Chapter 35: Opportunity Does Not Waste Time With Those Who Are UnpreparedNotes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
The guest approaching his office is not an expected one, but Nedzu is unsurprised nonetheless. He watches on the cameras as Midoriya Izuku strides purposefully forward, his eyes straight ahead as if going to war. It awakens a familiar bubble of curiosity within him.
There are a number of reasons Midoriya could be coming to his office, but the boy has displayed an uncanny ability to surprise him. Nedzu looks forward to this interaction, just as he has every time he speaks with Midoriya. Even more so after yesterday's spectacle with the media. There are oh so many things that need to be explained.
His quirk, for one, that shares a remarkable resemblance to a certain number one hero's. And the history, however unwilling, he has with the Eight Precepts as well.
So in Nedzu's eagerness, he opens the door before Midoriya can knock. He does it for a number of reasons. One, it unsettles whoever has come to visit, and two, so that he may glimpse the expression on his guest's face before they assume their careful mask. This way, Nedzu is given the upper hand, which he desires in all his interactions with humans, even if they are only first year high schoolers.
"Midoriya-kun!" He watches as Midoriya's face flashes with shock and wariness. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The boy reigns in his surprise, a polite smile settling stiffly over his face. It's a good effort to compose himself, but he doesn't quite manage to hide his unease. Nedzu assesses the student- notes the dark circles under his eyes, and the hardened resolve in the boy's viridian gaze. He grins.
"Principal Nedzu." Midoriya returns the greeting cordially with a bob of his head. He shifts his weight, his eyes moving to look into Nedzu's office. "I was hoping we could talk."
Despite his nervousness, he doesn't phrase it as a question. It isn't as though Nedzu was planning to refuse anyway, but the firmness there makes Nedzu giddy. Midoriya has come here for something important then. Something undoubtedly interesting. He steps aside with a bow of his head.
"Of course Midoriya-kun. Please come in." He motions the boy into his office, and closes the door softly behind them. "Would you like some tea?"
Despite asking, Nedzu doesn't wait for a response as he walks over to his cabinet to begin making two cups of tea. Now, what to brew? That is the question.
He glances at his guest.
Midoriya stands awkwardly in the center of the room. His eyes rove over the office, never settling in one place for long. He keeps still, but Nedzu can spot the twitching fingers and tapping toes.
Perhaps a chamomile lavender blend for the tea then? It helps with anxiety.
"You can sit if you'd like." Nedzu offers, not looking up as he works. From his peripherals, he can see Midoriya hesitate momentarily, and then take a seat on the small couch. The boy's eyes settle over him, following his movements.
It's only a few more minutes before Nedzu finishes and places a cup in front of his guest on the coffee table. Midoriya says a quiet thanks, a bit subdued, but doesn't grab for his tea immediately. Instead, his hands fidget in his lap.
Nedzu carries his own tea to his desk and takes a sip as he sits. Ahhhhh. That's nice. And now that the important matter of tea has been addressed, it's time to get on with the talk.
Not unlike a battlefield, where an advantage appears to those who strike first, the same is true for a conversation. So, Nedzu begins while Midoriya reaches for his tea. "So Midoriya-kun, what did you want to talk about?" He broaches, setting his cup down with a soft clink. It's best to open with something general and let Midoriya take the lead and do all the talking.
Midoriya holds his own cup in his hand, but doesn't take a sip. He stares at the steaming liquid. "There's something I wish to confide in you." He says, "But it's going to sound...crazy."
Nedzu doesn't comment. Offering his own ideas on what Midoriya could be referring to would only derail the conversation and perhaps even prevent the boy from speaking. Silence, if used well, is it's own tool.
Midoriya takes a sip of tea and his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "This is good." He murmurs, almost in awe. Nedzu smiles.
"Thank you, Midoriya-kun. It's a chamomile and lavender blend. Studies show that it helps to calm and soothe. I'm glad it's to your liking."
Midoriya nods and takes another sip. A bit of tension seems to bleed out of his shoulders and he heaves an almost imperceptible sigh. He holds the cup securely in his hands as if the comfort might run away from him.
Nedzu clears his throat, drawing the boy's eyes. Realization flashes on Midoriya's face and his skin flushes.
"Oh, right, uh, yeah. So I would like to tell you something and get your cooperation with something else, uh, if you don't mind. But I'd appreciate it if this stays between us, well... because um…" He bites his lip. "I'm just not sure how well you'll take it, I guess. Or anyone else."
After the boy's ramble, Nedzu tilts his head. Midoriya sure knows how to peak one's curiosity. Something that requires secrecy? And an implication that others may view him differently after learning of this knowledge. Hmmmmm. He should reserve judgement. All he needs to do is hear about this proposal of the boy's and see if there's anything in it for him. But considering Midoriya's reservations- a reassurance is also in order.
"Midoriya, as a Principal, it is my duty to assist a student when they are in need of guidance. With my knowledge and experience, I can assure you there are very few things you could say that I would not believe or not take seriously. I will not betray the trust you have placed in me." He takes another sip of tea as Midoriya regards him. "We discussed impossibilities the other day, did we not?"
Midoriya brings a finger to his chin in thought. "We did...didn't we?" He muses. He stares off into space for a moment before he sighs.
"Alright...but I need you to promise you won't tell anyone else. Unless I allow it." Midoriya proposes, his voice firm.
Nedzu grins. "Oh? Is that the only condition you have?"
The boy eyes him warily. He hesitates. "Uh...yes? You can't tell anyone, or try in any way to reveal the information to them, unless I say it's okay."
Whether Nedzu will or will not do so remains to be seen after he knows what Midoriya's hiding. But it would be in his best interest to agree now. He hums.
"I accept. You have my word this conversation will not leave this room unless you permit it." He pauses while Midoriya sighs in relief. "But! I would also like to know why you are so adamant on maintaining secrecy, as a condition for my silence." He smiles at Midoriya's stunned face.
"That is...okay." Midoriya agrees eventually. "Yeah I can tell you that too. Just...you can't break your promise." He gazes at Nedzu seriously.
Nedzu keeps smiling, but softens his expression "Of course."
The boy nods, accepting the response easily. He pauses, takes a deep breath, and then releases it.
"Well…here goes nothing…" He mutters.
He straightens his back, his chest puffs out just a bit, and a strange determination settles over his figure. Midoriya faces Nedzu with eyes that shine.
"I'm from the future."
Nedzu blinks.
Huh.
He tamps down on the billion questions that fly through his head- the bits of information that break apart and rearrange themselves into newly formed puzzles.
He clasps his paws together.
"Oh?"
Midoriya nods slowly, clearly thrown by the lack of reaction and yet bracing for an impending storm. His hands clench. "I am from almost two years into the future. I came here, to this time, a few months before the entrance exam...although I still don't know how it happened. Uh, and...something bad is about to happen." He gulps. "Tomorrow."
The office is silent. Nedzu taps against his desk and thinks. Time-traveling without knowing how? It's fishy. But, it also can't immediately be debunked. Quirks have always broken preconceived notions of what is and isn't possible. Time travel isn't as impossible as it may sound- although it's still improbable. The likelihood of finding someone with a quirk like that and the odds that Midoriya wouldn't know if it was used on him- dismal. Not zero though. No, not zero.
And while a quirk might not be the only way to time travel- a technological device makes even less sense. Midoriya claims he was only sent back after a couple years into the future. There are no corporations currently studying quantum machines or the like, as far as Nedzu's aware, and it couldn't be developed in two years time. It might have, technically, been developed secretly, but to use it on a single high school boy left unawares? That doesn't add up. (And doesn't explain why a quirk was used on him either. Hmmmmm.) There are the inconsistencies with Midoriya to consider though- the things Nedzu has observed about the boy that just seem strange- that stops him from dismissing it.
"This is quite the conundrum." Nedzu states, contemplative. He can understand the need for secrecy. "Do you care to elaborate on your circumstances?"
Midoriya still seems on edge- expectant of an adverse reaction. "S-sure." His breath stutters as he takes a moment to breathe deeply. "In the future I'm from, I am a student at UA in the hero course- same as now. Tomorrow, we encounter a villain group when we go on a field trip. They are called the League of Villains and their goal is to kill All Might." He pauses, waiting for a reaction that Nedzu doesn't give.
"Fortunately, they don't succeed, but they aren't caught either and...they cause a lot of trouble for UA and hero society." He looks down. "When I was sent back, they were lying low. It was just before my second year. Uh, I was on an internship with Endeavor, the number one hero."
Nedzu finally decides to interrupt. "Endeavor, the number one hero? And not All Might?"
Midoriya winces and shifts on his seat. "Oh. Um...in the future, All Might reveals his true form to everyone in a battle that was broadcasted all over. He steps down as the symbol of peace." He gulps. "It was a battle against the League's main benefactor actually. Which is the main issue." He looks up.
"Main issue?" Nedzu repeats.
Midoriya nods, his face a mix of solemn and anxious. "The League is led by All Might's old nemesis: All For One."
Nedzu's brow twitches and he curls a paw around the handle of his teacup instinctively. That's...certainly a lot to dissect. Midoriya apparently knows about All Might's true form, as well as his enemy, who is supposed to be long dead. From time travel though? That remains to be seen. There are many ways to know things, after all.
"It's useful information." Nedzu affirms neutrally. "And what of the attack that happens tomorrow?"
"Well...we were supposed to go to the USJ with Aizawa-sensei and All Might, but All Might didn't show. You see, he used up his time limit before school rescuing people and therefore couldn't come. So it was only us, Aizawa-sensei, and the hero Thirteen. Which would have been fine, but…" He trails off, his eyes gaining a faraway look.
"When we arrived, a member of the League named Kurogiri used his warp quirk to bring a bunch of villains into the building. Before we knew it, that same quirk separated us into different parts of the facility where more villains were lying in wait. Thankfully, they were pretty low level and our quirks hadn't been taken into account, so everyone got out unscathed. A few people were stuck back at the entrance, and since a quirk prevented us from calling for help, they managed to assist Iida in escaping so he could get backup at the school. Thirteen was incapacitated in the scuffle. In the meantime, Aizawa-sensei engaged the main group of villains. He did well against the grunts...but the villains were trying to kill All Might. They didn't come without a plan."
Nedzu hums. "A secret weapon?"
Midoriya nods. "Something like that. It's called a noumu. A genetically modified human full of a conglomerate of quirks. It was mindless. It only obeyed Shigaraki's orders- he's the leader of the League with a decay quirk- the one who broke the gate yesterday." He explains. "That noumu, it…" He falters. "...It was fast. Deadly. Aizawa-sensei...he couldn't fight it and when we tried to help... nothing worked. If All Might didn't show up when he did…"
The words peter off, but it isn't necessary for Midoriya to say anything else, Nedzu gets the picture.
He looks at his tea, swirls the remaining dredges around while he ponders the information. Thankfully, his quirk has always made that a quick process.
An attack on the hero class specifically targeting the new teacher All Might. While Midoriya seems genuine, this situation he paints is simply...strange. Why attack the students along with All Might instead of setting a trap elsewhere? Especially if they almost returned empty handed when he didn't show. Poor planning on the villain's part? Or a lie conjured by Midoriya? But then there's also the question- why would Midoriya lie about something like this? Why use time travel as a cover story when it's such a far-fetched alibi?
"Midoriya, I must say, I have a few questions, if you don't mind." He gazes at the enigma before him and smiles greedily.
Midoriya hesitates, but he has come here for a reason and there is no way he can refuse if he wants what he came for. Nedzu knows this. "Go ahead. I'll answer what I can." He agrees, to Nedzu's glee.
"Excellent!" Nedzu exclaims with a clap that makes Midoriya flinch. He ignores it and proceeds. "First question- you do not know how you traveled back in time?"
The boy's face falls and he shakes his head. "...No. I don't."
Hmmmmmm. Probably a touchy subject then. And a tad suspicious. Nedzu mentally notes the response. "And you have no ideas?" He probes.
Midoriya rubs the back of his neck. "Well...I thought maybe it could be a quirk or some sort of device...but both of those explanations have a lot of holes. So, I was thinking...maybe it was something my...my, uh, past...uh, original self did."
Nedzu raises an eyebrow. "There are two of you existing here at once?" Of course! That would make sense. Time travel is theoretical, but there should be a so called "original" present in this timeline. But- he tries to recall if he's ever noticed another Midoriya. No...he can't say he has. Perhaps because they share such a remarkable resemblance, no one has noticed if they live the same life interchangeably? How fascinating!
His guest hunches his shoulders, his eyes shadowed. "This is part of the reason why I just wanted to tell you about this, and no one else. You're more…emotionally removed, I suppose. No offense!" He assures, a little panicked. Nedzu just smiles and motions for him to continue.
Izuku gulps. "My uh...the Izuku of this timeline...he's…" Midoriya clenches his fists tightly into the fabric of his pants. "He's dead." He finishes, his voice hard. His arms tremble just slightly.
Nedzu's mind whirs. "A result of your arrival in the timeline?" This is certainly outside of his expectations. And also extremely convenient for Midoriya to not have to produce his original self and prove that time travel is true. With the story that he died- whether true or false- his claims can't be verified by that method.
Midoriya flinches. "N-no. He, uh, he died before I showed up. This timeline...it isn't exactly the same as my own. It's slightly different." He sighs. "I don't want anyone to know that I'm not this world's real Izuku. If they knew that I was dead…" He shakes his head.
"So, I am the only one who knows of your circumstance?" Nedzu confirms. He downs the rest of his tea.
"Yes." Midoriya answers simply. "The others can't know."
Nedzu tilts his head, chooses his next words carefully. "Midoriya...do you intend on returning to your own time?"
Midoriya looks at him quizzically. "Of course. I can't stay here."
"You could, actually, if you wished it, but that isn't my point. If you leave...you do know that everyone will have to find out eventually?" He levels Midoriya with a serious look. "If it will hurt them either way, wouldn't it be better to let them know sooner and give them time to grieve?"
The boy bites his lip. "I...know." Midoriya sighs. "I'll have to tell them eventually. I just...I just want to keep up the illusion for a little while longer." He whispers, his eyes on the ground.
Nedzu hums. "While it's understandable why you would keep the death of Izuku prime secret, why wait so long to warn someone of the League, if it's as dangerous a group as you say?" He poses. This information, if divulged sooner, could've been used to plan for the event tomorrow days- if not weeks- in advance. Not that the time constraint would hinder Nedzu's plans, but his options could've been more varied. As it stands, Nedzu is left with no time to confirm the truth of Midoriya's claim and must place blind faith that there really will be an attack tomorrow in the way the boy relays.
"I…" Midoriya hesitates. "I was always going to warn you. I wasn't going to keep it secret, I swear! There were just...a lot of things to deal with. And I wasn't sure if you'd believe me or not. Time travel...it was hard for me to believe too. I didn't want to risk coming forward and being forced into a position where I could no longer act freely." He takes a breath, his eyes still trained on the ground. "I know...that I've messed up. I should've tried harder or done things differently. But!" He looks up at Nedzu. "If you could just call off the trip, then-!"
"Midoriya," Nedzu cuts off with a smile. "Now why would I do that?"
The words hang in the air. The boy sputters, his eyes growing wide. "What?! Wait- why?!"
Before Midoriya can work himself into a further panic- or perhaps lose himself in a delusion that Nedzu has broken trust, Nedzu interrupts.
"I agree that we should change the outcome." He expounds, "But I don't believe calling off the trip is necessary."
Midoriya reels back, his face twisting with shock and confusion. "But the League-!"
"Are a threat." Nedzu finishes. He clasps his paws together and stares Midoriya down from his desk. "Tell me Midoriya...what is the best outcome for this event?" He pauses. "Is it All Might's presence there from the beginning? The League never showing up at all? Maybe, even, not having the field trip altogether?" He taps the wood underneath him. "The answer is: none of these!"
"I…" Midoriya shakes his head. "I don't understand. If the League shows up, there's always the chance that someone can get hurt. Even if we prepare...what if our efforts change the outcome and make things worse? How can I...how can I risk lives like that?"
For someone in such a situation, Midoriya really fails to look at the bigger picture. Nedzu purses his lips.
"You aren't wrong in your desire to save your fellow classmates, but your thinking is far too narrow. What do you think this League of Villains would do if they arrived at the USJ and found no one there? Their goal has not yet been attained, so the battle would only be pushed back. And while unfortunate, our presence there managed to thin their forces. Now they would keep those as well. We don't win."
Midoriya grabs his chin. "Then-"
"Then the solution is obvious." Nedzu answers. "If we have access to knowledge of the future, we should use it to our advantage. Why wait for the threat to strengthen when we can take it out? That seems like the best solution. If we know where the enemy is going to be and what they are going to do, it'd be easier to create a contingency for them than if we let them plan a new, unknown attack elsewhere."
And if Midoriya has been telling the truth about the whole thing- then it'd be easy to validate it at the USJ. Careful planning will ensure that if he's being truthful, the threat will be handled. And if he is lying, then the hero class can at least enjoy their field trip. Or if it's a trap- if the situation unfolds in a way Midoriya failed to inform him of- then Nedzu will know where he stands. Tomorrow will be an excellent chance to confirm how much trust can be placed in Midoriya's words or character.
"I don't know." Midoriya murmurs after a moment. "It makes sense, but…is there no other way? If we make a plan to capture the League, we don't need my classmates, right?" He looks up with his hand clenched into a fist. "I can't put my friends' lives in danger."
Nedzu holds the boy's gaze. An admirable thought for a budding hero to have, but too naive. Nedzu smiles calmly. "I will see about not involving the students, however to keep the villains from being alerted prematurely, I'm not sure they can be removed from the plan. Nothing is without risk, unfortunately. But , extensive measures will be put in place with the safety of the students in mind. I know you are worried, but if the danger is taken out now, it will prevent further danger in the future. Is that not the optimal choice?"
Midoriya sits there, his brow furrowed. "I suppose…" He agrees reluctantly. Another sigh escapes him. "I just...I just want everyone to be safe."
Nedzu nods. "Of course! Now please retell what happens at the field trip tomorrow in as much detail as possible! I'll need to know everything in order to properly plan for it." He grins, reaching for a pen and a pad of paper.
And when Midoriya shivers, he politely pretends he doesn't notice it.
After Izuku leaves Nedzu's office, he feels better. He also feels like a complete and total idiot, but that's probably what a lot of people feel after speaking with the hyper-intelligent principal. The plan is sound, and Izuku thinks for once he's actually done something right.
He knows he should've come forward sooner. Of course there were other things happening, but that's no excuse. He was going to tell someone- whether anonymously or not, but there was always a part of him that was scared of what they'd assume. If they would believe him- or think he was a spy or something. Or even expel him from UA and keep him from being a hero. He's lucky things went so well with Nedzu, but even he's not so naive as to believe that the principal trusts him completely. Izuku is well aware of just how suspicious he appears.
And there are a few things that he...didn't mention. For various reasons. The first is the true nature of his quirk. It's not just his secret to tell. It feels wrong of Izuku to reveal that he's the ninth holder of One For All to anyone but All Might. His quirk shouldn't matter in this scenario anyways…
Second- his time as a vigilante. This one...Izuku isn't so sure of. He wants to get everything off his chest, but...he's scared. His credibility might go down if Nedzu knows he's a criminal, even if he had good intentions. And if the principal is anything like Aizawa-sensei, then Izuku would be expelled. And he doesn't...he can't do that quite yet.
If all goes well tomorrow, the League of Villains will be caught or won't show up at all, he will have one less person to lie to, and he'll…
Well he won't be any closer to getting back to his own timeline, but he'll sure feel a lot better.
If he wants to know how he got here and subsequently how to get back, he needs to know what happened to the real Izuku before he died. And for that...he has to speak with All Might.
There's still the chance though, that even speaking to All Might won't bring him any closer to solving anything. Whatever happened...Izuku is sure it won't explain his arrival here. But hopefully, he will receive some insight into what forced the other Izuku to make the choice he made.
His chance to talk doesn't come immediately, however, despite his eagerness to get it over with. All Might is still a teacher and Izuku has his own classes to attend as well, so he has to wait it out. He sits through lessons while contemplating how the conversation will go. It's not as if he expects All Might to make it harder, but he's still nervous.
His improved mood from the talk with the principal is noticed by his friends, and Izuku wastes no time smiling at them and thanking them for being there for him. It's really been a rough couple of days, and Izuku appreciates the worry and care while he was in his funk. With his new attitude, he can see the relief behind their eyes, but also questions. They likely want to know why things have changed so suddenly. Or what caused his dim spirits to begin with. And maybe...maybe eventually Izuku will tell them. But right now, he'd rather not bring down this high.
Unfortunately in class, Aizawa-sensei tells him he can't give away the class president position unless the rest of the class agrees. And even though Iida had helped with the panic in the cafeteria yesterday, (although Izuku hadn't seen it) everyone still agrees that Izuku is the best choice. A horrible decision, really. But it seems he's stuck with the responsibility whether he likes it or not.
Which is how he ends up in charge of the class while Aizawa-sensei gets pulled away by the principal for a meeting. Izuku wonders if it's about what he thinks it's about.
"Okay! I got it!" Kaminari calls out excitedly. Half the class turns to him while the other half continues to do their own thing. "Midoriya! What number am I thinking of?" He asks, eyes gleaming in anticipation.
Izuku frowns. He's positioned at the front of the class, leaning against the teacher's desk right alongside Yaoyorozu. "Why?" He wonders skeptically, already having an idea of where this is going.
Sero grins at him. "We're testing the limits of your psychic powers."
If anything, that explanation makes Izuku frown harder. "I'm not psychic."
Yaoyorozu coughs beside him, and Izuku glances her way, but she doesn't look at him. He's not sure if it was intentional.
Sero also doesn't seem convinced. "Yeah, sure, now answer the question."
Izuku sighs. Would it really hurt to indulge them? It's statistically unlikely that he'd guess right every time. And perhaps this will finally prove to everyone that he isn't psychic!
"Three…?"
Kaminari blinks. "...Huh? It was eight dude!" Izuku shrugs.
Iida scowls. "Stop pestering Midoriya! He's already said he isn't psychic!"
Yaoyorozu giggles and Izuku really hopes that he can also convince her that he doesn't have a quirk like that, despite her being the only one with incriminating evidence. He internally groans.
"So how does it work?" Kirishima wonders aloud, huddled among Sero, Kaminari and Mina. "Can you tell what I'm thinking of?"
Izuku shakes his head. "I can't. I'm not psychic." At Kirishima's crestfallen expression, he can't help but add: "Sorry."
Kirishima waves the apology away while Mina grins. "C'mon Midoriya! You can at least humor us then! What else are we supposed to do until Sensei gets back?" Her statement is met with a few cheers of agreement.
Most of the class isn't even paying attention to the conversation, and it isn't like this will hurt anything…He bites his lip.
"I'll just be guessing though." He tells them.
Kaminari nods. "That's cool too! Do whatever you need to get your psychic juices flowing!"
Izuku ignores that comment. "What do I have to do?"
Mina smiles at his words, bouncing a bit in her seat. "It'll be like twenty questions! Kiri, give him a hint!"
Kirishima smiles and clenches his fist. "Alright! I'm thinking of a hero!"
...And immediately, there's someone that comes to mind. Sure, Izuku doesn't know who Kirishima is thinking of with 100% certainty, but he has a pretty good guess. He knows the hero that Kirishima admires- the one he idolizes and also modeled his costume after. But- he shouldn't.
"I...don't want to play this anymore." Midoriya admits.
"What! Why not? You just agreed!" Kaminari protests.
Mina lights up. She stands from her seat and points a finger at him. "Oh my gosh! You know! You are pyschic!"
Midoriya shifts on his feet, avoiding the eyes of his classmates. " No. I just don't feel like playing."
Sero smiles slyly. "You're a terrible liar, Midoriya."
"Yeah!" Mina joins in. "Now tell us your guess!"
Izuku doesn't like the attention he's drawing, and continuing to refuse will only draw more. He needs to give them a wrong answer. "All Might?" He proposes.
All eyes turn to Kirishima. The redhead shakes his head while looking a little disappointed. "Nope. That wasn't it."
And with that, they decide to actually play twenty questions among themselves, each of them trying to guess which hero Kirishima is thinking of. Not a single person guesses right, but no one gives up yet either. Izuku watches the exchange fondly.
A nudge to his side grabs his attention. Yaoyorozu leans in close to him, her hair tickling his face.
"It's not my business, but why do you want to hide something like precognition? It's extremely useful for battle and tactics. No one here would judge you."
Her words are quiet- only heard by him- and Izuku sighs. There's no letting this go...is there?
"It's not precognition...or whatever everyone seems to think it is. Nothing so reliable. I just...don't want to call it that and it be a lie since I can't use it consistently." He stares at Yaoyorozu earnestly. "It's complicated. And there's a lot about it I don't know myself."
Yaoyorozu nods, contemplating his words seriously. She stays silent for a while. Then, she leans in again.
"Well, whatever it is, I think it's useful. My quirk relies a lot on preparation and knowing one's battlefield. If you ever...see...anything, and can tell me, I'd trust you." She gives him a small smile.
Izuku stares, momentarily caught off guard. What has he done to deserve such great friends? He starts to feel the onset of tears, but pushes it back with a return smile.
"Thanks Yaoyorozu. I...I'll keep that in mind."
She nods at him, pleased, and the conversation ends. It's only a second more before Aizawa-sensei walks back in and they return to their seats.
Izuku's mood, if possible, flies even higher.
It's once the lunch bell rings that Izuku decides to seek out All Might. He informs Iida and Uraraka and makes his way to the staff room. While the hero might not be there, it's a good first location to search. Hopefully, he can catch All Might in his real form and not as "Yagi Toshinori". Even then, there'd have to be some way he can arrange a meeting with All Might later today. He just can't put it off for another day.
Izuku approaches the door and gives it a knock.
No one answers.
Izuku frowns, about to open the door and just go in, when a familiar voice calls out from behind him.
"Young Midoriya! May I help you?"
The voice is easily identifiable and coincidentally just the person Izuku was hoping to see. He turns around before answering to confirm the hero's in his buff form. Another slip of the tongue wouldn't do him any good.
"All Might!" Izuku greets with a smile. "I was actually hoping to talk with you about something." He tugs at his fingers, suddenly nervous- which is ridiculous. This should be the least stressful thing he's done today. It's All Might. Someone he's talked to hundreds of times before.
All Might hesitates. "Of course, my boy. We can speak. I apologize, however, as I do not have a lot of time."
Izuku nods. He wonders if All Might is talking about his time limit or if he really is that busy as a teacher. Probably the former.
"That's okay." Izuku reassures. "This will be quick." He hopes, at least.
They go into the staff room and lock the door behind them so there will be no interruptions. It's a little weird for Izuku to be alone with All Might and not have the hero detransform, but he can't do much about that.
All Might takes a seat on one of the small sofas, dwarfing it in comparison, and Izuku sits across from him. "Now what did you want to talk about, Young Midoriya?" He asks kindly, but Izuku can't help but think he looks rather uncomfortable.
"I...uh,..." He's not sure how to begin this. "Do you, uh, do you...remember me?" He questions. He keeps his eyes on his fingers and watches them twist in his lap. There's hope that he's squashing. Hope that Kacchan was wrong and All Might does remember a 'quirkless shit' like him.
All Might furrows his brow in confusion. "Remember you? What do you mean?"
Izuku huffs. He runs a hand through his hair. "Uh, we...met. Before UA. You, uh, saved me from a sludge villain." He glances up and waits for a spark of recognition. Something. "Do you remember?"
The hero leans back and brings a hand to his chin, his gaze on the ceiling. His face betrays nothing of what he's thinking. Izuku waits impatiently.
Then, the man's eyes widen.
"Oh! Yes! I thought you looked familiar!" All Might exclaims with a smile. Izuku feels butterflies flip in his stomach and electricity buzzes through his veins. Finally. Finally.
"You remember me?!" He wonders, smiling wide. Almost ready for the hero to take it back and say it's just a joke. But he doesn't.
All Might chuckles. "Of course! Although I didn't know it was you until now. You threw up on my shoes."
Heat burns on Izuku's face and neck. "Oh, uh, yeah. I guess that did happen too. Sorry about that." He rubs his neck sheepishly. Not exactly how he wanted to be remembered...
The hero laughs again, shaking his head. "It's fine. I get that reaction more often than you'd think."
Izuku chuckles nervously. "Yeah...uh, All Might. Did I...did I say anything to you? Ask you a question? Did I seem... off ...at all?"
All Might frowns in thought. "Not that I remember. You thanked me for saving you and...yes…yes you did ask me a question now that I think of it." He supplies.
Something twinges in Izuku's chest but he pushes it down.
"I...asked you right there? I didn't grab onto your leg? We didn't...we didn't go to a rooftop?" Izuku questions a little desperately- although he already knows the answer.
The hero shakes his head, clearly confused. "No. I saved you and then before I had to leave, I stopped and listened to your question. I was in a terrible rush and I almost considered leaving altogether, but...well, you seemed so desperate. I remember it well because it was so strange that-"
Izuku clenches his fist. "I asked if a quirkless person could be a hero." He confirms, his voice unnaturally shaky. "And you said no."
He doesn't know how he sounds. If the bitterness or despair is apparent in his tone. He hopes not. Izuku knows this isn't All Might's fault. He gave the only answer anyone would give. And knowing his history- the history of One for All- the history of losing loved ones with powerful quirks to heroics- Izuku can't even argue.
All Might shifts uncomfortably. "W-well I don't know who you were asking that question for, but I answered that way because it's dangerous." A solemn look crosses his face as he repeats the speech Izuku has heard a thousand times. "A hero's work is hard and often unforgiving. Even those with the strongest quirks can lose their lives. I'm sure your quirkless friend is nice, but being a hero is not the only way they can lead a rewarding life. Sometimes for the sake of one's safety, it's better to give up on your dreams."
Izuku squeezes his eyes shut and shakes his head. This...this isn't the answer he wants. And knowing what happened...this isn't the answer the other Izuku wanted either. Something aches right where his heart is, something heavy and cold. Is what Kacchan predicted true? Did other Izuku's death come down to these words? And the lack of their withdrawal?
He swallows. "W-what did I do after you gave your answer? Did I look..." He can't finish the question. Upset? Devastated?
...Suicidal?
All Might clears his throat. "I was in a rush you see and so I left shortly after…" He pauses. "But, why are you asking me this?"
"I, uh…" Izuku stutters. "I just wanted to check something. It's fine now. Thanks for talking with me." He stands quickly and walks toward the door.
"Young Midoriya! Wait!" All Might stops him. "I've been meaning to talk with you about something of my own." He stares at Izuku imploringly.
Izuku stalls and then turns back to the couch. He's not entirely sure if he wants to stay. "What is it?"
This time, it seems like All Might is the one having trouble getting it out. "Well, I've seen you perform during training and you seem like a great hero in the making!"
"Uh, thanks?"
He coughs. "Yes, and so I was wondering if you could...if you could consider a...gift?" The hero phrases it like a question. Like he's uncertain or scared of Izuku's response.
Izuku arches an eyebrow. What is going on? What gift could All Might possibly be referring…
His eyes widen and the room seems to spin.
No way.
It can't be.
"A... gift?" He croaks.
All Might nods. He stands from the couch and walks towards Izuku, stopping with only an arm's length between them. No room to breathe. No room to think.
Izuku fights the urge to step back.
He feels terrified and exhilarated. His dreams are being realized and broken all at once. Like dread and hope mixed into one overwhelmingly confusing feeling.
"I...don't have forever." All Might admits with a hint of sadness in his tone. "And I'm in the need of a successor. You see, my quirk is quite unique. And it can be passed on to..." He looks up and suddenly stops talking.
"My boy? Are you alright?"
Izuku's breath hitches and he tries to suck in the tears that have already escaped his eyes. This...this is more than he could ever hope for. All Might wants him. All Might wants him. Him! As a successor. Again.
He'd thought it before. How it could've been anyone. How it should've been given to Mirio or someone else more suitable. That he only received it because of a single, insignificant chance.
And yet, here he is. Being offered One For All once again because All Might met him and still thought he had the proper qualities. Still thought that he could be a hero.
And...it's a lot, honestly.
With tears openly streaming down his face, and a confused All Might, Izuku wipes at his eyes and chokes out a laugh. It's funny. It's wonderful. It's terrible. It's completely and utterly crazy.
Because he can't actually take it. He can't accept it. Not only is it deceitful, since he already has it, he doesn't know how two One For Alls will react in his body. He doesn't need more power and he certainly doesn't need any limbs exploding. Well, exploding more than they already do.
And...this power should've been offered to the real Izuku. If he was alive. It's wrong to take it in so many ways, but Izuku is still incredibly touched by the thought.
It seems even time and a completely different set of circumstances doesn't change All Might's mind. He still thinks Izuku's worthy.
Izuku smiles, wide and bright.
"A quirk?" He asks, feigning ignorance as the last of his tears dry. "I'm grateful, All Might, but I don't think I can accept it."
The hero frowns, his shoulders slumping. "Why not?"
Izuku shakes his head and chuckles, still giddy. "I have a great quirk now. Wonderful in fact, and I still haven't mastered it completely." He clenches his fist, determined. "I'm going to be the number one hero with the quirk I have and I think your quirk could help someone else a lot more than it could help me."
All Might doesn't look convinced. "My boy…you can become stronger still. If you want to be the number one hero, then surely my quirk would…"
Izuku shakes his head, humored by the irony of it all. He offers All Might a smile. "I'm flattered. I really am. But I can't take it. I do think…" And now he starts to become flustered. "I do think that our quirks are... similar so to speak, so I wouldn't mind if I could...learn from you? Only if you want, of course! I mean, you're probably busy looking for a real successor and dealing with teaching, so I'm probably being selfish, aren't I? Forget I asked. I was just-"
All Might laughs then, a joyful and sorely missed sound, stopping Izuku in his ramble. "It's alright, my boy. I understand. And I would be delighted to help you with your training if you desire it."
Izuku scans the hero's face for a lie. "Really?" He asks, full of tentative hope.
All Might's expression softens and he ruffles Izuku's hair affectionately. "Indeed."
The moment stays like that, frozen and perfect and Izuku never wants it to end.
But then All Might coughs and time ticks forward once more.
"Well, uh, thanks All Might. For, uh, answering my questions and all. I appreciate it." He tries to calm his rapid heart and counter the embarrassed blush that has settled over his face. He rubs his neck. "And for...offering me your quirk. It means a lot to me."
All Might smiles back at him, the hard features of his face softening in a way that reminds Izuku so much of Yagi in his true form. "Of course." He confirms, and then turns serious once more. "But, I hope you know that this can't be spread around. You cannot tell anyone- not even those you consider your closest friends."
Izuku nods earnestly, well aware of the consequences for revealing a quirk like One For All. He's glad too, that he's been entrusted with this secret so he doesn't have to lie anymore. He would've liked to see All Might's real form too, so he'd no longer have to pretend he didn't know, but this was fine on it's own. In fact, it was more than he could've hoped for.
All Might coughs again, his fist covering his mouth, and Izuku can see the spots of blood on his hand- unnoticeable to anyone not looking for it.
"Well I really must be going now." He states, all false bravado and awkwardness that makes Izuku smile wide. All Might will forever be his number one hero, but he can't believe he never noticed before how much of a dork he is too.
"Yeah. I should get to class as well." Izuku says, moving towards the exit. He feels light, freer than he's felt for a long time. Like something has been constricting his lungs and is only now letting up. He touches the handle of the door. But something makes him hesitate.
Izuku turns back around. "All Might... tomorrow we have a field trip and I heard you were going to be there." He locks eyes with the hero.
All Might nods. "Indeed! I wouldn't miss it!"
Izuku winces at that. "Well I just wanted to let you know that I- and the rest of the class too!- would really want you there, so…" He pauses. "So if something happens before the field trip, just keep in mind that you aren't the only hero out there. Others can take care of things too."
He watches All Might's reaction- which is a mix of confusion and something else Izuku can't identify. The hero seems lost in thought.
"...I will keep that in mind. However, I won't ignore a cry for help." He pledges, which Izuku supposes is the best he's going to get. He sighs, but it doesn't dim the fondness he holds for his old mentor. He knows if he were in a similar position, he'd say the same thing.
"Okay." Izuku accepts, already thinking of a way to ensure All Might's presence there beyond Principal Nedzu's interference. "I'll see you tomorrow then."
As he walks out the door with a wave, All Might bids him farewell. The door closes behind him with a click.
The first thought Izuku has is that it went better than he thought. Not that he was expecting a catastrophe, but it's certainly nice to know that some things never change.
Unfortunately, Kacchan's earlier theory of original Izuku getting his question out (and his dreams crushed simultaneously) without hearing the part about being a hero might be true. Enough to drive himself to suicide? Izuku doesn't know. But that's the only reasonable explanation here when faced with the facts.
He still doesn't know the whole story. Where did real Izuku go to die? What sent him here? And why did it take five months to do so? Is the forest significant at all as his awakening spot? Why are there so few clues to follow? It's beyond frustrating at this point!
Izuku grabs at his hair and takes a deep breath. He can panic, yes, but that won't help. And, on the bright side,...
All Might wanted him to receive One For All.
And that- that one tidbit of knowledge pushes everything out of his brain except for a prevalent feeling of euphoria. Right now, he knows that he's still doing something right.
Because if All Might has believed in him all this time, then maybe Izuku hasn't failed everyone just yet.