The world went blurry as a fist collided with his soft face. He could feel his nose break and start to bleed as spots swam in his vision. He wobbled over and fell into the ground, blood mixing with the dirt as tears began flowing freely.

"You are so weak, Deku! Why do you keep standing up, stay where you are. KNOW YOUR PLACE, DAMNED NERD!!!"

He couldn't have responded even if he had wanted to. Kacchan was much more stronger than him. He had a powerful Quirk, which could be used in many creative ways. He would be an awesome hero one day.

Heroes.

They are people who save others, right?

He didn't know when this doubt planted itself in his mind, but the seed had been there, for as long as he could remember.

So then...why—

"YOU ARE QUIRKLESS, HOW DO YOU THINK YOU ARE GOING TO BE A HERO???? YOU ARE WORTHLESS, DEKU, STOP PURSUING THAT UNREALISTIC GOAL!!!"

Heroes didn't beat others up, they saved others.. They were upholders of justice, so why—

A foot slammed onto his back, making his cry out in pain, and putting a halt in his thought process. Any more pressure and his spine would crack. Kacchan, he, he was amazing, his Quirk was so great, he would be a fabulous hero one day—

Heroes saved people, didn't they—

Heroes...they protected the weak, so why—

"ONLY I, I WILL BECOME THE GREATEST HERO EVER!!! I WILL BE LIKE ALL MIGHT!!! STOP FOLLOWING ME AROUND, YOU SCUM!!!"

He felt a rib crack and his consciousness start to gradually fade, as the pain became too much for him to bear. He was only seven, he could feel his arms burnt from Kacchan's explosions, and blood spurted out from his mouth and nose as his muddy face got stained in red.

Hanging onto the last vestiges of his strength, he attempted to stay conscious, as he felt himself being dragged up by the collar as his lungs burnt and searing pain scooted throughout his entire body.

Fresh tears, unbidden made their way down his cheeks, he couldn't stop them even if he tried to.

"PATHETIC AND CRYING! IS THIS HOW YOU WANT TO BECOME A HERO??? BY SOBBING??? YOU ARE NOTHING BUT A WORTHLESS BAG OF—"

"Hold it."

Heroes...heroes were those who saved others..heroes saved everyone in need....with a reassuring smile on their faces.

A shrill female voice had spoken that statement and suddenly Izuku found himself being lowered to the ground. The clasplike grip on the front of his shirt was gone and the pain was making his vision go blurry and brain go woozy.

Just before he blacked out, he heard that same female voice say.

"It will be alright. I am here."