“It can rewind an object’s time.” Saisho spoke up. He put his hands over Eri’s ears. It was slightly needless, since she was passed out in his arms. “She told me that she made her father disappear, so I think it can work on people as well.” Aizawa’s eyes widened. “I see why you'd need me then.”

“We’ll have a room prepared for her. We just ask that you get to know her a little and stick around for a bit.” he said, speaking to Aizawa. “Of course,” Aizawa replied.

“I’ll explain the situation to her when she wakes. Thank you, Eraserhead.” Saisho said, smile warm and genuine.

Aizawa’s eyebrows raised at that. ‘He knows who I am? Must be a big hero nerd. Don't really run into many that can recognize me.’

“No problem, kid.”

—

Saisho explained what was going to happen once Eri woke up. She seemed really scared to be separated from her savior so soon, but he promised to come back every day, and her fears were slightly assuaged. Still, it was hard for her to let go of their hug, which only continued to shatter Saisho’s heart. ‘Just until she learns control of her quirk.’ he promised himself. ‘She’ll get better. She’ll get more comfortable.’

He left U.A, making it partway down the road before Himiko appeared from the shadows and joined him. “Hey.” He said as she approached. “Hey.” She responded back. She was weirdly quiet and conserved. “Want to go home? W-with me? I figured you did real good today. You should… you should come home.” 

Himiko lifted her head, showing her eyes for the first time in their conversation together. They were wet with tears. “I-I did good?” She asked, voice wavering. 

Saisho smiled. “Yeah, real good. C'mon.” He led them back home.

Chapter Text

Saisho unlocked the door to his apartment. His mother was sitting at the table facing the door. She rushed up to meet him as soon as she noticed the door open. Her face was a mix of relief and concern. “Saisho sweetie, where were you! You were gone all day, and-” she noticed the girl standing behind him.

“Mom,” Saisho said, “This is Himiko Toga, she's someone I saved who I couldn't last time. She knows about me, so it's fine. She needs somewhere to stay. Can she stay here?” He asked. 

“H-hi Mrs. Midoriya.” Himiko greeted shyly, standing behind Saisho as if he were a shield. Her experiences with parental figures weren't stellar, after all.

“I-I mean, yes? I trust you sweetie so… she could take the guest room. Oh, but honey where will you sleep?”

Saisho waved his arms, already knowing that he'd give up his own space for another. Any other alternative never even registered in his mind. “It’s no problem, I'll sleep on the couch, or on the floor in Izuku's room.” 

Inko's face twisted in concern for her son who seemed too mature for his age. “If you say so, sweetie. I worry for your back, though.” She turned to Himiko. “It's nice to meet you Ms. Toga, I'm Inko, Iz- Saisho's mom.” She smiled.

“C-call me Himiko, please.” She said. Saisho noticed how meek Himiko was acting, far unlike the self he was used to. Is she okay? 

“I'll go prepare her room. Is Izuku back yet?”

“No, he's still out training. You know how you both can get.” He chuckled lightly. He sure did.

He walked to what was his room, and which would now be Himiko's. He wouldn't have much to move out, since he didn't acquire too many things in his three months since arriving. It did hurt slightly after he realized that his All Might collection was now technically someone else's. However, he had to think on the bright side. This was just an opportunity to build a new one!

He closed the door after Himiko came through. A threatening aura suddenly filled the air, the hairs on the back of his neck rising, but Danger Sense didn't respond. She immediately turned on him, pinning him to the wall, hands on his shoulders. His mind flared with anxious thought. Was she really better? Was she just doing all this to get him to lower his guard?

She leaned forward on her feet as she brought her head close to the side of his, her mouth hovering over his right ear. Her hot breath tickled the hair on the back of his head, sending a jolt of electricity down his spine in response. “I… love you.” She whispered. Oh. He figured he might end up with the same result as before, but he was hopeful she'd lose interest if she knew what he was really like from the start. Why would someone love a guy like him, after all?

She pulled her head back to look Saisho in the eyes. She sported a full face blush, matching Saisho's impression of a strawberry. Sho was nothing like his past self. He’d matured into a much more confident teenager over his year at U.A, but even so, he still had difficulties looking Himiko in the eyes right now. “B-but you j-just met me!” He whisper-yelled. 

“You said you knew me in your timeline as well. Was I in love with you then, too?” She asked. Her voice was soft, filled with emotion and anticipation. The meekness from before was nearly entirely gone, and yet a hint could still be heard as she awaited Saisho’s words. It was a sudden realization, but she loved Saisho, and if she loved him now, did she love him before? Wait, not before. In the future? Before in the future? God, time travel sucks, whatever.

“Y-yeah. A-a little.”

Somewhere, off in the distance, a clean-shaven man in a brown trenchcoat reaches for his temples as a headache overtakes him. A lie has been told, and an extremely big one at that since he's never had his quirk go off so badly.

“Then it's natural, I guess.” She smiled at him. “Do you think it's possible for you to feel the same as I do one day? If I keep being good?”

Saisho tried to look away, but Himiko took up his whole view. “M-maybe.” He said.

“And do you think that I can really do it? Change the world, ease social stigmas… be accepted for who I am?” Her voice was shaky and scared. Saisho's face steeled in response. He wouldn't let her down, not in this regard.

“Of course.” His voice didn't carry a hint of doubt or unease. He said what he knew was true.

Himiko backed up, her smile widening, mood shifting just as quickly as always. She got what she needed. For now. “Great! I'll be looking forward to that day.” She turned back to the room around her, taking stock of her surroundings. It was bare and basic, but with the accommodations she was used to, it was much more than enough. “So this is my new room, huh?”

Saisho was dazed. He truly thought he was going to be kissed. And thinking about it, he wouldn't have minded. “Uh, y-yeah. I-I'll move my stuff out and y-you can get settled.” He looked over Himiko, seemingly fully taking her in for the first time. She was admiring her new room, turning slowly as she took it all in. The smile on her face was the most beautiful thing Saisho had ever seen. He then noticed her clothes, how old and dirty they looked. “D-do you need more clothes? I don't think I've ever seen you in anything else.” Saisho gathered up his things.

Himiko blushed in embarrassment. “Y-yeah, I think I could get more.” She quickly turned back to Saisho. Her demeanor changed, a sultry look appeared in her eyes. “You wanna dress me up maybe? Wanna see what I look good in?”

Saisho's face made its best impression of a tomato. “Imgonnagetgoingyougetsomerestokaybye!”

Himiko smiled at him as he left. She couldn’t remember a time when she was happier.

—

Izuku arrived home at about 6 pm. There waiting for him was his mother, new brother/himself, and a stranger. A girl with messy blonde hair and yellow cat-like eyes.

“Hey, Izuku! I want you to meet somebody.” Saisho beckoned him over. Izuku joined them at the table. It was set for dinner for four people, yet with the amount of food laid down for Izuku and Saisho, it was more like eight. Luckily, Saisho had gotten All Might to help out with expenses.

Saisho motioned to the girl sitting beside him. “This is Himiko Toga, she's a reformed villain. Or, she was a villain in my timeline.” He looked over at Himiko in query. “Were you technically a villain in this timeline?” Himiko shrugged.

“Anyways, I decided to save her because I know that she just needs the right support to be a hero. We talked, and she plans to attend U.A with us. I'd like for you two to get along as friends.” Saisho motioned for Himiko to speak while he started to dig into his food.

“That's right! Call me Himiko, or Himiko Midoriya, because me and your ‘brother’ are practically already engaged!” Saisho started choking on his food. Inko and Izuku were equally stunned. 

After a quick back slap by Himiko, Saisho cleared his throat and started denying what she just said. “W-well, i-it's not l-like that! Not at all!”

“Oh?” Inko said, “Then how is it?” A hint of humor and what Saisho assumed had to be malice touched her voice. 

“I already said ‘I love you’ all you need to do is say it back, produce a ring, and bam! We're engaged~” she said dreamily. “But I'll wait. I'm real patient like that.”

“I-it's uh, nice to meet you, Himiko.” Izuku said. “I'm assuming that he already told you about me and him?”

“Oh yeah. He's you, but from the future and all that. Don't worry, I won't bother you. I'm loyal to my Sho-baby.” She grabbed onto Saisho's arm.

“N-not exactly what I was worried about, but okay. Are you going to be joining us for training then?” He asked. 

“Definitely. Gotta build up those muscles if I'm gonna be a real hero now. Saving Eri got me hooked on that feeling.”

“Eri?” Izuku asked. 

“Oh, I forgot. I also saved another person from my past. She, uh, is a little girl that was…” Saisho became all too aware of his mother silently listening to the conversation. “In a bad situation when I met her, so I decided to enlist Himiko to help her out early. She's staying at U.A right now, so I plan to visit as often as possible until we get in. You're welcome to come with.”

Saisho noticed his mother was crying. Izuku was the first to ask, “Are you okay, Mom?” She continued crying for a moment before looking at Izuku. “You grew up to be such a fine young man. I'm so proud of you. Of you both.”

Izuku and Saisho got up from their chairs to hug their mother. After a moment, they parted. Izuku could tell that by the tears in her eyes, she had something to say. 

“Izuku, both of you two,” Saisho unknowingly flinched a little. It'd been a while since he was referred to by Izuku. It felt nice again. Like this whole time he had been pretending to be someone he wasn't. “I… I'm so sorry.” If it was anyone but a Midoriya, the amount of tears would be incredibly concerning, “When you were younger and you asked if you could be a hero, I… I couldn't answer you. I didn't think it was possible, and I felt so sorry for you.”

Off to the side, Himiko looked concerned, but the love that this family held for each other… It was beautiful. 

Inko looked at her two sons, and saw nothing but greatness in them. “But I was so wrong. And nothing has made me happier than you proving me wrong.” Her smile was warm. “I'm so proud of you both. I'm so happy that I got to raise such a wonderful kid. And now I have two! I'm the luckiest parent in the world to raise one kid, and get two noble heroes for my efforts.” 

Izuku looked over at his brother, but realized that he was having great difficulty in doing so. Tears clouded his eyes. So did Saisho's. They gathered together again for another group hug.

Himiko looked at the family before her. Mild concerns about the rapidly growing pool of water aside, she realized that this was all she truly wanted. A loving family. Saisho reached out and put an arm around Himiko's shoulder, bringing her into the fold. 

And now, she got it.

—

“So, Himiko, huh?” Izuku said as he washed a dish in the sink. Saisho stood to his side, drying the dishes as Izuku finished. They made an efficient team.

Saisho turned red in embarrassment. “She's a little… odd, but she's a... good person. Deep down, at least. She just wants to love and be loved.” Saisho dried the bowl in his hands, drying the same spot over and over as he talked. His eyes wandered.

“Of course.” Izuku said, “Just seems fast is all. When can we start planning the wedding?” He teased.

Saisho chuckled. “You should've seen her when we first met. Didn't even know her, and here she was confessing her love while also attacking us.”

Izuku's face stiffened. “Anyways, she said that she was going to join us at U.A, I wanted to ask about that. Didn't you already finish your first year? Shouldn't you start your second?”

Saisho turned his eyes to the floor. “Well, yeah, but… I kinda miss my friends.”

Izuku sighed. The dishes that they were doing sat neglected in the sink. “But you already completed everything. Shouldn't you start second year so that you can become a hero sooner? Wouldn't that be for the best?”

“Y-you're right, but… If there's one thing that I learned, it's that you can't be a hero alone. I… bonded with these people, and I can't imagine graduating without them. You may not understand yet, since we, y'know, haven't had a real friend in a decade, but once we start school, you'll get it. Trust me.”

Izuku's brow furrowed before he turned away. “Of course I trust you, hard not to, but I still think that the sooner we're heroes, the sooner we can get to saving people.”

Saisho put a hand on his brother's shoulder. “In due time, Izuku.”

—

One and a half months before the Entrance Exam:

“In recent news, the company ‘Detnerat’ was forcibly dissolved today after ties connected them to the new Meta-Liberation Army. The president and CEO of Detnerat, Rikiya Yotsubashi, was taken into custody today after, according to law enforcement, a group of top ten heroes including All Might himself forced the man to give up. Mr. Yotsubashi, as well as dozens of members of the MLA including several pro heroes are currently awaiting trial, while possibly thousands of different individuals are being investigated as being tied to the shady organization.”

Saisho turned the TV off. He had wanted to take part in the raid last week, but All Might insisted he stay out of it. He still didn't have his provisional hero's license after all. The entire week, he felt as if he was on the edge of his seat, waiting for new info on the progress of the operation. Two days ago, All Might contacted Saisho, telling him of the operation's great success. Thanks to his intense, detail-oriented notes about the Meta Liberation Army, the heroes were able to pull off a clean raid. Nobody died, but several were injured, one of which was forced to retire due to the severity of their injury. Upon hearing that, Saisho felt bad for how he possibly could have changed that if he was there, but All Might assured him that Sho had done all he could, and that without his knowledge, the raid wouldn't be nearly as much of a success, if they would even be able to call it a success at all without him. That seemed to assuage his guilt a bit. But it would always be there.

Saisho put his running shoes on and made his way down to Dagobah beach. It had been cleared of trash months ago due to the combined efforts of Saisho, Izuku, and Himiko, but they still often used it as a meeting point due to its reputation as a dump that has kept it relatively abandoned despite the now pristine waters. Ever since they finished, Saisho introduced Izuku to a gym for people with strength enhancement quirks. While he didn't have one yet, he would soon. In fact, he'd be getting it today.

Saisho ended his run at the steps to Dagobah beach. All Might in his muscular form and Izuku in his less muscular, but still rather chiseled, smaller form were standing on the beach. Just from the way he was talking, Saisho knew that All Might was giving him the speech. He plucked a hair, continued on, and suddenly made a loud command. “Now, eat this!” He yelled. Saisho couldn't see his face, but he knew the expression Izuku was making. 

—

“Young Midoriya.” All Might's voice was strong and imposing, doubly so when he was in his hero form. It clashed with the real, frail version of his actual physique. “Over the past eight and a half months, you have proven yourself time and again that you are worthy of my power. Let it be known, young man, that there is a difference between those born with power and those that earn it. You, my boy, have earned this.” He went to pluck one of the hairs from his head. “Truthfully, I'm incredibly lucky to be able to see that I did not choose wrong, but even so, I know without a shadow of a doubt that you will be an incredible hero. Now, eat this!”

He held out the hair in his hand. Izuku, who had been on the verge of tears the entire time, now suddenly blanched. “W-what?”

All Might's demeanor suddenly shifted. The serious bravado he carried himself changed into one of embarrassment. “What, did Saisho not tell you? You have to ingest some of my DNA in order for the transfer to work!”

Suddenly the sound of laughter could be heard. Izuku looked behind himself and to the right to see Saisho standing at the top of the stairs at the entrance to the beach, doubled over in laughter.

Izuku turned back to All Might, and slowly took the hair from him. “And this isn't a prank or something?”

All Might waved his hands defensively. “Of course not, I have nothing to do with him laughing over there!”

Izuku looked at the hair, then to All Might, then back over his shoulder again to the barely-holding-it-together form of Saisho, then back to All Might, then back to the hair. “Whatever.” He swallowed the hair and gagged. “Why'd you pick the longest one?” 

“It was the easiest to reach!”

Saisho laughed again.

—

A couple hours later, both Saisho and Izuku were standing shirtless on the beach. “You feel anything different?” Saisho asked. 

“Not really.” Izuku answered. “Should I? Oh God, w-what if this doesn't work? What if, d-despite you being here, th-there can only really be one version of One for All. What if-”

“Izuku, stop it.” Saisho said, karate chopping his forehead. “You're pulling an us. I felt the same thing. Which is to say, nothing at first. I didn't feel anything until it happened, so that's normal. Take a breath.”

“O-okay.” He took a deep, shaky breath, and let it all out.

“Now reach inside, feel that feeling beneath your skin. It's tingling slightly, like static electricity, just real small, hard to realize it's there. Once you find it, pull.”

Izuku did as he was told. His eyes closed, and he stood still for five seconds, ten, twenty, when suddenly his left arm became wrapped in red, sparkling lines. Izuku's eyes opened and he realized what was happening and it quickly went away, the red lines faded back into his skin. “W-was that it?” he asked. Saisho smiled wide at him. “It sure was.” 

Izuku began vibrating with excitement. “I have a quirk! I have a quirk!”

‘Was I always this excitable?’ “You do, but if you try using it, you're gonna kill yourself.” The color immediately drained from Izuku’s face. “W-what?” Saisho nearly laughed at him.

“Well, not kill yourself, but hurt yourself really badly. The first time I used One for All, I shattered both my legs, and my arm.” Izuku’s face became even more pale, somehow. 

“So I’m gonna teach you how to gain control without breaking every bone in your body. First off, for the next couple hours, all we’re gonna do here is sit on this beach, apply sunscreen every two hours so that we don't get a sunburn, and focus on activating One for All. Starting today, your schedule changes. We're still lifting weights at the gym everyday, but we're also doing quirk training. Once you can hold on to five percent or so no problem, we're going to lift with your quirk. I've discovered that exercising with your quirk helps stimulate more intense muscle growth.”

“Really? That does make sense I guess, All Might was 600 pounds of muscle in his prime, even peak human beings can't reach that without the assistance of a quirk.”

“That's right. In faaact.” He stepped closer to Izuku. For the first time, Izuku realized they weren't the same height. Izuku was 165 cm tall, but Saisho probably had 5 or 6 cm on him. “How did you?” his eyes widened, “It stimulates growth in general! Not just muscle growth!” Saisho smiled in response. 

“Right again! All Might does have pretty good genes, but even then, 220 cm is a crazy height. I figured that One for All enhanced his growth as a teenager, leading him to what he is today. I figure that we'll never get nearly as big as he did, but with the extra time having it in our possession and as long as we stop breaking our legs, we could get above 190 cm.”

Izuku smiled, but it quickly dropped from his face. “I don't like being the shorter brother, though.” Saisho laughed. “You'll get there, you just have to wait a bit. Anyways, I'm not finished. After you get control of your quirk down, we're also starting combat training. Since we're so alike, we'll probably have the same style, but that doesn't mean you should stick to what I do.”

“Branch out, got it.”

“And don't, please don't, focus on what All Might does.” 

Izuku's eyebrow raised. “Why not?” 

“You're- we aren't All Might. He has hundreds of pounds of muscle, we have like, a hundred. He has total quirk mastery, I still can only use about a quarter, and you can use none. He's a very top heavy guy, we're much more well-rounded. All Might's fighting style works for him, but that doesn't mean it works for us.”

Izuku's hand went to his chin. “I see what you're saying. My idolization of All Might can be a crutch.” 

Saisho sighed. “Thank God you're getting this, I'm saving you from like a year of pain that I went through.”

Izuku smiled. “Yeah, I get it. If I want to be a great hero, I gotta find what's right for me.” 

Saisho felt like he could cry. Maybe this training would be easier than he thought. He probably shouldn't tell Izuku that, though. 

“Get ready,” he said, “because your real training just started.” 

He always wanted to say that.

—

Both teenagers arrived home several hours later, faces red with exhaustion. Izuku had never felt the same way. It's like he found a new way to get tired. Their mother was cooking in the kitchen when she heard them enter. “How'd your training go, boys?” She said, looking over her shoulder. 

Izuku realized he had great news to tell her. “M-mom, y-you know how Saisho said that we're a late bloomer?” Inko dropped the utensil she was using to cook. “My quirk came in today.” Before he could blink, she appeared at his side and brought him into a tight hug and started crying. “Mom, p-please, you're gonna make me cry too.”

“I'm just so happy, I never- I felt so bad that I- I-I'm so sorry Izuku!” Izuku started crying. Saisho smiled warmly and went to grab the buckets. 

“Oh my God, is the toilet flooding?!” Himiko yelled from her room. 

“No, just Mom and Izuku!” Saisho replied, smile widening at the sight.

—

“Hey, Sho.” Himiko was poking her head around the wall. It was nighttime, Izuku had turned in already to get good sleep for his training, and their mother was always an early sleeper, so it was just the two of them. “What is it, Himiko?”

She looked to the ground “Could I get some blood?” Saisho smiled. They had done this dozens of times now, but she was strangely meek this time around. A brief flash of fear went through his head when he remembered the last time she acted so meek, but he quickly tried to push it down. “Of course.” He patted the seat on the couch next to him and held out his forearm. 

“A-actually, I was hoping we could do it in my room.” She said, hands fidgeting in front of her.

‘Oh?’ “U-uh, sure, no problem.” Saisho chuckled nervously. Him, in a girl's room? I mean sure, he'd been in this room before, it had been his before Himiko's, and a guest room before that, but still! 

Saisho followed Himiko to her room. She closed the door behind them. “Get comfy.” She said. Saisho chose a spot on the bed. ‘A girl's bed! No, shut up, you're not ten, before all this you were almost seventeen, you got this.’ He held out his forearm again.

“I-I was hoping I could get some from your neck this time around.” Himiko's face was flushed, mouth in a nervous grin.

Saisho blushed, “My neck? W-what for?” 

Himiko had this planned. “Probably won't take as long.” She said, Lying through her pointy teeth.

“A-alright.” Himiko sat down beside him, legs laid on top of each other behind her. Saisho tilted his neck to allow for better access, and Himiko brought her mouth to his neck. Saisho prepared himself for pain, but once again it was rather subdued. A quick pinch, and then a soft, pleasant feeling. It was… enjoyable. Himiko laid her hand on his shoulder as she drank. She leaned into him. Despite the fact that he was currently losing blood, the blush to his face was stronger than ever.

Eventually, she stopped. But she didn't move. Himiko stayed there, half of her torso on his, mouth on his neck. “H-himiko?” Saisho asked. She brought her other arm around his neck and hugged him. “Thank you, Sho. For everything.” She whispered softly. 

After a minute or so, she got up. “So, should we study for the written exam? I gotta make up for all that time spent out of school!” She said, cheerfully. Saisho nearly passed out, not just from a lack of blood.

—

“So, how did you figure it out, originally? Because I'm going to be honest, I'm struggling a little here.” Izuku said as he tried and failed to get proper control over One for All. It had been nearly a week since he had received the quirk, and his lack of success was a little disheartening.

Saisho seemed hesitant to ask. “Well, I got it a lot later than you. I had to learn what it felt like to even hold onto the quirk first, and then how to bring that power level down.”

“Right, I get that,” Izuku said, frustration showing in his voice, “but how'd you… envision it?”

Saisho mumbled something that Izuku couldn't make out.

“What?”

“I thought about it as a plate of taiyaki in a microwave! If you use a plate that's too big, then it won't spin, and only one part of the taiyaki will heat up! You've gotta spread out your quirk throughout your body so you can evenly cook your taiyaki!” Saisho was breathing hard, as if speaking those words took a lot out of him. Cheeks pink in embarrassment, he avoided eye contact with Izuku's scrutinizing glare.

Izuku's voice was steady and filled with judgement. “I have many things to say. First off, you could've told me this before.”

Saisho covered his face with his hands. “I tried to come up with different ways to phrase it! I wanted it to sound cooler than another microwave analogy!”

“Secondly, hilarious that that is how you managed to figure out how to use this incredible, centuries-old, passed down from generation-to-generation legendary, mythical power using a microwave analogy.”

“If I wasn't here, you would've found out the same way!” Saisho was on the verge of tears as he defended himself like his life depended on it.

“Thirdly, another microwave analogy? You're telling me there's a, at least second, different microwave analogy?”

Sho wanted to bury himself in the sand. “It was about an egg in the microwave, and how you shouldn't let it pop.”

Izuku looked at Saisho, who seemed to be shrinking in on himself. “And to think that I ever held respect for you as an older brother.”

Saisho wailed from behind his hands. “Don’t joke about that! My reputation as a cool version of you from the future is all I have! I want you to look up to me as a role model! If I can’t have my future self look up to me, then I faaaaiilllleeed!”

Izuku laughed, unable to hold it in any longer as he moved to put an arm around his brother. “I’m sorry! I was just kidding, I just found it funny.” 

Saisho crawled out from behind his own hands. His face was grim seriousness, the look causing Izuku to flinch. “Then get to work. Surely you’ll do better now that you know what I do. I mean, if this uncool, respectless Izuku can figure it out, then why can’t you?” Izuku knew that Saisho was joking, but the threat of being unable to master One for All carried weight behind it.

Izuku backed up from where his brother sat on the sand and moved to distance himself before taking a wide stance. He thought about what he said. Spreading the heat out so that his body - the taiyaki (Izuku snorted) - could heat evenly. 

Red lines covered his body as his quirk activated, and a new aspect came into play. Green electricity raced and arced around his skin. He managed to keep the power down, probably around 4 or 5 percent of his max, just like Saisho said he should be able to get to. He looked over to his left to see a wide smile replace Saisho’s grim seriousness. He jumped with his quirk, causing him to leap an extra couple feet in the air than normal. 

“It’s working!” Izuku said, voice filled with joy.

Saisho’s smile morphed into a smug grin. “And who’s analogy made it work?”

Izuku tried to not let Saisho’s logic get his mood down.

—

Timeskip, a little over a month later.

Izuku and Saisho stood at the gate to U.A high. For Izuku, this was his first time here, for Saisho it was like coming home all over again. Both had filled out considerably. Saisho managed to grow some more, reaching 175 cm, while Izuku stood at 168. They were also considerably more muscled. Saisho had ten months of training with One for All, so he was very muscular, but still lean and agile. Izuku only had a month of enhanced muscle building, so he was less so, but still noticeably larger than what the original Izuku looked like after his ten months of training. Saisho glanced over at Izuku and smiled. “Good luck,” he said.

“What about me, Sho?” Himiko asked. She was planted to his side, arm wrapped around his. “Gonna wish me luck? Gimme a good luck kiss maybe?” 

Saisho whined, “Himiko, please.” 

“Alright, alright.” She backed off him. 

“Good luck, Himiko.” Saisho said once she gave him breathing room.

“Good luck too. Don't break a leg!” she giggled behind her hands.

Saisho groaned. “I told you that with the hope you wouldn't repeat it!” Himiko laughed at him. 

“Whaaat, I'm not telling anyone, just teasing. I can't tease?” She batted her eyes, attempting to make puppy-dog eyes. The result was a wide, eerily creepy stare, that would've made most uncomfortable. However, for Saisho, it had its intended effect.

The boy blushed and looked away. “L-let's just get inside before we're late.”

Chapter Text

A formerly quirkless kid, his future self, and a reformed villain walk into U.A on their way to become heroes. This sounds like a really weird joke, with some stupid punchline. But it's reality. Atleast, as far as Izuku can tell. 

Maybe he's in a coma. If he thought that if he was in a coma, wouldn't he be able to tell? Like how dreams work, once you know you're in a dream you either wake up, or you can start altering it by lucid dreaming. But he isn't 100% sure he is. Aren't there ways to tell if you're in a dream, like looking at a clock or-

“Muttering~” Himiko said in a musical tone.

“S-sorry.”

“Stupid Dekus.” All three whipped their heads around at the sound. Katsuki Bakugo was walking behind them. He looked at the trio, glaring at them as he passed. “Multiplying like rats.”

Himiko began stalking forward, hands clenched, before Saisho grabbed her by the shoulder and reeled her back in. “Please don't start fights.” He begged, “And Izuku,” he sighed, “Listen, Bakugo can become a better person, he's capable of it, but you can't let him walk all over you. That's not how he comes to respect us as equals. Well, as close as equal one can get in Bakugou's eyes. You've gotta stand up for yourself.” 

Izuku nodded. “Right. If I wanna be a hero, I shouldn't let people push me around. Heroes stand up for others, and if I can't stand up for myself, then when will I stand?”

Saisho stared wide eyed. “Wow, you're quick to pick up on my advice.”

“Well, I think it's a pretty good idea to listen to my future self on these matters.”

“Right. Let's get going.” Saisho said before Izuku started walking towards the entrance. Himiko moved to follow, but was once again stopped by a hand on the shoulder from Saisho and a quick shake of the head.

Suddenly, Izuku tripped and fell before his fall was suddenly stopped, causing him to float midair.

“Are you okay?” Called a new voice. It belonged to a short girl with brown bobbed hair and a permanent light blush dotting her cheeks. She smiled good naturedly and released her quirk, causing Izuku to drop back to his feet. “I stopped you with my quirk. I'm sorry I didn't ask first, but I figured you wouldn't mind me catching you. It wouldn't be lucky to fall right before the exam, after all.” Izuku tried to say something, but couldn't manage to come up with anything. He was being talked to by a girl. A girl that wasn't his mom or Himiko. She turned to the others. “Sorry about that, see y'all inside, bye!” 

They watched her walk inside. “Just to be clear, you didn't just talk to a girl. She talked to you.” Saisho said. 

“T-there was a little back and forth.” 

Himiko shook her head. “Izu buddy, you didn’t say anything other than ‘uh’ and ‘um’. She could've been talking to a brick wall, and she would've gotten the same experience out of it.”

“Don’t mock him like that, Himiko.” Saisho put a hand on Izuku’s shoulder. There was an expression on his face that Izuku couldn't quite tell. It seemed serious and morose. Almost sad. “Find her after, talk to her then.” he looked around, noticing that many of the other test participants had already made their way inside. “Also, let’s hurry up and get inside, the written exam will start soon.”

Saisho let the others walk a couple steps ahead. His brow furrowed in thought.

Ochako Uraraka. For months, Saisho wondered what he would do when he saw her again. But he made his decision. Ochako pushed Saisho to better heights in his time. Ochako meant… so much to him. But Izuku needed her support more than he did, and he couldn't take that support away from him. And who knows, maybe Izuku could succeed where he didn’t. Saisho just hoped that he’d be able to look at the two of them together one day and be happy for them. 

— 

After a fairly easy exam for Izuku, a pretty okay exam for Himiko, and a surprisingly difficult one for Saisho, (Principal Nezu definitely gave him a way harder exam than normal, which, he had to admit was fair, he had already taken it before, why not enjoy the challenge?) the three gathered in the auditorium, moving to take their assigned seats. Saisho quickly switched spots with Izuku, keeping him away from Bakugou.

Bakugou let out a low growl after noticing ‘the anomaly’ sitting next to him.

Suddenly, Present Mic, the sound-based hero took to the stage and began the introductions for the practical exam. “Are you ready!?” He yelled. No one replied back.

Saisho nonchalantly put up a hand to cover Izuku's mouth and prevent him from muttering. 

After a quick brief that was interrupted by a certain blue-haired individual, they were instructed to get changed out and loaded up on the buses outside. Saisho gave some final words of encouragement to the other two before heading out.

—

Saisho was at a different training ground than before. Cementoss was overseeing this one. His gravely voice was carried by a megaphone. “Get ready!” seemed like he was actually going to give them a heads up first. “3, 2, 1, Go!” The doors to the exam area opened, and Saisho was the first through. 

He flew past the other participants, reaching the city center before they had even crossed the threshold to the faux-city. 

The following performance could only be described as surgical. 

Before the exam began, Saisho took note of his fellow participants, identifying several of his future classmates. Fearing the Butterfly Effect, he made sure to act precise and to not overdo it. He knew that with the control he currently held, he could get at least 80% of the robots here himself. But this exam wasn't made to be a gloating session, especially not just for him. He had to think of the others.

After just 7 minutes, Saisho had managed to secure 40 villain points after finding and destroying lone, out of place robots. The kind of robots that looked like none of his classmates would have managed to reach them in their time. Estimating that 40 was enough, he set about phase two of his plan. Use the rescue point system.

No one was in any true danger, he knew that now, but there was always the risk of injury. 

A blocked strike from a one-pointer here, a deflected missile there, and Saisho had managed to save a half-dozen people from various hazards.

His score probably wouldn't be too high, but what mattered is that as much stayed the same as possible. 

Unfortunately, he knew that some things had to change. There are only twenty spots in class, and with the addition of him and Himiko, that meant that likely, two of his classmates wouldn't make the cut. 

He felt guilt beyond measure when he first realized what would happen. But, as always, he would plan for that eventuality. Well, more like he'd go to Nezu, and they would plan together, but still.

As Saisho pulled another participant from the approaching swing of a two-pointer, he reflected on Himiko and Izuku.

He hoped the others were doing well.

—

Okay, sure, Izuku had a rough start because he wasted time getting distracted by the girl at the entrance, but hey, he wasn’t doing too bad! He hoped.

By this point, he was capable of 7%, maybe 8% if he pushed himself. And he was pushing himself. Powered up 8% punches tore through these robots like paper, and he was ecstatic. He’d never really had the chance to really move as much as he was moving here except for combat classes, and those were up against a person so incredibly stronger than him that it was more like being played around with. He knew that the classes were for his betterment, but gosh, could Sho let him win once? Please? 

Izuku tore through another one-pointer, making this his 17th point. His steps felt like small bursts of flight, moving him faster than anything he'd experienced before. The thrill was exhilarating.

He hoped the others were doing well.

— 

Oh yeah, Himiko was killing it. ‘It’ being the robots. Not people of course, that would be crazy. 

At one point, she saw that weird angry Blonde kid from the entrance. He was like a machine, focused solely on the destruction he could create. He laughed almost manically as he rocketed from place to place, blowing holes through robot after robot. It clashed heavily with her sneak and strike style, so she tried to stay away. 

Well, maybe she didn't completely stay away. A part of her was angry that someone so repulsively rageful was trying to be a hero. 

So yes, maybe she did start following him as she accrued points, and yes, maybe she did imagine cutting him up a little. Really, if she did, he should be thanking her, the blood and gashes would at least improve his ugly demeanor. 

Himiko watched as the boy stood still for a moment after he destroyed several bots. He panted slightly, catching his breath. Unbeknownst to him, though, Himiko saw a Three-pointer, still functioning, aim its missile salvo at him. 

Himiko acted before she had time to think. Dashing forward, she picked up a small armor fragment from one of the destroyed bots and leaped.

She landed on the head of the three-pointer and brought the piece of metal in her hands down. The red lights of the machine flickered before the head dropped, and it stopped moving. 

Himiko sighed, questioned why she did what she did, and looked to the side, seeing that the boy had already left. Asshole.

Taking a moment to herself, she hoped that at least the others were doing well.

—

The ground rumbled and split as a massive, ten story tall military green robot appeared. The side of its head had a huge zero painted on it. Saisho quickly stopped to check if anyone was hurt by the entrance the robot made, or if they were in the path of the thing and couldn't escape. 

And there he saw it. A familiar head of short, purple hair, long earlobes and onyx eyes. He watched as Kyoka Jirou, one of his classmates from his timeline, attacked a three-pointer that was in her way as she ran from the metallic beast behind her. Her heartbeat rumbled through her jacks and into the three-pointer's frame, causing it to seize up and fall. Directly onto her still-attached earjacks. She screamed out in pain, and before he knew it, Saisho was by her side.

He lifted the massive three-pointer above his head with ease. “Are you okay?” He asked.

Jirou slithered her jack back, flinching slightly as she inspected them with her fingers. “I-I'm alright.” She said, voice shaking with pain, “It hurt, but they're pretty resistant to blunt force.”

Saisho tossed the robot he held aside. “Good, let's get moving, do you need a lift?”

She hesitated slightly, “Nah, I'm good, I can run.”

“Then let's get going.”

Saisho and Jirou ran from the encroaching metal monster, getting some distance between them and it before ducking behind an alleyway.

Jirou huffed, trying to catch her breath. The stress and exhaustion from the exam was starting to catch up to her. Saisho on the other hand seemed like he could do this all day. A single bead of sweat on his forehead was all the evidence that he had even exerted himself at all. 

“Damn, dude, you're not even winded? I feel like I might hurl.”

Saisho chuckled. “I'm used to this kind of thing.”

Jirou's eyelids lowered in doubt. “I refuse to believe that you are used to ‘this kind of thing.’” 

“I-I d-didn't mean i-it like that!” He said suddenly, desperately trying to backtrack.

Jirou raised an eyebrow at him. “Hey Freckles, chill, I was just teasing. ‘Course you're not used to fighting giant robots.”

Saisho scratched the back of his head awkwardly. “Y-yeah, of course.”

“Wanna see if we can get any more points before time runs out?” She said, a slight smirk across her face.

Saisho smiled back in response, briefly blinding in its intensity. “Definitely.”

—

Izuku saw the girl from the entrance again, but this time in a far worse position. A crumbling wall had pinned her ankle, and the zero-pointer rumbled closer. 

Now, Saisho had made a point in driving home the idea that 100% of his power was only for extreme emergencies, and that care should be taken not to lose control of his given power. He even made a point to warn him about the entrance exam. “If you just so happen to see someone hurt, or pinned down or whatever, do not, under any circumstances, lose control and kick off at 100% to save them. This is a training environment, nobody should be getting seriously injured, let alone be at risk of death, there are way too many parameters for that. So, once again, if you happen to see something like that, stay within your limits, and save them normally. Please. I beg of you.” 

Izuku was embarrassed to admit that despite the incessant warnings he didn't stay within his limits. But he didn't go crazy either. As he watched the girl get in trouble, his reins slipped a bit, and he ran off at 20%. He could feel the muscle in his calf that he tore, and it hurt like fire. But that didn't matter in his mind. 

He lifted the debris off the girl and saved her, bringing her away from the approach of the robot before laying her down gently a large distance away. “Are you hurt?” He asked concernedly.

“Y-yeah.” The girl said with some degree of difficulty, “My ankle might be broken or something.” 

Izuku grimaced. He had never broken a bone before, so he couldn't imagine the pain she was going through.

—

“AND THAT'S TIME!” Saisho heard Present Mic yell, and knew he passed for sure this time. Maybe he even got a higher score than before.

“Hey.” Jirou said from his right. They were walking towards the exit together. “Give me your phone.” Saisho had a confused, slightly wary look. “I'm not robbing you, come on.”

Saisho held out his phone. Jirou took it and quickly entered something. “Here's my contact info. Thanks for earlier.” Saisho noticed how she seemed to be avoiding his eyes.

“N-no problem, Jirou.” Saisho said without thinking.

Her head suddenly shot back up, eyes more open than they were before. “How’d you know my name?” 

‘You've gotta be KIDDING ME.’ “I-I uh, uh… thought I heard someone say it earlier?”

Jirou could tell he was lying. She could hear heartbeats, and his was beating irregularly, like a hammer against a drum. “Uh huh. And why are you lying?”

‘Of course she can tell I'm lying.’ He thought, ‘Literal worst person to slip up in front of. Okay, new plan. Be honest without telling everything.’ Saisho put on the most serious face he could muster. “For reasons I can’t say, Jirou.” ‘Now she’s gonna hate me and be suspicious, and-’

“Nice. You're pretty mysterious, Purple. I think I'll keep my eye on you. Make sure to keep in touch.” she said before walking off. The close encounter made his heart skip a beat. At least, that's what he hoped caused it, and not the smirk that she gave him after she called him Purple. ‘Wait, purple?’

“You're purple too!” He yelled as she walked off.

“And?!” She said, turning around, smirk continuing to grow.

“I-it- the nickname sounds like you're talking about yourself!”

“Whatever, Freckles!” she chuckled to herself before turning back around and heading off.

Saisho mused internally. ‘What have I gotten myself into?’

—

The three met each other back at the entrance after the exam. Saisho was the first to ask. “So how’d it go?”

“Awesome!” Himiko yelled, “I got some as myself, but I also used you to take some out. They're pretty weak, and your base strength was enough to dent some heads. Hurt my fists like hell, though, don’t know how you two do it.” Saisho and Izuku both laughed. “Anyways, I may have stolen some kills from this kid who was spitting out these shields. He wasn't too happy about that.”

‘Tsubaruba?’ Saisho thought, ‘Tsubaruba’s quirk is strong, though and he’d make a great hero. If U.A didn't work out for him, I'm sure he'd find another school like Shiketsu. Still, I should try and find out what will happen with him.’

“Saisho?” Izuku said, “Are you okay? You sort of spaced out there.”

“Thinkin’ about mister Shield-spit?”

Saisho shook his head and regathered himself. “No I wasn't, I'm fine, just thinking.” He paused for a moment. “Hey guys, do you two want to come with me real quick? Since we're no longer busy with training, there's someone I'd like you both to meet.

—

“Sho!”

Saisho was suddenly speared in the stomach by a high-velocity white haired missile. Unfortunately, Eri's horn had grown slightly, and was uncomfortably pushing on his guts. He quickly moved to pick her up so that her head wasn't nuzzled in his abdomen and brought her in a close hug.

“Hey Err-bear! How have you been?”

She backed her head up from his shoulder, but kept herself attached. “Good! Mr. Aizawa showed me his kitties! But I missed you!”

“Eri, I saw you yesterday!”

“I still missed you!”

Saisho's face tightened around his eyes. “I did too. Has your quirk acted up at all?”

Eri's child-like glee faded, and Saisho felt all the more like a monster for it. “No, it's been fine.”

Saisho sighed. “Well, listen I… No, I can't tell you that now, I still- sorry Eri nevermind.”

Eri simply giggled. “You're funny when you do that, papa.”

Standing behind him, Himiko and Izuku froze. Oh yeah, those two.

Saisho looked back at the pair, and realized that introductions were in order. “Right I forgot, Eri, this is Himiko and Izuku. Himiko, Izuku, this is Eri.”

Eri removed herself from Saisho's side and went to stare at the two new people.

“Sorry that they hadn't met you yet, Eri, we've been really busy training and getting Himiko caught up so that they could take the entrance exam.”

Eri stared at the two, cautious of them. She studied Himiko for a bit, before turning her eyes to Izuku. He was remarkably similar, and that confused Eri a great deal.

“Papa, why does he look like you?” She asked, pointing at Izuku. 

“Eri, we don't point, it's impolite. Also, it's because… he's my brother.” Saisho said, really not wanting to have to explain the concept of time travel to a five-year old. 

“Oh. What's a brother?” 

“Someone with the same mama and/or papa.” Himiko said, crouching down to get eye level with the child. “Nice to meet you, Eri, I hope that I can be your mama one day.”

“H-Himiko!” Saisho squeaked.

“Anyways, you said that Saisho is your papa?” She asked.

Eri nodded, head bobbing back and forth with some slight excitement. “Yeah! He takes care of me, and he cooks for me, and he plays with me! When I was watching TV, they were talking about parents, and I asked him what that was, and he said it was a person who cooks and cares and loves you, and then I asked what love meant, and then he got all quiet.” She took a deep breath. “And then he said it’s when you really care for someone and that you really want to see them happy a whole lot, and then I said that I loved him, and then he cried.”

Himiko looked over at Saisho, still kneeling, face in his hands. She could see steam rise off of him as his face overheated in embarrassment.

Eri continued, “And when he stopped crying, I asked if he loved me, and he said yes, and I asked if that made him my papa, and he cried again.”

Himiko’s malicious smile rose. “Is that why you make those bentos in the morning? So that you can take them to Eri?”

“I-it’s important that she eats a balanced meal.” Saisho said, face still in his hands. Himiko’s heart swelled. It was frustrating to ignore her instincts to give Eri siblings. She just had to wait.

Izuku moved and kneeled beside Eri as well. “Nice to meet you, Eri, I’m… Saisho’s brother.” Izuku tried not to think about how his future self has a pseudo-daughter. Did that make her his future-pseudo-daughter, pseudo-pseudo-daughter, or just pseudo-niece? He gasped. Was he a pseudo-uncle?!

“Papa, he’s doing the thing you do.”

Saisho walked up and ruffled his other-self’s hair. “Just let it run its course. Eri?” He asked, “I have to do some important teenage-grownup stuff.”

“You’re not a grownup, you’re a teenage DILF!” Himiko exclaimed.

Eri looked at Himiko and then back to Saisho in confusion. “Papa, what’s a DILF?”

“Himiko, look at what you’ve done!” Saisho yelled. Himiko simply stuck out her tongue in response, while Izuku rolled his eyes at the two’s antics. “L-listen, Err-bear, that’s not important right now, we’ll talk about when you’re… fifty. Now, are you alright with staying with Himiko and Izuku while I go?”

Eri looked back at the two smiling faces of Izuku and Himiko. They were warm and inviting, just like her papa’s. She turned back. “Yeah, I’ll be fine.”

Saisho smiled. “Good. I’ll be right back.”

“Love you papa, bye!”

Saisho stiffened, while the smiles on Izuku and Himiko’s faces widened. “Love you too. Bye.” Saisho walked off, speeding up as he went so that he would hurry up and get it done with faster.

—

“Come in, Midoriya!” Nezu said from inside his office. Saisho sighed, not even having knocked on the door yet. Opening the door, he was met with the site of Principal Nezu pouring two cups of tea. “Don’t worry, I didn’t predict that you’d be here, I simply watched you on the security cameras and figured you’d like to talk. Now is this about your daughter who you have only a ten-year age gap with?” Nezu said, a playful smile taking over.

Saisho sighed. “Partly. I was wondering, maybe you could-”

“Announce the dorm system ahead of schedule so that you could live on campus, and be closer to your daughter?” Nezu’s tone of voice turned playful as he said daughter. He chuckled. “They’ve been ready for weeks now, yes, I was going to announce the change in the acceptance letters, don’t worry. In fact, I’ve added an addition to one of the dorms. An additional room, connected to yours, for little Eri to go.” His dark eyes glittered mischievously. To Nezu, life was like a game of chess, and you can’t get anywhere in chess without thinking ahead. 

Saisho stared at him before blinking once, slowly. “Right. Good. Great. Don’t have to wait till the USJ then, I guess. A-anyways, I know that it’s presumptuous of me to ask, but… I wanted to know who’d be getting in. I know that it’s being cocky of me to assume that Me and Himiko would get in, but-”

Nezu laughed. “Midoriya, it’s not being cocky at all! A time traveller, taking a test that he had already passed before without his foresight, now taking the test again, but this time stronger and with experience surpassing any other participant the exam has ever known? Midoriya, you were practically a Pro in your timeline, there was practically no reason to hold the test for you at all, it was a simple formality.”

“Well cockiness aside,” Midoriya continued, attempting to brush the compliments away, “I’m concerned about the fact that two others won’t be attending because of us. It’s… selfish, in a way.”

Nezu hummed in thought. “I guess you’re right, Midoriya. I apologize, I hadn’t thought about it with your more human emotions. But we can’t exactly run classes with 21 students each, it would make the curriculum a nightmare.”

Saisho looked down at the floor in thought, but also a little shame. 

“But we could do it with 22 each.”

Saisho’s head perked up. “What?”

“Well, if we include You, Himiko, the original 40, and two more, that will make 44. Which would be split into two 22 person classes. It’s simple math, Midoriya.” Nezu teased. “It would set a new precedent, but I don’t see why we couldn’t do it.”

“Har Har. Which two people though?”

“Well you said that Hitoshi Shinso ends up making a fine hero, yes? Well, why not him? He didn’t score well on the practical, but that test wasn’t suited well for him anyways.”

“W-what about the other one?’

Nezu hummed in thought once more as he poured over a spread of files that lay scattered on his desk. “What about this one, Togeike Chikuchi. Do you know her?”

“I… can’t say I do.”

“She did well on the written portion, but her quirk seemed ill-suited for the exam as well.”

“What’s her quirk?” Saisho said, producing a notebook and pencil from his pocket.

Nezu eyed the boy’s pocket suspiciously. There was no way that notebook managed to fit in there. “She can control the moisture found specifically within a living being’s body, and move them with ease. She’d be great with restraining villains or moving civilians out of harm’s way, but she couldn’t find a way to destroy the robots. I think that she could make a fine hero.”

“Th-that sounds perfect! That way everyone can stay!” He turned to the principal. “But we are going to have to do something about Mineta.

Nezu’s face lost its joy. “Yes of course. He hasn’t done anything yet, but immediate action should be taken once he gets here. That boy needs serious counseling.”

“Right. Ah, one more thing. I’d like to be put in Class 1-A again.”

“I have an idea why, but may I ask?”

“Well, of course I want to see my friends and all, but also because, for some reason or another, that’s where much of the conflict happened. I’d like to be there for it all.”

“Of course. Who would I be to ignore the words of a time traveler. I’d be a fool, that’s who. I was going to put you there anyway, Midoriya, but I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thank you, Principal Nezu. You’ve been a great help.”

“You’re quite welcome, Midoriya. Now, I have business to attend to. I suddenly have to ask Cementoss to add two rooms to both dorm rooms before school starts. Have a good day, young man.”

“You as well.”

—

Timeskip, one week.

Saisho was doing a light ab workout on the floor of their apartment, while Himiko sat on the couch and not-so-subtly took pictures of him with her phone. Meanwhile, Izuku paced back and forth nervously while curling a weight. “What if I didn't get enough points to get in? I only got 38 villain points, I've heard of some people getting 45 and still not getting accepted!” 

Saisho smirked. He couldn't wait to see the look on his face. Their… faces technically.

Apparently Jirou had already gotten her letter. Saisho acted surprised when she told him over the phone. However, the excitement in his voice was genuine.

‘Should be any minute now.’ 

Suddenly, Saisho and Izuku's mother barged in, holding one letter. “It's here!”

‘One letter, huh? Guess it makes sense.’

Saisho let Izuku take the letter. “Do the honors.”

Izuku held the letter between his hands for a moment before gaining a look of determination and ripping the letter open from the middle. 

Himiko silently mouthed, “No class.” to Saisho, causing him to chuckle.

Out of the ripped envelope came a small, round disk, which displayed a hologram as soon as it settled on the floor.

“I AM HERE, AS A PROJECTION!” All Might yelled, “You may be wondering what I'm doing! Well, I asked Saisho to keep it a secret from you two that I'll be… teaching at U.A!” Izuku suddenly gasped. “That's right, but let's get into you three's scores.” His smile slipped, “You have no idea how happy I am to be able to knock out three of these at once!” Saisho chuckled to himself. “Now, All three of you passed the written exam with flying colors! And your scores on the practical are nothing to laugh at either!” 

Izuku started getting antsy, “Himiko Toga, with 41 villain points and 20 rescue points!”

“Wait, rescue points?”

“Izuku Midoriya, with 38 villain points and 45 rescue points!” 

“What!?” Izuku yelled. Saisho ruffled his hair in response.

“And Saisho Midoriya, with 40 villain points, 60 rescue points!” All Might said, ending with a big finish, “Welcome you three, to your Hero Academia!” The holograph turned itself off. Izuku sat there stunned. Tears formed in the corners of his eyes. 

Sniffling was heard from the side. Inko was crying as quietly as she could manage. “I'm so proud of you all!” She pulled them into a tight hug. 

Saisho couldn't stop smiling. When he first got accepted into U.A, he thought that nothing could've made that moment better. He was wrong. He tightened his arms around Himiko and Izuku. No, nothing could make this moment better.

—

Jirou: So, does Mystery Boy ever do anything in his free time other than get into similar situations to giant robot rampages and randomly guess a stranger’s name?

Midoriya: I… work out?

Midoriya changed their name to: NotAMystery

Jirou: Dude, how are you also awkward in your texts? Also, yeah, that's obvious, I can tell.

NotAMystery: ?

Jirou: Anyways, if you’re not lifting weights all the time, wanna do some karaoke? 

Jirou changed their name to: coolestgirluknow

NotAMystery: O-of course. Why?

coolestgirluknow: Dude, you stutter in your texts too? 

NotAMystery: It’s a habit!

coolestgirluknow: I feel like it'd be a lot simpler if you just didn’t do that. Whatever, you wanna know when and where to meet me, or are you just gonna keep defending your habits?

NotAMystery: Y-yeah, go ahead.

coolestgirluknow: :|

—

“What do I wear? Should I put on cologne? But I don't own any cologne!”

“Saisho, calm yourself! Isn't this just another one of our classmates in the future? Just act like normal!” 

“Yeah, but we barely even talked before! We were in different friend groups!”

“But you two were friends?”

“Pretty much…”

“Good enough. Just talk about things that you know she likes, and be friends. That's it.”

“But what if she thinks that this is a date?”

“Do you think that she thinks that this is a date?”

“No… she's a pretty chill person, she probably just thinks that this is a hang. I-I mean, there's no reason to think of it as anything more than that… right?” 

“Right.” 

“Right.”

“...Are you gonna get an outfit ready, or are you just gonna keep dreading the moment?”

—

“You're going out. With friends?”

“Yes, dad, for the millionth time.”

“Sorry, but, I dunno, that's just never happened, really.”

“Wow, way to put down your own daughter.”

“A group of friends, though? Like you have multiple friends?”

“Yep. Totally.”

“Hmmm… any boys? Or *ahem* girls?”

“Dad.”

“Sorry, sorry. Any thems either?"

"DAD."

"Sorry! Just… looking out for ya, half-note.”

“I'll see you later. Try not to have a heart attack while I'm gone old man.”

“And you better not, uh… I got nothin’. Annnd she's gone. Honey! Kyo's gone, wanna test the new sound-proof room!?”

—

Saisho stood outside the karaoke spot in jeans and a purple hoodie, zipped down to show a black t-shirt with a white ‘Deep Dope’ logo on it. He bought the shirt yesterday, solely for today, but Jirou didn't need to know that. Danger Sense once again remained quiet, but his head pounded as if it was active. 

“Yo, Mystery Boy, you've been waiting long?” Jirou called out from behind him. Saisho jumped and turned around to face her. Her eyes widened slightly in recognition. “Deep Dope, huh? You like ‘em?”

Truth be told, he did. After hearing about them from his timeline's version of Jirou, he decided to check them out himself. While the type of music wasn't his favorite, he could really tell that the band was pretty talented, and had some kinda great songs. 

“Y-yeah. They're, uh, not bad.”

Jirou scoffed. “Not bad? They practically revolutionized the post-garf-punk-indo-tretian style. They're like… neo-neo rock.”

Saisho smirked a little, getting into a teasing mood. “Yeah, like I said, not half bad.”

“Oh, I am gonna show you not half bad.” She grabbed onto his shoulders and spun him around, pushing him into the karaoke spot. “Just you watch, pretty boy.”

“Pretty boy?”

“I said Mystery Boy, listen right.”

After quickly paying for, and moving to a room, Saisho and Jirou sat down on the plush leather seats while Jirou flicked through the available songs. All the while, a mischievous grin grew across her face.

—

“Hahaha, I still can't get over your performance!” Jirou said as they exited the building. “I mean, you're not exactly untalented, but that voice crack halfway through? Hilarious!”

Saisho grumbled a bit to go along with her. “Not my fault I was going up against someone like you.”

Jirou stopped laughing. A blush reddened her cheeks that went unseen by Saisho. “And what do you mean by that?”

Saisho huffed, unaware of the situation he was putting himself in. “It's a little unfair to go up with someone with a beautiful voice like yours.”

The words ‘beautiful’ and ‘yours’ flash through Jirou's mind. ‘Never thought those two words would be used in the same sentence.’ 

“A little bit unfair for us plain folk, looking and sounding like you do.”

Jirou's eyes went wide. “Looking!?” She practically yelled. Saisho suddenly realized what he'd been saying. He just wanted to make a joke. 

“I-I mean, uh c-cause uh, y-you know I just realized what time it is, I've gotta go now, s-see you later, Jirou, c-can't wait to see you at U.A, bye!” Saisho dashed off into the night, leaving one Kyoka Jirou with a very red face.

‘His heart remained at the same tempo all while we talked. He was telling the truth.’

Chapter Text

Move-in Day.

It was finally here. Move-in day was originally supposed to be a year ago. And a year in the future. At the same time. And yet, here Saisho was. God, I hate time travel.

He buzzed with excitement. He was finally going to see his friends again. Truthfully, it felt… off when he thought about it. His real friends are gone. It’s like… if someone had cloned his original friends and replaced them. Just because they’re the same in almost every way, they still aren’t the same person, and they still don’t remember him. He tried not to think about that. It saddened him far too much.

He had just finished carrying all of his stuff (he still didn’t own too much, so it wasn’t like he had much to move) when he arrived back in the common room. A familiar face was standing at the entrance.

Tenya Iida.

The blue-haired kid’s eyes went to Saisho. “Ah, hello, you must be one of my classmates. I believe a greeting is in order.” He bowed a perfect ninety degrees, “A pleasure to meet you, my name is Tenya Iida.” 

Saisho made a slight bow in response, before Iida returned to standing stock straight. “I-it’s great to meet you, Iida, my name’s Saisho Midoriya.”

The taller teen’s brow raised. “Are you alright? You seem on the verge of tears.”

Saisho went to wipe his eyes with a sleeve. “Sorry, uh no, no, I’m fine, just… homesick.” Quite the opposite, actually.

“Well, I hope that you can think of this place as a new home. We’ll be here for the next three years, after all.”

Saisho smiled. “Of course.”

“Anyway, I’m quite surprised that someone arrived before me. You’re quite punctual, aren’t you?” He asked.

“Oh, well it’s not just me, my brother and… friend,” 

‘Why did I hesitate on the word friend?’ Saisho thought as he questioned himself.

“are also here. They should be in their rooms unpacking right now. Do you need help with your things?”

Iida lifted the boxes that he was carrying. “Normally I would say no, but I am moving in my collection of encyclopedias, so I would appreciate the help.” Iida motioned to several boxes filled with large, hard-cover books.

Saisho chuckled. “No problem.”

—

It was sometime in the afternoon when the last person had arrived and moved their things up into their new room before they all (sans Bakugo and Todoroki) gathered in the common room.

Conversation took up between them all, leaving Saisho smiling at the familiar sight. He gathered One for All into his fingers before snapping them, creating a small gust of wind that spread out, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

“I'm sorry to interrupt, but I had something I wanted to talk about. First of all, it's… great to see you all here finally.” A few exchanged slightly confused looks at his use of words, and the tone with which he said them. “But more importantly, I wanted to announce that it won't be just us living here. It's a long story, but a five-year old girl will be staying here with us. She's a ward of U.A and has been placed under my care, so I hope that you all can get along with her. She's nervous around strangers, so when she gets here, please don't overwhelm her.”

A girl with pink skin and hair - Mina Ashido - jumped up from her seat on the couch. “Ooh, when will she get here!?”

Saisho chuckled. “Probably any min-”

The door to the building opened, and in walked Aizawa, holding the hand of Eri. Eri suddenly saw Saisho and took off running. He caught the hug before she rolled him over, making sure to dodge her horn this time. “Hey, Err-bear. I'd like you to meet some new people, if you can.”

Eri separated herself from Saisho and took her first look around the place, finally noticing the new faces. She took a step behind Saisho, silent as a mouse, and cowered behind him. “Hey, it's okay, they're good people. Like Himiko and Izuku. They're going to be heroes like me.” Saisho smiled at her, causing the girl to brighten at the simple image of his face. 

She stepped out in front of the group and spoke. “H-hello. M-my name's Eri. It's nice to meet everyone.” 

Saisho noticed several of his classmates' faces melt at the sight, with Mina squeaking at Eri's cuteness, and the invisible form of Tooru Hagakure shaking and moving excitedly. 

Saisho bent down and picked Eri up, carrying her in his arms. “Welp, I think that we can hold personal introductions for later.” He nuzzled Eri's head with his own, making the girl laugh at his antics. “I think Uncle Grouch has something to say.” Saisho moved out of the way for Aizawa to address the class.

Mr. Aizawa sighed at the boy's antics. “Just don't show up to homeroom tomorrow. Gather up outside Gym Beta at 7:30 am in your gym uniforms that have been left out for you in the dining room. And don't be late.” He said the last sentence with an authoritative manner before he walked out of the building, attempting to seem agitated. However, Saisho knew him well after all this time. He could notice the tale tell signs of a smile underneath his scarves.

Saisho turned back to the group. “Right, well, back to normal.”

—

Saisho had met up with Izuku after passing Eri off to Himiko. He could tell that he was nervous about mingling and socializing with so many new people.

“Oh hey, it's the Dekus!”

Saisho and Izuku turned around to face the voice, both cringing as they did, both for different reasons. “I-I'm sorry, what?” Izuku said.

“You guys are the Dekus, right? That's what I heard that one guy call you two earlier at the Entrance Exam.” Ochaco Uraraka said, smiling softly.

Izuku sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck. “O-oh, no that was a nickname of his. I- we don't really like to go by it.”

“Oh, that's a shame, I thought it sounded cute.” She said, chuckling as she spoke.

“DEKU'S FINE, ACTU-” a hand suddenly clasped over Izuku's mouth. 

“We'd appreciate it if you didn't use the name. It's fairly insulting.”

Ochaco dimmed a little. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to insult you two.”

“It's perfectly alright, you had no way of knowing.” Saisho said, hand still positioned in front of Izuku's mouth.

“I just thought it sounded like Dekiru, y'know? Like ‘You can do it!’ Maybe that could be a nickname instead?” 

Saisho held a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. If one searched hard enough, they'd find a glimmer of sadness buried deep within the hard steel facade that he put up. “I think that that's a perfect nickname for Izuku. Oh right, we haven't actually said our real names. I'm Saisho Midoriya, and this is my twin, Izuku Midoriya.”

Ochaco's smile brightened. “It's great to meet you both! I'm Ochaco Uraraka! Oh, wait, if I have a nickname for you” she said, motioning to Izuku, “Then I'll need a nickname for you too!” She motioned to Saisho as she finished.

“Call me Sai.” 

“Great! I'm so excited for all of this, and I can't wait to become heroes with you two!”

“Of course!” Izuku said.

Saisho hesitated a moment. “You too, Uraraka. You too.” 

—

“Yo, Freckles, where've you been?” Jirou said as she sat next to Saisho on the couch. 

Saisho stared at his brother and Uraraka across the room. They talked animated, getting along easily even after it only being the second time they'd met. He tried to ignore the pain he felt. He had to push through. It was for the best.

“Just… with my brother.” He said after a period of silence.

Jirou's face drew together in concern. “Yeah, I saw him earlier. Guess you guys do look kinda similar.”

Saisho turned to her finally, a look of disbelief present on his face. “Only kinda? Jirou, we're identical twins.”

Jirou's hearing picked up an increased heart rate. “Liar.” 

Saisho cursed himself.

“Whatever, though.” She continued, “You guys aren't exactly alike. Besides the hair and size, you're just…”

“Just what?”

“Just… different. I-I don't know how to describe it.” Saisho noticed how she seemed to be avoiding eye contact. 

He shrugged. “Maybe we really are different now.”

“Yeah, yeah, anyways, what was up with the kid?” She said, motioning to the child that was currently wolfing down slices of apple fed to her by Himiko. A couple of their classmates had gathered around her, including Mina, Tooru, and surprisingly, Tokoyami Fumikage, the bird-headed teen. Dark Shadow, Tokoyami’s sentient quirk, began contorting itself into different shadow shapes. Eri started calling out animals, and Dark Shadow moved to comply.

“She's uh… well, it'd be useless to lie to you. I… rescued her a while back, and took her to U.A because I knew that they'd protect her.”

“And the whole, nearly tackling you to the ground as soon as she noticed you thing?”

“I guess she… bonded to me? I-I was probably the first kind person she had encountered in quite a while, I’m sure she would have connected to anyone else who did what I did. I was just the right person in the right place, at the right time, I guess.”

“Sounds like you did a lot more than being in the right place at the right time. It sounds like you did a lot more than what the average person would do.”

Saisho put on a resolute face. “I was there to help. That's what mattered.” 

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment before Jirou began speaking again. “So, what's going to happen to her?”

Saisho turned back to Jirou in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“Well, is she going to be a ward forever? Or are they going to try and find her an actual guardian?"

Saisho turned to look back at Eri, giggling happily as Dark Shadow morphed into various shapes and objects. In the midst of her giggling she noticed him looking at her. “Papa, come look!” 

The room went silent. Saisho smiled before getting up. “No, not forever. Just until I'm old enough.” He walked over to his daughter and several gaping faces, before picking her up and hugging her.

Jirou watched the scene of Saisho lovingly embracing Eri, causing her to giggle more. Her heart thudded against her chest. An unfamiliar emotion flooded her system. 

‘Crap, this is bad. It’s not even the first day.’

—

Izuku found his brother some time later. The gathering in the common room had finally dissipated, and Saisho had gone ahead and put Eri to bed. All-in-all, it took two stories, three hugs, and one glass of milk. Now it was just the two of them.

Izuku walked up to him, confronting the other. “What was that about earlier, with the whole, ‘Deku's an insult’ thing? I thought you told me that your Hero name was Deku. What changed? What’s going on?” He whispered, but there was a questioning intensity behind his voice. 

Saisho looked strained as he talked. “I don't think that you should be insulted like that. Even if you make Deku your own, if we make Deku our own, it will always originally be an insult. Most people will see it as an insult. And I don't think that you deserve that.”

“Wha- what's making you think this all of a sudden?”

“It's… strange. If it was just myself being insulted, then I would be fine with it, but… you're pretty much a different person then me now. Despite being another version of me, and I of you, you're still a brother and friend to me.” He put a hand on Izuku's shoulder. “And no one insults my friends, especially one I consider a brother.”

Izuku pulled him in for a hug. “T-thank you. You're my friend and brother too.”

Saisho hesitated a moment, thinking of what to say as Izuku remained in the hug. “Also… I don’t want to deal with the memories surrounding that name again. The life of Deku is gone, including everything associated with it. I think it’s best… to not focus on the ghosts of the past.”

Izuku slowly separated from the hug, a look of concern on his face. And then, briefly, a flash of humour, as he almost snorted, before a look of guilt. Saisho narrowed his eyes at him.

“What was that? I know my own face, tell me.”

“I-I just thought, ‘More like ghosts of the future.’ but then I felt like it’d be pretty rude to be pedantic.”

Saisho’s face stayed serious before he suddenly snorted and laughed aloud. “Yeah, you’re right. I’m sorry for all this. Let’s get some sleep, you’ll need the energy.”

—

Saisho arrived before everyone else, doing quick stretches as he waited. “Hey Mr. Aizawa, I wanted to thank you for keeping an eye on Eri all these months. Not being able to be there for her the whole time caused me to feel guilty. She needs a-a… f-figure, a… guardian, and I didn't want to be an absent one. I know what it's like, and I didn't want her to experience the absence of a loved one on top of all the other things she's gone through.”

Aizawa sighed slightly. “Kid, you came by every day. You were far from absent. Besides, you had no obligation to do such a thing anyways.”

Saisho reached for his toes as he continued to do his stretches. “I know, I just worry for her. She's-”

“Like a daughter to you?”

“I-I was gonna say important to me, but, yeah.”

“Midoriya, she already refers to you as a father figure. It's strange given the small age gap, but… I can tell you care for her like one, however odd that might be.”

“Right. I just… I just wish I could be there for her all the time.”

“No one can, kid. We all have lives, we all have things to do. What's important is that you're making the effort and you're there as often as possible. I've seen fathers much worse than you. Far, far worse. In fact, I'd say you're one of the good ones.”

“T-thank you.”

“Now shut up. The others are arriving.”

—

“A quirk assessment test?” The group asked. They were now all gathered outside dressed in U.A's gym uniform. “You've been taking standardized tests all your lives, but you never got to use your quirks in physical exams before. Midoriya.” He beckoned, both Midoriya's stepped forward. A couple chuckles began at the humour of having two brothers in the same hero course. “The Midoriya that scored higher on the entrance exam.” Izuku sheepishly stepped back. Saisho gave him a comforting smile. Off to the side, Bakugo started shaking with rage.

“How far could you throw a ball in Junior High?” 

Saisho had to think about this one. It had been quite some time since he was in junior high. “52 meters.” He decided, picking a random number.

“Try using your quirk this time.”

Saisho took the ball and walked up to the circle. “I just have to remain in the area, right?” He said, motioning to the circle around him. 

“Anything goes, so long as you remain in the circle.” 

Saisho smiled. “You got it.”

He activated Float and slowly rose into the air, making sure to remain within the lines. Murmuring ran through the crowd as he did. He rose easily 200 meters before stopping, all the while making movements with his arm to build up Fa Jin. With a combined effort of 40%, Fa Jin, and Gearshift to remove the initial air resistance, he let the ball fly. As soon as he let Gearshift go at peak of the throw, the air exploded with the sound of a sonic boom.

He lowered himself back to the ground. “So how’d I do?”

Aizawa didn't look back at him, instead redirecting his half-lidded gaze to the device in front of him. “It's still going.” Suddenly, the device he was looking at dinged. “7,401.56 meters!” it announced.

There were roars of amazement. “Holy crap dude! 7,400 meters, are you kidding me? That’s crazy!” screamed Kaminari.

Suddenly, Bakugo yelled. “What the hell was that!?” He stormed up to Saisho, his palms sparking and popping. “What kind of fucked, loopy world do I live in where- mffh, MMMH! HM MMFH!” Aizawa had wrapped Bakugo up in the capture scarf around his neck, his quirk activated, causing his eyes to glow red and hair to float weightlessly. Off to the sides, Izuku gasped in recognition. Saisho could hear a slight, “Eraserhead!” 

“Calm yourself now, or I'll expel you.” He warned, “Try me.” Bakugo forced himself to calm down, Aizawa letting his scarf go slack in response.

Aizawa turned back to the class, his face losing the previous moment's seriousness.  Saisho recognized the slightly impressed look on his face as he looked back at the device. He addressed the students. “All of you need to know your maximum capabilities. It's the most rational way of figuring out your potential as a pro hero.”

“Ooh, that sounds like fun, I wanna go!” Yelled one Mina Ashido. She was pink-haired and pink-skinned, with yellow horns. Her eyes were gold with black sclera. 

“So this looks fun, huh? Well how about this? Today you'll compete in eight physical tests to gauge your potential. Whoever comes last will be judged to have none, and be expelled. Does that sound fun? It'd be a real shame to spend so long moving here, only to get expelled on the first day.” The mood suddenly became dour, with a couple people sneaking glares at Mina.

An almost eerie smile, unbefitting of a hero, crossed his face. Saisho couldn't help but find the act funny, now that he knew it was a front. “Let's get started.”

—

The class started lining up to take the first test; a 50 meter dash. Iida and Tsuyu were getting ready to be the first to go.

Saisho walked up to Mina, whose head was slightly downcast. “Hey, don't feel bad, you didn't know he was gonna say that.” 

Mina turned her head to him, an embarrassed look on her face. “Oh, thanks. I know, but I'm the reason he said it. I should've just kept my big mouth shut.”

Saisho chuckled. “I have a feeling he would've done the same thing anyway. I heard he expelled his whole class last year.” 

Mina's eyes widened. “Really!?”

“Really. But guess what? He brought them all back right after. It's a scare tactic, don't worry about it.” Mina smiled. “Thanks Midori.” 

Saisho smiled back, “No problem Ashido.”

“Saisho Midoriya, Denki Kaminari, Next.”

“Gotta go, talk to you later, Ashido.” 

Mina smiled. “Yeah, laters!”

Saisho took his spot beside Kaminari. “You might want to watch out, this is gonna be intense.” He told him with a sincere smile. 

“We'll see about that!” Kaminari challenged, getting into a running stance. Saisho's face dropped, as he continued to stand normally. “No, I'm serious.” 

*BANG* 

The starting gunshot went off, and Izuku blasted off with Float and One for All.

“0.78 seconds!”

Kaminari stood there dazed. His hair was swept to the side by the wind Saisho kicked up. Saisho called back, “Kaminari, your time's still going!” Kaminari looked back. “Oh!”

“14.43 seconds!” 

“Oh God, that sucked!” He yelled.

“Stop whining, It's not individual score based, just placement based. You'll get last place in this one, that's it. Assuming somebody doesn't do worse.” Aizawa said.

Kaminari calmed slightly, “Well, it's not like the dash was gonna be my strong suit anyway. Or any of them, really. Oh god, maybe I am boned.”

“Next up, Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo.”

Izuku stepped up next to Bakugo. “I don't know what the hell you've done, but I won't let you beat me.” 

Izuku's face looked nervous and scrambled, but seemed to gain a fiery determination. “We'll see about that, Kaachan.” Bakugo scowled.

—

“Hey, I just wanted to say nice job earlier. You were so fast!” Uraraka said to Izuku as they got ready for the long jump. Izuku blushed at the compliment.

“O-oh, thanks, I appreciate it. But I think my brother has me beat in that regard.”

Uraraka swatted his arm lightly. “Don't think of yourself as less than! You're great- I mean you've got a great quirk! Just ‘cause your brother is more used to it doesn't mean much.”

“Thanks, Uraraka. It's just hard sometimes to see someone so like you in every way, and yet they're better than you at pretty much everything.”

“Well, then just get better. Stop comparing and start working. What's important is doing your best!” She raised a fist in excitement. 

Izuku smiled at the girl. “You're right.”

—

Much of the exam went the same way. Saisho achieving first or second in every category, while Bakugo and Izuku competed against each other. 

“Here are the results.” Aizawa said, with little fanfare. A hologram of the 22 students were displayed, their placements in descending order.

Saisho was in first, with Izuku third, and Bakugo in fifth. Bakugo nearly yelled. He had done worse than he thought.

Hagakure Tooru placed last. Her gym clothes trembled. 

“And I was lying, no one's going home.” The class shrieked. Saisho simply laughed, and yet, a part of him was still worried that Aizawa would have gotten rid of one of them anyways.

—

Saisho dressed quickly, leaving Izuku in the changing room with most of the male part of his class. “Hey, Midoriya, right?” Kaminari asked as he walked up. “I’m Denki Kaminari, I know we didn’t get the chance to meet yesterday. I saw you and your brother’s performance out there, and I gotta ask… do twins really have telepathy? Like, that’s crazy, right, but my brother told me about it when I was little and it’s been on my mind ever since.” His eyes were expectant. “So?”

Izuku had a bewildered look on his face, he didn't even know where to begin. “N-no, afraid not.”

“Aw man. Well anyways, what’s your quirk, dude? You looked really strong out there, but I also saw some green electricity. You a fellow Thunderhead?” he said, budging elbows with Izuku. 

Izuku went straight into analysis mode. “I don't think so, as far as I can tell, and this was after several tests mind you, the electricity that arcs around my body after I use Full Cowling doesn’t have much of an effect. I don’t feel anything myself, and apparently it feels like a static shock when felt by someone else. Perhaps a byproduct of not being able to use my full power.”

“Woah, woah, man slow down! I guess not. Also, that last part about full power and all that? What's that about?” By now, several other boys had gathered around, intrigued by Izuku’s mutter spree. “You sayin’ you're capable of more, Midoriya?” Kirishima said. 

“Oh, yes, me and my brother both have energy stockpilers, but we’re only capable of manifesting partial amounts of the energy in a limited number of ways. If we manifest more than what we’re capable of, then it could lead to injury.” Izuku felt glad that he managed to remember the explanation that his brother came up for his quirk. It would help explain how he got more quirks in the future.

“That’s cool! How much can you and your brother use?” 

“Right now, I believe I can use 10%, while my brother has control of probably around 35%. Honestly, I doubt he even did his best today.”

“You guys aren't even at half power!?” Kaminari yelled incredulously. 

“Why can your brother use more?” Kirishima asked.

“We're both late-bloomers, but his quirk manifested eight months before mine, while I only got mine a little over a month ago.”

“You only got your quirk a month ago, and yet you still outperformed most of the class? Manly!”

Izuku blushed as he was patted on the back. He never got this much praise and recognition in his life!

—

After everyone had left the locker room, Saisho returned with some spackle and a putty knife from his backpack and went to work repairing the peephole in the wall that connected the girls’ room to the boys’. 

‘Not again.’

—

The group had gathered back in the classroom, some were milling about, talking to others, most were getting ready to leave.

Izuku stood near the front of the room talking with Ochaco. He said something, and she laughed. She complimented him and he blushed. Saisho watched this all happen from the sidelines. A sad look remained on his face. He walked up to the pair.

Saisho put his hand on Izuku's shoulder and turned away from Ochako. He whispered in Izuku's ear, “Get her number.” He patted him on the shoulder again, pulled back and smiled, before walking away. Ochako stood there puzzled. “Hey, uh, U-uraraka, do you think we could uh, exchange contact info?”

“Oh, yeah, of course. Here.” She took out her flipphone. Saisho cringed, remembering Uraraka's financial situation. Was that another thing he should solve with his foresight, or was that too invasive? Maybe… maybe he should ask Nezu. He thought back to the other times he went to him, how Nezu seemed to have better foresight than he. He shivered. Maybe he shouldn’t ask Nezu.

“Hey, Midori!” Mina called, jogging to catch up to him as he walked down the halls. “Oh, hey Ashido.”

“Thanks for earlier. I would've felt horrible if I really believed that Mr. Aizawa was going to kick out Hagakure. I can't let him do that to my girl, y'know.”

Saisho smiled. “No problem. And, uh, good job out there. You managed to find some pretty good uses for a non-physical enhancing quirk. You're pretty clever, Ashido.”

A hint of lilac dusted Mina's cheeks. “Really? Me, clever? As in smart?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“I- wow, I don't think anyone's ever said that to me Midori.”

Saisho turned his head to Mina as they walked, a confused look crossed his face. “Why not? You're clearly smart enough to get into U.A. This place has a 0.5% acceptance rate, and not all of that is from the practical. I think you're underselling yourself, Ashido. You're far from dumb, and if anything, you’re pretty clever. If you have trouble with school, you just need to learn what works best for you, and I'd be glad to help you out if you need it.” Saisho knew that Mina struggled with her education and how she viewed her intelligence. He hoped that he could help her in that way.

Mina turned her head away from Saisho. “T-thanks, Midori.”

“Hey, Sho, where are you going!?” Himiko called from behind him. “We live at the same place, were you going to run off without us?” Izuku trailed behind Himiko. 

“Oh hey Hot Pink, how's it goin’?” Himiko said as she leaned on Saisho's shoulder. 

Saisho turned away from the two, still shouldering the weight of Himiko, before turning to Izuku and raising his eyebrows in question. Izuku had a great big smile and a piece of paper stuck in his hand. 

Saisho smiled back at him and tried to ignore the knots in his stomach.

Chapter Text

The next day.

“I. AM. HERE! Coming through the door like a normal person!”

“It's All Might!”

“And he's in his silver age costume!”

‘Ah, good, someone appreciates the classics.’ He thought. ‘Certainly not my agents.’

“Today we'll be starting your Hero training, first up, combat!” He announced to the class. “But first, you can't expect to fight crime without looking the part. With that, you'll need costumes!” He suddenly pulled out a remote and pressed a button. Out of the walls, 22 different cases appeared out of the walls. “Get suited up and meet me at Training Ground Beta!”

They all shouted at once, "Yes sir!"

—

Saisho began his suiting up process. This new design was similar to the ones he used before he was sent back in time, but less advanced tech, and purple instead of green. Due to Saisho's experience at suiting up and the fact that he knew that you often needed to be ready on the fly, he was the first out the door and in training ground Beta. Just in time to watch everyone else leave in their new suits.

Saisho stood beside All Might. “It's nice to see this again.” All Might looked back down at him. “See what again Young Midoriya? The suits?” Saisho nodded. “That, and what we all looked like before we realized we'd have to grow up way ahead of time.” All Might frowned, wanting to reassure Saisho, telling him that he'd make sure nothing truly bad happens, that what happened won't occur again. But he couldn't. “Look, here they come!”

The other 21 students slowly began to trickle into the training area. Saisho saw Izuku and admired his new costume. He remembered back to when he and Izuku began brainstorming costume ideas.

—

“So, I was thinking… purple!”

“You only think of purple when redesigning yourself.”

“Well someone took green!”

“You voluntarily took purple! You're the one that came up with a different name and color palette!”

“Well… whatever. I-it still stands. Purple, maybe some white accents. Obviously some of the tech of my last costume can't be replicated just yet, but I’ll make do. What about you?” 

“I'm not sure yet. I have drawings, but…”

“You kinda just want to see what you end up having in the future?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, start here. Midoriya suit, Mk.4.”

“I like it.”

“Good. In that case, we should probably tell mom not to buy you a suit in the future if you're just going to use this one.”

“She does that?”

“Yeah. I love mom, and it was really nice of her, especially how she constantly supports our dreams. Buuuut…”

“It looked homemade?”

“Just a tad.”

—

Saisho grinned. This one looked a lot less homemade. 

“All of you are looking like real heroes, great work!”

Izuku's costume was pine green, with black and maroon accents. A half-face gas mask and goggles (Saisho had advised him to invest in those for when he inevitably got Float) hung around his neck. His arms and legs were reinforced to alleviate some of the burden from his attacks, as well as the padding in his gloves. Saisho hoped all of this would reduce the amount of Injuries that Izuku would get, but knowing himself… even though he and Izuku were one and the same, just different in experience, it still hurt him to see someone else get hurt and permanently damaged like he did. He hoped beyond hope to change that.

Izuku walked up to Uraraka. “Hey, Uraraka, how's your… your-” Izuku let his eyes wander longer than he should have. “Costume?” He squeaked. 

Uraraka scratched the back of her head nervously, “I like it, but it's too tight. Something to do with adding pressure to certain points to reduce nausea, they said. I don't know if I buy that.” 

“You, uh, could always wear something over it to help?” ‘Please wear something more, please.’

“Ooh, good idea. I could get a matching overcoat, it could at least help in the winter.” 

Jirou walked up to Saisho, who at this point had rejoined the class. “Nice costume, Freckles, a bit like your brother's?”

Saisho smiled. “Yeah. Me and him are gonna try and make it big together. Maybe one day we'll figure out what makes us different, but for now, we're gonna work on getting better together. I have to be there for him, y'know? Part of being the big brother.”

Jirou began twirling her earjacks between her fingers. ‘Cute.’ Saisho thought. “But I thought you two were twins?”

“I-I'm uh, a couple minutes older.”

Jirou nodded her head. “Well, that's what I find cool about you, dude. You like to take charge.” Saisho broke eye contact with her and blushed. “T-thanks.”

“Sai! Sho!” Himiko approached, waving madly as she jogged over. “Check out my new costume! Better than that middle school outfit I wore everywhere, huh?” Himiko was wearing a dark, navy blue body suit, thin, but not skin tight for better use of her quirk, with armor padding on the chest and forearms. The belt around her waist held several syringes, a taser, and some small knives. A satchel on her back contained medical supplies. Saisho had forced her to bring those if she was going to fight with knives.

“It looks great, Himiko! What's up with the blue?”

“Pssh, everyone knows that if you want to do true stealth, you wear dark blue, not black.”

“Right… everyone. Then why didn't you wear that before?” 

She giggled in response.“It was pretty good for blending into crowds during the day. Besides, those clothes were some of the only things I had.” Jirou looked back and forth between the two, a confused look spread on her face. ‘Before?’

“Oh yeah, I forgot! One second.” Saisho quickly sped off towards the end of the group of students and started talking to the air. Wait, not the air, to a pair of shoes and gloves. ‘Must be the invisible girl.’ Himiko thought.

“Hey Hagakure, I know we haven’t talked much yet but I wanted to ask, do you know what DNA costumes are?” Izuku asked the invisible girl. She was quite surprised at seeing him run up so quickly, but regained her semblance. “Uh, no, why should I?” She asked, curious as to why a near-stranger had suddenly run up to her.

“They're clothes woven out of the wearer's DNA so that they actually work with their quirks instead of against. I recommend you get a pair. You'd have to cut your hair pretty short, but I bet you wouldn't mind that much considering.”

If Hagakure could be seen, you'd find a blushing, embarrassed mess. She had been really hoping that no one had realized that she was practically naked today. “Y-yeah, thanks.”

Saisho smiled. “No problem.” and ran off to rejoin the front of the group. 

—

“Now, the hero team will be entering the building to find the bomb, and their goal is to capture the villains or touch the bomb. The villain team’s goal is to either capture the heroes or evade capture and protect the bomb for fifteen minutes. Teams will be formed via drawn lots! Make sense?” All Might said. Iida went to ask why the teams were randomized, which caused Saisho to open his mouth to respond, before realizing and hesitating. 

“The random aspect represents how we as heroes won’t always be able to choose who we work with. Sometimes we’ll have to team up with whoever's on site at the moment.” Izuku responded. 

‘I gotta make sure to not take away his moments. It's important for his growth as a hero.’

“Precisely, now since there's 22 of you, there will be two teams of three that will automatically be going against each other. Let's get started!”

Team A: Saisho Midoriya, Kyoka Jirou, Himiko Toga

Team B: Shoji Mezo, Tooru Hagakure

Team C: Mineta Minoru, Momo Yaoyorozu

Team D: Katsuki Bakugo, Shoto Todoroki, Eijiro Kirishima

Team E: Mina Ashido, Yuga Aoyama

Team F: Koji Koda, Rikido Sato

Team G: Denki Kaminari, Tsuyu Asui

Team H: Fumikage Tokoyami, Iida Tenya

Team I: Izuku Midoriya, Ochako Uraraka

Team J: Hanta Sero, Ojiro Mashirao

—

Okay, so maybe Saisho influenced the results a bit by secretly using Blackwhip to rig the pickings so that he could fight Bakugo and Todoroki at the same time, but in his mind, this was for their betterment. Okay, maybe it would help make himself feel better if he trounced Bakugo a little bit, but this was mostly about making them see the errors of their ways. Mostly. He didn't expect to get paired with both Himiko and Jirou because of it, though. Also, Izuku and Ochako still got put together, what are the chances of that?

“Yo, Freckles, you're muttering.” Jirou said.

Himiko smiled. “He does that a lot.”

“O-oh, sorry, didn't realize.”

Jirou held a reassuring grin. “It's no big deal, dude. Honestly, I kinda like it. It's like asmr, y'know?”

Saisho's cheeks tinged pink. “O-oh really? T-thanks.” ‘Was I always this way around Jirou?’

“Also, what was that about Izuku and Uraraka getting together? I wasn't really listening”

“It's uh… nothing much… for now.”

“You just keep getting more mysterious, Mystery Boy. What, you think those two got the hots for each other already?” She looked over to the duo. “Yeah, I totally get it. They'll be engaged before we graduate.”

“I-I… yeah. It'd be nice for one of us to get a significant other.”

“One of us? Aren't you and Himiko already a thing?” Saisho squeaked in alarm, before Himiko sighed dejectedly.

“I wish, but he's too much of a scaredy-cat to do anything.” Her eyes and smile suddenly raised, her face turning mischievous in nature. “Why, you interested?” She wiggled her eyebrows suggestively.

Jirou raised her eyebrows. “Oh. I-I was just wondering, that’s all.” Before averting her eyes.

“First up will be our three person teams. Now, get ready, both teams will have ten minutes to strategies and prepare.”

—

“That damn purple Deku. First this ‘twin’ bullshit, then the quirk!? He's done something, he’s doing something to get at ME! Interrupt my journey to the top!”

“Are you always this loud?” Todoroki inquired. 

“Shut it, Ice-for-brains, this is my battle here. I've gotta beat that extra to an inch of his life and squeeze the answers right out of ‘im!”

All Might's voice suddenly rang out, “And start!” 

“Whatever, just stay out of my way. I intend to end this quickly.” 

They both left Kirishima standing in the starting room. “Uh, guys!? Shouldn't we leave someone to guard the bomb!?”

“That's your job, Shitty Hair!” Bakugou yelled from the hallway.

“Damnit, I didn't wanna play defense.”

— 

Saisho, Jirou and Himiko were sneaking around the halls of the building, listening for any sign of their competitors. “Careful.” Sho said, “Todoroki seems to have a pretty powerful ice quirk.”

“You might wanna get prepared then, I can hear them around that corner.” Jirou said, jacks seemingly following an approaching noise.

“Don't worry, I got-” a wave of ice suddenly approached them. “Move!” Saisho quickly grabbed Jirou first and positioned her on his back before activating Float. The ice passed inches below his feet. Himiko managed to jump in time, small claws shooting out of the toes of her shoes and embedding itself in the walls, letting her avoid the ice that now covered the floor.

They heard a brash voice coming down a side tunnel followed by small explosions. “Warn me next time you do that, Snowdome! I won’t sweat as much if you’re cooling the whole place down you fucking glorified portable air conditioner!”

“I told you to stay out of the way.”

“Shut it!”

“Tell that to yourself.”

Bakugo and Todoroki walked around the corner of the hallway. “Looks like we found you, Doppleganger, Earlobes, Vampire.”

Himiko giggled. “Do you spend your free time coming up with derogatory nicknames?”

“Shut up, Bun-Bitch!”

“You only left Kirishima playing defense? You're not using the building to your advantage.” Saisho tsked with his teeth. “Strong, but not strategic, huh? Cover your ears, Jirou” The short girl quickly complied before Saisho activated One for All at 20% in his arms and clapped them together. The resulting force cracked and shattered the ice that filled the hallway. Jirou, Bakugo, and Todoroki were stunned by the show of force. Himiko managed to just barely remain fixed in the wall.

Saisho quickly floated upwards and punched a large hole in the roof to the next floor. “Go, Jirou, find the bomb. I'll keep them here.” Jirou leapt off his back and pulled herself through the hole in the floor, hesitating a moment before running off to search for the bomb. 

“Himiko, go around, try to meet up with Jirou. I'll hold them off.”

Himiko simply nodded before jumping off the wall and doubling back the way they came. She trusted in his judgement, but at the same time, she really wanted to bloody those two up.

“You seem quite confident in your abilities, Midoriya. I fear that you have overestimated yourself.” Todoroki said. 

Saisho laughed. “No, if anything, you've overestimated your ability to beat me without your flames.” Todoroki flinched. His eyes lost their cool before refocusing. “How do you-”

“Oh shut up already!” Bakugo interjected, “I'm gonna have so much fun beating your ass!”

“Try me.” Bakugo blasted forward before Saisho did, but Sho arrived faster. Bakugo didn't even have time to swing. A blow landed on his gut, causing him to crumple quickly. He struggled to contain his lunch. 

“Come on, Kaachan, that's all you got? Didn’t take much, did it?”

Bakugo looked up from where he was kneeling on the ground. His eyes strained with rage. “I’ll kill you, you fucking Faker!” He got to his feet, “I’ll beat your damn secrets out of you! I'll make you tell me what the fuck is going on, then I’ll put you six feet under, you damn villain!”

On the other side of the communication system, All Might gulped. ‘I didn’t think about what would happen when someone who knows the Midoriya family finds out about Saisho. I might have to stop this fight before it gets too out of hand. No matter the outcome though, I am for sure getting Young Bakugo into some counseling sessions with Hound Dog.’

“I thought I already told you, Kaachan.” Saisho didn’t like using this nickname anymore, but he knew how angry Bakugo got from it. “Didn’t I? I kinda have a habit being too forthcoming with you, even when you don’t deserve it.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Bakugo grit his teeth.

Saisho chuckled to himself. “Sorry, just something I noticed. Kind of an inside joke, you could say.”

“Move out of the way, Bakugo, I’d rather you not get in the crossfire.” Shoto said from behind Bakugo.

“Send Ice my way, and I’m blowing it up! This fight is between me and him!” Bakugo spat, refusing to take his eyes off his target.

“I think you've misunderstood the objective of this assignment.” Shoto said confusedly. Bakugo ignored him, for once.

Saisho got into a fighting position, fists raised, one foot behind the other. “Why don’t you try that again, Ka- chan~” 

Bakugo screamed in rage. “RAAAAGH! SHUT THE HELL UP YOU BASTARD!” He threw an uppercut this time, which was deftly dodged by Saisho, before his wrist was grabbed. In response, Bakugo threw a left and unleashed a large explosion, aiming for his opponent's face. His opponent that was no longer there. A right hook smashed cleanly into Bakugo’s jaw. Ah, so that’s where he went. Before he could retaliate, a knee met his stomach, and he once again felt like losing his lunch. 

Bakugo faltered, but fought to stay on his feet. “Y’know, I think it’s funny. My whole life, you told me that I couldn’t be a hero, because I didn’t have a quirk. Well guess what, Bakugo. This entire fight against you, I haven’t used my quirk once. Looks like you were wrong.”

The fire in Bakugo’s eyes struggled to burn. “You… You fucker, thinking you can look down on me?” He slurred his words together, the blows that Saisho made were very effective. 

Shoto gritted his teeth before sending a wave of ice towards the two. Saisho destroyed it without even looking his way.

“Look down on you? My whole life, I looked up to you. You were what I wanted to be, Kaachan.” Saisho began using his nickname for Bakugo again, but this time without any feeling of irony or anger. “I thought that you were the best, a pillar to look to, to model myself after, but guess what? I was wrong. You're no pillar, you’re still just a child with a strong quirk, that’s it. You've never grown up.” 

Bakugo growled, raising his hands, prepared to fire off another explosion before Saisho moved faster than he could keep up with and knocked the boy out in a quick, decisive jab to the jaw. He slumped forward into Saisho’s arms. “Just grow up, please.”

Todoroki's cold stare melted. The ordeal happened faster than he thought. It was barely a fight. He quickly made his distance and sent another wave of ice towards the boy, this time raising it so that ice ran from floor to ceiling, wall to wall. It was impossible to dodge. Todoroki heard a noise, but nothing happened. His ice held strong. ‘I should thaw him out, but the two girls are still somewhere in here. The test should end before he suffers any major injuries, anyway.’ He turned around, heading for the stairs.

He was suddenly hurled back by a punch to the stomach. Saisho had appeared in the direction he was heading towards. “How did you-”

“That was really reckless of you, Todoroki. I'm disappointed.” He shook his head ruefully. “You could've gotten Bakugo caught in the crossfire.” Bakugo was slung over the teens shoulder, his wrists and ankles tied with capture tape. “And to answer your question, I went through the wall. You saw me punch through the roof, what, you didn't think I could pull something like that again?”

The heterochromatic teen got to his feet. “Don't think I'm backing down now.” His eyes narrowed with intensity.

“Let's get you to use that fire.” The two stood at the ready, waiting for the other to make the first move.

“THE HERO TEAM WINS!” All Might yelled, voice coming over their earpieces.

Saisho sighed, ‘Jirou must've found the bomb.’ He smiled back at Todoroki good-naturedly, “Another time, then.”

Saisho walked to the exit with Bakugo still over his shoulder, meeting some medical robots at the door and placing him on the stretcher. ‘He's not gonna be happy waking up.’

Himiko and Jirou jogged up to him as they walked out of the building. “Nice job, guys!”

“Thanks, Freckles. You managed to hold them off while we searched?”

Saisho scratched the back of his head, wry smile on his face. “Yeah, I did okay with them. How did you two fare against Kirishima?”

Himiko shouldered in, a little blood escaping from a busted lip. “It was great! He could pack a punch, but with the two of us, we were unstoppable!” Himiko took a hold of Jirou's shoulders, causing the shorter girl to blush, before she was shaken side to side. “She was incredible! Two quick jabs from her jacks, and he falls to the floor.”

Jirou stammered, flustered at the high praise, “I-it was nothing, really.”

“Please, my knives would have done nothing against his quirk. It would've been a battle of attrition, which I would've lost without you, girl!” Himiko finally removed her hands. “Plus, it was pretty attractive.”

Jirou flushed harder, and Saisho deadpanned. “Himiko, you have to stop that!”

“What? Speaking the truth?”

—

“Next up, Team H as the heroes versus Team I as the villains!”

Izuku started planning how this encounter would go as soon as he heard who they'd be up against. 

“Both Tokoyami and Iida have very strong, combat-based quirks, but they don't have any real form of reconnaissance. It might be best to just hide the bomb in a strategic location, and use distractions and skirmish tactics to keep them guessing. Iida is pretty fast, but he seems to struggle with cornering and maneuvering. Maybe surprise attacks around corners can throw him off. Additionally, Tokoyami’s quirk is reportedly shadow-based, implying that, like shadows, its strength can be altered based on the intensity of light. In that case-”

“-ekiru! Dekiru!” Ochako shouted, finally getting through to Izuku.

“Oh! Sorry, kinda spaced out there.” He smiled sheepishly while scratching the back of his neck.

“It's fine, I just wasn't sure if you were breathing.” Ochako laughed cutely, causing Izuku to go a little jelly in the legs. “Got any plans?” 

Izuku recovered and put a hand to his chin. “Yeah, I think so.”

—

“Hey, Kaminari, right?” Denki Kaminari turned to see the larger twin of the class approach him. He wore an amenable smile and easy-going attitude. He seemed chill.

“What’s up man?” He said in an attempt to max out his cool factor.

“Just wanted to give you some tips. I saw in your fight that you kinda went all weird there after you let out that big attack. Mind if I ask what’s up with that?”

Kaminari suddenly felt embarrassed. “Oh yeah, that. Haha. Yeah, no that’s what happens when I overcharge myself, y’know? Electricity goes through my brain, short circuits it a little.”

“Cool, cool, not what short circuiting means, but I understand. Well listen. Have you ever tried conductive shoes? The rubber soles of your sneakers could be acting as a resistor, causing more amps to pass through your body, and therefore your brain.”

Kaminari’s eyes went wide. “I’ve never tried that!”

Saisho sighed mentally. ‘Course he hadn’t. Never change, Kaminari.’ “Well, try it. If that doesn't work, speak to the support specialists in charge of your gear. Electricity based heroes are pretty common, so I bet that they've dealt with the same thing before.”

“Thanks man, you're the best!”

“No problem.”

—

Tokoyami didn't hate bright places. He wasn't the one whose size varied in relation to a room's luminosity, that was Dark Shadow's thing, but at the same time, he didn't feel safe in bright areas. It sometimes felt like someone was disarming him. It put him on guard.

So, that is to say, he was very much on guard when he and Iida walked into the building only to be met with every single light in the whole place turned on. Matters not, Dark Shadow (Who actually prefers the name Yuri, but goes along with Tokoyami when he wants to be edgy) could just take out the lights as they went anyway.

But the ground… 

For some reason, the ground was packed and cratered, stones covered the floor, crates placed every so often so that one couldn't run in a straight line for long. They hadn't spent their prep time just waiting and strategizing, it seemed. Already, Tokoyami was stumbling slightly. He looked back at Iida. He'll have trouble here too. He'll have to watch his every step, so he won't be nearly as quick. Whichever of the two who planned this is pretty intelligent.

—

Saisho stood in the observation room, watching Izuku’s plan work. ‘He’s pretty smart. Wait, does that count as a compliment or a brag?’ he shook himself off before walking over to Kirishima.

Eijiro Kirishima was a medium height, muscular teen with sharp teeth and spiky red hair. Right now, he was trying to become friends with the others that he deemed ‘manly’. Saisho had always wondered if there was something deeper at play here.

“Hey man, what’s up?” he said as he approached.

Kirishima looked over at Saisho before smiling wide and giving a wave. “Hey man, you're one of the Midoriya’s right? Saisho was it?”

“Yeah, Saisho Midoriya. Hey, listen, I saw you out there last round, and I wanted to ask about your quirk.”

Kirishima’s smile faltered only slightly as he began talking. “Oh, that? Yeah man, it's nothing special, just lets me get hard.”

‘He has to be saying it like that on purpose.’ “Hey man, don't think about it like that, you have a perfect quirk for heroics.”

Kirishima’s smile perked up. “Really man? It's not all flashy like yours with all the green electricity and big smashes and all that.”

“Flashy isn’t what makes a superhero. What matters is putting your all out there, using your quirk, no matter what it is, to help others.”

Kirishima felt like crying. Not right now, though. Crying in front of others isn't manly. He'd do it later, in front of his mirror. “Hey, thanks Midori-bro. That… that’s genuinely helpful advice, man.”

“No problem man, speaking of advice, your quirk. Have you ever tried going harder?”

“Getting harder? Like double hard?” Saisho nodded, a little red-cheeked at the word usage. “Something like that.”

“I-I mean, yeah, I've tried that, I think. But I don't think it’s possible. It kinda feels like a notch, y’know, like I focus on my skin, and I turn the notch up to max, but no matter the amount of pulling, I’m already as hard as can be, right?”

Saisho nodded again. “You say that you focus on your skin. Just the top layer?”

Kirishima went a little wide-eyed. “I mean, I kinda just focus on it in general.”

“What if you focused on the lower layers of skin. You've got hundreds of layers of what we call skin, why can't that all be hardened.”

“I… I don't know, man. You've given me something to think about.”

Saisho smiled. “I'm glad.”

Man.

—

Tokoyami's bird eye flickered to the side, tracking the green blur. ‘That's the third time this has happened, but when we pursued, we found nothing. We're wasting time here.’ the feathers on his head raised and bristled in frustration. “This insolence will stand no further! Iida, focus on searching, the bomb has to be here somewhere in this desolate building!”

“Two Minutes Left!” All Might announced. 

Iida was moving as fast as the difficult terrain allowed him. It was strange, the fact that they've been unable to find the bomb, and have barely even caught sight of their adversaries. It wasn't until Iida saw the same green blur in the same general area, moving in the same direction, that Iida seemed to get it. ‘He's leading us away from the bomb! It must be somewhere nearby.’

“Over here!” Iida called, leading him and Tokoyami to a larger open room, one capable of storing a large bomb-shaped bomb.

However, the only thing found inside was a queasy looking Uraraka. “You dastardly villain, where have you stored the bomb!?” He yelled. Uraraka laughed in response. 

Tokoyami ran up behind him. “Don't laugh, agent of darkness!” He said, “Tell us where the bomb is!”

A voice was heard from behind them, “You guys sure are taking the roleplaying aspect seriously.” They swiveled to look at Midoriya, standing there menacingly. “Pretty sure you're too late, though.”

“TIMES UP, THE VILLAIN TEAM WINS!” All Might announced, leaving Iida to sulk dramatically. 

Tokoyami walked up to Midoriya. “That was an enrapturing strategy. Where did you end up hiding the bomb?”

Midoriya laughed and simply pointed up. Tokoyami followed his finger and looked to the ceiling above and spied the faux bomb hovering high above the entrance into the room. Tokoyami deadpanned. “It was right there the whole time?”

“Yep. Guess you guys should focus on your surroundings a little.”

He sighed defeatedly. “Yes, yes we should.”

“Can you guys get out of the way now? Holding it for this long is making me nauseous.” Uraraka said.

—

“Hey, Jirou.”

Jirou's eyes perked up, her posture straightening from where she leaned on the wall, watching the battle trial. “What's up, Purps.”

“You're really just trying out everything, huh?” Saisho said with a laugh.

“Yep.” She said, popping the ‘p’, “Anything but your real name, of course.”

“Of course.” He chuckled, “Anyways, I know that I didn't get to see your gear in action, but if I had to guess, those speakers in your boots are supposed to transmit your heartbeat, right?”

“Bingo, Mystery Boy.”

“Well… why are the input jacks so far down?”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

“Why don't you just get the wiring from the boots attached to the top of your jacket, so that way you don't have to snake them all the way down to your boots. Bet it'd be a lot faster.”

“Because… I don't know, dude. Didn't think of that. Damn, okay! You got some pretty good ideas, MB, you got any more?”

“Oh, do I.”

Jirou tried to ignore how she felt when she looked at his dangerous looking smile. 

—

Izuku and company made their way back to the observation room, where Sho greeted him with a high-five. “Great strategy. I'm surprised you figured out Tokoyami's weakness so early, even if it didn't end up mattering too much.”

“Now!” All Might yelled, gathering the room's attention, “Who was the MVP of this round?” A couple people raised their hands, the answer obvious.

“Yes, Yaoyorozu?” 

“The MVP was Izuku Midoriya. Due to his quick thinking during the prep phase, he managed to construct a hideout that was disadvantageous to both Iida and Tokoyami. He also created quick distractions that worked at drawing the opposing team's attention away, and ensured that he wouldn't have to even get into a direct confrontation.”

All Might's confident act faltered. “Er, yes, exactly. Good work, Young Yaoyorozu. Does anyone else have anything to add?” The room was silent. “Okay then, in that case, that brings us to the end of your lesson today. We'll be going over your performance in the morning. See you tomorrow, class!” And with that, All Might took off. 

“Did he really just leave us like that?” Tsuyu asked questionably. 

“Hey Sho, I forgot to ask earlier, how'd your fight go? Seems like it was pretty easy.” Himiko asked as she skipped up to the group of Izuku, Saisho, Ochako, and Jirou.

“Pretty well. Don't ask me why, but I kinda wanted it to go on for longer.”

“Ooh, does my Sho live for the fight? Wanted to see blood? I know how it is.”

‘My Sho?’ Jirou thought. A heretofore unheard of feeling of jealousy began to cloud her mind. She glanced at Himiko out of the corner of her eye. She flinched.

Himiko stared right back, not with the look she was used to, one of humor and teasing, but rather the look of an animal, a predator that just found an intruder in its territory. A brow raised in challenge. She awaited the challenge.

Jirou, however, was not the one to back down at the sight of a threat. She hardened her gaze and stared back.

Saisho finally noticed the exchange. “Uh, guys?”

“Can it Sho, we're doing something here.”

Saisho kept quiet. Clearly, he did not understand women.

Chapter Text

Tomura Shigiraki watched from the sidelines as a group of reporters attempted to gouge any unlucky brats for their story. Unfortunately for them, there were fairly few students making their way into U.A with the addition of the new dorm system. They spouted some bullshit about All Might and his rumored new teaching job. Truthfully, Tomura was just as curious about All Might's teaching status, but his methods with which he planned to acquire his answers were less… legal? No, these NPCs would break the law if they wanted, if they could get away with it. In fact…

Suddenly, the gate to U.A slammed shut, denying access to one reporter who had attempted to trespass.

Maybe he could use this. 

“Figured you'd be around.”

Tomura moved quickly, turning around and shooting out his hand, all five fingers splayed outward. He was typically good at taking note of his surroundings. Whoever the hell managed to sneak up behind him is dangerous.

Another hand caught his wrist before his fingers could find purchase. A boyish face, freckled and purple-haired stared back at him. He was wearing the uniform of U.A. 

“Who the hell do you think you are, you fucking random encounter!”

“I just wanted to talk, Tenko.”

Tomura's eyes went wide. “How do you know that name!” He wrestled with the kid's grasp. It was like iron, but the kid let go anyway. Tomura took up a defensive stance, and while the student barely shifted, there was a guard in his eyes that seemed to watch Tomura's every movement. A guard, and a sadness. “Like I said, I just wanted to talk, I'm no threat to you. I figured talking wouldn't be enough, but that never seemed to stop me. He's using you, y'know that? Sensei is using you.”

Anger bubbled in Shigiraki. “So what?!” He swiped at the kid. “Sensei is the only one who's been there for me!” 

The kid dodged effortlessly, before continuing. “And why do you think that is? You've seen him plan, you've seen the schemes that he's been orchestrating for years, is it not strange to believe that you're a part of them too?”

“And why should I trust a boy wanting to be hero-scum?! How do you know my name?” His neck itched, but his hands remained ready. He was focused, enraged, even.

“I've seen a lot of things. But more importantly, I've seen you, I've seen you suffer due to your Sensei. There are things I know that you'd never believe, which is why I need you to let me help you. You can still come back from this, Tenko.”

Tomura Shigiraki practically growled in response. He was not someone who could be ‘helped.’ He learned that the hard way when he needed help the most. The lanky man took another swipe at the teen.

He jumped back from Tomura. “Just think about it.” Before suddenly taking into the air and flying into campus. 

Tomura yelled, a sick rage building inside of him. His hands went to the back of his neck, fingers scratching the dry skin until he bled. He wouldn't let this kid interfere with the plans.

—

Saisho arrived to class moments before the bell rang. 

“Where were you?” Izuku questioned.

“Taking care of-” Saisho looked up to notice Jirou staring, before turning her head away. “Business. My… business.” 

Izuku understood and took notice, making sure not to look back over his shoulder at Jirou as he nodded in reply.

“Alright everyone, to your seats, we have something to do before classes can start. First order of business; You've gotta pick class representatives.” Suddenly, the class erupted with other people explaining why they should be class reps. 

“Quiet everyone! We should choose our representative with honor and grace, befitting the U.A name. I propose we resolve this matter diplomatically.” Iida said, hand over heart.

“I don't care how you choose, as long as it gets done.” Aizawa said, before stepping into his sleeping bag and laying on the floor.

—

“W-wow.”

‘That's… more votes than last time.’ 

Saisho Midoriya: 9

Izuku Midoriya: 2

Momo Yaoyorozu: 2

Aizawa looked up from his position on the floor to see the tally. “You're going to have to do a separate vote for vice representative.”

“Oh, no, i-it's good, I t-think Yaoyorozu should have the position. She seems well suited for the job.” Izuku said.

Yaoyorozu looked at Izuku and smiled. “Thank you Midoriya.” 

Saisho stood in front of the class, with Yaoyorozu at his left. “Thank you, class. I appreciate your trust in me, and vow to do my best as class rep.” ‘Sorry Iida, but I want the position this time.’

—

“I'm just surprised so many people voted for me is all.” Saisho said in between bites of lunch, being weirdly quick with his meal.

“I wasn’t really surprised. You’ve made a pretty good first impression.” Jirou said at his left, “I think it’s cool how you went around helping people during the battle trials. You helped people realize things that probably would've taken them months if not years on their own to figure out. Kinda like you already knew what they were capable of.” She narrowed her eyes at him as she said the last part. Sho chuckled nervously in response.

“W-what? Th-that’s crazy! I-I just… noticed some things is all.”

Jirou let her jacks raise to either side of her head, before, in a melodic tone, said, “Lying~”

“Has anyone ever told you you're too observant for your own good?” She blushed in response and looked away. ‘Is she taking that as a compliment?’

“It's also possibly from the way that you handle kids.” Tsuyu, the frog girl, said. “I saw how you take care of Eri, and it shows your maturity. I'm used to taking care of my siblings, so I understand what it can be like. That's why I voted for you, after all.”

Saisho scratched the side of his cheek awkwardly. “T-thanks, Tsu.” A couple people at the table raised their heads at his overly personal use of a nickname. Saisho quickly realized his mistake. “Uh, I-I mean-”

Tsu shook her head and interrupted him. “No, it's fine, Midoriya. I actually quite like the name. In fact, I usually insist people call me that.”

Jirou raised an eyebrow. It felt as if another puzzle piece had been given to her, and yet she was still so far away from the completed picture. She just needed to figure out how they came together.

Suddenly and without warning, the school's security system went off, causing the cafeteria to panic. Saisho moved before anyone else had the chance to question what was happening.

He moved to his vice. “Yaoyorozu, can you create a megaphone for me, please?”

Yaoyorozu quickly complied, even as many students had taken to shoving past them, shouldering their way out as they panicked.

He flew high above everyone else before speaking into the megaphone. “Get a hold of yourselves! It's just the press from outside, you're not in danger! Please head to your assigned rendezvous point like a proper U.A student!” The crowd calmed after he spoke, and he floated back down to the ground before joining his group of friends. 

“What was that about, Sai, how’d you know it was the press?” Ochako asked as she walked up to him.

“I, uh, saw them outside before lunch trying to get in.”

Iida motioned stiffly as he spoke, “Nevertheless, that was some quick thinking Midoriya. I applaud your levelheadedness in such a situation!”

Saisho smiled awkwardly, scratching the back of his neck. “It was nothing, honestly. I just… did what I know a good friend of mine would have done.” He paused for a moment, wanting to apologize to Iida, for taking his moment, for taking his job, but not finding a way to say so. 

Iida raised an eyebrow at Saisho’s conflicted face. “Are you alright, Midoriya?”

Saisho brushed himself off and stood up straighter. “Yeah, I'm all good. Let’s get going.”

—

The final bell rang, and Saisho began to pack up to head back to the dorms before a head poked itself into the classroom. It was All Might in his shrunken, emaciated form. “Ah, Youn-” All Might caught himself and changed the way he spoke. He cleared his throat to disguise his mistake. “Mr. Saisho Midoriya, can I speak to you for a moment?”

A couple of the students who still remained raised an eyebrow or another similar look of curiosity, before returning their attention elsewhere. “Of course.” Saisho said, before walking off with Toshinori to a private office.

Toshinori closed the door behind him and took a seat, before beginning to talk, serious in tone and timbre. “I assume you know why I wanted to speak with you alone?”

Saisho knew, how couldn’t he? “The USJ.” he said matter-of-factly.

Toshinori nodded. “Yes, of course. Obviously we canceled the class trip that was on the schedule that we assume The League managed to find.”

Saisho chuckled. “I’m glad that U.A has decided to not put the lives of its students in danger.”

Toshinori sighed, staring at his hands that he held together at his waist. “About that…”

Saisho took on a look of confusion. “What?”

“We… we wanted you to be with us when we ambushed their attack.” 

“Oh… okay, yeah, definitely. Why wouldn’t I help?”

Toshinori paused. “I, uh, didn’t expect you to be so eager. I mean, what’s coming up is going to be dangerous, Young Midoriya, and-”

Saisho raised a hand to interrupt the man in front of him. “Toshinori, I hate to say this, but the USJ probably doesn’t even crack the top ten of most dangerous situations I've been in at this point. You know I’ve dealt with stuff far worse than this before.”

All Might looked sad, almost defeated. “I… I know, kid, but… I don’t think that someone as young as you should have had to deal with all of it in the first place. Every story you tell, of the hardships you faced, is just evidence that I failed at my job. I couldn’t keep the world, Japan, or even you safe.”

Saisho’s eyes became glassy as he looked up at his father-figure mentor. “Toshi, you never failed anyone. I don't think that there was a single moment where you didn't try your hardest.”

All Might smiled wryly. “Heh. Reminds me of someone.”

Saisho lightly laughed back. “I'm serious, though. You never failed me, yes there were times when you hurt me, but every single time you only did it out of the necessity you felt to protect me. Yes, I'll join you at the USJ, because I don't intend to fail you. I assume that you'll have a cover story ready for me when I don't show up to class tomorrow?”

“Of course, kid. Thank you, Young Midoriya. You've got quite an ability at uplifting people.”

Saisho smirked. “Sounds like someone I know.”

—

It was the morning before school. Himiko was eating breakfast in the kitchen, while Izuku adjusted his tie in the common area. Saisho moved in for the assist. “Don't feel bad for not being good at this,” he said, “it took me a while to learn how to tie a tie.”

“Thanks.”

Saisho tightened the tie, suddenly making eye contact with Izuku. He looked serious. “Look,” he said, voice dropping an octave, talking in a hurried whisper despite the lack of people nearby. “in case something happens today - don't worry, you and everyone else will be fine - in case something bad happens to me, I've kept a journal of everything I've experienced, everything I went through, all the notes on One for All I could take. Stuff that I haven't talked to you about yet. In case something bad happens, use it. And be careful. The world needs at least one symbol.” He finished his worrying talk with a grin.

Izuku's face grew stark. “What's happening today?”

“Something I'll tell you about if everything goes right. Don't worry. I went through this experience before with one one-hundredth the knowledge and zero control of my quirk, and I still lived. I'll be fine. But I'm telling you this just in case.”

“I… can I join you? Please, I can help.”

“I'm sorry, but no. I don't want to put you in danger. You're too important.”

Izuku paused for a moment before he smirked. “Sounds kinda egotistical if you think about it.”

“Do you want me to undo your tie?”

Izuku raised his hands in surrender.

“Look, I… I care for you, brother. Be safe.”

Saisho smiled. “I will.”

—

“So, what are they dealing with over at U.A right now?” Saisho asked, adjusting the gauntlets of his hero suit. 

“Lunch Rush is giving them practical lessons on preparing meals for disaster relief situations!” Principal Nezu replied chipperly atop Aizawa's shoulder.

“Aww, that sounds fun!”

“Tell me again why we're taking a child with us to this supposed ambush mission?” The gruff teacher asked.

“Why, you've seen the young man in action have you not?”

“Not exactly a good enough reason for conscripting a fifteen year old.”

“Oh, the real reason is far above your pay grade, Aizawa, but don't worry, he'll pull his own weight. Besides, he'll be sixteen in a few months.”

Aizawa groaned in response. “I understand that you ‘predicted’ the possibility of a group of villains invading after that whole trespassing debacle, but how do you know that the villains have a warp-quirk user?”

“Math, Aizawa, math. Logical reasoning, and such.”

“And I'm supposed to believe that?”

“Well, I figure the truth will make itself known when it wants to. I personally don't dictate who knows the truth and who doesn't. That's not my decision to make.”

“But you could make that decision.”

“Oh I could, but that'd be a breach of trust.”

Aizawa sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose. “It has to do with the kid, doesn't it?”

“Maybe. Maybe not. Why do you think that?” Nezu asked, being as cheeky as could be.

“This is the second time that this kid has been at the center of something pretty big. First Eri and her volatile quirk, and now this. Something's up.”

“How is Eri, by the way?”

“She-” he sighs once again. “She's fine. She's gotten a lot better now that the Problem Child is around. Honestly, it’s weird, but… he thinks of himself like an adoptive father, even when there can’t be more than ten years between them.”

“Well, the boy is mature for his years. Perhaps one would say that he doesn't quite act his age.” Nezu smiled.

Aizawa glared at the rat. “I am going to make one of you tell me what's going on.”

—

Saisho Midoriya looked around himself. Most of the U.A staff was gathered inside the Universal Simulation Joint, bar Lunch Rush and Recovery Girl, the latter of which was nearby, prepared to be called for in case of injuries. The purple-haired teen walked up to All Might, who took a position at the top of the stairs. Saisho made a point to remind the man time and time again that there are other heroes on patrol today, and what mattered was this fight. He shouldn't waste the precious time that he had left. He just hoped that no one was hurt because All Might wasn't there to save them. Sometimes he had to remind himself that there were other heroes. “They'll be here soon?” Toshinori asked as Saisho approached, eyes locked onto the fountain that stood at the center of the building.

Saisho nodded his head. “Any minute now.”

Toshinori looked at his pseudo-successor. “Young Midoriya, we’re lucky to have you.”

“T-thank you, Toshinori. Truly, I’m the lucky one to be able to go back and fix my mistakes. I-I have the opportunity to be a better hero.”

Toshinori laid a hand on Saisho’s shoulder. “My boy, you are already one of the finest, if not the greatest hero I’ve had the honor of meeting.”

“T-toshinori, please don’t say all that, I have to focus, and I won’t be able to fight as well with tears blocking my vision!” Saisho said as he wiped his eyes.

Toshinori laughed in response.

Danger sense suddenly flared, causing Saisho to clutch at his head in pain. “It's happening!” He yelled, causing all of the gathered heroes to go on guard as they prepared themselves.

The fountain suddenly had its flow interrupted momentarily, with the lights adorning the USJ flickering. 

A dark, purple, incorporeal mass appeared. Villains of all shapes and sizes suddenly poured out, some brandishing weapons, others showcasing dangerous looking quirks. Aizawa stood at the ready, causing Nezu to hop off his shoulder. 

A man with light blue hair and disembodied hands adorning his body stepped out, slowly followed by a hulking behemoth of a man, skin a dark blue, brain exposed, bird mask covering his face. The nomu.

“TEACHER, ACTIVATE YOUR QUIRK ON THE PORTAL!” Saisho demanded. Aizawa wondered who the hell this kid thought he was, but he wasn't about to not do something logical because the person who commanded him to do so was a child.

The portal closed before all of the thugs could make it through, cutting the villain’s forces to half of their normal numbers. Saisho looked back towards Aizawa. “Careful with the handsy one, he’s clever, and he has a decay quirk. Five finger contact. Dangerous. Focus on his capture, but keep away from his hands.” he turned back to All Might. “You and me, the Nomu.”

‘Who the hell is this kid with the commands?’ Aizawa thought.

Saisho and All Might leaped down the stairs towards the villains, landing amongst a group, causing the villains to be flung away from the force. 

“All Might!” Shigiraki yelled, “I was expecting you and a couple others, maybe some kids. But what the hell kind of counter play is this?! Where are the scrubs?”

“We thought that the security of our school was in danger after that whole trespassing incident. Turns out we were right!” He said before rushing for the dark-blue nomu. All Might's fist collided with the beast's chest, a shockwave rippled from the epicenter of his attack, but after that wave of power dissipated, the Nomu remained. It had barely been moved. “Figured someone as tough as you wouldn't go down so easily. Luckily, we've prepared for this! Young man, now!”

“On it!” Saisho leaped forward, activating Float so that he was twenty feet above the beast's head, before using Blackwhip to completely wrap around him. With a grunt of effort, he began pulling the nomu into the sky with him.

The monster shrieked and thrashed about as it was pulled away, alerting Shigiraki. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY NOMU!?”

“Taking him somewhere far away!” Saisho activated as much of One for All as he could handle, and blasted upwards, the nomu below him fighting him every step… no, not step. Every… flight of the way? The Nomu was fighting back, that's what's important.

“NOMU, KILL THAT BRAT!”

The Nomu suddenly yanked on one of the strands of Blackwhip ensnaring it, causing Saisho to be flung to the ground, the Nomu falling down alongside him.

Saisho slowed his fall before lowering himself to the ground. He had landed in the blizzard zone, the extreme wind chill and snow already working past his suit's insulation. The Nomu landed in the snow, creating a crater from its impact. It got to its feet, and stared at the boy.

The USJ Nomu was an early iteration of the Nomus, one of the first in a much too long line. It was incredibly strong, but incredibly stupid. The plan was to isolate it from Shigiraki, since it seemed to go into a waiting state once given enough distance from its master. But of course, that plan was just too easy.

Blackwhip curled itself around his arms as he continued to move and flex his body, building up strength and energy as he did so. The Nomu took massive steps towards the teen. It seemed to still be acting on its previous orders. Lucky Saisho.

It suddenly blurred as it moved too fast for any normal man to comprehend. Luckily, Saisho was no normal man. The beast's massive punch whiffed, causing a rush of air to follow. Saisho rolled under its attack before countering with his own. The attack landed, causing more massive gusts of wind, but once again the Nomu remained unharmed. One of its most annoying quirks, Shock Absorption, was really putting in the work. ‘Right, of course. If that won't work, then…’

The Nomu brought its hands above its head before slamming them back down on the ground. The ground cratered where it struck, and fissures ran for twenty feet. Fortunately, Saisho had moved out of the way far before the thing had a chance of hurting him. 

It brought its massive fists out of the rock of the faux-mountain, before once again rushing for Saisho. He kept his distance the whole time, sending kicks and airblasts to keep the creature off him. The thing was stronger and faster than his base 40%, and pairing that with the Shock Absorption and Regeneration, it was a fight that would prove difficult to win. But Saisho had a plan. He always did.

After dodging and weaving in between the hulking Nomu, Saisho kicked off with a force stronger than normal, using stored Fa Jin and support from Blackwhip to do so.

He appeared behind the creature's back, once again activating Blackwhip, but this time modifying it, chaining it together. He wrapped it around the Nomu, who all the while struggled against the small bug on his back. 

He suddenly pushed off the Nomu, leaving him fifteen feet away with fifteen feet of slack. He grabbed ahold of the Blackwhip, and, with all his strength, started slinging the massive creature around him in a circle. The near 400 kilogram creature was turned into a massive shot put as Saisho flung it around.

He let the Blackwhip loose at the apex of his final swing, causing the nomu to go hurtling at extreme speeds through the air before crashing through the dome of the USJ. Wherever it landed, it would surely be far enough to be outside of its masters distance. 

Saisho looked to the center of the area. It seemed relatively calm. No Earth-shattering, weather-changing punches filled the air. He hoped that it was a good sign. The Blackwhip around his arms slackened. He was glad he wasn't forced to use a faux 100% Smash. Even with the help with the strain, it still wasn't a pleasant experience. He activated Float and took off for the center of the stadium.

The heroes seemed to have done a good job. Dozens of thugs and low-level villains were already held in handcuffs and quirk-supressant bands. He quickly scanned the teachers, making sure that all were safe and alive. They were pros, but Saisho knew that if anyone died today because of the changes he brought, he'd never forgive himself.

All Might noticed the boy's troubled glances and walked over to him, smiling wide.

“Don't worry, Young Midoriya. Everyone is quite alright. The worst our side might suffer from is sore knuckles, haha! With your help and foresight, this ended very quickly. You should be proud, my boy.”

Saisho wanted to laugh, to feel pride, but a feeling of dread kept him bound. “And what about Shirakumo and Tenko?”

All Might's smile closed. “I'm sorry to say, but they managed to escape. The one with the disintegration quirk-”

“Tenko.”

“He grabbed a fellow criminal as a hostage, and managed to get away with… the man made of mist.”

“Shirakumo.”

All Might noticed his protege’s behaviour. He seemed distant from the conversation. “Young man, perhaps it's not my place to ask, but why do you insist on using names they don't even use anymore?”

“To keep their memories alive. A part of Shirakumo still exists, a part of Tenko still exists. Somewhere, deep down.” Saisho sighed morosely, feeling like he wanted to punch the ground in anger. “Okay. It's fine, though, don't worry, All Might. This result is a lot better than my original timeline. I'm just glad that you or anyone else remained unharmed.”

All Might's wide smile returned. “Thank you, Young Midoriya. You truly have the heart of a hero, caring for others as you do. I'm glad that, even if it wasn't this version of me, I chose a worthy successor. I'm proud of you, my boy.”

Saisho began tearing up at his mentor's words. Perhaps he began tearing up a little too much. He began to imitate the fountain at the center of the plaza.

“Holy crap kid, you sure you don't have a tear-based quirk!?”

—

Saisho arrived back to class later in the day after lunch. Upon opening the door, a very relieved looking Izuku smiled and waved as he greeted him. “Everything went well?” He asked as Saisho took his seat. Saisho glanced behind him at Jirou, who seemed to be disinterested and staring down at her notebook, but he knew better than to tempt fate. “I'll tell you about it later.”

Iida appeared at the side of his desk. “Midoriya, while I have no doubt what you were doing was important, I must ask, where were you?”

“Oh, you know, class representative duties.”

Yaoyorozu appeared beside Iida. “And if that's the truth, then why wasn't I invited as well?”

“Haha, w-well that's cause-”

“Everyone back to your seats.” Aizawa said as he entered the room. ‘Thank you so much Mr. Aizawa!’ Saisho thought, pledging to name a child after him one day.

Yaoyorozu and Iida reluctantly made their way back to their seats. “Listen up, you were supposed to have a class trip to deal with rescue training today, but for ‘reasons’ we decided to postpone it for a week. However, that's not the only thing you should be looking forward to.

The classroom seemed to be on the edge of their seat as they awaited what he was going to announce. “The Sports Festival.” He said, his monotone voice carrying clear the sentiment he held for the occasion. “It's a pretty important event, where Pros around the country are going to be tuning in. This is your first of only three chances to make a name for yourself in front of millions. How you perform out there determines the internships that hero agencies will offer you.” He zipped up his sleeping bag before lying behind the desk. “Good luck.”

The class erupted in cheer, leaving a grumbling Eraserhead on the floor. “Go cheer elsewhere, school's out early today, go back to your dorms.” This only ended up eliciting more cheers.

Saisho began to pack up and leave out the door before Shoto Todoroki stepped in front of him. His heterochromatic eyes bored into Saisho's soul. “Midoriya.”

Saisho jokingly pointed to himself, and then looked over at his brother who watched the interaction from his desk. “Me?”

“Yes, you.” Todoroki scowled.

“Well, what's the problem, buddy?” Saisho smiled humorously. 

Todoroki gave the boy a confused look. “Listen, Midoriya, there‘s no doubt that you're strong. Perhaps stronger than me.”

“Okay, really overestimating your own strength there, bud.”

“During the battle trial, you talked about trying to get me to use my fire. In the sports festival, I’ll beat you with just my ice. I plan to show you that I don’t need my father’s quirk to win.”

Saisho smiled, a disappointed look gracing his features. He put his hand on the other boy’s shoulder. “And I plan to show you how wrong you are.”

He left the classroom, hanging a left instead of a right like he normally did. He wasn't done for the day.

—

Shinso walked out of Class 1-B. For some reason, most of the teachers were busy today, so they had a joint class with 1-A. While it was nice learning how to make food for lots of people at once, it was a little weird meeting all of the other hero students. 

The kid with balls on his head gave him the creeps. He often found him staring at the 1-B girls before looking away quickly. At least he looked ashamed afterwards. 

He looked up from his feet as he walked, noticing a kid his age stand in front of him. His hair was like his, but a shade or two darker. He stood around his own height, and had green eyes that seemed full of life. If Shinso could see his own eyes right now, they’d probably look completely different.

“You, uh, need something?” Shinso asked. 

The other kid smiled widely. It scared Shinso.

—

Saisho was so happy to see him again. Shinso had made it in, for real this time. It hasn’t been long but he already seemed better than when he first saw him. Shinso filled out his uniform slightly more now. He must have been working out in preparation for U.A after he was accepted. 

“Nice to meet you,” Saisho said, “I'm Saisho Midoriya, 1-A student.” He bowed in front of Shinso.

Shinso raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t see you at the shared class today.”

Saisho waved his hand dismissively “Oh, I was busy with some student council business that Principal Nezu had me doing. I'm the 1-A class rep. It was pretty boring though, just a lot of paperwork. I much rather would’ve been in class.” He said, every part of it except for the very end being a lie.

“Uh huh. And why are you here now? Speaking to me?”

“You’ve heard that the sports festival is soon, right?” Shinso nodded. “Well, I wanted to secure you as a partner before anyone else does, or you get involved in a plan or something.”

Shinso folded his arms in front of his chest. “Several questions, how'd you know that there’s going to be a team-based portion, why me, and why should I help you?”

“Well, the Sports festival has a fairly consistent layout. The first event at the beginning to show off individuals, the second event usually being team-based, or based in such a way that teams are likely to form, and the third event always being a tournament. Also, your quirk is really cool, it’s a proper Hero’s power.” Shinso’s eyes widened at how this new kid described his quirk, “I’d like your help. And in return, I’ll get you to the final event. I’ll even help you with some strategy, too.”

Shinso’s usually blank, unimpressed face changed, as his mouth curved upwards into a grin. “Alright, Midoriya, I’ll work with you. Name’s Hitoshi Shinso.”

Saisho smiled. “Nice to meet you, Shinso.”

Chapter Text

It wasn't long before Saisho had realized the full consequences of his actions.

The class was training today in preparation for the sports festival. They were given a free afternoon to work on what they believed they needed help with most, with advice and supervision from Aizawa. It was there that Saisho noticed Tsuyu.

She didn't seem to be sparring or training herself like he expected. Instead, she seemed to be focused on rescue training. And while rescue training was a large part of being a hero, he was still quite confused. Surely she'd be focusing on fighting techniques or sparring, right? The Sports Festival was coming up, and while there were rescue events in the past, most of it seemed to focus on combat, teamwork, or endurance. He decided to ask her himself.

“Uh, hey, Tsu, what's going on?”

Tsuyu turned around, her tongue stretched out as she used it to pick up and gently maneuver large objects. She seemed to be increasing her tongue's strength, while also working on its fine motor skills. “Oh, hey Midoriya. Just doing some training, why is something wrong?”

“Oh, well it's just, aren't you going to prepare for the festival? It's usually pretty combat-oriented.” 

“Kero, well, I don't intend to be a combat, or even villain focused hero. I've told you this before, Midoriya, I plan to be a rescue hero.”

“Right, well there's nothing wrong with being strong enough to take down villains.”

“Midoriya, while I can't deny the fact that I'll one day have to face a villain, I just don't see the need to focus my time now, when I should be focusing on what will actually be my career. If I'm going to be a rescue hero, then I want to be the best rescue hero I can be. Besides, villain activity has been on the downturn for decades. It's been years since a large-scale villain operation. But things like natural disasters never stop.”

Tsuyu's words filled Saisho's mind, a sickening realization making itself known. “R-right. Yeah, no, you're right, Tsu. I-I'll see you later.” He attempted to leave the conversation as quickly as possible, a feeling of dread creeping up on him.

“Sorry for being so blunt, kero, but that's how I see it. Goodbye Midoriya.” She turned back around and resumed her training.

Saisho walked off, putting some distance between himself and everybody else, before going over what just occurred to him. Tsuyu wasn't prioritizing her combat ability. Now, this wouldn't be the weirdest thing, many people become heroes without the intention of beating up villains on the daily, but there was one main difference. He knew that this version of Tsuyu was already different from his timeline's version of Tsuyu.

After the USJ, Saisho saw a major difference in her personality. She was focused, more determined. Her performance was always amazing, saving his life and being the reason that he and Mineta could escape the villains in the flood zone, but it was like something changed in her that day. She trained harder, she was a tougher spar, a tougher opponent from that day onward. And now, in this timeline, Saisho could no longer feel or see the same determination that she once held.

The USJ had changed Tsuyu. It probably changed his whole class now that he thought about it. It made them realize that they were in a dangerous profession, that their lives were constantly on the line against these villains. 

And now, they no longer have that experience. Were they weaker now because they haven't fought real villains yet? Was Saisho stunting their growth as heroes because of his meddling? Should he have done something different, let them experience the USJ?

No, there's no way he could have done that. Even if there's the chance that he's slowing their progress, he'd still never risk the lives of his friends, even if he had somehow managed to convince Nezu to change the plan.

But even still, the thought agonized him. What will happen when they encounter villains again? The first time it happened, the majority were fairly weak, with only a few actually powerful villains. What will happen in just a few months' time, when The League reappears, much stronger than before? 

Saisho would need to account for this weakness. They’d need training, training that only his foresight could account for. And for that, he needed to strategize. He hoped that his class didn’t plan to slack off after their internships, because he was going to make sure that they were prepared.

For now, though, the Sports festival awaits.

—

“Welcome ladies and gentlemen, to the U.A Sports Festival!”

Izuku entered the open-air arena to the announcement made by Present Mic, The Voice Hero. His body radiated energy, and he couldn’t stop moving his arms. He flexed his fingers over and over again to keep himself from making a scene. 

After years of watching the event, he, Izuku Midoriya, was finally participating in it. 

“Dekiru, calm down, you’re gonna hurt the muscles in your cheeks with all that smiling.” Ochako said, giggling as she did so. 

“Sorry, Uraraka, but this is something else! I never thought that I'd end up here!”

Class 1-A, as well as Class 1-B and all the other general, support, and business classes gathered on the grass in the center of the arena, where the R-rated heroine Midnight stood on top of a temporary stage, making a few brief announcements. “And now, will the student who got first place in the practical exam please make their way to the stage to give a Sports Festival speech! Everyone, please welcome, Saisho Midoriya!”

The spectators in the stands cheered, while a few general course students grumbled at the unfairness of it all. Ten feet to Izuku’s left, he could hear Bakugo growling at the announcement of Saisho’s name. 

Saisho took the stage and gave a brief bow. “I’ve never been one for speeches, so I’ll keep it short.” His voice carried across the stage, his voice being picked up and played throughout the arena. He exuded raw confidence. “Today, I don't plan to go home without a gold medal.” a couple students murmured and growled at his words, while many of 1-A chuckled in response. “But believe me. I want to be proven wrong. Show me how wrong I am. I've put my all into being a hero, so I don't intend to lose to anyone who hasn't done the same. So I once again ask you; Give. Me. Silver!” 

The crowd cheered as he took his leave, and while many General Course students wore scowls, many held looks of newfound determination and will power. 

Present Mic’s voice suddenly came through on the speaker system. “Alright! Now, let’s get ready for the first competition, the Obstacle Course!”

Izuku grinned. He had something to prove today as well.

—

Izuku took his spot at the entrance to the race, noting the small gap and the large crowd. This would be the first test. He looked back over his shoulder to where Saisho stretched casually. There was no doubt that he'd win this, he was far too strong not too. However, a part of Izuku's mind took hold, a part that he didn't even know he had. His competitiveness. He wanted to win, to prove himself. 

“Get ready now!” Present Mic said. The gathered crowd grew nervous in anticipation, some going into runner's stances, some hopping from foot-to-foot. Izuku took a big breath in.

“And GO!”

He leaped, activating as much One for All he could gather, clearing the crowd, the entrance, and several dozen more feet in a single bound. He landed, rolled once, and took off. Shoto Todoroki, who had just finished covering the entrance way floor with ice before skating off as fast as he could, stared dumbfounded at how he had already managed to have been passed. And not even by the one he expected.

Izuku kept going, making extremely good time as he went. Once he made it to the second zone, he dodged past or smashed through any robot that stood in his way. He was well in first place, and he was barely breaking a sweat. He looked over his shoulder once again, wondering why he was still in first. All the way in the back, at the very start of the race, just barely visible, stood Saisho. Waiting patiently. ‘Okay, come on now,’ Izuku thought, ‘You say you give your all to be a hero, but I guess the sports fest doesn't count, huh?’

He turned back around. ‘Hmm, maybe he's just taking what All Might said to heart?’

—

“Now, for this upcoming sports festival, I want you two to show yourselves off to the world. I'm sure that you've heard this before, Young Saisho, but now it's doubly important.”

“Uh, All Might, why exactly is such a thing important?” Izuku asked. 

“So that the world will know that you are here. You two represent the new age of heroics. There will no longer be a sole pillar, but a foundation for which the world can rely on.”

Saisho grinned. “We'll let them know.”

—

Perhaps this is what he meant. Izuku had managed to leap over the vast pit of the next section, before something shook the very skies, turning just in time, he managed to catch the sight of Saisho before he disappeared from view, going so fast that sound struggled to keep up. Off in the distance, he heard an astonished Present Mic announce his first place status. Izuku grimaced. Second was good too.

—

“Oh my All Might!” Present Mic yelled, fighting to be heard over the roar of the crowd, “That was the fastest I've seen anyone run the obstacle course, even with that delay at the start! Eraserhead, what are you teaching these kids?!”

Aizawa couldn’t help it. A small grin graced his face. “Unfortunately, this was all self taught.”

Saisho watched as Izuku ran up moments later. Under any other circumstances, Izuku's time would've been legendary. “Great job!” Saisho said as he ran up to greet him.

“Great job? Shouldn't you be telling that to yourself? You were crazy! I barely even saw you before you rocketed past!” Izuku threw an arm around his brother, bringing him in for a hug. “Just you wait, though, I'll show you up eventually.”

Saisho grinned, a look of competition in his eye. “I can't wait.”

Izuku and Saisho waited once again for the rest to arrive. Bakugou earned himself an angry third place, followed very quickly by Todoroki, who took a look at the people who had already managed to show him up. A fierce look of anger crossed his eyes before stalking away.

One by one, more of their classmates and other competitors arrived, some happy with how they placed, others a little disappointed. Most of all seemed to be Iida, who looked rather glum even with a respectable eighth. “I can't believe I performed so horribly! Surely a race should have been my forte?” 

Saisho patted the taller teen on the back. “Hey, it was an obstacle course, not a race. I'm sure that if it was just a straight shot, then you would've placed at least… 3rd.” He smiled sheepishly. Iida suddenly gained a sense of resolve in his eyes. 

“No, in the real world, the path ahead won't always be clear. I need to learn how to deal with obstacles. I should probably ask my brother for advice when I can, he's much better and maneuvering.”

Right, Iida's brother, Tensei Iida. Saisho made sure that Nezu would keep Ingenium off of work today by enlisting him specifically with safeguarding the event. But it wouldn't help forever. The Hero Killer would have to be dealt with soon.

“Dekiru, Sai!” Ochako yelled as she huffed and puffed towards the duo. Due to her quirk, she had managed to skip many of the obstacles, but her stamina could still be improved. 

“Hey Uraraka!” Izuku greeted, face split by a wide smile.

“Both of you guys did amazing! Dekiru, you were gone before I even knew it, that was great!”

“Thanks! Hey, Uraraka, for the next round, do you wanna be on the same team?”

“Huh? How do you know the next round will be team-based.”

“Oh, just a guess.” Okay, so maybe it wasn't the most ethical decision to get tips from his future self about the festival, but whatever, it wasn't hurting anybody. Hopefully.

—

“Gather up players, for this next challenge will be team-based! That's right, it's a calvary battle! Group up in teams of two to four, with the person on top being the rider. Each player will be worth a point value, with 42nd place being worth 5 points, 41st is worth 10, and so on, which means that 1st place is worth…” 

Saisho prepared himself for all the eyes that would soon be trained on him.

“Ten million points!” Midnight revealed at last. Murmurs and whispers spread through the crowd. Everyone realized that whoever held the million held a guaranteed spot in the third round. Dozens of Saisho's competitors looked at him as how a wolf pack might look at a lone lamb. He was powerful, sure, that seemed obvious. But the chance was too good to pass up on.

“Now!” Midnight continued, “The rider will be wearing a headband consisting of their team's point value. The four teams with the highest scores will move on. Got that? Good! You now have ten minutes to create your teams! Good luck!”

—

“I apologize Izuku, but time and time again you and Saisho have shown yourselves to be stronger and more strategic than I. I intend to prove myself in front of my brother today, and I don't want to be in either of your shadows. I hope you can understand.”

“No, i-it's okay, I understand. I wish you luck, Iida.”

“You as well, Midoriya.”

Izuku turned to Saisho who stood behind him. “So…” Saisho said slowly, “do you wanna team up, or do you also want to do this your own way?” 

Izuku looked conflicted. “I'm not sure, honestly. I mean, if no one else wants to team up, then of course.”

Saisho smirked. “I don't think you'll have a hard time finding some teammates. I'll leave you to it. Good luck, Izuku.”

“Break a leg, Saisho.” Izuku said, failing to contain the cheeky smile that made its way to his lips.

“Hey, we don't joke about that anymore.”

—

“You guys ready?” Saisho said to the trio behind him. On his shoulders, he was carrying Hitoshi Shinso, who was wearing their ten-million-and-some-change headband. Supporting either side of Shinso was Jirou and Himiko. By now, they both seemed to be getting along well, which comforted Saisho. 

“All good.” Shinso replied.

“Ready.” Said Jirou.

“Let's murder these guys!” 

“C'mon, Himiko.”

“In the friendly competition way of course!” She tacked onto the end.

Midnight's voice suddenly rang out. “And start!”

All at once, all of the other cavalry teams made a bee line for his. 

“Hang on tight!” Saisho yelled. Shinso moved to sit on Saisho’s shoulders, while the girls clung to his arms, Himiko doing so with great enthusiasm, while Jirou blushed heavily at the position she found herself in.

Suddenly Saisho took off into the air, coming to rest some thirty feet in the air. He repositioned himself and made sure that everyone was safely held in place with Blackwhip.

“It may be boring, but staying in the air all game might be for what’s best.”

Shinso pointed to Saisho's left. “I don't think they're gonna let us stay here.”

A massive wall of ice was rapidly approaching the group. Saisho's face became disappointed at the sight. “Yeah, I figured.” Before it could hit them, he activated his quirk and kicked through it, destroying the rapidly growing glacier and sending a hail of ice shards below them. “Figured Todoroki wouldn't let this stop him. Oh well, this'll be a lot more fun anyhow.” He turned his head towards the people on his back, “Okay, here's the plan, this is gonna sound weird, but Jirou, I need you to use your jacks and wrap them around Shinso's head and around the band, nothing said we couldn't do that, and any extra support will help, it'll prevent a quick snatch. Shinso, don't use your quirk yet. Keep the competition in suspense. Himiko-” Danger sense flared. Saisho immediately looked to his right.

“FUCKING DIE YOU DOPPELGANGER BASTARD!” Bakugo rocketed forward with his explosions, arm outstretched to grasp the band around Shinso's head. With a feat of agility that surprised even Saisho, Himiko let go of Shinso's side so that she could jump in Bakugo's way. She slashed across his face with her nails, drawing blood as she did so. Bakugo yelled out in pain and faltered, the brief disturbance sending him off course. Quickly, before he could fall to the ground, Sero shot out tape from his elbows and pulled him back in. “I gotcha!”

“Quick!” Saisho yelled, “Let's move!”

—

So far, the match was going pretty well for Izuku. His team score was already pretty high, mostly due to himself, but no one really cared. They all went after the team with the ten million points, which was fine by Izuku. By now, he had managed to grab the headbands of two other teams, putting his team in a very close third. He looked off to the side where his brother's team was, with all the other groups crowding around him. Maybe… maybe he could go for it too.

Uraraka slapped him on the back of the head, making sure to only use four of her fingers. “Ouch! What was that for?!”

“I saw where you were looking, Dekiru! We are not going after Saisho and getting involved in that mess.”

Izuku acted a little dejected, but he got the point. “Alright, alright, we'll play it safe.”

—

“What happened to playing it safe in the sky?!” Jirou asked over the chaos of what was happening around them. Globs of acid, tongues, and glaciers were thrown at them, all being expertly dodged or deflected by the frontrunner, Saisho. “Couldn't you have just flown us up higher? I've seen you fly like 200 feet straight up once, I know you can do it.”

“Well, yeah!” Another massive wave of ice barreled towards them, making Saisho have to move the group out of the way with just barely enough time, “But that wouldn't be any fun. Or impressive. Don't you want heroes to watch you perform and be impressed? You'll get more internships this way instead of floating in the air.”

Jirou grumbled. “You're taking me flying after all this is over.”

Saisho laughed as a flurry of green scales passed over his head. “Got hooked after only a minute, huh?”

Jirou blushed in response. “Sh-shut it!”

Himiko looked over at the rocker girl. “Trust me, he'll go for hours if you let him.” She gave the girl a sly smirk. “I will too. If I'm more your style.” Jirou blushed harder. 

“H-Himiko, you don't even know if that's true!”

“Watcha talkin’ about Sho-kun, I just meant you flying is all.” Himiko said with a large smirk and mischievous glint in her eyes.

“You clearly weren't!”

“I'm here too, guys.” Shinso said as he dragged a hand over his face in exasperation.

“Two Minutes remain!”

“All right you three, focus!”

Shinso scoffed loudly. “But I'm the one who-”

“YOU THOUGHT YOU WERE RID OF ME?!” Bakugo roared, blasting off once again.

“God damnit.” Shinso sighed. “Hey ugly!”

“SHUT UP EXT-”

Shinso's voice was monotone and devoid of emotion, and yet carried an undeniable authority to it as he spoke one word. “Fall.”

Bakugo's ascent stopped as he went slack in the air. Luckily for him, Sero noticed and reeled him back in again. “I thought we agreed that you weren't gonna use your quirk?”

Shinso rubbed the bridge of his nose. “Yeah, well that was before I was so rudely interrupted.”

The group got away and ran for another minute before a new challenger let themself be known. “Midoriya!” Todoroki yelled, “Don't think that you've gotten away yet.” 

“Try me, Todoroki!” Saisho said, eyes filled with determination, a strong grin plastered on his face.

“Chikuchi, now!” All of a sudden, Saisho fell. He stalled his fall as much as possible, but it felt as if his very body was dragging itself back down to the floor. He landed, but the feeling didn't dissipate. It felt as if gravity was tripled, if not quadrupled. He looked at the new addition to Todoroki's team, a face he was unfamiliar with. 

Someone he could only assume was Togeike Chikuchi, she was remarkably regular looking. That wasn't to say that she was ugly or plain, but in a world dominated by appearance-shifting quirks, latent heteromorphic traits, and a multitude of different eye and hair colors due to the change that quirks brought, it was quite strange to see someone with regular straight, brown hair and dark eyes. She held it in a ponytail, but she was otherwise unremarkable. No wonder he had never noticed her before.

Still though, her quirk seemed very strong. Not only did it feel like gravity was constricting him to the spot, but it also felt as if he could barely move from side to side, even with a sizeable portion of One for All. This was bad, their motion was incredibly hindered, and Saisho could already tell what would happen next.

Todoroki shouted once more. “Iida, now you!” which was followed by Iida announcing the name of his move. “Recipro Burst!”

In the blink of an eye, Shoto's team was already right beside Saisho's. The heterochromatic-but-probably-not-a-hetero teen had already begun reaching for where Shinso would be in preparation, but his hand closed on air as he realized that the kid with the headband was no longer there. He looked up. There, high in the sky being cradled by a strand of green-black energy was the target of his attack. Shinso dangled wide-eyed as he unexpectedly found himself much higher in the air than used to. Todoroki focused his attention on Saisho, hoping that he would be able to knock Shinso down. That was his second mistake.

His first was underestimating his other classmates.

Himiko moved quickly, showing that she clearly wasn't being affected by Chikuchi's quirk. She jumped to perch on Saisho's shoulder, before slashing out with her hand, reaching for the bundle of headbands that gathered around Todoroki's neck. 

The two-toned Todoroki’s eyes widened, the speed of her assault catching him off guard. His left side alighted in flame as he activated his quirk on instinct, causing Himiko to halt her attack.

Saisho moved, ready to continue the fight, until Present Mic's voice once again cut through the noise.

“And that's time! Top four teams, please report to the center stage!”

He smiled. He managed to keep his points this time. "Nice try, Todoroki! But I guess I'm not the only one you'll need to compete with!"

"Alright, now bring me back down already!" Shinso yelled from thirty feet up.

—

“Nice going Dekiru, we did great!” Ochako beamed. Izuku felt like he could get lost in her smile.

“Yeah, we did. You guys were amazing!”

“Agreed. You all performed excellently. I'm glad we came to know each other more after the battle trial, Midoriya. We worked well in the shadows of chaos.” Tokoyami said with a hint of pride in his monotone voice.

“Hey, how come that other team had ten million points if we never lost our headband? I thought first place got the ten million band?” Hatsume Mei said confusedly. She pushed the goggles up her head, causing her pink dreadlocks to shift. 

“Hatsume, did you think I was Saisho? I didn't get first, I came in second place.”

“WHAT!? Who are you then!?” She yelled, far too loudly.

“Hatsume, I'm his brother. We just look alike cause we're twins.” Izuku's expression got across the fact that he was absolutely done with this.

“So that's why no one was going after us! Damn, I bet everyone was watching them and not my babies.” Mei said.

“What did you think was happening?” Izuku asked as he shrugged off the jetpack that Hatsume had given him.

“I thought he said something to get them all riled up or something. Like that other guy at the beginning with the speech.”

Izuku, as well as Ochako and Tokoyami who were listening in, were dumbfounded. “Hatsume, that's literally the same person. Saisho, my twin, the one who everyone was going for, who came first in the race, was the one who gave the speech.”

“Oh right. I wasn't really paying attention, honestly.” Mei said as she took the jetpack from Izuku and began tinkering with something on the back.

Izuku deadpanned. “Yeah, I can tell.”

—

“Dang Eraserhead! Your class’s performance was incredible! Out of sixteen spots, we have one Support Course, two from 1-B, and thirteen from Class 1-A! Vlad King’s gonna freak!” Present Mic said as he commentated over the results.

“The students did what they were taught. They won. Simple as that.” Aizwawa seemed on the verge of a nap despite the intense action and high-octane energy of his cohost.

Down in the stadium, as the losers walked out of the arena, if one focused, then they would notice a single boy in blond hair punching the ground in frustration.

—

“Alright my final sixteen!” Midnight announced, flailing her whip around in a wide arc as she spoke, “This last round's gonna be a… tournament! That's right, one-on-one! And here's who'll be fighting in the first round. Good luck students!”

A list of names and bouts appeared on a large screen. Among the group of sixteen, emotions shifted wildly. Some wore anxious faces, some were excited, one was probably far too excited, honestly. 

Izuku grinned. ‘Let’s show them all.’

Chapter Text

Saisho Midoriya vs. Tenya Iida

Eijiro Kirishima vs. Tokoyami Fumikage

Himiko Toga vs. Kyoka Jirou

Hanta Sero vs. Shoto Todoroki

Ochako Uraraka vs. Katsuki Bakugo

Hitoshi Shinso vs. Togeike Chikuchi

Momo Yaoyorozu vs. Mei Hatsume

Mina Ashido vs. Izuku Midoriya

“And that's the matchups everybody!” Present Mic's voice rang loud and clear. “After a brief break of mini games, we'll- wait what? What do you mean- we can't just-" there was a sound of Present Mic sighing before he began again in a more enthusiastic voice, "Alright, sorry about that folks, but it seems like we're gonna have to make some last minute adjustments to our bracket here. Togeike Chikuchi has forfeited from the tournament due to quirk overuse."

Saisho frowned. Guess she wasn't used to exerting that much force. Made sense, though, he could barely move.

"As such we'll need the team in fifth place to make a decision for who they wish to send in her place. But stay right there folks! We'll be right back after a short break!"

'Dang,' Saisho thought, 'kinda disappointing to not see her in action. Would've been interesting to see how her quirk performs.'

“Midoriya, let’s talk.”

Saisho perked up at hearing his name, turning to see Todoroki standing with a serious look on his face. Well, then again, when didn't he look serious. ‘Oh yeah, this.’ he thought before following the other boy to a secluded spot.

Saisho leaned against the side of the wall, tired from the day’s activities. “Just to be clear, I’m not All Might’s secret love child or something.”

Todoroki’s stone face cracked, as a look of deep, genuine confusion crossed it. “What? Why would I think that?”

“I- you- some people say that I have a similar quirk to him. T-that’s all.”

“Well the strength part is similar, but you’ve shown to exhibit many different aspects. You seem to have a multi-faceted quirk. In a way, we are similar. But I know that beyond quirks, you are nothing like me. Tell me Midoriya, have you ever heard of quirk marriages?”

He had, actually. “I have.” he has.

“My mother was practically sold to my father. He’s always had this notion, an idea to beat All Might, and of somehow surpassing him. That’s what I am. That’s all I am to him, a means to surpass another.”

“Sho- Todoroki, that’s not true. You are not just a tool to your father. You are so much more than that, and you mean so much more to him.”

“And how can you know that?”

Saisho decided silence was the best option.

“I'll prove to him that I don't need his quirk in order to win. I can be a hero regardless.”

A moment of silence passed between the two. “...What will you do when someone dies because of your inaction?”

Todoroki's face was as neutral as ever, but his eyes ever so slightly widened. “What are you saying?”

Saisho moved from where he leaned against the wall and slowly moved towards Todoroki as he talked. “How will you be able to tell someone's family, a parent, a sibling, a spouse, whatever, how will you be able to tell them that you failed saving someone when you know you used only half of what was available to you? Would you let someone die to spite your father? Would you let a villain kill to spite him?”

Todoroki felt like taking a step back, but his back was already against the wall. “I-” he paused. “No, I wouldn't let them die, I… I'd use it.” 

“But what if you failed because you're not used to it, what if you hesitated? Someone could get hurt or die because you refused to train your quirk.”

“I refuse to use my father’s-”

Saisho stood a foot away now, closer than Todoroki was comfortable with. “It's not your father’s! It's yours, why won't you understand that? Stop letting him control your life, Shoto!” 

“Midoriya-”

Saisho turned quickly and made to leave. “We'll likely be fighting each other in the semifinals. If you don't use your fire against me, you will lose. Make your choice.” 

Todoroki watched as Saisho strode off. That wasn't how he expected, nor wanted that conversation to go. And yet… he felt different now.

—

Saisho made his way to his seat after their small break for lunch. He slumped in the stadium chair as he thought back on that conversation he had with Todoroki. It felt infuriating to see him like this again, so opposed to using his own quirk. 

The gloomy teen forced himself to shake it off. He was up first, so he wanted to conserve as much energy as possible and not focus on emotionally draining confrontations. 

“What's up Purps?” Saisho opened his eyes to see Jirou looking over him. 

“Just… prepping.”

She smirked. “Well, I don’t see how this is gonna prepare you for your match.”

“I’m formulating a plan for my match with Iida.” That was a lie. He was formulating a plan for how he’d get Todoroki to use his quirk again. Couldn’t be too hard, right? He’d done it once before, surely he could repeat his success. 

Jirou’s brow furrowed. “Your heart hitched a little. You lied again. Why even bother lying to me?”

He sighed. “We’ve been over this Jirou, I-I can’t tell you.”

She sat next to him, quietly. “I know, and I respect the fact that you have things that you can’t reveal, but at a certain point, it gets a little frustrating when my best friend doesn’t tell me everything, especially when he looks visibly upset. I’d like to help, if only you’d let me.”

Saisho’s eyes widened. “Jirou, I-I’m your b-best friend?”

Jirou paused, and then looked away before coughing into her hand. “I-I mean, I thought we, sorry, that was stupid, I-”

“Jirou, you’re my best friend too!” 

She turned to look at Saisho, before recoiling as the blinding light of his wide smile nearly took her out. Adjusting her eyes to the light, she took in his face. He looked pretty cute like that. “I… call me Kyoka.” Her voice was barely noticeable.

“W-what?”

She willed herself to talk louder. “Call me Kyoka. We’re best friends now, so call me Kyoka.”

“Oh. Well in that case, you can call-”

“No way in hell, Freckles. You’re stuck with the cheesy nicknames forever.”

Saisho chuckled, before getting up from his seat. “I think the matches are gonna start soon, and I’m first up, so I better get going… Kyoka.”

Kyoka sucked her teeth as she cringed. “Ooh, I was hoping the first use wouldn’t be too awkward, Purps.”

He shook his head in response. “You've gotta figure out a better nickname than that.” Saisho made it a couple steps before turning back around. “Not gonna wish me luck?”

Kyoka laughed. “Like you need it.”

“I'll wish you luck Sho-baby!” Himiko said, bursting into the seating area. She wrapped a hug around Saisho, who melted in her embrace. 

“O-okay, I've gotta go now!” He expertly - and a little reluctantly - removed her arms around him like she was a bomb about to go off, before he left.

Himiko took her spot beside Kyoka, smiling at her fellow teen. Kyoka smiled back, although hers was more nervous. Like the one you’d give a stray cat. What, are you trying to tell me you don’t smile at stray cats? 

“Sooooooo, Jirou. What kinda girl are ya?”

Kyoka raised an eyebrow. “What kinda girl? Why do you ask? And like, what do you even mean?”

“Just getting a feel of the competition. I wanna learn more about you.”

“Oh, okay. For our upcoming match.”

Himiko giggled to herself. “I mean, that too I guess.”

Kyoka narrowed her eyes slightly. “Uh huh. Cool. You are just a whole bunch of crazy, aren't you?”

She giggled again. “Guilty! Everyone's a little crazy, though, they have to be. Surely you're a little weird too, right?”

Kyoka looked at the strange girl before her, spouting strange words. While normally a little put off, she was strangely attractive and- ‘Nope! We’re stopping that line of thought!’ 

“I-I don't really know how I'm weird-”

Himiko closed the distance between them, too close for the other girl’s comfort. Kyoka’s face felt warm. A part of her wondered how Himiko’s face fe- ‘Stop that! No more!’ 

“Yeah, but are you weird about it? How many instruments do you play, Gyro?”

‘Gyro?’ “Uh, I-I’m good with five, and I've got an OK grasp with about fourteen, I’d say? ” Jirou said, raising her voice at the end as if to ask a question, to see if that was enough for some reason. “M-my parents are musicians, and they taught me a lot to see what I liked.”

Himiko backed off, leaving her personal space. She flashed a toothy smile. “Alright, that’s pretty weird. I respect that. Now shut up, the match is about to start.”

“But you're the one who-!”

“Shhh!”

—

“And now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for, the start of the U.A Sports Festival tournament, let’s hear it for the first years!” Present Mic’s voice boomed across the stadium, announcing the opening match. The crowd went wild in anticipation. 

“The fastest plank of wood around, the robotic racer, it’s Tenya Iida!”

Iida strode onto the field with precision. His eyes were focused straight ahead and filled with determination. 

“And his opponent, the number one in both the first and second events, Class 1-A student rep, Saisho Midoriya!”

Saisho walked to his spot at the arena, making sure to give his opponent the respect he deserves as he too kept his focus straight ahead. He didn’t intend to show off here, but he didn’t intend for the match to end instantly either. He’d strive to give Iida the fight they both wanted. 

Midnight took a stand off to the side of the arena, small whip in hand. “Alright you two, nothing serious. First to land outside the arena, be knocked unconscious or willingly surrender loses. Don’t go too hard on each other, though. Keep it clean, and keep it professional, got it?”

“Yes ma’am.”

“Got it.”

“Alright then, on my say… start!” She brought her whip down as she spoke, and as soon as it happened, both teens rocketed off towards each other. Iida was aware of the difference in strength between the two, and knew that he needed to end the match as quickly as possible if he had any hope of winning. A risky move, but the only viable option.

“RECIPRO BURST!” The mufflers on his calves expelled white-hot fire as he pushed his quirk to its limits, going as fast as possible, but only for a limited time, and with a chance of causing his engines to stall. But it was now or never.

In a speed in which most people would fail to even hope to keep up with, the bespectacled teen had already closed the distance. Saisho, on the other hand, waited for his approach. Iida aimed a kick for Saisho’s center, hoping to send him out of the arena. What he didn't expect, however, was for his leg to be caught.

Saisho managed to grab the leg before it impacted and redirected the force as he threw Iida into the ground. Iida tumbled as he fell, coming dangerously close to the end of the arena, before he scrambled to his feet, engines still working in overdrive. He pushed himself again, hoping to appear behind Saisho and surprise him there. Unfortunately for Iida, his opponent never let himself out of his sight. He was forced to use his speed to attack his opponent the regular way, going for quick kicks to judge Saisho's reaction time. It was all for naught, for even as Iida pushed himself harder and harder, his opponent continued to keep up with him, continuously parrying and shrugging off attacks, never to counter. Suddenly, Iida's time had run out. He could feel the engines in his calves choke, and the exhaustion from moving so much so quickly was getting to him. As much as he continued to push himself, the inevitable failure of his quirk won out.

Iida backed away from Saisho, panting. Saisho had barely broken a sweat. Iida grimaced. He was doomed to fail. But that wasn't the way of a hero. His eyes refocused, determination returning, as he ran once more at his opponent. His engines puttered weakly, barely helping at all. This time he threw a punch. Saisho was caught off guard by the attack, not just from the unexpected switch up, but also from the fact that Danger Sense only told him when danger was around and not from where exactly it was coming from. The punch hit his nose, causing Saisho to stumble back.

Iida looked to Saisho, then down to his fist. A small patch of blood dirtied his middle knuckle. He smiled. His engines puttered and choked once more before he took off again. He was slower, but there was a renewed ferocity as he swung, not just with kicks, but with his hands, elbows, and even a little headbutt or two. He’d need some practice, but Iida fought with a strength that filled Saisho with pride.

Eventually, he threw a punch, going wide and leaving himself open. Saisho caught his arm.

“Good job, Iida. You were strong today. I'm proud of you.” Saisho threw the larger boy once again. He landed harshly, skidding on the grass for a moment before looking at where he landed and sighing in defeat, finally letting his exhaustion take him as he lay on the ground.

“Saisho Midoriya wins!” Midnight's voice rang out and Iida knew it was over. Saisho quickly ran over to his friend and offered his hand. Iida grudgingly accepted and was hoisted to his feet. 

“I meant it, y'know.” Saisho said as they walked back to their class's seating area. “I am proud of you. You did really great out there. You moved so fast, I never would have expected something like this from you. You've grown a lot.”

“I… I never would’ve expected this either. I’m not used to fighting with something other than my legs.”

“But you did today, and you were amazing. Your speed quirk may only affect your legs, but it’s given you a reaction time that’s unparalleled to a regular person’s. Even I struggled to keep up with you, and I could tell you were already tired from when you activated your Recipro Burst.”

“You’re… you’re right, Midoriya. My fighting style has been too predictable too… too-”

“Robotic?”

“Precisely!” Iida grasped Saisho’s right hand in both of his before shaking it enthusiastically. “Thank you, Midoriya, you’ve shown me much today!”

“No problem, Iida!”

—

Saisho and Iida arrived back to their seating area before being surrounded by their classmates. 

“Nice match Midori-bro! And you too Iida! Watching you never give up was so manly! I gotta go, though, don't wanna be late to my match!” Kirishima said before sprinting off towards his side of the stadium. Iida went to sit in his seat.

“Sho, you were great out there!” Himiko said, wrapping Saisho in a hug before breaking it and swatting him on the arm. “But why did you wipe off all that beautiful blood after your match? It was so hard to see from up here, I wanted to get a closer look. ” 

Saisho sighed. “Himiko, that’s extremely unsanitary.” He took a spot beside Izuku before the next round started. “Nice job.” Izuku said.

“Thanks. Getting nervous? We'll have to fight in the finals, afterall.”

Izuku grinned, a hint of mischief in his eyes. “That we will. Just don't break too many of your bones in your attempt to defeat me.”

Saisho laughed. Ochako raised an eyebrow from where she sat at Izuku's right. ‘Do these guys got a messed up sense of humor or somethin’?’

“And up next! The Prince of Darkness, the shadow that goes bump in the night, it's Fumikage Tokoyami! And his opponent, the red rebel, the invincible teen, the wall itself, Eijiro Kirishima!” Present Mic announced the two combatants as they made their way onstage. After a brief rundown of the rules, Midnight started the match.

It was a rather even fight, with one side having a strong offense, while the other had an unbreakable defense. They clashed, again and again, Tokoyami making sure to stay away from Kirishima, while Kirishima did his best to charge through Tokoyami's attacks with Dark Shadow. Eventually, the match was decided when Dark Shadow managed to grapple Kirishima and carry him off the arena. Midnight declared a panting Tokoyami, the winner.

Saisho watched as Kirishima ran up to Tokoyami, giving the bird-headed teen a smile and a fist bump before they made their way to the exit together.

—

Kyoka stepped up to the arena. She liked to pride herself on the calm, cool, and collected individual that she presented herself as, but right now she felt nothing like that. Her palms were slick with sweat. ‘If I had Bakugou's quirk right now, this would be over in a heartbeat.’

Her opponent gave Kyoka a toothy smile. Himiko’s fangs glistened threateningly. It was probably genuine, but it sure felt like a threat. 

“You two ready?” They both nodded their heads in affirmation. “Then start!”

Himiko laughed forward, her surprising level of agility taking Kyoka off guard. She quickly took a defensive stance, leveling her jacks at the ready. A quick jab, and she'd be able to stun her opponent.

Himiko wouldn't be so easy, however. She lingered ten feet away from Kyoka, her predator's eyes focused on her jacks. Kyoka had the advantage in a straight, close quarters fight, so she had to come up with a way to get her off balance. Her face twisted into a mischievous grin. “You like him, don't you?”

She flinched. “W-what- who are you even talking about?!”

“Sho, obviously. You like him. Riiiggghht?”

“I- no, I mean, he's… maybe, why do you care?!”

Himiko's grin split her face. “Like I said, scoping out the competition.”

“I-it's not a competition!”

Himiko suddenly lunged at the other. In her flustered state, the purple-haired girl was unprepared, and was tackled to the ground by her opponent. Himiko grabbed her jacks in one hand and straddled her opponent. Kyoka tried to ignore how Himiko felt on top of her. “So!” She grunted as she wrestled. “Why do you like him?!”

“I'm not telling you shit!” Kyoka threw a punch at Himiko, landing a solid hit on the other girl's jaw. Her grip loosened, and Kyoka freed her jacks and pushed herself away. Himiko quickly made distance between herself and her opponent. 

Himiko's lip bled. She stared at the tense girl in front of her as she licked up her own blood off her face. “Well, I can at least see why he likes you.”

Kyoka, despite just getting tackled to the ground, somehow found it in herself to become flustered again. “He likes me?”

“Of course he does, even if he's too scared to admit it. Did you know how irritating it was to watch him get ready for a date with you?” Her arms fell to her sides, “How much he worried over how it would go, how he planned out the night beforehand.” Himiko's cheerful manner was gone. The tension and edge of anger replaced her more humorous tone. “But I see why. Cute girl like you. Why wouldn't he like someone like you, someone normal, not a…” Despite the intense anger she felt, her voice choked as she struggled to get her words out. She stopped focusing on the fight. “A-a freak like me. A blood-obsessed freak.”

Kyoka's stance relaxed, her face turning to a look of concern. “Himiko… what are you talking about?” 

Himiko's eyes snapped to attention again. She ran forward, not caring for the danger that Kyoka's jacks presented. “I'm crazy, aren't I!” She slashed her hand forward, attempting to scratch her opponent with her nails. All strategy was gone. She just wanted to hurt something. “I'm insane, right? Don't you think that?!” Another slash. Kyoka dodged like her life depended on it, since, based on the emotions behind the other girl's strikes, her life very well could be on the line. “I'm not cute or pretty! I'm scary! I'm dangerous! I'm a freak! That's what Mom and Dad said!” Himiko was sobbing, movements easy to read as her emotions took control.

Kyoka watched as a fist approached her, and instead of using her jacks to strike, she wrapped them around Himiko's arm, before pulling the girl in and using her weight to bring her opponent to the ground. She pinned both of Himiko's arms to the side as she sat on top of the other girl.

“You're not a freak!” She yelled, “You're… you're cute! Really cute! I think so, and I know that Sho thinks so too. I-I've seen the way he looks at you, and it makes me jealous! I… I thought that you were kinda kooky, but… I also thought that that side of you was cool, too. Whenever I saw you, you were always so confident. When we fought together in the battle trials, I thought that you were so cool taking on Kirishima like that. If Sho really didn’t like you, which I one hundred percent doubt, then he’d be the blindest boy on the planet!”

Himiko looked up at her attacker. Her mouth slightly agape before more tears flowed down her face. “Y-you think I'm cute?”

Kyoka blushed. She really did. Kinda hot, too, if she was honest. ‘I’m never gonna get rid of these thoughts, aren’t I? Well, may as well go for it.’

“I-I do. C-cutest girl in the world.” 

Himiko smiled wider than ever. A sudden surge of strength overtook Jirou's own, but instead of wrestling her opponent back, she hugged her. 

The crowd was unusually silent as the fight turned into an emotional moment.

Kyoka, stunned, slowly came back to her senses and carefully draped her arms over her opponent. ‘I was sure she was gonna kill me thirty seconds ago.’

Himiko sobbed quietly. “T-thank you, Jirou.”

“C-call me Kyoka.”

“K-kyoka.”

Kyoka blushed harder.

Himiko raised her head from where it rested on Kyoka's shoulder and made eye contact with Midnight. The R-rated heroine's jaw was slack, a shocked expression making itself clear. “I forfeit.” Himiko said.

Midnight snapped back and regained her composure. “H-Himiko Toga forfeits, Kyoka Jirou wins.” She said, not an ounce of excitement in her voice, but rather tons of disbelief.

The girls got off of each other before sharing shy smiles. They walked out of the arena together, hand-in-hand.

—

Sho sat, eyes wide at the scene that transpired before him. ‘After changing the timeline so much, I think that this is the most unexpected outcome of it.’

Kaminari spoke up from behind him. “Dude, you think they're smooching on the side?”

Saisho turned around to face him. “What?”

“I dunno man, looked like they were smooshin’ booties. Maybe gettin’ nasty on the side.”

Mineta spoke up from where he sat nearby. “I-I don’t think you should say that.”

Kaminari turned his head. “What?”

“It’s not exactly respectful. Hound Dog says that we shouldn’t talk about women that way. It’s disrespectful.”

Saisho’s eyes widened somehow even further. ‘Scratch that, this is.’

—

“And now, the Ice Prince of U.A, Shoto Todoroki! And his opponent, Hanta Sero!”

Sero grumbled at his introduction before taking his stage at the arena. Across from him, his opponent held an icy glare. He rubbed his elbows. He felt cold already.

“I'm fucked.”

“And start!” 

Suddenly, before Sero could react, he was encased in a glacier that was the size of half the stadium. The ice peaked more than two hundred feet in the air. Everything from the neck down was frozen.

“Oh come on! No emotional moment? No intense fight where I do my best, but it's ultimately in vain?! Bullshit!”

—

Saisho chuckled. Looks like some things never change. 

Himiko and Kyoka now made it back to the seating area. Kyoka wore a frazzled smile, making sure to avoid looking directly at Himiko, while Himiko held a look of pure joy. She kept looking the other girl up and down while licking her lips. It was offputting.

Saisho greeted them as they entered and sat down next to him. “H-hey guys, great f-fight!” Saisho couldn't think of how to address what happened. 

Himiko said something under her breath, far too quiet for Saisho to perceive, but loud enough for Kyoka's enhanced hearing. “We gotta talk afterwards. About where to go from here.”

Her heart leaped and she gave a nearly imperceptible nod in return.

“It was… fun! Honestly though, I'm glad I lost early. My quirk isn't suited for this kinda thing, and I don't really want a whole lot of people to know what it does. Kinda defeats the purpose a little, y'know?” Himiko said, attempting to brush the situation off.

“Y-yeah, totally.” Saisho was so glad it was brushed off.

—

Izuku stood outside of the entrance to the arena with Ochako. She had already turned down his offer of helping her with strategy. She felt as if she had to do this herself. The look of determination that appeared on her face left a soft twinge in Izuku's chest. 

“Good luck, Uraraka!” He smiled brightly.

“Thanks, Dekiru! I'm gonna win this!” She turned around, about to make her way, before quickly making a 180. She rushed at Izuku, giving him a hug before she had a chance to overthink her actions, before releasing and running outside to the announcement of her name. Unseen by Izuku, her cheeks glowed red.

Izuku was left stunned. His heart hammered, and his body froze. He knew something for sure at that moment. He got an answer to a question he wasn't even sure he had.

‘I… like Ochako. Like… a lot. This isn’t just some nervous feeling I get around other girls, this is… this is real. I like Ochako.’

He blushed. But… that answer only brought up more questions. If he liked Ochako… was it possible that Saisho liked her as well at some point?

Izuku immediately went through every memory he had of Saisho and Ochako interacting. He quickly realized that he had very few memories of the two together. Suspiciously few. He and Saisho interacted often, their friend groups were practically the same, Saisho’s was just larger. Saisho was great friends with Iida, he was close with Asui. Izuku and Saisho's social circles looked like a Venn Diagram with two differently sized circles, one almost completely inside the other. The only exception was Ochako. 

Izuku's eyes widened. After Ochako's match, he needed to speak with Saisho.

—

Saisho watched the match with a grimace. He told himself that he had gotten over her, that he was a new man. But a part of him still cared for her deeply. And that part hated to watch her lose like this. 

Ochako's performance was amazing as usual. Her sense of strategy, determination, and use of her quirk was awe-inspiring. Saisho watched what made him fall for her all that time ago. 

But it was all for naught. Bakugou was too great of an opponent, and his quirk was too strong for Ochako to defeat. She eventually fell to the arena floor as her final attack failed to work. Katsuki Bakugou was declared the winner. 

—

“Aw shoot, I lost!”

Izuku was surprised. He expected her to be… at least sad after her loss. “Uraraka… are you okay?”

“Of course, Dekiru. I'm a little disappointed, but it happens!” Her smile was infectious. It was something about her that he… liked a lot. But Izuku could see past it. It was a false front. He took a few steps closer. 

Izuku gulped, willing his anxiety away. ‘If she can do it, so can you!’

He slowly wrapped the girl in a hug. Ochako blushed heavily. “O-ochako-” She blushed from his usage of her first name. “Y-you don't have to lie. I-it's okay to not be okay.”

Ochako felt tears come to her eyes. She wasn't okay. Not really. Her arms reached up to rest on his back. “I-I wanted- I thought I could've- I-I couldn't!”

Izuku, his nerves having calmed after his hug was reciprocated, began to rub calming circles into her back. “It's okay. It's okay. You did so well. I was so impressed, it was amazing. You did amazing, Ochako. You are amazing, Ochako.”

Ochako continued to sob into Izuku's shoulder, reaching a hand to run through Izuku’s fluffy hair. She ignored the buzzing that was coming from her phone.

—

Shinso looked across to his new opponent, Kaminari Denki. He already had no intention of winning the match, it was useless afterall, Saisho already knew his weakness, but hey, why not have a little fun before he forfeited. Besides, it was best for there to be as little evidence for what his quirk did as possible. 

“Ready?” Midnight yelled, “Begin!”

“Hey, Electric Airhead, good luck!”

Kaminari hesitated a bit. “Rude, but tha-” His eyes went hollow. Shinso smirked. 

“Run towards me and let me touch your shoulder.” This was a part of the plan given to him by Saisho. If he really wanted to compete in the tournament, then he shouldn’t let others know how it activates. Physical contact was how most quirks activated, so he decided to go for this one. “Make it look real, though!”

The two ran toward each other, Kaminari occasionally shooting off a bolt of electricity that went wide. Once close enough, Shinso touched Shinso’s shoulder. 

“Now stop.” Kaminari stopped. 

“Get on your hands and knees.” Kaminari complied. Shinso went to sit on his back, the other boy acting as his throne. The crowd talked amongst themselves in confusion. Shinso’s cocky smile as he sat there was enough for many to cheer.

He got up. “Rise.” Kaminari complied once again. “Good boy. Run to the edge of the ring, but don’t overstep the line.” Kaminari ran, and Shinso followed nonchalantly after him. The crowd was eating it up. When Shinso arrived to the side of the ring, he put a hand on Kaminari’s shoulder. “Wake up.”

Kaminari came back to reality, a look of confusion present on his face. “What jus-”

“You won.” Shinso stepped over the line. The crowd roared. Shinso tapped the other boy on the cheek. “Good work, doggy.”

Kaminari froze. A million questions overtook him, most pressing of which was, ‘Am I gay? Who was that guy? And why did I like that?’

Shinso just grinned as he walked off.

—

“Saisho.”

The boy in question turned his head in response to his name. Izuku stood at the entrance. His face was grim. “We need to talk.”

Saisho got up, an uncomfortable feeling taking its place in his mind. Kyoka watched curiously as he left. After Saisho rounded the corner after his brother, she began to leave her seat as well.

“Don't follow me, Kyoka. Please.” Saisho said from around the corner, not raising his voice to be heard as he knew she would hear anyway. Kyoka sat back down. ‘Damn, he knows me too well.’

Izuku led Saisho some ways away into an isolated part of the stadium. He turned back to his brother, face still set in stone, brows furrowed. They sat in silence for a moment before Izuku spoke.

“Do you love Ochako?”

Saisho was taken aback. He… didn't expect to be found out so quickly. “W-why do you think that?” He said, attempting to steady his voice.

“Everyone in this class is like a family to you, right? You know them more than they understand. I've seen you become at the very least well acquainted with every person here, including many from Class 1-B, even some non-hero course, and it’s only been a few weeks. But the only time you've said more than two words to Ochako was when we first got here, and when the alarms went off over two weeks ago. You're avoiding her.”

Saisho looked to the floor. He was one of the strongest men in the world, and yet he didn't have the strength to meet his brother's eyes. “I never got to tell her what she meant to me. She was my best friend. She helped me become who I am today. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be the hero that I am. And…” his words became choked as he struggled to continue. “And I couldn't bring myself to take her from you.”

Izuku's fists clenched. He lunged at Saisho, pulling at the taller boy's collar and bringing him down to his level. “You denied yourself love just because you worried about me missing out on something I never experienced in the first place! You self-sacrificing idiot!”

Saisho pushed his brother off of him. His voice was low and somber. A single tear found its way to his eye. “That's not the only reason. I-I couldn't bear to look at her only to receive a look back that had completely forgotten about me. I c-can't do that. I-If she can't even remember me, t-then it's as if… as if my version of Ochako is gone.” His arms went to cover his face as he leaned against the wall and slowly sank to the ground. “Sh-she's gone. Th-they’re all gone.”

Izuku looked at where his brother sat on the floor and slowly went to join him. He draped an arm around Saisho's shoulders and pulled him into a hug. “I-I'm sorry. I… I didn’t want to…” he sighed, “What you’re doing isn’t healthy. You can't just ignore her like she doesn’t exist. If she really meant so much to you, then at least get to know her again. Don’t shut people out of your life because of your past. Life isn’t going to be the same as before, so why don’t you let us help you. We’re your friends, your family, Saisho. Let us be there for you, don’t shut us out because you’re afraid of confronting the past. Please.”

Saisho sniffles before raising his eyes to meet Izuku's. He returns the hug. “You’re- You’re right. But… make me a promise. Just… do what I could never. When you feel the time is right, show her what she means to you. “

“I will. I promise.”

—

“And what a… riveting match that was, folks!” Present Mic struggled to rile the crowd up once again after the match against Yaoyorozu and Mei. It was practically fifteen minutes of commercials, with Mei showing off all of her gadgets, and Yaoyorozu reluctantly along for the ride.

Izuku made his way to the waiting area in anticipation for his match. Saisho went back to their class's seating. 

Kyoka watched Saisho arrive, noting the redness in his eyes. She figured he just came back from crying, which concerned her, although, to be honest, the Midoriya's seemed to cry often. Still, something didn't sit right with the girl. “Hey,” she said as he sat back down, “are you alright?”

Himiko perked up from where she sat close beside Kyoka. She noticed his state as well. “Sho, what happened?”

Saisho's eyes were downcast, but he raised them to look at the two. A smile replaced his gloomy disposition. “I'm fine, it's just… I realized that I never told you two how much you both mean to me. Thank you both for being my friends. I- I'm so lucky to have you two in my life.”

Kyoka's heart clenched. She felt as if something needed to be said soon. Something she would have to confess. “H-hey, don't worry about it. We're glad to be your friends too.” Later.

Himiko came from behind her and pulled the other two into a hug. “I don't know about Kyoka, but I'm the lucky one here to have you in my life. Thank you, Saisho.” They stayed there like that for a moment, appreciating the comfort that they all felt in each other's presence. 

—

“And for our last match of round one, first up is the life of the party, she's pretty in pink, Mina Ashido! And her opponent is graceful in green, and am I seeing double? Izuku Midoriya!”

Cheers erupted. While not the star of the show, Izuku had managed to make a name for himself after his impressive second place finish in both the race and the cavalry battle. Already, social media was abuzz with the two twins with terrific power.

But his focus was on his opponent. He never underestimated an opponent, especially someone as competent as Ashido. She may play around, but her agility, strength, and use of her quirk makes her a dangerous enemy. 

Midnight went over the rules once again, making sure that the last batch of contestants understood the limits. “Are both parties ready?” They nodded in response. “Then begin!”

Ashido secreted acid from the bottom of her feet. She took off her shoes beforehand to not damage them. Using the acid, she skated towards Izuku, already forming some on her forearms. 

Izuku, however, wasn't going to just stand around. He rushed forward as well, only activating about 5% of One for All in his body, while activating as much of it that he could handle in his hands. Fighting Ashido in close quarters would be a mistake. The combination of her reflexes and acid made her scarily difficult to handle. 

He flicked his fingers at 16%, the muscles in his fingers hurting at the strain, but otherwise he was fine. They left off shockwaves that buffeted Ashido as she sped toward him. However, her assault continued. Izuku aimed a blast for Ashido's knee, which caused her to stumble. She caught herself with her hands and was in the middle of flipping herself around before Izuku swept in. 

A single high-powered punch was all it took to end the match. He striked while she was vulnerable, sending her careening towards the side of the arena. She caught herself, before Midnight yelled out, “Ashido is out of bounds, Midoriya wins!”

Ashido looked to her back foot, where it was, in fact, completely stepped out of bounds. She hadn't even noticed. 

“Are you alright, Ashido?” 

Ashido smiled widely in response. “‘S'all good, Midori-G! Nice work out there, that punch was crazy, I nearly blacked out from the force, my guy!”

Izuku blushed at the compliments. “M-midori-G?”

Ashido nodded feverishly. “Yep! You're Midori-G, and your brother is Midori-P!”

Izuku deadpanned. “G for green and P for purple?”

A swell of pride filled Ashido as someone figured out her nickname scheme. “Bingo!”

Izuku sighed. 

Chapter Text

“One half of a whole, the purple pugilist, Saisho Midoriya! And his opponent, agent of shadow, lord of the night, Fumikage Tokoyami!”

Tokoyami stepped up to his spot in the arena. Truthfully, he did not believe he would last five minutes with a determined Midoriya, Saisho or Izuku. And yet…

“C'mon, man! Hype yourself up!” Dark Shadow rubbed Tokoyami's shoulders as he took his spot. She vibrated excitedly. “Hard to be ‘hype’ against an enemy of this caliber. My future seems… dark.”

“Dude, you forced that one. Also, you could've said ‘grim’.”

“Quiet.”

Midnight raised her whip. “Are both fighters ready?” They nodded, Tokoyami taking a fighting stance, Saisho putting his hands in his pockets. “Then begin!”

“Hey Tokoyami!” Saisho called out, “Wanna make this interesting?”

Tokoyami raised his bird-brow. “Intriguing how?”

“That's not the word I used. Anyways, watch this.” Saisho activated Smokescreen, Sixth's quirk. A purple smoke began to fill the arena. Much to the chagrin of the audience, it impeded their view of the match. But Saisho didn't do this for the audience.

“Ooh hoo hoo! I like this!” Dark Shadow grew in size and arrogance due to the darkness that the fog cast. 

“Midoriya, what is this?” Tokoyami asked, anxious at the boy’s plan.

“I wanna fight my opponents at their full strength. Besides, this should be some practice for you. Try to keep Yuri under control.”

The heteromorph's large eyes went wide. “How did you-?” Saisho dashed forward, just slow enough for Tokoyami to react. Dark Shadow moved before he even commanded her, laughing as she went. 

Dark Shadow struck Saisho, who managed to dodge to the side in a roll. He moved quickly on his feet, gunning for Tokoyami. Dark Shadow’s attacks slowed him down enough for Tokoyami to realize that he needed to make a plan. Saisho was too strong and too fast for Dark Shadow. He needed something.

Dark kept attacking, but the strikes were erratic and not what Tokoyami was ordering. Dark Shadow was becoming too unruly. Midoriya quickly made a break for Tokoyami's left.

“Dark Shadow, our flank!”

“Shut up, I got this!” The being of shadow moved towards their opponent, who was suddenly blocked off. Midoriya simply smirked and jumped. He landed behind Dark Shadow and bolted for Tokoyami.

“Hey, quick question!” He yelled, “What do you do if your quirk isn't working how you want it?” Midoriya landed a strong punch to Tokoyami's beak, the bird-brained teen barely even putting up a defense. He fell to the floor, dazed, but not out. “You need to work on your non-quirk combat, and you need to get better at working with, not against, Yuri. But otherwise you were pretty good out there. I had to use some pretty high percentages just to dodge.”

Midoriya raised up from where he was crouched so that he could talk to Tokoyami and clapped his hands together strongly. The force caused the smoke to dissipate. “Sorry, bud. You would've done great otherwise.”

Tokoyami simply sighed in defeat, letting himself be picked up by Blackwhip and carried outside the arena. 

Midnight's voice rang out. “Fumikage Tokoyami is out, Saisho Midoriya wins and moves on to the next round!”

—

Saisho parted ways with Tokoyami before attempting to find Kyoka before her match. Opening the door to the waiting area, he found her, back turned to the door, punching the air with one of her jacks plugged into her phone, listening to some intense music as she attempted to hype herself up. Somehow, she had yet to hear Saisho enter the room.

“Excited?” He asked. Kyoka jumped halfway to the ceiling in response. 

She turned around quickly. “Don’t do that!” 

Saisho raised his hands up placatingly. “And what was I supposed to do? Announce my presence in a way that didn’t scare you?”

Kyoka pouted slightly. 

Saisho chuckled to himself before continuing. “Listen, Kyoka, I wanted to know if you’d like any help against Todoroki. You’re really strong, but…”

“But I’m gonna get my ass kicked, is that right?”

“N-no, I didn't mean-!”

“Chill, dude. I know that Todoroki’s a different beast altogether. I'm prepared to lose. However,” a shine of determination appeared in her eyes, a look that Saisho almost marveled at. “I don't intend to go down easily. I'm giving Iceman the fight of his life.”

Saisho smiled. It was warm and proud. “I know you will.”

Kyoka blushed in response. Fuck it, get it over with. “Hey Saisho, do you think we could talk… later. After the Sports Festival, just you and me?”

Saisho straightened, eyes focusing. “Yeah, definitely. In fact, I think that I'm… ready to explain some things now.”

Kyoka's eyes widened before returning to their regular state as a smirk overtook her face. “Ooh, is Mystery Boy finally gonna tell me his mystery? But if you do, what will make you unique anymore? Will I get bored of him once there's no more riddle left to solve?”

Saisho laughed. “Maybe you just need a puzzle book instead.”

“Will the combatants please make their way to the stage, the match is now starting!”

Both teens quirked up at the announcement. “Well,” Kyoka said, “Wish me luck.”

“Good luck, Kyoka, lose with dignity.”

—

“First up, we have the lean, mean, rocking machine, Kyoka Jirou! And her opponent, the student who managed to end his first match in a single move, Shoto Todoroki!”

The words of Present Mic never reached Kyoka's ears. She was dead set on her opponent. His gaze was ice, his posture was unbending, his face stoic. His was the face of someone who knew they had already won. And he had. But at least, Kyoka's gonna give him something to remember her by.

She nodded to whatever words Midnight had said, probably just the rules once again, as she went into a combat stance. 

“Start!”

A wave of ice, larger than anything she'd gone up against, approached. She dodged to the right, but with the size of the wave, her entire lower half was still caught.

No matter.

Her jacks pierced the ice, causing a shiver to go down Kyoka's spine before she sent out a strong vibration. The ice cracked and splintered before finally shattering into pieces. She was cold, but still in the fight.

The cold exterior that Todoroki exhibited wavered. His eyes widened in surprise.

Kyoka dashed forward in an attempt to get closer to her opponent. Todoroki’s gaze hardened before he let loose another powerful wave of ice.

She dodged to the left this time, but Todoroki expected that, curving his wave of ice right before it landed, further cementing her chest in ice. Kyoka gasped as she felt a cold encase her that she had never felt before. Gritting her teeth, she used her jacks once again, and vibrated the ice until it fell away. 

Todoroki wouldn’t let her get out so easily, however, as he quickly followed his attack with another. Then another. Then one more.

Kyoka was nearly completely encased in ice by now. She felt so tired and cold. If only she could give up now. But no, she still had some more fight left in her.

The ice crackled and crumbled once again as a panting Kyoka nearly fell out of the ice. Todoroki’s glare steeled itself as he realized that this match was practically over.

Suddenly, she lashed out, throwing a large chunk of hardened ice at the boy’s head. Her missile met its mark as the ice impacted his forehead, causing a small gash to open and for him to be buffeted by the attack. In her opening, Kyoka rushed forward one final time, stretching her jacks out as much as she could. If only she can reach her target!

Todoroki suddenly regained his senses and stamped his foot to the floor, releasing another wave. It caught Kyoka once more. Her jacks fell to the arena floor. She could barely move them.

Todoroki huffed as a small trickle of blood fell down his face. The image of Kyoka’s jacks a mere foot or two from his face still clear in his mind. He tried not to think about Saisho’s words from before. 

—

Kyoka awoke some time later with heaps of blankets over her. A hot pack laid on her forehead. 

“Jeez, you really gave him a hell of a fight, huh?”

She turned to see who was behind the voice and saw Himiko. “O-oh, hey Himiko.”

“Hey, Kyoka. How's my girl doing?”

“Y-your girl?” Kyoka said, flustered.

“Yeah, what, did you think that there was something behind it?” she edged her seat to get closer to Kyoka. “Maybe you thought I meant… girlfriend?”

Kyoka’s cheeks went up as she fought wildly with the various sectors of her brain. Attraction, combined with Want, fought against Logic and Reason. “N-no, I just- You-”

Himiko grabbed Kyoka’s hand that lay outside of the covers. The action caused Kyoka to bluescreen.

“Listen, Kyoka… before our match, I thought that you were… an obstacle between me and Saisho, but… I’ve come to care for you too. You made me feel happy today, in a way I've never felt.”

“I-I” Kyoka took a deep breath. She needed to organize her thoughts. “I… I like you too, Himiko, but… I also like Saisho. And I know you do too, you obviously like him more than you like me.”

Himiko nodded. “Yeah. I love him.”

Kyoka’s eyes widened. “Woah, girl. A-anyways, I think that… God, I don’t know what to think. Th-this is a pretty complicated situation.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” Himiko said simply, “Why can’t we all be together. Us three?”

“L-like… a throuple kinda thing?”

Himiko nodded enthusiastically. “If we all like each other, then why can't we just be together? Simple as that.”

Kyoka flustered once more. “You make it sound easy… but I'm still not sure. That's a big leap, and… I've never been in a relationship before.”

Himiko squeezed Kyoka's hand in reassurance, making the girl realize that they never let go. “Neither have I, and I bet Saisho hasn't either. But I wanna figure it out. With you.” In this moment, Kyoka never realized that Himiko's honey-colored eyes looked so beautiful. She was beautiful. 

“O-okay.”

Himiko smiled. “Good, now how should we go about getting Saisho involved?”

Kyoka smirked. “I have an idea.”

—

“You there, boy. You're Saisho Midoriya, are you not?”

Saisho flinched and turned around. Just had to be right as he was going to see Kyoka.

“I believe I am, Mr. Endeavor.”

The mountain of a man stared down at him. The flames that comprised his beard and mask shadowed his face in an intimidating manner. “You're quite strong. You have strength comparable to All Might, even. Listen, boy, I want you to make my son use his flames. He needs to-”

“Stop.” Endeavor's face shifted in indignation. Saisho sighed.

‘Why did my old boss have to be so antagonistic?’

“Listen, I'm already trying to get him to use his flames, because I consider us friends, and that's what friends do. Todoroki wouldn't know that, because his father made him train all his life and didn't allow him to make regular friends.”

‘I really hope I'm not burning any bridges by doing this.’ Saisho thought. He then snickered at his ironic choice of words.

The flames around Endeavor's face flared in intensity. “I will not have some kid lecture me on how to raise my son!”

“Too late sir, already did. Listen, when you've reconnected with your family and are ready to grow as a person, get back to me. Have a good day, sir.”

Saisho quickly walked off before rounding a corner. He stopped, breathing heavily, heart pounding. ‘Holy crap, what was that!? Was that Kyoka or Himiko's doing? I would've never talked to him like that before!’

“Aw crap, now I'm gonna miss Kaminari's match too!”

—

“Ready you two? Now start!”

“You better just give up, Thunder Dolt, otherwise I'm gonna tear you a new one!”

Kaminari stood still, hand to his chin in thought. “Would I like that?”

—

“So, how was your match against Yaoyorozu?”

Izuku fidgeted. ‘I-it was great, but I think she was pretty bummed out about it afterwards. I’m not sure why, she was a great opponent, but she did seem to freeze in the moment.”

Saisho put a hand to his chin. “Yeah, I think I remember something about all this… I’ll have to speak to her later. Just another detail to file away for later, I guess.”

“Later?” Izuku's eyebrow quirked.

Saisho waved his hand dismissively. “Training session I have planned, I'm trying to get everyone back on track.”

“You sure are doing a lot for everyone.”

Saisho sighed. “I need to make up for my mistakes.”

“Mistakes… what are you talking about?”

“It’s um, I-I don’t think that I should have another deep conversation so soon again. I just… I’m making up for stuff okay?” 

“Right. Well… no matter what you do, I still know that you make what you believe are the best decisions that you can make, and that’s what matters.”

Saisho smiled. “Thanks, Izuku.”

—

“And now, for our Semi-Finals, first up! The son of Endeavor, Shoto Todoroki!”

Todoroki grimaced as he was introduced. His walk up to the arena was nothing like the calm and collected personality he was known for. He was visibly on edge as he took in his opponent.

“And his opponent! The unstoppable, unwavering, Saisho Midoriya!”

Saisho's walk was calm. He stared straight ahead. He'd done this before just… just help him again. That's all you have to do.

Midnight looked a little worried about the upcoming match as the two powerhouses took their spots in front of the other. She just knew something bad was gonna happen. “Alright now, remember, no going overboard, you may be fighting each other, but keep it clean, got it?”

Todoroki nodded.

“Yes Ma'am.”

“Well, in that case-” she took a step back, making sure to keep well away from the chaos that was surely soon to unfold, “begin!”

A glacier, nearly as big as before, sprang to life as Todoroki opened with his signature move. Saisho responded in kind. A large crash, followed by the shattering of ice answered Todoroki's first move, and a tunnel through the glacier opened up. Saisho stood there, unharmed. 

“Like I said, Todoroki. You have no hope of beating me without your fire. Bring it.”

Another glacier. Another crash. Todoroki’s breath misted in front of him. 

“I can do this all day, you can’t.”

Todoroki's mind raced. ‘Take a step back. He won’t lose easily to big attacks like this. Think. What can you use against him?’

Todoroki rushed forward for once. Saisho’s eyes widened for a moment, and ran to meet him. Todoroki swung first. He missed, Saisho being far too fast for him, but he continued anyway. 

“What are you doing?”

Midoriya was an observer in his own fights, it was obvious. He let his opponent do the fighting, while he watched, analyzing them. For what purpose, Todoroki had no idea, but he did have one question. Was Midoriya watching himself?

He covered the arena floor with ice, just a simple inch or so, but enough to be effective. Midoriya gave him a tired, disappointed look. He simply pulled his feet out. Good, he thought that it was a failure. Todoroki skated forward, used to the feel of ice underneath his feet. This was natural to him. He threw a punch, followed by another, but both were dodged or deflected. Not important, push forward. He’ll mess up.

Another punch, followed quickly by a smaller wave of ice. His arm felt numb. Midoriya kept moving, but he couldn't keep it up forever. He dodged again, jumping away from another attack, before the purple-haired boy had finally slipped. Now!

One more, one big shot, that was all he needed. Another glacier, this one so big it loomed over the crowd, suddenly sprang to life. Todoroki hadn’t seen what happened, but he surely had to have gotten him. He’d be fully encased this time, and while that carried a risk with it… he had to show him that he could-

Todoroki was rocketed from his spot by a fist to his jaw. A blur from his left arrived so quickly he didn’t have time to register it. He scrambled to his feet. There, floating two feet in the air, was Midoriya. His plan had failed.

“Stop it, Todoroki, look at yourself!”

Todoroki looked down at himself. His right was covered in frost from his own quirk. He was so cold, he could barely feel it anymore.

“Why do this? You’ve worked so hard to defeat me, yet you haven’t landed a single hit! Just use your quirk!”

Todoroki’s rage got the better of him. “I don’t need his quirk to defeat you!” 

“It’s not his quirk! It’s yours, it was always yours! Why did you ever become a hero in the first place, Shoto?!”

Todoroki paused. 

Saisho grinned.

A heatwave like none before struck the audience as the duo-haired kid alighted in flame. The buildup of ice and frost melted off his body, and a new fire burned in his eyes, replacing the cold glare of disdain. 

‘Just like old times.’

“I became a hero,” Todoroki began, “to help others. And I won't let my father control me any longer! Thank you, Midoriya.” The flames surrounding him got hotter, melting all the ice that he had generated before. “Now let me beat you with my real power.”

“Bring it, Shoto!”

The air in the stadium felt like the exhaust coming out of a furnace. Todoroki's left arm moved with his right. Off to the side, Midnight looked on nervously. “This is getting out of hand! Cementoss, barriers, now!”

“On it!” his arms went for the arena's floor, causing several large concrete barriers to spring up in between Saisho and Todoroki. It was all for naught, however, as a large blast shook the stadium. The heat from Todoroki's left, and the cold from his right combined to form a super-pressurized blast that tore through the cement, leaving destruction in its wake. For thirty seconds, steam obscured the battlefield. 

When it finally dissipated, it revealed Todoroki, dangling a foot over the grass, as Saisho held on to his shirt. They both panted, sweat pouring off their faces.

“Thank you, Todoroki. I… am proud of you today.”

Todoroki looked down to the ground beneath him before meeting Saisho's eyes. “Thank you, Midoriya. And please, continue to call me Shoto. We… We are friends now.”

Saisho smiled brightly, his eyes curving upward in satisfaction. “Then you can call me Saisho.”

“I… I apologize, Saisho. You were right, and I was blind to what you said.”

“It's quite alright, Shoto. I'm just glad you came to your senses. Also, I'm the sorry one.”

“Why?”

“For this.” Saisho let go of Shoto's shirt, and he fell to the floor, landing on his butt.

“Shoto Todoroki is out of bounds, Saisho Midoriya wins!”

Shoto looked up to his friend, and, for the first time in too long, Saisho got to hear his friend laugh again. 

—

“You've got this, Dekiru! Kick Bakugou's ass!”

Izuku chuckled as he prepared for his name to be called for his next match. “Thanks, Ochako. I'm a little nervous, but… I got this!”

“Yeah you do!” 

There was a moment of silence between the two. Words were left unsaid. Izuku remembered what his brother asked of him before. He figured that this was as good a time as any.

“Hey… Ochako?”

Ochako met his eyes, expectant. “Yes?”

“I… I wanted to thank you.”

“Oh? Why? I mean, you're welcome I guess, but…?”

“You were my first real friend in a long time. Saisho's great, but he's my brother. He's practically forced to be my friend by circumstance. And Himiko… well she's pretty obviously there for Saisho.”

“Obviously.” She agreed.

“So I just want to say thank you for being such a good friend to me.”

Ochako's smile lowered slightly. “Oh. Y-yeah, of course, you're my good friend too, b-buddy.” She formed two thumbs up with her hands awkwardly. “Totally.”

“Which is also why I want to say sorry. Because I don't want to just be friends, if that's alright with you.”

Ochako brought her hands down, mouth slightly agape. ‘Please don't say best friends, please don't say you wanna be best friends!’ She thought.

“I-I like you Ochako. A-after all t-this is over, I'd- I'd like to take you out. O-on a date.” Izuku was squinting his eyes in fear of rejection at this point. He opened them slowly. Just in time to watch Ochako's face crash with his.

A click of teeth was felt, causing the two to recoil away. Izuku stopped, and realized what happened. The blood that rushed to his head and flooded his cheeks threatened to cause him to pass out. “D-d-did y-you just?”

“I-I'm sorry, I was excited and-!”

“N-no!” Izuku coughed, and forced himself to calm down. “No, i-it's fine. I mean, it's more than fine, I… I mean if you want, we could totally…” the word that they tried so hard to avoid hung in the air around them. Fuck it, just go for it already. “I-I'd like to kiss you.”

Ochako turned red. Fully, concerningly, red. “A-alright.” She slowly moved back towards him.

The build up was a little awkward, there was an anxious hesitation to their movements, as they feared that they'd move too quickly and click their teeth again, possibly ruining the moment. But when they met…

Izuku hoped that this kiss counted as his first, and not the awkward head-smash from half a minute ago, because this one was so much better. 

He had no idea how Ochako felt, but in that moment, the world melted away. Nothing else mattered. His hand went to cup her face as he closed his eyes and forgot about everything else but her. The way her lips felt on his, the scent of her hair from so close, the feel of her cheek on his calloused hands, he etched it all into memory. 

He just wished that the moment lasted longer.

After what was possibly less than fifteen seconds, the voice of Present Mic rang through, loud and clear, asking for the two contestants to make their way to the starting areas. Despite Present Mic being one of his favorite heroes, and one of his teachers, Izuku cursed him, swearing to one day have his revenge.

Ochako pulled away, flustered and a little out of breath. “Y-you should get goin’ now. I-I… Jus’ get back to me about that date after, okay?”

Izuku nodded, a little out of it as he did so.

Ochako stood still. Izuku stood still. “I said get goin’! You’re gonna miss your dang match!”

Izuku jumped, before hurrying off faster than ever. Ochako watched, before sighing and leaning back against the wall. 

‘So we’re not just friends now, right?’

—

Izuku regained his senses as he made his way to the stage. The roars of the crowd filled his ears. His fingers tensed and untensed, over and over.

“Now for our next match! The green not-so-giant with gigantic strength, Izuku Midoriya! And his opponent, hardly a charmer, it’s the blonde bomber, Katsuki Bakugou!”

Midnight looked between the two. The same feeling of dread. Why did the first years have to be so strong?

“Alright, as always, no going overboard, Yada Yada, please don’t kill each other. Are you both ready?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

Bakugou grunted.

“Good enough, alright, on my say… start!”

The two blasted off, quite literally. Izuku left a crater where he launched from, while Bakugou harnessed two of his finest explosions to send him hurtling towards his opponent.

They clashed midair, Bakugou leading with a right hook that Izuku caught, before throwing the other boy towards the edge of the arena. 

Bakugou caught himself, halting his momentum with explosions and getting back on his feet. “Fucking Deku!” he spat, “Always getting in my damn way, trying to weasel your way into my story! Showing up with a new ‘twin brother’, suddenly gaining a quirk, attending fucking U.A with me! If it was anyone else, I’d think that they were a villain in disguise.”

“If it was anyone else? What do you mean?”

“You’re too much of a damn goody-two-shoes to be the damn villain! I wish you were though! Instead, you’re just a damn annoyance! A fucking obstacle on my way to be number one.”

“In what way am I an obstacle, Kacchan?” confidence arose within him. He just got kissed by his first real crush. Who does this Kacchan guy think he is? “If you’re so great, then why would someone like me pose a threat to your status as number one?”

Bakugou growled and launched himself forward. Izuku met him, trading blow for blow with his first friend and oldest rival.

Bakugou brought up his arms to block a powered up punch, and was sent skidding fifteen feet back. The hit made his arms feel numb, but he wouldn't back down from something like this. He was made of stronger stuff.

“I thought you blew up any obstacle in your way!? Did something change?” Izuku taunted. He felt good, confident, like he had it all figured out. He should've gotten kissed earlier, this rocks.

“RAAAAGGH!” Bakugou yelled, flinging himself forward and letting loose a flurry of explosions, rocking the arena with their aftershocks. “You’re not even an obstacle!” Another explosion rocked the arena. Izuku struggled to dodge. “You were a bug to me!” Another explosion, “A bug under my shoe!” Another, “So tell me!” A last detonation, this time going off before Izuku could dodge. It left him hurt and dazed, ears ringing, head spinning. Bakugou capitalized on his state and rushed forward, grabbing ahold of Izuku’s collar and shoving him to the ground. He laid a hand on the other’s face and shoved it to the ground, practically threatening him to move. If Bakugou’s quirk went off right now, there was no way that Izuku would even survive.

“Tell me what the fuck is going on! Why couldn’t you just stay a bug!? Why couldn’t you have just accepted that you’d never be a hero!?”

From his position with his cheek on the ground, Izuku could barely see the crowd, but he didn’t need to. He knew he was being watched. He knew that his brother was watching.

He strained to look back into Bakugou’s face from this position, but the energy that was present in his eyes scared the boy on top. “Because I was shown my potential! I know that I can be a hero! I’ve seen it, and now no one can tell me otherwise!”

Izuku twisted out of his opponent’s hold in a fit of speed and strength that caught Bakugou off guard, that is, until he was caught further off guard by the elbow that impacted with his face. Bakugou was once again sent skidding, but this time not on his feet. He practically bounced off the concrete twice before coming to a stop. He shakily made it to his feet.

His voice was unsteady, but irregularly calm. “I’m gonna beat you so badly, you’ll never be able to speak again. Then I’ll get my answers from the anomalous bastard.” He launched himself high into the air, before releasing explosion after explosion, rotating himself extremely quickly as he fell, sucking in the surrounding air and creating a vortex. “HOWITZER IMPACT!”

Green lightning danced around Izuku’s skin, and the ground cracked under his feet as his muscles tensed. In an instant, he was gone. The ground where he stood was nothing but a small crater. He appeared right in front of Bakugou, who held his hands out in front of him, prepared for a devastating explosion. 

“ST. LOUIS SMASH!” Izuku’s foot collided with Bakugou’s face, right at the moment of his quirk’s activation. The resulting explosion worked with Izuku’s kick to send the explosive boy flying. He landed on the grass, well and truly knocked out.

Izuku fell to the ground, hurt and tired, but still within the stage’s boundaries. It took a lot to even get to his knees.

“Katsuki Bakugou is out of bounds! Izuku Midoriya wins!”

Izuku stood and slowly made his way to Bakugou. The other boy lay on his back in the grass, slightly stirring while groaning in pain. He eventually opened his eyes, only to growl in anger the moment he did. 

Izuku huffed, hesitated a moment while mulling the decision over, and then offered his hand in order to help the boy up. Bakugou looked at the hand offered to him and ignored it, attempting to make his way to his feet on his own. Izuku moved to Bakugou, placed a hand on his shoulder, and shoved him back down to the floor. He stood back up, and offered his hand again. Bakugou looked at the hand once again, then to the boy attached to it. He had a look of anger, but also of surprise at the other boy's act of dominance. After some time, he accepted the hand. He was quickly hoisted to his feet, wherein he quickly let go of Izuku, and made his way out of the arena, holding his jaw as he went. Izuku simply huffed again, before following him out.

—

Saisho smiled from where he watched the match. Pride filled his chest, not just with Izuku’s performance, but also with how Bakugou was handled. 

“And that’s the Semi-Finals, folks! Stick around, because after a short break, we’ll be right back at it with the final match of the day, brother against brother, powerhouse versus powerhouse, the First Year Finals!”

Saisho got up from his seat. He really should see- oh, nevermind. Walking into the seating area for class 1-A, Kyoka and Himiko arrived, with Eri in between them. Kyoka held on to the girl’s right, while Himiko held her left. Eri’s face visibly lit up once she saw Saisho, quickly letting go and rushing into his open arms. 

“Hey, Err-Bear. Were you watching all the matches?” Saisho asked in a soft voice.

Eri nodded her head vigorously from where it nestled in Saisho’s chest. Her horn rubbed uncomfortably against his ribcage, but he couldn’t seem to care less. “Yeah! I was in the room with Uncle Aizwawa, but he told me to be quiet while they were talking into the mic thingies, so I did. I’m really good at being quiet.”

Saisho cringed internally, while Himiko looked angry. Kyoka tilted her head in confusion and concern, before Himiko noticed and grabbed Kyoka’s hand, holding it assuredly before whispering, “I’m okay.”

She quickly let go, but not before Saisho noticed the interaction. He let the moment pass, instead choosing to focus on Eri. 

“But then Mama Himiko came and got me. She said she wanted to watch the final match with me!”

Saisho smiled. “Good. You should go sit down, I need to talk to the two of them before I get ready for my match.”

“OK, Papa, love you.” She squeezed a little tighter before releasing and hurrying off to get a seat.

“Love you too, Eri.” Saisho got up from his knees and walked over to Kyoka and Himiko. He looked much more nervous now. “I wanted to apologize for not visiting you in the infirmary. I was… stalled.”

“Hey Freckles, stop worrying over me, I was just cold is all.”

Saisho chuckled while scratching the back of his head in that nervous tic of his. “Y-you're right, I just got a little anxious.”

“Hey, shows that you care.”

“Hey Tsu, Shoji, think you two could watch over Eri for us?” Himiko called out. “Me and Kyoka have to go soon, we just wanted Eri to be able to sit down here with her friends.”

The two turned around in their seats to face Himiko. “Of course.” Shoji said with a thumbs up from one of his many arms.

“Gladly, kero.” 

“Thanks guys.”

Saisho raised an eyebrow. “Where are you two going? Oh God, wait, is that private? Should I have asked that? P-please, forget I asked that.”

Kyoka and Himiko both laughed. “Freckles, calm yourself! It's not like… whatever you were thinking. But uh… don't follow us.”

“It's a surprise!” Exclaimed Himiko. 

“Don't tell him!”

“Oh come on, why not leave him wondering?”

Saisho chuckled nervously. “I'll uh, see you two later, then.”

The two stopped their playful bickering. “Good luck, Sho-baby!”

“Good luck, don't kill your own brother.”

Saisho laughed and made his way downstairs.

— 

“And now, for the moment you've all been dying to see, the First Year Finale! Our first contestant, the fastest obstacle race finisher in U.A history, the strongest contender this tournament has seen, Saisho Midoriya! And our second contestant, he may be the underdog in this fight, but watch out, because he’s all bite, no bark, let’s get ready for a family reunion folks, it’s Izuku Midoriya!”

The crowd cheered, they screamed, they applauded, they roared. It was all what Izuku had dreamed of. He was never one for the fame, that wasn’t why he wanted to be a hero, but this did feel pretty nice. He dreamed of this moment, of moments like these, but he never truly believed he’d experience it. His fingers tensed and untensed, flexing over and over.

Saisho stood opposite him. He had a fierce smile, and a glint of competitiveness in his eyes. They were told to make themselves known, and they've surely done that today. Probably the only time in U.A history that siblings had gone head-to-head in the final tournament round. Probably the first time siblings had gone head-to-head ever in tournament history. 

“God, it just keeps getting worse.” Midnight said, shaking her head. “Okay, look, just don't destroy the stadium.” She pointed her whip threateningly towards the two of them. “Capiche?”

“Yes ma'am!”

“I'll try!” Saisho said

Midnight grumbled. “Alright, on my say…” she took a few more steps back then necessary, “start!”

“Before we start!” Saisho said, “How about this, I’ll only use the strength aspect of my quirk.” Saisho kept his words vague in case anyone could hear. A regular person definitely couldn’t but you never know. “Except for, you know, the sense thing, but obviously I can’t just not use it.”

“Why, because you pity me?” Izuku teased.

“Because I wanna make this fun!”

“Alright, but I don't need the help!”

“I love that attitude!”

They both took off, far too fast for the regular eye to keep up with. They met in the middle, which surprised Izuku. ‘He's not at 40% yet, he's starting at my level. This is another one of your training sessions where you just try to teach me, isn't it?’ They traded blow for blow, with Izuku noticing that he struck at least twice every time Saisho struck once. He was letting the battle flow at his pace. ‘Well, that might just be your downfall, because I don’t intend to lose easily. I’ll show you that I can keep up with you.’

He pushed himself further. 16% was his current maximum, but 17% he could do. The pain was there, but it was slight. He brought it up to 18, then 19. It irked him that he couldn’t manage to end on an even number, but Izuku could feel that he wouldn’t be able to keep it up for long on 20. 

The increase in power caused Saisho to be pushed back slightly, as he had to resort to dodging more and more. It didn’t last long, however, as Saisho raised his output to meet, and then exceed him. It was a challenge, it asked him, ‘What now? What will you do?’

Izuku smirked. He knew the answer for days. His fingers tensed, and that's when Saisho saw it for the first time. The energy of Fa Jin.

Izuku jumped back, making space before flicking his index finger. Raising it to 20 for the momentary flick, with the added energy of Fa Jin, created devastating results.

The air pressure was extremely destructive, leaving a cone of cracked and destroyed arena floor in its wake. Saisho had managed to get away, but was still sent partially flying as he was caught on the edge. He landed on his feet and turned to Izuku in a look of shock. The crowd cheered in excitement.

Izuku was incapable of the 40% smashes that Saisho could pull off, but, with the use of Fa Jin, he was capable of creating the same output. And now he had nine more shots.

“When'd you get that!?” Saisho exclaimed. He was clearly surprised, but also excited for Izuku.

Izuku smiled. “Lots of meditation. Managed to get the Second and Third on my side. They were happy with what you did, so they were a little more willing to share this time around. I asked for this one first.”

Saisho smirked. “Of course you did.”

He took off again, pushing himself further. 25% speed, despite being a single digit difference, monumentally outclassed 19%. Izuku struggled to keep up.

But the one who needed to be on guard was Saisho. With his speed, he kept his footsteps light, attacking quickly before stepping away into a position where he could easily dodge Izuku's finger flicks.

As the fight wore on, which is to say, entered its second minute, Izuku became antsy. He couldn't dodge or even deflect every blow, and the damage was stacking up. Saisho attacked again, and Izuku responded with a flick of his pinky. The blast was huge, but he attacked too late, and while it was close, he still missed. Saisho picked up more speed. He was probably at 30% now. His question posed before resurfaced. ‘What now?’ His attacks were light, comparatively, as he awaited Izuku's answer.

This was bad, Saisho kept getting stronger, and he was running out of chances to get him. Eventually, he was going to put real power behind his blows, and end the match. Besides, what if one hit isn't enough to get him out? There was one answer. Line up the perfect shot, and give it all he had.

He readied himself. He still had his middle and ring fingers on both hands to use. Would four be enough? He hoped so.

Saisho moved at insane speeds, far faster than Izuku could keep up with. Izuku wondered if anyone would be capable of keeping up with him.

Izuku was practically letting himself get beat. He dodged and absorbed as many blows as he could, but above all, he was trying to figure out a pattern. Finally, he found it. He kept pace in his head. Saisho fought in a flow, like all good fighters do, his movements were a series of steps, of positions that he moved from one to the other. He just had to be in the right position.

This was it. The moment was perfect. Saisho had moved right in front of him. Izuku released the built up energy in his fingers, creating a massive blow that exploded outward from their point of origin. Saisho had just barely managed to take notice in time, raising his forearms in front of himself in an effort to shield from the blow. He was sent flying from the extreme force, having been sent flying from one side of the stage to the other. He had just barely managed to stop in time, having landed right beside the stage boundaries. His arms hurt badly, but he could tell they were unbroken. He was still in this fight. 

He let his arms fall to his sides and stared at his brother, a challenging smile on his face. “Looks like that wasn't enough! Wanna try again?”

Izuku looked disappointed, but put on a similarly challenging look. “Why not? I still got a couple more chances.”

Saisho grinned. He prepared himself, pushing to 40%, ready to truly test Izuku's limits. He put a foot behind himself, ready to launch-

“Saisho Midoriya is out of bounds! Izuku Midoriya is the winner!”

What.

Saisho looked to where he brought his foot back. His heel just barely poked past the white line. 

He lost.

‘I lost. I got silver.’ A giddy expression overtook him. ‘I got silver! I lost and I got silver!’

He dashed over to his brother, faster than Izuku had ever seen him move, only to wrap him in a tight hug. “You won! You won the Sports Festival! Oh my God, I'm so proud of you!”

It took Izuku a couple seconds more than Saisho to truly figure out what happened. ‘I won. I got the gold. Izuku Midoriya, that's me, won the U.A Sports Festival. I… won’

He returned his brother's hug. “I won! I-I can't believe it, I won! Haha!” He began to cry on his brother's shoulder. Saisho was way ahead of him.

—

Saisho and Izuku had walked back into the stadium, one shoulder over the other. They laughed and smiled as they got back. 

“Hey, your fingers are all good, right?” Saisho asked.

“Oh yeah, they're fine. There's some muscle strain, but it's mostly good. Fa Jin made up most of the power output.”

Saisho breathed a sigh of relief. “Thank goodness.”

Izuku looked confused. “Why?”

“I can't… I don't think I have the strength to tell you the story.”

They arrived at the arena entrance, where their friends were all gathered, cheering wildly.

“You were amazing, Midori-G!”

“Super manly!”

“A dastardly dark plan indeed.”

“I knew you could do it, Dekiru!”

“Quite a performance.” Said Iida.

Saisho was glad to see that Iida was still here. Maybe he had done-

Iida's phone rang. “Oh, apologies, let me take this.” He stepped off to the side and answered the call. The curious part of him got the better of Saisho, and he listened in. 

“What happened? My goodness, that's… I'm truly sorry brother. Yes, I agree, you should leave now. B-best of luck, goodbye, brother.”

Saisho's brow furrowed in concern. “Iida, what's wrong?”

Iida turned back around to Saisho. He kept his voice low to not interrupt the good vibes of the rest of the class. “My brother just called. He said that the two sidekicks he called in to take over his patrol so that he could come here, well they… they encountered the Hero Killer, and… one of them was… killed after they engaged the villain.”

The world around Saisho fell away. 

“W-what?”