Izuku stood in front of the towering gates of U.A. High School, the prestigious academy that trained the next generation of Pro Heroes. The crisp morning air was filled with the murmur of excitement as students streamed through the gates, their eyes filled with dreams of heroism. But for Izuku, this was just another step forward, another part of his journey that had led him to this point.
He was dressed in a black Nike hoodie that complemented his stark white hair, the hood pulled over his head with his headphones slung around his neck. His crimson eyes, a sharp contrast to his pale complexion, gave him a distinct aura that set him apart from the crowd. His outfit was completed with a pair of stylish black joggers and Nike Air Max sneakers, the cool tones reflecting his calm yet cold demeanor. The look was effortless, yet undeniably cool, capturing the attention of more than a few passersby.
Izuku's hand rested casually in his pocket as he stood there, expression unreadable. The weight of everything that had happened in the last few months was heavy on his mind, but he was not one to show it. Instead, he simply stared at the grand school building, his thoughts drifting to the conversation he had with All Might the night before.
---
Flashback
The dimly lit dining room was filled with the clinking of silverware as Izuku and All Might shared a meal. There was a tension in the air, an unspoken heaviness that lingered between them. All Might set his fork down, his face unusually serious as he looked across the table at Izuku.
"There's something important I need to tell you, Izuku," All Might began, his voice deep and steady. "It's about my past… and about my nemesis, All For One."
Izuku glanced up from his plate, his interest piqued but his expression remained cold. "Go on," he said, his tone indifferent, though he was curious where this was heading.
All Might sighed, as if gathering the strength to continue. "All For One is a villain unlike any other. He's responsible for countless atrocities, including the injury that limits my hero form. My quirk, One For All, was passed down to me to defeat him, and I've been searching for the next person to inherit it. Someone who can continue the fight… someone like you."
Izuku's fork paused mid-air as he considered the words. All Might's offer hung heavily between them, the weight of his expectations pressing down like a tangible force. Finally, Izuku set his fork down and met All Might's gaze head-on. His eyes were cold, devoid of the typical spark of excitement that most would expect in such a moment.
"I decline," Izuku stated flatly.
All Might's eyes widened in surprise. "What… why?"
Izuku leaned back in his chair, his expression unchanging. "I already have my hands full with the quirks I've discovered so far. My Elements… they're unpredictable, and I'm still figuring out how to control them. Adding One For All to the mix would be reckless, and I'm not interested in being your successor. Besides," he added, his tone dismissive, "you've already mentioned another 3rd-year student at U.A. who might be a better fit."
All Might sat back, processing Izuku's words. He hadn't expected this, not from someone as capable and powerful as Izuku. But as he looked into the boy's eyes, he saw the truth of it. Izuku was not driven by the same desire to be a hero as the others. His path was different, and All Might had to respect that.
"Alright, I understand," All Might finally said, his tone tinged with disappointment but also understanding. "But just know that if you ever change your mind, the offer stands."
Izuku simply nodded, his expression unchanging. "I won't."
---
End of Flashback
The memory faded as Izuku stood at the entrance of U.A., the imposing gates casting long shadows in the morning light. He felt a presence beside him and turned slightly to see All Might, once again in his towering hero form, with that familiar broad smile on his face.
"Are you ready, Izuku?" All Might asked, his voice filled with a mix of pride and anticipation.
Izuku didn't respond immediately. His crimson eyes flickered briefly in All Might's direction before he turned his attention back to the gates of U.A. He didn't need to say anything; his resolve was clear in his actions.
Ignoring All Might's question, Izuku started walking toward the entrance, his steps steady and sure. All Might, unfazed by the lack of response, continued to smile as he followed, knowing that this was just Izuku's way. The young man had been through more than most, and All Might had come to understand that his cold exterior was a shield—a shield that had kept him alive through unimaginable pain and hardship.
As they approached the entrance, they spotted Aizawa waiting for them. The tired-looking Pro Hero gave a brief nod of acknowledgment as they approached. His sharp eyes took in Izuku's appearance, noting the way he carried himself with an air of calm detachment, a stark contrast to most of the other students around.
"All Might," Aizawa said, his tone neutral as he acknowledged his colleague. Then his gaze shifted to Izuku, his expression unchanging but his eyes revealing a hint of approval. "Let's get going. The recommendation room is this way."
Izuku followed Aizawa without a word, his thoughts already focused on what lay ahead. The noise and excitement around him seemed distant, irrelevant to his immediate concerns. He had a mission here, a goal that extended beyond just becoming a hero.
All Might watched them go, his smile fading slightly as he thought back to their conversation the night before. He still had his doubts about how things would turn out, but he trusted Izuku's judgment. He had seen enough in the last few months to know that this boy—no, this young man—was capable of more than anyone could have predicted.
As Izuku walked into the school, the shadows of the past trailing behind him, he couldn't help but feel a sense of purpose. The path ahead was unclear, filled with challenges he had yet to face, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was exactly where he needed to be.
And as the doors of U.A. closed behind him, Izuku Yagi—no longer Midoriya—prepared himself for whatever was to come.
---