It's funny how a day can get odder as it goes on.

Going through the day starting with venturing to the police station due to the Detective's plea of help, to meeting that lazed-easygoing pro-hero, Hawks, and somehow trying to lure a Nomu with your quirk, you can say you honestly went through quite enough. That was enough drama to last you an infinity, and you were just hoping to grab this opportunity of a break to just unwind and forget.

You know, maybe grab something to drink in the nearest coffee shop, or maybe go a little window shopping, or get that cheesecake that's been the talk of the city. Or hey! Catch up with that series that you've been holding back on, or play along with the Pokémon's whimsical whims. Or you know, take a long nap! There were so many options you could spend the day on, and you couldn't wait to get started on it.

So you can forget your troubles and your worries. Forget all your concerns about the Pokémon's situation, and just relax...

But...

Who knew, that it would just bring along your past in steed.

In that dimmed, restricted alleyway, with light barely slipping in, it felt damp. With nowhere to look but one, faced with a face you've known for a long while, you found yourself holding back the noise of surprise crawling out of your throat. An unsettling feeling rested in your gut, as you unconsciously brought your hands by your side to fists, holding your nerves in place. Under the darkness of this alley, you find yourself feeling all sorts of emotions.

Annoyance, confusion, and wariness.

Several feet away from you, he stood by the entrance of the alleyway, blocking a path for you to run. It's a wonder why he would do such as it's pretty obvious between the two of you that you deliberately entered the small walkway, knowing for a fact that this would happen.

You narrowed your eyes down at him. With his white hood pulled down from obstructing his face, your theory was proven correct as you met the grey-mantled eyes meeting yours, the familiar white-greyish recognizable clock-hand quirked hair proving you enough, it was him. Kuruno Hari.

There was a dull silence, but you were quick to cut to the chase, raising your head high. "...I asked you a question, Kurono." You narrowed your eyes down carefully, keeping a watchful eye.

Silence circled the both of you, as you kept your stance carefully, your face stern on attention for any sudden movements. But it wasn't long until he responded.

"...Apologies." He spoke, respectfully bowing. Your eyes narrow further.

"Cut it off...we're not at father's home." You spoke, looking away from the man briefly, your earlier tenseness subsiding to your annoyance, as the man raised back to his full height naturally. You had to bite the inside of your cheeks out of your frustration, whipping your head to appoint to Kurono, who watches you placidly.

You felt your incoming perplexed questions rising. You raised your eyes to meet his again, calmly asking. "...Kurono, what are you doing following me?" You frowned. "I know this isn't the first, it's been going on for a while now." You accused, knowing this as a fact, but Kurono had kept a neutral front, your accusations not bothering him. You sighed, feeling the air leave you, turning your eyes away tiredly. "I swear if this was Father's orders-,"

"They weren't."

He finally spoke, catching you mid-turned as he curtly answered. Then he said an answer that left you eyeing him in surprise. "It was Kai's orders."

You felt every inch of your body freeze in confusion, trying to make sense of what this all meant. You worded softly, narrowing your eyes again. "...Chisaki?"

"Yes."

"Oh?" You raised a brow, even more confused. "Chisaki always ranked higher than you, but I doubt father would be so accepting to an order that belongs to him about me-,"

"That's..." He tilted his head downward, a slight apology for interrupting you, before he met your eyes firmly-a emotion that you couldn't quite place swirled there, it was almost coy. "...What I wanted to address to you about."

For that moment, you stayed silent. The darkness in the alleyway increases as the sun goes lower into the ground. Kurono spoke earnestly, his narrowed down eyes speaking a volume he hoped you would take in. "Your father is currently in a coma."

You paused. A coma? Raising your head to see Kurono, you felt a sense of uneasy reach you, the news a huge surprise to you. "He's in a coma?" You questioned. "Since when? What Hospital is he appointed to?"

"It wasn't too long ago." He began, firmly telling you. "He fell probably two weeks ago, and he's currently resting in his room."

"His room?" You noised, almost astounded. "Do we even know what sickness he got? Was it an accident?" You walked up a little closer, Kurono unbothered as your glare hardened. "I'm amazed I wasn't informed sooner."

"The Doctor explained that there would be no need for your father to be in the hospital." Kurono was calm in every question you blasted at him, rationally addressing coolly to not make you angrier. "His sickness has yet to be found, but we are looking into it as fast as we can." He tilted his head forward again, speaking for your last question. "And...we assume you wouldn't want to know," You felt his eyes on you, even on his bowed state, you felt like he was putting you down for a moment. "As you haven't visited in 2 years."

You heard that accusation clearly, simply narrowing your eyes down questionably. Your jaw clenched, as you smiled coyly. "I see..."

"Kurono's eyes drifted to a close. "Forgive my crudeness."

You didn't reply, sighing deeply. "...So Chisaki has taken over as leader for the time being?"

"Yes."

"And he wanted you to keep watch of me?" You raised a brow, questioning the man.

"Yes," Kurono answered firmly, appointing you with a look. "He wanted me to keep an eye on you, as who knows who could be waiting to attack." He eyed you, standing before him with that stern glare of yours. "After all..."

"Don't." Your glare narrowed ten-times fold, showing that you weren't taking this lightly-it was a warning. Once he clamped up, you switched the conversation with a slight shrug, smirking indifferently. "...So what? You're keeping watch of Mother and elder sister too?"

"If you hadn't known already, we also haven't gotten into much contact with your sister for 2 years." So looks like your sister also had the same idea. "As for your mother, we know she's resting in the hospital of Deika."

"So it seems you're aware." You voiced, mockingly sounding. For a moment, you cherished a silence you could only hope would last for a long while. Everything that's coming to you, bewilders you. "...How is it there? With Chisaki running things, I doubt the others are as willing."

Kurono chuckles. "They haven't warmed up, but they soon will. It's only been a few weeks."

"True." You begrudgingly answered, stiffly waving him off. "If that's all then, please be on your way Kurono. Tell Chisaki that I don't need him ordering anyone from following me around, you can tell him it's quite bothersome."

Kuruno spoke blandly, as expected. "...I'll try to tell him, Mistress."

'That basically means you won't, huh?' You thought with narrowed eyes, huffing in dissatisfaction. Well, it's usually to be expected when it comes to this. A way to keep the family in check, perhaps? Without much thought put on it, you turned back to the white-coated man, who stayed rooted to his spot, wanting to probe on something further.

"...Will you be visiting him?" What a vague question. What exactly was 'him' in Kurono's words, but you simply assumed he was speaking of your father.

You sighed, shrugging lightly. "I don't know. I'm quite busy as it is."

"Yes, I saw the Sports Festival. To think the young miss is affiliated with the fabled Monsters." Kuruno's word left something hollow within you, something you were unsure what to think. It sent unsettlement coursing through your veins, as you stayed quiet at his 'compliment'. Thankfully, Kuruno quickly bypassed the statement. "...You must be quite tired, miss. I'll watch you head home, there's no need to pressure yourself to visit, Mistress."

"Cut it out with that." You groaned lightly, shaking your head. You really just want to get away from him. "And I told you to stop following me."

"...You know I can't do that yet." He explained, but as he eyes the slowly darkened skies, he decided to comply with you finally. "But since you insist, for now, I'll go." You didn't look at him any further as you heard Kuruno's footsteps grow a little farther. You waited for his footsteps to disappear, keeping your attention on the ground only to hear him stop.

"Ah, one last thing." You blinked furiously, but your eyes stayed firmly away from the subordinate. It was only when his next words, quiet and almost inaudible, did you feel the uncomfortableness swallowing you down.

He turned away, saying his final goodbyes.

"It was nice to see you again, Mistress. Then-" And disappeared he went, heading out of the alleyway to where you can't see. You held your arms tightly, your breath hitching as the nervousness roused further, bubbling like a boiling hot pot in the pit of your stomach. You sighed, biting the inside of your cheeks as his last whispered words echoed in your head.

"Chisaki looks forward to seeing you in the future, after all, it's only right for the Boss's youngest daughter to visit soon."

...You need time to think.

『 Chapter Forty-One 』

[2 days' after- Back to School]

The tiny pitter-pattering of the rain lightly tapping the awning of the shop garnered your attention.

The dark-blue fabric of the awning draped over your head, the droplets sliding down with each plop near your shoes as you leaned back to the shop's translucent window. It was barely enough to save you from getting wet, but it was much better than being out into the roads of the evolving watered wonderland.

You watched the pedestrians, upon realizing the light rain were quick to take out their umbrellas, or hurriedly use their bags or hoods as make-shift ones as they rush through the rained city. You noticed a few had followed your example, hiding under any shop's awning, hoping for the rain to blow away.

You were the same, as you sighed, pressing your back closer to the shop. Waiting tirelessly for the skies to halt its cries.

Though you found the rain a bit unwelcoming, it has been quite a while since it last rain, as the brilliant dazzling sun had made been making more of an appearance than you thought it would. It's full-frontal heat a feeling you've gotten used to at this point. But oh well, you begrudged. A little rain wouldn't hurt anyone, in fact, some of your grass or ground Pokemon might be cheering in happiness at this very moment. You only wished that you had come prepared though, as you ventured out to the nearest mini-market to buy Meowth's beloved tuna onigiri, which he whined about all morning. You had no choice but to rush out, but who knew instead you'd be stuck in the rain.

You held your plastic of bought snacks closely to your chest to not get wet, buying quite a haul for your cooing loved ones. Perhaps you should start checking the forecast, you mused, straightening your jacket in a finicky manner. At the very least, you're glad you got a jacket to save you enough.

As you waited for the rain to subside a little, your thought wandered onto the days of your break. For the first day of your break, you were hit with a lot of things to consider. The Nomu's reaction to your quirk, Hawks invitation to join for the internship, and meeting Kurono Hari in the middle of the darn alleyway because of Chisaki, your father's second command in his Yakuza organization, decided it was only right. Oh, and yeah, apparently your father's in a coma.

It's pretty obvious what seems to be lingering in your mind the most.

You sighed, worry gnawing your side like a vicious biting snake. It was probably Serperior, you thought sarcastically, imagining your grass snake snapping its jaw cutely at you.

Though you had put a front in front of your father's subordinate, the truth was, you were worried. Your relationship with your father is nowhere near a loving father-daughter relationship, but you had a deep feeling of respect for him, and he as well, abides you as his young daughter he teaches sternly.

However, that life with your father was not the life you grew up to appreciate once you remember them.

When your parents got that divorce, you spent most of your days hanging out in the forestry, the ocean, and the random lakes you came across, wandering with the strange and peculiar Pokemon in your small life in Deika with your mother. You would follow your mom as she tried to fix the cluster of inventions in her lab during the late evenings, and at night, you'd sleep comfortingly in the quiet suburbs.

When you went to meet your father every summer, spending your vacation in the traditional, dark-webbed organization's house, it was different. You would spend your time wandering the estate, never quite leaving the complex unless under-watch. You would be trying to ignore the silent glares and sneers your sister would send when you spent time in the garden, and silently watching the random subordinate greet you with deep bows. Then you would have an awkward dinner with your father and sister.

For years, that was how it always was. You spent your days in Deika city, then spent your summer in your father's estate. You've gotten quite used to the same cycle until things changed. By when you were 13, your mother got ill. Due to this, you had decided to stop visiting during the summer to care for the house and your mom.

That's why you hardly visit the estate once more.

Personally, you had no trouble with your father's choices in life. He...was a man who respected the Yakuza lifestyle. He appreciated the traditions it held and held a deep pride in its customs. So in the end, his priorities went towards the organization. And that was that. In the end, you both had some level of understanding of that nature, and that was left of your relationship.

But now that he's sick, you worry.

Chisaki Kai.

It's not odd to say you knew this man, he was a subordinate in the organization too. He was in a way...the closest thing to a son to your father, who only had two daughters in his life. Chisaki was quite...significant to the family, but he was also not the longest-running member either. Surely there would be a scuffle.

Your relationship with Chisaki...Well, there's not much you can consider. All you remembered was that he always, and beyond everything, treated you with the widest respect as he did to your father.

Remembering the conversation, you had with Kurono, goosebumps slid down your arms. You wondered why. Why he ordered Kurono, who seemed to have become Chisaki's aide, or right-hand arm, to guard you. Maybe out of respect to your father?

Or maybe he just wants to kill you and end father's loose ties and take over the organization? Those things do happen, you thought with a shrug.

"Hmm..." You wondered, thinking deeply about that conversation with Kurono. It took you a minute to realize, but under your wrapped contemplation, you felt the slightest oddity in the air, like someone had just entered into your space. You felt the wet accidental brush to your left shoulder.

You perked, glancing over to see that someone had come to shelter herself against the rain. Though, as you took in her appearance, you would say that she caught in quite the storm before she could find one. She was wet from head to toe, wearing some school uniform you hadn't seen before, rainwater dripping to the floor. With dirty wavy blonde hair just past her shoulders, her eyes were obscured by her thick bangs. You blinked at her, surprised at her sudden appearance, and her completely drenched outlook.

Wasn't she cold? She doesn't even have a jacket...you frowned.

You quickly pocketed out a handkerchief, which honestly is probably unhelpful in drying but it's better than nothing, as you tried to hand it over. "Hey, are you okay? You're soaked! Please just use this to dry a bit."

The girl had her head dipped to eye her squeaking, completely drenched shoes. She had been ever so silent, like a wandering ghost as she raised her head to eye the handkerchief you handed. Her wet hair still completely hid her eyes, so you couldn't quite see the expression in her eyes. She answers dully, a small frown playing on her face. "...Don't need-,"

"Just a little." You voiced, your instincts not liking that she was covered in rain, your thoughts lingering to that one memory Pikachu decided to play in the rain, then come completely soaking wet and getting sick the very next day. You remembered worrying like crazy, fussing about as Pikachu sneezed electricity every now and then. It was hard staying so close to him that day, but you held on. You tried to reach over her more, trying not to be too forward and forceful. "...Perhaps just dry your hair a bit?"

The girl seemed to contemplate it, you realized she looked to be your age. She didn't respond for a moment, but for some reason, you call feel her eyes leering at you. It was a numbing stare, even with the thick locks of blond covering eyes, uncomfortableness wafting you. You still didn't let up, even as you wanted to draw back.

"Then..." The girl all of a sudden voiced, the dullness in them disappearing to a soft of girlish sweetness, surprising you, as she raised her head higher, her yellowish-cat eyes staring dead-end at you. She gleamed like a dangerous predator that made you drawback like you were a mice under the scrutiny of a cat. Her eyes shined with glee, as she asks. "...How about your dry it for me?"

"Huh?" You voiced without thinking, before looking around curiously. The rain still poured around you, as you noticed she unblinkingly waited for your decision. It felt wrong to reject suddenly as you awkwardly decided. "Um...Sure, if you don't mind."

The dirty blonde gleamed, almost happily if it weren't for the strange twisted she gave, as a widened happy grin took over. There was definitely something a little unhinged to it, as she replied. "Of course I don't mind~!"

"...Then," You reached a hand to her hair carefully, patting it with the lack-luster handkerchief, that was probably hardly doing anything. She didn't seem to mind at all, completely at ease, humming in a lighthearted tune with that grin.

Her eyes drifted to meet yours, who was trying to focus on drying. "You're really sweet! What's your name~?" She asked before addressing cheerfully as if that dullness she had once disappeared through the rain. "Ah- my name is Toga!"

"...My name is (Last)(Name)." You answered after drying to wet hair, you think that you were at least able to get some water out of it. You felt a little confused with this sudden extravagant and out of nowhere personality, as her eyes shined in glee.

"(Name)-chan! You have," Toga seemed elated, a small blush dusting her cheeks as she widely grinned. "A cute name! Ah-it can be turned to (nickname)-chan, that's even cuter!"

"You have a very nice name too, Toga-san." You replied.

"Hmm...Ah!" Toga seemed to remember something, whipping her head towards you, causing you to let go of the lock of hair you're trying to dry. "You were in the Sports Festival, with those adorable creatures, right? The Pokemon!"

That's right, the Pokemon were now known to the world. You haven't quite gotten attention from pedestrians, mostly because you tried to keep out of sight. You chuckled awkwardly, "Yeah...that's right."

Her grin widened. "Their super, duper, cute~ I would love to see one up close some day-!" She seemed to be excited, and you were glad to see such an eager crowd. You were so happy to hear the kindness to the Pokemon, you didn't hear what she had muttered next, but the word she said brought you back. "...Blood..."

"Huh?" You tilted your head, but she only responded to you in kind, tilting her head with that wide unhinged grin. You blinked, pressing your lips together in uncertainty, but you decided against asking again when you checked your phone, seeing the time. "Oh no, I'm going to be late." You turned to Toga, who looked at you like a blanked cat, as you reached for her hand, placing the handkerchief on it. "You should keep it; sorry I didn't do much."

Toga seemed blank, eyeing down the handkerchief you've given slowly. You didn't dwell on her odd actions any longer, eyeing the rain that had calmed to a milder tone. Still, you were going to get soaked if you walked to U.A, but time was ticking by. "...Hmm, I wonder if I should just buy an umbrella..." You muttered quizzically, not noticing the way Toga had eyed the Handkerchief, closing it in her hands tightly, like it was something precious.

"Ne~ (Name)-chan! This is the symbol of our love, alright~?" You heard. You blinked.

"I'm sorry Toga-san, did you say something-?" You were left confused, turning to see no one. You bewilderedly looked about, trying to catch a glimpse of the girl that you tried to help, only to see no one. Like a ghost, she disappeared. You gaped, where did she go...?

"(LAST)-SAN! GOOD MORNING!"

You jumped again, clutching your heart. Just what was with this morning? You turned to see who was calling you to see...

"Oh, Iida-kun! Your back already!" You lit up, eyeing the stern-laced class president, running or jogging in your direction, clad in a green poncho and rain boots. This should be expectant of Iida, and you almost felt like chuckling at his attire as your happiness at seeing him took hold. "Is everything alright with your brother-?"

Iida skidded to a stop, sounding like a dying car trying to screech to a halt. Iida with his thick-rimmed glasses appointed to you, sternly addressing. "(Last)-san, what are you still doing here?! We're going to be late."

"Yup." You replied lazily, smiling with a small shrug. Iida at his finest. "I came here to get a snack for my Pokemon, but I had no idea it would rain."

"Ah." Iida seemed to notice. "So you didn't bring any rain-wear with you? You must always be prepared for the weather!"

"Yup!" You lazily replied again, you eyed the roads, the drizzle continuing on. "Oh well, I guess I'll just go run as fast as I can." You doubt you brought enough pocket money to buy an extra umbrella anyway, as you prepared to run off by using your bag as a headgear, only to be halted by Iida once again.

"That'll get you nowhere (Last)-san!" He scolded. He honestly looked pretty cute with that funny poncho covering his head, as you almost couldn't take his scold seriously. But you nursed your question, asking him curiously.

"Then what do you suggest?"

Iida drew back, fumbled by the thrown question. He looked at the rain, then at your awaiting form. It would be bad to get wet from the rain, as you would likely catch a cold. But being late is also unacceptable...

Then an idea came up, you actually saw the moment his face lit up in eureka. "I have an idea!"

You raised a brow. "Oh?"

.

.

.

Midoriya walked along the pavements, heading up the hill that's headed right towards U.A High. He sighed, already tired this particular morning. Either from starting school again or from the barrage of encouragements he's gotten on the train, he has no idea.

Holding up his black umbrella, he took his time to walk to school, not noticing the chaos behind him.

"Iida-kun, this is really crazy-!" Huh, that sounded like your voice, and you sounded uneasy as you hissed.

"Nonsense, this is perfectly safe!" And that sounded like Iida-kun. "Ah-Good Morning, Midoriya-kun!"

Hearing the call, Midoriya stopped short to turn, seeing a bewildering sight that left him gapping. "I-Iida-kun! And (Last)-san! A poncho together!?"

Just as Midoriya appointed, you were strapped to the back of Iida's back like a backpack, holding onto the quick-paced boy's shoulders as he held your legs. The green raincoat was now used with both of you, the hoodie barely even covering your head as Iida rushed up the hill. Honestly, isn't this a bit inappropriate? At least in the eyes of Iida supposedly? But he seemed to not care one bit, set on getting to school on time, as he jogged closer to a shocked Midoriya.

"Why are you walking so slowly? We're going to be late!" Iida questions Midoriya, who could only reply in bafflement.

"Late?"

You perked noticing Midoriya, "Oh, Hi Midoriya!" Then Iida promptly passed the wide-eyed Midoriya, as you said again. "Bye Midoriya!"

Midoriya finally seemed to catch up, following after Iida who didn't miss a second to keep you safe on your sudden trip. "W-Wait, it's still five minutes before the bell!"

Passing the hall of hero statues, Iida replied sternly. "UA students are expected to be ten minutes early." He raced off even faster, leaving Midoriya in the dust as you sighed snidely.

"You're too uptight, Iida-kun..."

Once you reached the doors of UA, you hopped out of Iida's back, patting yourself curiously. "Wow, I'm not wet at all." You mused in happiness, smiling up at Iida who was opening his shoe locker. "Thanks, Iida-kun, without you, I'd most definitely be late."

"It's no trouble. We must always be there to help each other." Iida replied, smiling over with a nod. "But next time, don't forget to bring a raincoat!"

You chuckled, as Midoriya finally arrives. He wasn't the only student arriving, as it seems the rain had caught a lot of people. You smiled at the green-haired boy, looking at him carefully. "Midoriya-kun, how're your injuries?" Midoriya looked at you with widen-eyes, cheeks flaring as per usual, making him smile appreciatively.

"I'm good. They all healed up during the break." That's good you mused, but then you caught the way Midoriya eyed Iida. It must be about his brother, as you also hadn't gotten the chance to ask Iida. Midoriya went to dry off his umbrella, as Iida put away his rain boots. You went to open your shoe locker. Midoriya hesitated, "Um...Iida-kun-?"

"If it's about my brother, there's nothing to worry about." Iida took off his hood, as you listened in quietly. "I'm sorry for making you worry."

And just like that, the conversation ended. You blinked. It looks like he wanted to avoid the question, in fact, you think he might've cut you off when you asked early on. You and Midoriya looked at each other, similar worries swimming in your eyes. You decided that there's no time to worry, and Iida said he was fine, so you open the shoe locker, about to put the plastic of snacks within when-

Oh...

Oh! The snacks for your Pokemon!

"I forgot-!" You yelped, surprising both Iida and Midoriya who saw your bafflement. You whipped around towards Midoriya, who flinched with a small blush as you ask hastily. "Midoriya-kun, I'm so sorry, can I borrow your umbrella for a minute?"

"Oh, uh, sure-!" He murmured, confused but you were already running off.

"I'll be back!"

"(Last)-san! What do you think you're doing?! You're going to be late!" Iida scolded, shouting for you to hear, but you were already out of earshot, hoping to not get whined at even more by your beloved Pokemon as you raced back home.

❧❧❧

You arrived in time for class. Other than almost being hassled by Meowth, your Pokemon were happy with the snacks, and without a second to lose, you rushed towards class in a flurry. Once you made it, you collapsed on your desk, trying to get comfortable in your seat as the chattering about the aftermath of the Sports Festival flowed around.

"There's a difference after being aired on TV, huh?" Mina excitedly gushed from her seat, conversing with the others who were close by. "I was stopped so many times on the way here!"

"Me too!" Kirishima replied, looking proud.

"Yeah, people were staring at me, so I was embarrassed-!" Tooru said, shyly placing a hand on her chest, at least that's what it appeared to be. Honestly, you were so glad you only saw one person who recognize you, that being the curious girl caught in the rain. It was luck that the store owner from earlier barely looked at you because he was so busy, as you got comfortable.

"Isn't that the usual?" Ojiro questioned softly at Tooru's inquiry, hoping not to break her hope up too much.

Sero prod into the conversation, a little frustrated as he recalls. "As for me, a kid gave me the 'Don't mind' chant!" Ah-the chant the pros did after his battle with Todoroki, that must kind of hurt.

"Don't mind!" Tsuyu unexpectedly teases, as Sero burst out a yell in frustration. But Kirishima was quick to encourage, giving that sharp-toothed grin per usual.

"Now don't say that Sero, I saw some people compliment you on lasting so long in your last game-!" Kirishima said, commenting on your battle with Sero, who sighed, withholding a small appreciative smile.

"Yeah, that's true."

Kaminari, who was talking with Mineta, chimed. "We've become the center of attention in one day."

"U.A is amazing after all," Mineta replied, while you listened in tiredly.

"Oh, but the one who's got the most attention though..." Jiro suddenly piped in, just before discussing their sudden rise in popularity with Yaoyorozu, to drag her ear-jacks to someone. And that someone, was your blinking form. "-is definitely (Name)!"

And just like that, you were in the middle of a couple of eyes, who just caught on to what Jiro appointed. Honestly, you couldn't care less now since your exhaustion caught up with you after delivering the snacks. You blearily eyed them back, dead-in-the-eye, as Mina suddenly cheered.

"That's right, you were all over the news (Name)-chan!"

"Me?"

"Y-Yeah! You haven't seen it? You gotta see it!" Uraraka turned over from her seat, eyeing your phone sheepishly. You gave her the ok, as she messes around with it before shoving it to your face accidentally. Any faster and you might get a phone slapped onto your face, as you bewilderedly look at her, causing her to awkwardly yelp. "Oh-Sorry! Here, uh...this article..."

You took the device slowly, watching as Uraraka jittery moved in embarrassment. She was sure eager to show you, as you slowly eyed the article.

Pokemon! Fascinating creatures that we have yet explored as we watch them being showcased in U.A Sports Festival!

"Oh..." You perked, having as you haven't seen this article. Since you were so caught up with other things, you didn't even check the news reports. There was a photo of you and the Pokemon with the article, and your face heated up in embarrassment.

"Oh, there's more!" Uraraka reached over to click the back button. On just like that you were slammed with a varied amount of articles, all talking about the Pokemon in a greater light. Ranging from headers like '10 Facts you need to know of the Pokemon' or 'The Pokemon, sweeter and cuter than we thought?'. You clicked around your phone, looking bug-eyed at the long list of articles. How many are there?!

"There's a lot of well-thought-out articles from what I've seen," Yaoyorozu spoke, turning a little to input. She smiled, the pretty vice-president gleaming. "I saw a lot of positivity, isn't that great?"

You stayed silent, before smiling a little. "...Yeah, this is really great."

In just one flip, the opinion has turned for the better. You're still reeling over the fact that the Sports Festival ended it in a great success, and you never felt more accomplished. The others seemed happy to see you glad.

All of a sudden, the door slid open. Everyone was quick to hasten to their seats, already catching sight of who it was. When you caught sight of the teacher, a wave of relief washed over you.

It was Aizawa, and his bandages were finally taken off. The dead-eyed teacher gave a guttural greeting. "Good morning..."

Everyone replied in kin, as Tsuyu croaked with a tilt, commenting similarly to your thoughts. "Kero? Aizawa-sensei's bandages are off. I'm glad."

There was a scratch underneath his right eye, but overall, he looked to be his normal self. Aizawa grumbled, per usual. "The old lady's treatment is overdramatic." Deciding to subside that now, Aizawa quickly got down to business. "Anyways, today's hero's informatics period is a little special."

Everyone began worriedly sweating, well mostly everyone, as the class began wondering what the class had in store for them today? A huge assignment? A pop-quiz? You just watched blankly from your seat, waiting for something...that was probably going to be excitable to your peers. And that was...

"Code names." Aizawa dryly said. "You'll think of your hero names."

The class erupted in cheers. "This is the exciting stuff!"

Before the class could get into a cheerful riot, Aizawa was quick to cut the happiness short by using his quirk, quietening down the class with his intense red-glare. Once the class quietened down, Aizawa began explaining further. "It's because this is related to the hero draft picks I talked about the other day. The draft starts its proceedings in two to three years after you've gained experience, and are regarded as work-ready by pros." Aizawa pauses, "In other words, the calls that the first-year students received show the interests they have in your future. The offers can be rescinded if their interest in you dies down before graduation."

Ah, it's about that Hero internship that's coming up. Your mind had supplied you with that coaxing from that free-lancer hero, Hawks, as you sighed internally.

"The calls we received will become our own hurdles, right?" Tooru cheerily asks as Aizawa responded.

"Right. And these are the offers that you received." Aizawa clicked on his remote, and the electronic board was quick to show off the offers. You eyed the board curiously.

Todoroki ----------------------------------4302

(Last) ----------------------------------- 4279

Bakugo ----------------------------- 3593

Tokoyami ----------- 504

Iida -------------321

Kaminari -----272

Yaoyorozu --153

Kirishima---68

Uraraka-----63

Sero--------62

What the hell.

"Usually, it's more distributed, but these 3 drew attention this year." Aizawa pointed out.

"GAH-!" Kaminari threw his head back, groaning. "They're on a different level!"

"The Pros are blind." Aoyama huffed.

"Huh?" Jiro looked a little surprised. "First place is Todoroki, second is (Name), and third is Bakugo?"

"They're all completely jumbled compared to the order of the Sports Festival ranking..." Kirishima pointed out, as Sero leaned over to comment.

"Well you know, they're probably scared of him, since he had to be restrained in the podium..."

"PROS SHOULDN'T BE GETTING SCARED!" Bakugo practically growled, looking as demonic as ever.

Yaoyorozu sighed a little as she eyed her name on the board, she quietly turned to Todoroki, expectantly. "You're amazing, Todoroki-san...."

"I'm sure it's all because of my dad."

"But still..." Yaoyorozu sweated, still holding on to that strained smile, before she turned a little to see you, sitting the farthest from her, to compliment. "You too, (Name)-," She stopped short.

"Uwaaa~!" Uraraka legitimately began crying tears. "I got an offer! Look at all those offers-! Ohhh-!" Poor Iida was admittingly forced to endure Uraraka's watery happiness, as she dragged his body by the shoulder around. The poor man was dying, save him.

Uraraka didn't hesitate to notice another thing, beamingly turning to you with the widest smile possible. "And (Name)-chan, So close-!"

She gapped, her teary cheerfulness quickly overpowered by you. Both Momo and Uraraka eyed you like you had gone crazy. You might as well as you blankly looked over at the board, feeling like your whole life just flash before your eyes. Okay, a little too dramatic, but you get the point.

Sure, you expected to get some offers. I mean, you literally had someone offer an internship in front of you. You had expected attention, the television showcasing a replay of some of your Pokemon fights and your classmates is enough explanation. But this? What is this? You had no clue that you would be sitting here, questioning your vision during class. You practically squinted your eyes trying to get a better sense of it.

Yeah, that's 4279. What a number! So basically, what you're getting is, is that apparently, there were about 4279 offers of hero agencies...that want you...to be their intern...?

.

.

.

Whelp! Time to question your entire existence.

Otherwise all the drama, you've noticed that your offers are practically in the same length as Todoroki's, only being 23 less than his, and you honestly have no words. You fought back the shiver crawling your spine, finding the whole situation frightening.

The Pokémon showcase was a bigger success than you thought, and it feels like a train just slammed into you.

While you were contemplating on what had led to all of this, with Uraraka and Momo still eyeing you worriedly, Midoriya was slightly being swung around by Mineta- slightly meaning Mineta frankly doesn't have the strength to throw the green-haired around like what Uraraka had done to Iida, as the grape-head hissed. Midoriya simply indulged in this action, feeling weighed himself. "Midoriya-!" Mineta lightly berated, "You don't have any-! They probably got scared because you fought so recklessly..."

"With that in mind," Aizawa continued after it seems everyone had taken notice of the board. "Regardless of whether you received offers or not, you'll be in an internship with pro-heroes."

You hummed, understanding that the internships are a requirement for all of the students. Even if they don't get offers, the school with be providing choices for the students.

"At USJ, you all have already experienced a fight against the villains, but by actually working alongside the pros, you can receive more proper training." So that's why everyone would need a hero name. Thus your learning experience will also get you out in the field. You buried your head into your palm, watching as Sato and Uraraka gushed, all while listening as Aizawa explained further. "The hero names are temporary, but if you're not serious about it-"

The sliding door slid open. "Then you'll be sent to hell!"

Just like that, you first heard the various awed noises coming from a couple of boys, as once again, you were greeted by Midnight, clad in her usual outfit. The black-haired female hero strutted into the class stylishly, a sense of ease in her stance, as she walked over to Aizawa with her hands on the back of her head. "Since the names chosen as a student," She elaborated, smiling. "-can become well-known and end up as a professional name."

Aizawa deadpanned. "Well, that's how it is." Aizawa quickly explained the reasoning for Midnight's arrival, really looking like he could care less. "Midnight will evaluate your choice of names. I can't do those things." Aizawa picked up his sleeping bag, already planning on hibernating. But first, he explained dutifully. "Choose a name that represents your future and project your desired image that brings you closer to it. That's what it means to say 'Names and nature often do agree like All Might."

You took in Aizawa's advice, and before you knew it, Uraraka was passing you a small whiteboard and marker. You took the item carefully, contemplatively eyeing the blanked, unused-looking board. Your brows furrowed.

A hero name...

.

.

.

After a couple of minutes, probably at the most 15 minutes, Aizawa was out like a light. The classroom was filled with a couple of hums and marker scratches as everyone diligently racked the corners of their brain for names that they wished to have. Midnight was the first to voice in those quiet minutes, gesturing to the podium. "Alright, you can present it once you've finished."

You flinched, baffled that the names were going to be presented, and you weren't the only one by the looks your classmates shared. Before you could bury yourself even further into your table, Midnight was on to you like lightning, waving you to come over with a bright smile. "Oh and (Last), I'll be needing your help-!"

Oh right, you're a teacher assistant. You flinched the second time, hesitantly rising before scurrying to where Midnight was, the hero eyeing you kindly and welcomingly. "Please help me with the notes, and also!" You blinked as her eyes twinkled. "You'll be my partner in my two-woman commentary-!"

"...Huh?"

And just like that, you were left blinking bewilderedly as Aoyama, without fear, walked up to the podium, bearing his board with that thin smile of his. Aoyama was truly confident, and you commended him for that.

"Here I go..." Aoyama raised his board, not quite showing his name for dramatic effect. "The Shining Hero," Aoyama slowly raises his board high above, the board twinkling as you reminisce Simba's rising with squinted eyes. "I cannot stop twinkling-! Translated to say, I can't stop twinkling!"

"...What?" You blinked. That's his hero name? It's a legitimate sentence in English.

"You should remove the 'I', and shorten the 'cannot' to can't." Midnight didn't seem to see the problem. You narrowed your eyes, your forehead scrunching in bewilderment.

"That's...really...okay?" You can't help but voice, as Midnight nodded.

"Oh, yes." She answers confidently. "It works!"

"Huh..." You hummed, before deciding to just give up. You wrote down the name in your notes silently, realizing this was going to be an especially long day.

"Then I'm next!" Mina excitedly bounces, heading to the podium in glee. She presented her name without the flare of Aoyama's, rather a more playful presentation, pointing out in eagerness. "My hero name is Alien Queen!"

"From the sequel?! Do you want to be that thing with acidic blood? Stop that!"

"Huh...I thought this one was okay..." You murmured, brows furrowing. You're starting to wonder if Midnight isn't good at deciding hero names, or your taste in names is just terrible. Maybe Midnight just wasn't a huge fan of aliens in general, as Ashido wandered back into her seat in disappointment while the class gave denouncing looks. You squinted unsurely, huh, maybe you were bad at deciding names...

Now the class seemed even more hesitant to present, probably due to the totally hilarious names that just popped up, but an angel came in as a form of a frog, and that frog was Tsuyu Asui, who raised an arm without care. "Kero, May I go next?" Midnight agreed right away.

"I decided on this name since elementary school," Tsuyu voiced on the podium, you sweating speechlessly at the fact she already figured a name since she was around 6-12 years old. The frog girl presented her name. "The Rainy Season Hero: Froppy."

Midnight awed. "How cute! It's so personable too! It's a good model for a lovable name!" You couldn't help but agree too, awing a little at the adorableness. Tsuyu thought of a cute name like that since she was 6? Just imagining a tiny Asui wracking her brain to come up with this name was adorable. You complimented too, happily. "Aww cute, it really speaks you, Tsuyu-chan!" You earned a frog smile and croak.

And just like that, the atmosphere in the class changed for the better.

"Then me too-!" Kirishima came up next, jutting down his hero name proudly. "Sturdy Hero: Red Riot!"

You awed, making a noise of admiration as Midnight pointed a finger up. "Red Riot? This is an homage to the Chivalrous Hero: Crimson Riot, right?" Oh, you remembered Kirishima once telling you about this. It's his idol.

"Yes, he's old school! But Crimson is everything I want to be!" Aww...Kirishima is too pure, you felt your heart actually squeeze.

Midnight hummed, sending him a raised-brow look as if coaxing him if he's ready. "Shouldering the name that you admire will come with pressure."

In that return, Kirishima who suddenly shifted his gaze to you, puffed proudly with a prepared smile, as you blinked curiously at the sudden attention. "I'm prepared for that!"

Your smile broadened, watching as Kirishima confidently strutted his stuff. You teased lightheartedly. "You better..." You gained a bright, small blushed grin in return. You realized, rather it's something you had noticed for a while, that Kirishima has truly made it far from the self-conscious boy a while ago. '...You're cool, Kirishima-kun.'

And after that, the names began coming even faster.

After a teasing dispute between Jiro and Kaminari, with the former teasing the latter with a hero name she made, 'Jamming-way' that's due to the aftermath of his quirk usage, Jiro rushed over to the podium in a snicker. "Hearing Hero: Earphone Jack."

"That's nice!" Midnight voice, you hastily called out. "Very suitable!" Midnight patted your shoulders, "Let's get to it faster, More commentary (Last)! next!"

"Why am I doing this again...?" You groaned curiously. And off to the next list of names you went.

"The Tentacle Hero: Tentacole." Cool play in words!

"Taping Hero: Cellophane!" How ironic!

"Martial Arts Hero: Tailman." Very...on point-!

"Sweets Hero: Sugarman." Sugary-!

"Pinky!" Pink is a trend-!

"Stun gun Hero: Chargebolt! By putting together, the 'charge' and the 'lightning bolt'!" Kaminari tapped, as you awed. "Ooh, it has a nice ring to it!" Kaminari winked your way, a small blush overtaking his features. "Right?"

"Stealth Hero: Invisible Girl." Suit her incredibly well...!

"So that I don't bring shame to this name," Momo started, before presenting her name. "The Everything Hero: Creati." It is creative-!

"Shoto." Todoroki blandly uttered. Midnight asks worryingly. "Your name? Is that okay?" he hummed. Well that works I guess.

"Jet-Black Hero: Tsukuyomi." Nicely put!

"Freshly-picked Hero, Grape Juice!" Sounds controversially healthy!

Koda nervously held up his board. 'The petting Hero: Anima.' You quickly uttered with a comforting smile. "It's very charming."

And then,

"King Explosion Murder." O-Oh. You sided away on instincts, sweating a bit. That's a bit...

"Yeah, you should refrain from those." Midnight did not hesitate, as Bakugo, who decided on that hero name, loudly protested.

"Why?!"

"You should be explosion kid." You chuckled at Kirishima's comment, who earned the brunt anger of the blond. In the end, Bakugo was told to rethink his name, as the blond grumbled back to his seat with gritted teeth. Then, it was Uraraka's turn.

Uraraka nervously smiled at her classmates. "I already thought of it. Uravity."

You gleamed, "Aww, that's really cute! It's like a mix of your name and gravity right?"

Uraraka blushed. "It's nothing-! And yes!"

"I love it." You toned down, feeling a sense of relaxation with these names. It seems like the class thought through with it, as you can already imagine these names on the big screen in the future so far.

As time had continued, it looked like things were wrapping up well. "Choosing a Hero name is going a lot smoother than expected." Midnight gleamed, as she covered her eyes as if to see afar. "The ones who are left are Bakugo, who has to think of another name, Iida, and then Midoriya, right?" She eyed the students before she appointed to you, who was focused on your note scratching quietly. "Oh! And you too (Last). Have you come up with a name?"

"Ah..." The pen you were using stopped, as you raised your head to meet Midnight's hesitantly. "I'm still thinking..."

"Oh?" She replies, tilting her head. "I can handle the notes if you need time."

"That's..." you nervously shuffled in place. "Not necessary..."

You sweated a little after contemplation, softly muttering. "And I'm pretty sure you didn't bring me up here for notetaking, since I'd highly doubt there's a need for one anyway...You just wanted me to join you in your commentary..."

"Whoops!" Midnight gave a boisterous laugh. "You caught me there!"

You sighed knowingly, as expected.

In the end, Midnight didn't push it as Iida went up to the podium. You noticed his troubled look, a cross of worry flashing by when you see his decided name. "Tenya."

You wondered as you watch Iida walk back to his desk. He honestly seemed fine this morning, carrying you to school like a backpack. But now that you're seeing him, he's probably not as fine as you had hoped. You shouldn't be surprised since you saw the news, but you hope Iida will get back on his feet soon.

Midnight called out. "Midoriya-kun, are you done?" Midoriya stumbled, nodding as he made his way to the front. He eyed his decided name contemplatively, as you watched by Midnight's side, waiting for his hero name in small anticipation. You wondered what he chose. Midoriya twisted the board, placing it on top of the table. Your eyes widen in surprise.

You weren't the only one surprised, as the others had questioned Midoriya with a hint of worry. But Midoriya was adamant. "Yeah, I never like the name, until now. But someone changed the meaning of the name, and another affirmed it." You felt Midoriya's eyes glance at you for a millisecond before he refocused. "That had a big impact on me, and it made me happy..."

"This is my hero name!" Midoriya proudly presented the words 'Deku' loud and clear to all.

You tilted your head in amusement. Deku, huh? Uraraka did change the meaning behind that, huh? Otherwise, you're happy for him.

With that- "Lord Explosive Murder!" Yeah, that's not gonna cut it. You hummed with a sweat, Bakugo seemingly completely content with his explosive hero name. Of course, Midnight rejected it once again.

Midnight sighed exasperatedly, before whirling to you. She sent you a comforting look, her eyes gleaming a softness that put you at ease, but that didn't stop your nerves. "Then (Last). Are you ready for yours?"

You held your notebook closely to your chest, nervously looking around the class. You felt like you were being stared at, as Midnight sent you a questioning look. You furrowed your brows, pressing your lips thinly. "Um..."

Another quietness followed as you sighed a little.

.

.

.

.

.

In the end, you didn't choose a Hero name.

You honestly had no idea for a hero name, even as you raked your brain for any cute or entertaining ideas for names, you came up empty. The thing is...you never really thought of a hero name before- Frankly, for your entire life, it never happened, or crossed your mind. So once Aizawa was woken back to the land of the living, you and Bakugo were stuck in the same boat. Nameless. At least until you both figure out what you want to be called.

"Now that everyone has their hero names, let's talk about the internship." Aizawa barely even bothered to get out of his yellow sleeping bag, "It's a week-long. As for where it is, those who receive offers will be given a separate list, so you can choose from there." Midnight stretched her arms over her head next to the deadpanned man, who rose a sheet of paper. "Those who didn't receive offers will choose from the list we've prepared of 40 agencies that have agreed to take students in." Aizawa continued. "Location and special forte for each one differs, think carefully and choose."

Midnight nudged him as if hinting another as Aizawa added tiredly. "Also, for any of the agencies with this sign over here." Still showing the example sheet, he pointed at one agency with an odd symbol next to it. "You'll need to discuss it with me first, there are some things that'll need to be signed."

"Kero? What makes these agencies so different?" Tsuyu questioned, unable to stop her curiosity from peeking as Aizawa explained vaguely, probably something he wanted to discuss on a later basis.

"It doesn't matter for now. I'll tell you another day. All I can say is that this was a jurisdiction that was implemented for 3 dozen years, meet me if you've chosen any one of those. That's all."

Now that the offers were being handed out, you couldn't help but watch as your classmates gushed on their choices of different types of heroes. You guess that there would be some who focus their hero work on fighting villains more than the disaster sights. You hummed as the bell rang just in time, blinking as Aizawa handed you...a book. No, it's a bunch of papers stacked together to look like a book. You eyed the thing like it was made by the demon itself. Aizawa didn't even bother to stay, leaving like the wind before you knew it, as your eyes bulge it. 92 pages of offers?!

"Turn it over by the end of the week." And a 2-day limit to decide at the same time? Aizawa was really just pushing it on you. "Choose carefully, class is dismissed."

❧❧❧

During lunch break, everyone was still mulling over their decision. With the set time limit, you're not surprised that everyone's hurrying in their decisions. You stayed in class this time, apologizing through text with Shinso for not making it to eat lunch with him, as you wanted to maybe get an early chance of making a decision too. You would feel terrible doing it in front of Shinso anyways, but...

Dread kicked in as you eyed the offers.

You...have no idea who these names are.

You blankly, as if devoid of life entirely, skimmed through the pages like you had photography memory. Sadly, your memory was just filled with Pokemon information, so all that's left is a blank slate for your probably 2 living brain cells to try to formulate a choice. To answer anyone's questions, it's not working.

Fried chicken agency...The penguin logistics agency... The...fire hydrate agency? Chainsaw's man agency? Seriously, your 2 brain cells are legitimately dying. Like, what are even these agencies? You narrowed your eyes further. Gang Orca? Ryukyu? Who are these people?

Sometimes...you wished that you weren't so fixated on the Pokemon.

God damn it! If you at least had any decisiveness and hero knowledge in your body, you would've chosen one by now and be eating some (Craved food) by now.

You read the rest of the names with dread, hoping that at least a name would stick out for you before stopping at one you finally recognize. Endeavor.

Oh. Your face sucked in and soured. Oh, Endeavor gave you an offer...

"...(Last)-san. You look like you just bit a lemon, are you okay?" Being kicked out of your head, you realize that strangely, and unpredictably, it was Ojiro who had come by. You shook your head to get back to reality, eyeing up the nerved, but slightly worried Tailsman.

"Ah, it's nothing. Just saw something...I don't like." You reassured with a little more vigor, as Ojiro smiled a little confusedly.

After the Sports Festival, you had a feeling that you and Ojiro's relationship had improved. Not that it was bad like your relationship with a thug-explosive Mankey and the halfie-vulpix, but you wouldn't say you were friends. After talking a little bit more, things felt easier. It made you glad, even when the awkwardness arrives every now and then between you two.

"S-Still confused on your choices?" He questions, his tail waved a little. It's kind of cute, you mused amusedly.

"Yeah, a little." You voiced, pressing your lips together. "There's just..." You narrowed your eyes at the offers. "...Many...to appreciate..."

Ojiro lightly huffed a peal of laughter through his nose, it almost sounded like a snort as he suggests. "How about you narrow it down to the type of agency you want to go to? Are you looking to improve in fighting? I could give some suggestion for that..."

You raised your head in surprise. "Oh, that would be helpful, thank you." You replied, fumbling a bit quietly. "But to be honest, I'm still a little unsure of which focus to go for..."

"Ah, I see." Ojiro rubbed the back of his head, he seemed to glance back for a minute, before saying shyly. "Well, maybe I can help with rounding things out first? Do you still want me to suggest some battle agencies...?"

You smiled. "If it's not a bother."

He returns the smile, his tail wagged a little bit more. "Not at all." At that moment, he gestured to a few fighting agencies, commenting on, 'Oh, this is pretty good.' And 'You could learn a lot from here.' It was sweet of him to do this, and you'll definitely give his suggestion room for thought. You asked after a while, turning towards the seated boy, who dragged a free chair over.

"How about you Ojiro-kun? Have you made any choices on any agencies?" Ojiro hummed, the tail-quirked boy seemed to shyly respond.

"Sorta. But it's still not for sure."

"Ah, that's good." It's good that he can come up with something quick, you wouldn't want to bother him too much, especially if he has not made a decision. Ojiro circled a few he felt were right, as Tokoyami, who was making his way back from lunch, noticed the sudden arrangement. He tilted his head, coming over silently.

"What are you two doing?" The bird-headed boy eyed questionably, as you raised your head to greet him kindly.

"Ah Tokoyami-kun, Ojiro-kun was just helping me narrow down some choices." Ojiro nodded, as you sent him an appreciative look. You noticed subtly that Ojiro's tail swished a little more, as Tokoyami leaned over at your wide collection of offers, which was practically 8x more than what he had garnered. Tokoyami's serious eyes skimmed it over at the circled parts.

"I see." Then Tokoyami asked you, a slight tilt in his bird-like head, curious. "Why don't you choose some choices with the top 10 Pro-Heroes? You've got some offers."

Ojiro slightly shifted, as if realizing just now himself. "That's right (Last)...there are actually quite a few high-ranking offers for you." He leaned over to eye the names of well-known pros, as you hummed, rubbing the back of your head awkwardly.

"Ah...well, I'm still thinking about it." At your words, you felt their stares, waiting for more reason. Your embarrassment grew a little bit more. This time, you looked away from your classmates, as you muttered lowly. "And uh...to be honest..." You felt warmth rise to your cheeks. "I don't know who are...in the top 10..."

"Ah." Ojiro and Tokoyami simultaneously responded as you fiddled with your fingers. Is it that weird that you don't know anything about the heroes? You sighed a little.

Ojiro, ever so kind and understanding was quick to give you his usual, amiable smile, before skimming over the offers. He pointed over to specific too. "Well...Let's see, there's an offer from the 10th and 9th pro hero...Ah, you got an offer from the number 2 and number 3 over here."

You leaned over curiously, he was pointing to the Endeavor one, which you seriously wanted to send to the next moon, and another, that made Tokoyami hum quite vocally. "You too I see (Last)." The bird-headed boy explained. "Frankly, I got an offer from the number 3 too."

"Oh whoa, that's great...!" Ojiro awed, probably in small shock.

"Who's the number 3?" You asked, even though you could read it out, but Tokoyami was quicker in the upfront.

"The Wing Hero: Hawks."

"Oh!" You cried, eyes widening a bit. You recognize that name! Then your cry of glee at recognizing a hero went to brief confusion. "...Oh?" You squinted your eyes contemplatively, and everything was clicking well in your head. "Oh..."

The two sent you curious looks, as you turn in your chair to face them properly. You questioned. "...Hawks?"

"Yes," Tokoyami replied.

"...The guy that can fly...?"

"Yeah, he can fly..." Ojiro answered, looking at you confusedly.

"...Just to be sure..." You pointed out, eyeing them dead-in-the-eye. "Redwings, and blondish hair? Looks like the kind of guy that charms people on the street just cause? You know, those that smile that supposedly makes middle-aged women go all sheepish?"

"T-That's a weird description (Last)-chan..." Ojiro voiced as Tokoyami sweated.

"That is correct."

With that answered finality, you made a deadpanned face. "Oh yeah, I met him."

Tokoyami blinked. "You met him?"

"It was a weird coincidence..." You made a strangled sound, scratching your cheek lightly.

"Whoa..." Ojiro replied in small awe, but before he could voice his thoughts out further, he was completely cut off by Hagakure, who suddenly popped by with an overly curious Mina tailing her at hearing that. Uraraka also walked a little closer out of small curiosity.

"Wha-? (Name)-chan, you met Hawks?!" The invisible girl bounced, as Mina curiously questioned, "What was he like?!"

You hummed, trying to come up with the most reasonable explanation to this apparently top hero. And maybe in a way that wasn't too...condescending. "...He seemed...a little young to be a top 10 hero. And he tried to coax me to join his internship when we met."

"Whoa...he's that upfront?" Ojiro questioned, Hagakure nodding to hear more.

"Yes."

Mina looked awed. "You're so lucky (Name)-chan...! You have so many offers, I'm still confused about my own choices..." The pink-skinned girl sighed, before asking the other curiously. "Have the rest of you guys figured out an agency?"

Mineta flashes a thumb to himself out of nowhere. "I'm going for Mount Lady!"

You figured it was a woman. Everyone figured that in actuality, as Tsuyu subtly passes the short-stack by, telling him off. "Mineta-chan, you have ulterior motive." Mineta blanches.

"No, I don't!"

Ojiro, who still sat by your side, contemplatively shifted his gaze to a frustrated Mina, pointing out in mild surprise. "Ashido, you had advanced pretty far so it's weird you didn't receive any offers."

"Right?" Mina moodily agrees as you chipped.

"The pros sure are missing out." You commented, as Mina hums in agreement, pleased your backing her up. Uraraka made a noise of agreement but decided against saying anything else as she turns, overly curious of the green-haired nerd's decision.

"Did you decide yours, Deku?" The brunette asks in a chipper manner, smiling to a...mumbling mess. A mumbling mess is practically an understatement as Midoriya had surrounded himself in his nonsensical mutters, analyzing the 40 obligatory choices for agencies, eyes narrowed down on his book. Like what all your surrounding classmates are probably thinking, Deku's mumbles are honestly art.

"Ah-I'm sorry." Midoriya seemed to burst out of his concentrative bubble to notice he was being eyed at, blushing in embarrassment. "I was concentrating."

Due to everyone's shift in attention, most of your group have moved towards Midoriya's desk, excluding Tokoyami who simply went back to his seat. Tooru simply latched on your arm, probably beaming at you once you looked at her. Out of their own curiosity, Tsuyu begins. "You're really thinking this through, huh?"

Midoriya fluttered nervously on his seat, as Uraraka was quick to add, probably to get the attention off of him. "I've actually chosen mine already." The rest of you shifted to eye the brunette, curiously inquiring on her choices. You watched as she un-hesitantly proclaimed. "Battle Hero: Gunhead's Agency."

You blinked, wondering if you should know this agency. Then you side-eyed in defeat. Then again, you barely even know the top 10 hero agencies, why did you even bother questioning that. You feel like sweating as Midoriya's eyes widened. "Gunhead is a super martial artist! You're going there?"

"Hmm..." Your embarrassment was not needed. You had your own walking hero encyclopedia as your classmate, Midoriya curiously flinched your brooding stare.

"Uh...(Last)-san, what's wrong...? Are you okay?"

It was such a small mutter no one heard, but your blank look was enough of an answer for Midoriya as Uraraka hummed mightily, punching out a soft fist. "Yup, I got an offer!"

Midoriya decided to ignore your intense staring, as he responds. "O-Oh I see. I had assumed you were aiming to be a hero like Thirteen."

"Eventually, yes," Uraraka answers lightheartedly. "But when I fought against Bakugo in the Sports Festival, and Iida-kun..." She widened her stance, mimicking a more battle-formed act. "I realized that there are more possibilities the stronger I get. If I only do what I want, it narrows my perspective."

You blinked in a stupor. If I only do what I want, it narrows my perspective...? You made a small noise of interest. Uraraka was sure thinking ahead, you were impressed.

"...But there's something that I've noticed," Uraraka eyed down Midoriya, and it seems she was now deciding to point out the elephant in the room. You weren't gonna lie, you were just as curious. "You're shaking."

"Oh!" Midoriya blinked, entirely unbothered. "It's the invisible chair training." Midoriya had sat down in mid-air, and you realize now that that was why he was shaking so much, he was training! Your group of curious dwellers was shell-shock.

"Invisible chair?!" Uraraka shouts in both awe and astound. "Don't tell me you were doing it during class!?"

"That's impossible!" Mina awed, as suddenly, Mineta piped in from behind the shaking green-haired, commenting his opinion.

"Chair exercise is so old-fashioned though..."

Ojiro blanches. "What are you talking about? This exercise supports the isometric contractions of the muscle." He got even more ardent the more he explains. "It's an easy exercise you can do without moving-!"

"Oh, you're quite passionate about this Ojiro-kun..." You commented with an amused smile, Tooru nodding feverishly by your side as Ojiro jumps.

"J-Just-!" He looked embarrassed.

You huffed out a laugh, hearing Tokoyami comment from his seat. "He who runs after two hares will catch neither." Making you laugh even louder. Your class is sure a fun bunch.

Nonetheless, it seems like most of your classmates are still heavily deciding on their choices. You wondered what choice you should make, as you turned your head contemplatively, your eyes landing on a particular figure alone on his desk, as Iida hastily wrote down something of his choice. It made you frown as he seemed particularly hasty on his decision, making you wonder.

What did he decide?

.

.

.

By the time the last bell rang, you were already making your way towards the toilet for a quick bathroom break. The school has ended, and everyone should be hasting to get back to their homes. Nonetheless, as you washed your hands by the sink, your eyes lingering on your expression, your uncertainty for internships seems far more apparent by each passing second.

Ojiro gave you a few recommendations, while Tokoyami suggested you join with him. Some of the others have yet to make their decision, but it doesn't ease your worries if you'll be able to make a good choice...Well, a good choice for you.

Now that the Pokemon problem was less blaring, you felt a sense of ease befall you- of course, if you ignore the other headaches that await you. Maybe, you should choose an agency suitable for the Pokemon? Maybe something that would...also be shown in the spotlight? Nonetheless, it makes you shiver uncomfortably. Oh god- stage fright.

Still, it makes you wonder...what does the Pokemon organization has planned for next?

All you got was an approving text from your boss about the Sports Festival, other than that, quietness. It truly makes you wonder...

"I'll get straight to the point." You blinked, your eyes flittering out to the door. Is that All Might outside? "You got an offer..." Oh, that's definitely All Might, you raised a brow as you heard the baffled cries coming from Midoriya.

You deadpanned as you heard their conversation continue. In any other situation, you would probably be cheering on the green-haired, but you're more confused by the unconventional placement of this talk. Does All Might know that maybe talking to his protégé outside of the bathroom is not a very good idea? Rather, what if you were a different person who had no idea? Sure school's over, but...You sighed heavily.

This is why you were here.

"...Is it because I wrote about you in a letter I sent...?" All Might busied himself in his muttering, sounding frankly scared. You strode over to the door, uncaring as you prepared to surprise them. "Or did he send an offer because I was lacking as a teacher? But since he sent an offer with his old name-! I'm so scared-! Why won't my legs stop shaking-GWAH!"

All Might spatter out blood as you slammed the door open, Midoriya looking horrified as he saw someone come out of the bathroom which they had both assumed was bared. Oh no! Did they hear about One for All? were their secrets uncovered? Will he have to grovel on his knees-?!

All Might was the first to eye you, the way his flabbergasted eyes strained out of his skull out of complete shock was a pretty amusing sight as you leaned on the doorway, smirking at the pro and a wide-eyed Midoriya. "Just so you know, if I was anyone else." Your smirk widened like you were the very villainess they should fear. "I heard everything~!"

All Might huffed a breath, holding his heart like the old man he was, as Midoriya called out, consolation releasing out of him in beats. "(L-Last)-san! Oh, it was just you!"

"-Which you should be thankful for!" You added abruptly, frowning at the both of them. "Just what were you two going to do if I was anyone else? Not to mention, who's great idea was it to have a conversation right by the toilets?"

With your scold, the duo had promptly kept their mouth shut, pouting perpetually like little children getting caught, even the overgrown pro-hero was not meeting your eyes. "...Right..."

"Right?" You copied, raising a brow. All Might flinched, you narrowed your eyes a little bit more, but you looked more worried than frightening at the moment. "Seriously, at the very least it might've been better going back to your other form." You sighed, the frown planted on your features deepening, as Midoriya piped apologetically, looking at you like a wet dog.

"S-Sorry (Last)-san, we weren't thinking..." Midoriya met your gaze firmly, but the small nerves in his eyes were apparent. "I'm sure All Might was just...excited to tell me the news..."

The frown you had was no match to Midoriya's unintentional puppy-eyed look, as you could only sigh. You gave them a softer look. "That's right, Midoriya, it's great that you got an offer." You feeling salty as you commented lowly. "I thoughts the pros are really blind to not give you an offer-! You were so cool! It's great you got one, after all, Gran Torino, right?"

Midoriya nodded agreeably, as All Might heaved a sigh to the side. You finally calmed down. You turned to the pro, tilting your head. "From what I heard," Well eavesdropped really, "He's your old teacher right?"

"Yes...!" Then All Might uncontrollably begin shivering, shaking in fear as you two students watched the baffling reaction in confusion and worry. "A-Although it's my responsibility to train you Midoriya, my boy-!" His shaking had definitely intensified, "You received an offer...So go and get yourself trained by h-h-h-him...!"

"Uwa, your shaking through your shoes..." You commented impassively, Midoriya can't help but fret too, just how scary is this person? Nonetheless, you smiled over at the hero-nerd. "Well, you heard the man. This is a great opportunity. Don't waste it!" Your grin widened, as you send him a small cheer.

Midoriya's green-forestry eyes shimmered in happiness, and All Might saw it so clearly. Ahh, young love. The pro rubbed his forefinger under his nose, eyeing Midoriya like a happy mother sending her daughter off to marry the love of her life. He watched as his protégé nodded hastily, as you happily gushed. The knowledge of you finding out his secret honestly became more of a blessing as he watches his successor talk about all his problems freely. He's truly thankful.

But then All Might remembered something, "Ah-actually young (Last)-" You raised your head to see the towering hero, who seem frazzled, "T-There's something that the Principal needs-!"

You tilted your head curiously. The principal needed you?

❧❧❧

You consciously took a hasty sip from a steaming hot cup, drinking the warm tea down. Your eyes flitted around to catch the different decoration Principal Nezu has at his office, said Mouse-bear-dog hybrid gleefully ignoring your troubled state as he sipped his tea. The only one willing enough to speak was of course...

"So..." The catty voice echoed, boredly thrumming his claws on the seat. "Are we going to sit around all day or are we gonna finally talk out why you called us?"

"Meowth, stop being rude." You hushed hastily.

"No, no. it's fine. I was just enjoying the ambiance." Nezu reassured Meowth, who grumbled further.

With the colorful stream of the sunset seeping into the Principal's office, you were left still pondering what earned you the pleasure of sitting here again. It's been quite a while since you sat here, perhaps since the first time you met the intelligent creature? Nonetheless, you were more confused than frightened really, wondering if something had gone amiss that needed to be said face-to-face.

It's pretty obvious that this has something to do with the Pokemon, and you had straightened your back a bit at the notion. Not to mention, Meowth was asked to come along, you waking up the feline from his nap in a flurry as you dragged him. Was it about the Sports Festival? You side-eyed the grumpy cat glaring at the mouse, upset he was brought here.

As Nezu calmly planted his cup onto the saucer, you flinched as his eyes pinned you, giving you that calm, professional smile. A true Principal in the making, as he gets to the point. "Sorry for calling you here out of nowhere. I just wanted to talk to you about the Pokemon and the Sports Festival."

God, of course, you're right. You anticipated what was coming next as Principal hum lightheartedly. "First, I wanted to talk to you about this-!" The animal-quirked teacher suddenly popped out a tablet, honestly looking like the same size as the principal, as he showed you a recording of sorts. You leaned over. "Did you know, that the Sports Festival had earned 3x more viewers than the previous years? We had always expected this with the last USJ attack, but your Pokemon seemed to be a huge benefactor here." Nezu explained, swiping down to show you the results, your eyes widening at the sheer number. The usual viewers were already abundant, but this? This was crazy! "Honestly, this isn't even the full results, as I'm pretty sure it'll increase with its hit internationally."

You stuttered. "I-Internationally...?"

Nezu grinned. "Yes, to showcase the Pokemon. With much discussion, the Sports Festival for the first year might be just hitting off-shore to showcase the Pokemon as a first greeting." You could only gape as Nezu continued. "With the Federation of Monsters agreement, they're even willing to work together with the school for the growth of Pokemon!"

You slowly settled the tablet down, trying to hasten your bafflement. "I-I'm sorry...I'm not following..."

Meowth, who had been silently observing, decided to comment. "Well Boss, I'm pretty sure what this mon is saying," He thumbs towards the unbothered Nezu. "Is that now U.A's working together with the Feds! Which is...not really what I expected, but I can't say I'm surprised..."

"...Huh...?" You mumbled, trying to make sense of everything.

"With the outburst of your showcase, not only has the Sports Festival gotten much more attention, but the attention towards the Pokemon has long been widened up." The principal, in his usual cheery tone, chippered as he showed you also a data plan regarding the Pokémon's attention, and their positivity range. This time, you had no words as you held the tablet. The Principal hummed. "It's quite the jump isn't it?"

A jump? You almost wanted to laugh. A jump is a few centimeters off the ground, and that doesn't get you anywhere. This? This was a leap.

"Woah!" Meowth's voice crackles loudly, causing you to jump. "48%?! That's almost half of Japan's population! That's 3x more than before!" Meowth was honestly just as impressed by the numbers, as the initial approval ratings had been in the 13 percentage. He tried to count with his claws, trying to remember something, before asking you. "Hey Boss, what were the ratings that you needed to get before? You know, what that dead-fish-eye-ugly ass-guy said?"

You slowly raised your head, blinking bewilderedly. Meowth just blinked back, like he did not just insult someone right in front of the Principal, who honestly look like he did not care. "...Don't call him that..." You could only gape, before resigning your fate. "It was 30%...?"

Then you perked. Ahh- so Detective Tsukauchi was right. Your Pokemon were definitely going to stay...

A huge echo of relief passed you, and you couldn't stop your smile from growing. A real confirmation finally arrived, and you never felt so happy about it. The two in the room must've noticed it, but both said nothing, staying silent in this quiet ambiance.

Thank goodness.

"That's good huh?" Nezu chipped in ease, smiling brightly. "Now we're working hard together with the organization. They called me up to work together-!" The mouse-bear hybrid placed the palms of his hands together, looking far too calm. "After the exposure in the Sports Festival, I suppose they hoped to get even bigger insights."

You sweat-dropped. "Ahh...I see."

"That's great and all, but why am I called here again?!" Meowth pointed to himself in disgruntlement.

"But," With a much less cheery outlook, the Principal tapped around with the tablet, showing off what looked to be some news. "Though the approval ratings in Japan had risen this high, it's bound to be just as easy to go down."

You stiffened, slowly nodding in agreement. If the noise the crowd turns positive in a single day, that means that the Pokemon has yet to implement themselves completely positively. One wrong move and it can all go down terribly. "Though we do have some complaints about Meowth's commentating..."

Ah-so that's why he was called here too. Meowth flinched, turning his head away like he didn't commit a felony. "Wah? Complains? I hardly think anyone could complain about my perfect commentat-!"

"Through horrendous and confusion notion, Meowth, quote on quote, 'We're going to take over this festival!' introduction sends us mixed messages." Nezu was equipped and ready to load. You remembered that was what Meowth said right when he snuck into the commenter's box. Well, you suppose if alien lifeforms began appearing and saying the same thing, I guess you would be just as bewildered.

"I always told you to be a bit careful with your words, Meowth." You sighed as Meowth frowns.

"What?!" He profanes, crossing his arms defiantly. "I was just saying what you were saying!"

"I never said anything like that..." You replied, but Meowth gives you a knowing look.

"No, but you thought it!"

You flinch, remembering you thinking of something along the same words when you were on the race. You angrily glared at the feline. "So what? You're now psychic?"

"I just might!"

Your angry banters were forced the cease as Nezu calmly clears his throat, halting both of you in slight fear. The Principal took a sip from his tea, and now Meowth kind of understands why this guy is the principal. His calmness is actually frightening. You apologized. "Ah...I'm sorry Nezu-san, you were saying?"

"Well not much, but the Pokemon have been circling the news quite constantly," Nezu answered, seemingly unbothered.

You blinked. "...Is that a good thing?"

"Yes and no." He bluntly replied. "As I said, there are some still having mixed feelings of the Pokemon. For one, the powers and the powers-up have a slight mix of collective opinion. Some are amore, while others not so much." You leaned down to see comments of an article. "Other than the still lack of understanding with Pokemon, and Meowth's commentating, there isn't much of a problem."

You skimmed through the comments, as Meowth complains. "Seriously? I was just saying what Boss is thinking!"

You huff at the accusatory cat, before musing over the problem. The lack of understanding is understandable, even with Meowth's explanation, you would hardly believe that everyone could understand everything about the Pokemon in a second. At least from the feline's explanation, they'd get the gist. However, the fear of the Pokemon powers with the especially overpowered Power-ups...

"To be fair, the battle-wise parts were an implemented ask from the higher-ups." You sighed, remembering their words. "If it weren't for their insistent, I wouldn't have used any power-ups. Still confuses me why they wanted me to use them when the opinion could worsen instead."

"It is quite confusing huh?" Nezu cheerily answers, before showing a video to what looks to be the local news report. It consisted of a few people gathered on a U-shaped table, discussing the arrival of the Pokemon to society.

"Hmm...Personally, we're all greeted with these power-house creatures just a few days ago..." A man with a heavily overgrown mustache comments pretentiously. "How do we know that the moment the Pokemon aren't restrained they wouldn't go against us as citizens of this country?"

"That's true." Another replies, "We can never be too sure with creatures that we've never expanded our knowledge on."

"Though I understand the stigma of worries." Another man with small horns prodding out his head explained, seemingly more lighthearted. "We can't just brush away the evidence shown to us just as much as we can't brush away the uncertainties the citizen would have. From what we've seen so far, there's no denying that it isn't impossible for the Pokemon to work well along with our society."

"Whether that's true or not." The first man's brows furrowed, his mustache covering almost the entirety of his face. "How do we not know, that this isn't simply propaganda to showcase the Pokemon in a civilized manner."

The video was paused, and just like that, Meowth just had to sarcastically comment, rolling his eyes so far behind his eyes at the audacity. "Jeez, what gave it away."

"Hmm...It looks like the Pokemon acceptance is tricky." You said, a little softer. You rubbed the back of your head. "I should've expected this...but it's not going to be easy."

"That's true. But with this opening you've made (Last), the time to act is now!" The Principal gleamed, as you raised your head curiously, as the Principal clasp his paws together on the mahogany table. "It's time for Phase 2."

You and Meowth blinked. "Phase 2...?"

Act Three: The Past and the Future

Chapters: Forty-One to ~ [41-~]

[Start]

❧❧❧

Omake/Extra:

Class starts in 10 minutes, Lunch Period

Upon still examining the sheet of paper containing a wide arrange of pro-heroes, you sat on your seat with a fumble after the whole Midoriya doing the invisible chair training. Due to your pondering, you completely forgo getting any form of lunch, completely focused on the task ahead.

"...knock knock, delivery." A familiar drawled tone captured your attention instantly, noticing quickly the sleepy-looking Shinso knocking on the class's door. The class's attention was on him like a moth to light.

Knowing Shinso, there's no way he'd come by for anyone in the class, so it's pretty obvious to assume it was you he was looking for. The other proof of that is the stare he gave you. You rose without question, going up to him curiously. "Eh, Hitoshi, what are you doing here?"

A weird synchronize thought slammed into the individuals of the class. 'She's on first-name basis with him-!'

Shinso hardly cared for the class stiffened reaction, in fact, he low-key found it amusing as he fixed his attention to you, a smile rising from the corner of his lips instantly. "Just brought this, seeing as you didn't respond to me."

He handed you a wrapped meal, you already smelling the tantalizing smell of something you've been craving for a while. Your eyes widened in surprise, as you watched the sneaky cheekiness glide through Shinso's dull eyes. "You said you wanted it." He handed it to you, watching as you took the food gingerly.

"Hitoshi-," You voiced in awe, but it was short-lived as he poked your forehead lightly, the tap causing you to drawback.

"Next time don't miss lunch." He scolded with light narrowed eyes. "I assumed you forgot after not hearing a word from you. So make sure to eat up."

You frowned. "And to think I was going to spout how kind you are." Rubbing your forehead, but you couldn't hide the giddiness you felt. "But thank you, Hitoshi."

Your smile that left him at standstill was there again, and though he's known you for a while it still makes his heart jump. Shinso would honestly be even more entranced if not for the audience eyeing them with different emotions coursing through their expression. Right now, all he felt was the presumptuous feeling taking hold of him.

And that feeling guided him to lean towards you, specifically your ear to whisper something. But to the rest of the class, it looked like they were about to witness a kiss right then and there. Even if it was obvious he was simply leaning over to your ear, there was something oddly intimate about it. He spoke lowly, his action causing you to stand still in surprise as he says. "...Then, I'll see you tomorrow for lunch."

You blinked, the heated breath on your ear left goosebumps running down your spine as you gave him a weird look, not really able to fully look at him due to him leaning this close as you rolled your eyes. "Eh, that's all you want to say?"

"Mhmm." He hummed, and in that very moment, Shinso's eat-shitting grin widened as he eyed at every individual in the room. From Mina's shocked but amazed expression to the slightly bothered furrow coming from Kirishima. He mused at the narrowed stare he garnered from Bakugo, whose glare could burn Shinso if stared at any longer, as the blond scoffed so loudly you probably heard it. He thinks the funniest one though was the baffled Midoriya's, whose eyes never strayed from you two, and the odd tightening of his hands to fist as a strange emotion wavered in his eyes.

Yup, this was really fun.

In no time, rather not quick enough to others, Shinso moved away from you, waving his goodbyes as you thanked him again for the food. You were only left wondering why the class seemed oddly quiet now, as you eat in bliss, happiness dancing in your eyes. Yup, (Craved food) is the best!

❧❧❧

Hello everyone! It's been a while! I really long while to be honest, but I hope you like this new chapter to start off our new arc!

A lot has been going on for me lately, but I feel like I can come back and write again. Honestly, I've been super busy with a lot of things, moving out of the country, getting through assignments, so I'm still trying to adjust here and find some time and motivation to write more. I've been doing alright! Exhilarated even! And it feels great to be back writing, I truly missed it! I hope you all have been happy and healthy too-!

So let's talk a little of chapter! So...what do you think of the reveal of reader's background? I'm going to say, I've seen a few statements and theories a while back, and some of you got it pretty spot on! I'm always shocked when I feel like I barely gave any hints, and someone can already guess who I'm foreshadowing! It's won't be the last we'll see Kurono, rather we'll delve deeper into it, huh?

Other than that, Toga was pretty fun to write, she's such an interesting character, I can see where the fun comes. Some Ojiro cute ordinary times and some little Iida crumbs for ya'll. Some people would believe Iida was a man that would graciously share you his umbrella, and give you an umbrella to forsake his own health...And I think, your only half right. Iida is a man that would do whatever it takes to ensure you wouldn't get wet, and he isn't afraid to do that in the most bizarre way! Fight me if you disagree!

Other than that, we're right away getting to the internships! I also hope you enjoyed that small bit regarding Shinso. That was such a last minute decision, but I thought it would be a great touch to the chapter! And yes, Reader won't have a hero name for the time period. Even though I barely have any idea for a hero name, this was more of story orientated decision on my side!

So, let's talk about something a little seriously. About Hawks being a love interest, I've been seeing a lot of mixed reactions, and I completely understand all of your feelings. When I decided to have these characters as love interest, I decided to make most of these relationship with any character that's over the age 18 to be a little different than how I'm going to be doing it with the main cast. What I aim is to have them interact, but their interactions are more 'light' than 'love like', so what I'm hoping for is to write in a way for you to imagine how it is. So if you feel this is more of a friendship, a growing bond? That's up to you. I want to try to make it as something you can imagine. The reason that they're in the love interest category is that they will have an 'ending' of some sorts.

As most of you must've realized, Dabi and Shigaraki falls under that category of character passing the age 18. I always expected this to be tricky barrier, especially due to the age different and well, their villain status. The easiest way for me to explain their inclusion is that the villains are more 'obsessive' in their actions.

I don't condone any relationships between a minor and an adult any way in real life. This is fictional, and shouldn't be taken context to any things in real life. But understandably, if more people are actually uncomfortable with this, I'll delete both Dabi and Shigaraki as a love interest. There'll still be interactions between reader and these characters, but they'll just be excluded out of the love interest, which is what I've decided to do with Hawks for the time being.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I honestly do not think I can post anything this month! But I'll try to get back to posting next month. Your support always makes writing this worthwhile! Stay safe guys, hope wherever you are in the world, you're having a good day <3

Oh, and also there's another fanart for this fanfic! This is actually a redrawing of another fanart that was sent on chapter 27. It's actually a male (y/n), and I thought that it's just so adorable! Thank you ProseCUTIE in Quotev.