July 7th, 17:45.
All Might's office.

"The American wrestling mobs, huh?" David took a brief read of the articles Deku had included in the folder:

Three non-identified mutilated corpses found in the desert of Nevada; possible result of illegal fight

Owner of a club accused of being a member of a wrestling mob is absolved for lack of evidence

Five Japanese heroes bring down a local which hosted illegal matches in Monterrey. Most important members of a mob arrested

Former illegal wrestler called to testify dies in a car accident before trial

"The Man": myth or reality?

"Indeed" All Might corroborated. "However, the papers didn't reveal these five former UA's students were there to intercept a member of the League of Villains who was about to make a delivery. Both the deliverer and the briefcase were brought back here, but we have checked she doesn't know about the content. That's when my pupil decided to investigate on his own".

"Has he discovered something?"

"Not much. But I had to keep that folder away from him. The kid is so committed..." All Might had told Deku not to worry about anything, but if the League's interests went as far as the other side of the ocean there was no denial something bad would be going on.

David then found the article he knew he would find and sighed:

Police commandeers I-Expo's items used during an illegal match in Los Angeles; David Shield involved?

"Then I saw these criminals were also causing trouble to you" All Might hadn't been in the US for a while, but he knew that not even David Shield's inventions would be safe from the black market and criminal hands. "The critics you have received because of the use some people use your creations are totally unjustified".

"You know my vocation is to create items that allow common people have an easier life, and more importantly, that help Pro Heroes to do their job better. However, since my company started to spread worldwide it's now nearly impossible to know in which hands they end up" the professor explained in resignation. "Don't worry about me, All Might. I wouldn't be here if I couldn't handle criticism and rumors".

"I know. I wanted to ask you..." All Might joined his fingers and looked at his friend. "Have you heard anything about the League of Villains acting in America? Or about this... *The Man*?"

"I'm sorry. I haven't acted in the front since we were students in the old days. I don't know about the League of Villains more than what the news say" David answered. "About this so called *The Man*... it is said to be the criminal mind behind all the business of illegal fights in America. The police has tried to identify him for years. Some say it is unlikely that just one person has the whole control over these mobs, but one thing is for sure: for those who work within those circles, this figure is very real, and the mere mention of it means serious business".

"So... it is not even confirmed he actually exists?" asked All Might. If there was a villain so powerful and dangerous the League would make all the way to America to make some deal with him, they had to know.

"You know how heroes and villains work. When both earn too much popularity and recognition people tend to dehumanize them to the point of turning them into demigods or demons. But if they had something to do with the stealth of my technology, I would definitely like to know more" David frowned. "Look at this" he handed his phone to All Might. 

The UA's teacher contained a gasp and started to sweat: the video playing was a security record from the I-Expo where a masked stranger dressed in silver and blue was fighting a group of hooded and armed intruders who had managed to outfit the security system. So that episode at the death metal concert wasn't the first of Melissa's appearances.

"Wow...those guys were burglars? Good thing that hero stopped them..." All Might decided not to blow the whistle... for the moment. 

"Hero? Look closely! The suit, the mask, the sticks... I can identify the inventions of my own company. And what's worst, those blue gloves... those Full Gauntlets... are inventions of Melissa!"

"David..." it looked like Melissa hadn't been as lucky as they believed. "I... Melissa meant no harm..."

"I know. I investigated and whoever this guy is he's not among the registered heroes of the US. It's not Melissa's fault someone has stolen items she invented."

"You... think that's what happened?" All might was relieved, but he also felt guilty. He had hoped he could convince Melissa to give up that vigilante role before her father suspected anything. "Well... at least... that stranger stopped a robbery in your own installations. Sure, she... or he acted illegally, but look: once the criminals were beaten and tied up this... guy... didn't steal anything that night. And I bet the police was called and the burglars were all arrested!" maybe All Might was taking it too far.

"Huh... yes... that's exactly what happened. How did you guess it?"

All Might was internally screaming and struggling. Was it worth to lie to a friend... to temporarily protect another and save the first from a heart attack?

"I am a teacher and a retired hero, remember?" he kept his composure. "I have met countless of youngsters who act recklessly to prove themselves as worthy heroes. I'm sure this is not a true criminal... but a kid with whom someone should have a word".

"That doesn't change the fact that he's using my daughter's technology. The last thing I want is that the press relates her with crimes" David stated. "That is why I want to keep this from her. I don't want to worry her... yet, at least".

"Well I am the one who is getting worried sick!! For the both of you!!"

"Like I said, that youngster shouldn't be a big deal" All Might had to talk to Melissa as soon as possible. "Neither Quirks or items make the hero. If that person relies so much on your technology, he's likely to show up again in I-Expo. Sooner or later he'll be arrested... uh... unless someone talks to him previously and can make him come to his senses..." All Might was getting more nervous about the situation.

"I hope you are right" sighed David, too thoughtful to notice his friend's sweat. "Thank you, All Might. It's good I have you to tell you these things" he added, smiling, making All Might feel like he had been Texas Smashed in the stomach.

"Oh, don't mention it..."

"Sorry, I have distracted you for long enough. Aren't you going to Midoriya's party?" asked David.

"Oh, no, no!" All Might replied, laughing. "My body doesn't have the same endurance for hard parties anymore! I'd rather let that to the kids and just be ready for tomorrow! Honesty... I can't believe my boy is getting married..."

"Hey, I know you are worried, but he'll be fine" David comforted him. "Don't forget who raised him. Besides, when it comes to love, no hero can protect you..."

"I guess it's true..."

******************

July 8th, 11:15.

U.A.

All Might picked Melissa from Momo's mansion and both drove to UA for the wedding. Both were formally dressed for an specific occasion, so they would discuss nothing about the girl's masked alter ego. When they met Iida and Mirio with his classical smile and thumb up at the entrance of the school, Melissa was mortified when she remembered the last time they met. However the former student told her to take it easy, since he wouldn't interact with her as the Pro Hero Lelimillion, but just as Mirio Togata, another guest to the main event. What had happened in New York wouldn't be brought up again until it was the moment.

"Eri told me Midoriya is already here! I was about to go to meet him! Shall we?" Iida asked, as energetic as usual.

However, they wouldn't find him in none of the now empty boys' dorms of the Heights Alliance. All Might wondered where he could be at that moment... then he thought of...

"Oh, no... don't tell me he is..."

Meanwhile...

UA's computer room.

Deku had slept a few hours after the party, but he had gotten up early anyway because of a hunch and used his Quirk to arrive to UA as soon as possible. Once there he took the folder from All Might's office (fortunately, his mentor often forgot to lock the door) and went to the computer room.

As he had guessed, the description of the wrestling matches Kirishima and the rest had witnessed during their mission in Mexico was almost identical to those fights where Kendo Rappa, the former member of the Eight Precepts Of Death, used to destroy his opponents. That villain had accepted to serve Overhaul after the former literally killed him five times thanks to his Quirk, but since the leader of the Yakuza died and their members were arrested one by one, they had almost forgotten about Overhaul's diabolical plan. The bullets meant to destroy Quirks that remained were destroyed and every project or report ever found about experimentation on Eri had been in hands of the police for years. 

However, considering Shigaraki's hatred towards the heroes' society and the fact the League had temporarily worked with the Yakuza, it was unlikely they had forgotten about a weapon so dangerous for a society based on Quirks. Now Toga had been arrested in the middle of a deal with a mob that had control over hundreds or thousands of Quirked people's lives, under the command of a mysterious figure known as "The Man".

He clicked and read an old article about a professional wrestler who had killed his opponent, a Magma Quirk User, apparently beating him to death on brute strength. "The Man" was rumored to have been a fighter so cruel and sadistic one day he went too far during a match and was forced to leave the ring forever. The information about that incident was scarce and no images of the accused could be seen. Only a name: Ben Jacobs. Never heard before. If he could access to the Quirk Register of the US...

If both Shigaraki and "The Man" were interested in having control over Quirks, all the clues led to the same. They weren't able to open the briefcase but maybe it wasn't that difficult to guess its content...

The door of the room slammed and when Deku heard All Might's voice his heart jumped so hard he almost feared it would run away. "YOUNG MIDORIYA!! What are you doing here??"

"Oh my God..." Iida gasped. "You aren't even dressed!"

"A..All Might... Iida... I can explain!" Deku cried like a child about to be scolded.

"Explain!? We said you would forget about work! And I find you here after your stag-party!" All Might didn't look amused at all.

"Hi Midoriya! I'm happy to see you again!" greeted Mirio to chill the ambient.

"Togata! You are finally here!" Deku shook his hand as soon as he saw him. He was glad to see this friend back in Japan.

"It's good to see you are still so committed to work, Deku!" another well known and this time female voice was heard from behind All Might and Iida.

"MELISSA!!" another face Deku was dying to see again. "HOW ARE YOU!?"

"I'm fine, thank you. But Uncle All Might is right" said Melissa after a hug. "You should be getting ready. We'll catch up later. Today Ochaco is your only commitment".

"Come on, Midoriya. You are getting married in less than two hours! Go to the dorms and get dressed already!" Mirio handed the groom's suite inside a plastic bag while Deku was escorted by Iida and All Might to one of the empty dorms in UA.

"Whatever it is you have discovered, today I don't want to hear it! You really can't keep your word, can you? I should pick this folder and set it on fire!" All Might reprimanded him while Iida nodded walking in front of them. "I'll check the notes you have taken while you get dressed, but I will hear no theory today, understood?" the teacher added in lower voice.

"Right. I'm really sorry, but I had a hunch. And it had to do with...!" he muttered in response.

"All Might sensei, please give an eye to my friend!" Iida loudly asked when they reached the room. "I must go to the rooftop and check everything! Too much time lost! AND MIDORIYA!!"

"Y-yes...?"

Iida smiled affectionately and bowed his head. "I'm really happy for you and Uraraka. I couldn't think of two people who deserved each other more. All this celebration is for you, because you deserve it".

"Oh... thanks, Iida" Deku's eyes shined due to emotion. "I'm so lucky you are my friend and best man".

"SEE YOU UP THERE!!" Iida concluded as he activated his Engine Quirk to be in the place in a matter of seconds.

Once Iida left, for the first time in the morning Deku was fully conscious of everything that was going on. He got dizzy and wobbled to the point All Might had to catch him.

"Midoriya! Are you okay?" All Might asked worried.

"Y...yes... it's just... I am about to marry Ochaco..." he happily cried because of the emotion, entering the room with the help of his teacher. The girl who had talked to him and smiled at him when almost nobody did... if someone had told him back then someday he would marry her...

"Finally! This is the Izuku Midoriya we need today!" All Might was relieved. "Get yourself cleaned, shaved and call me if you need help with the tie!" he told him as he got out and closed the door.

"Yes, Da... ALL MIGHT!!!" Deku cried from the inside, getting fully red.

Now it was All Might who felt like the whole building was balancing. He was playing the father figure for the wedding, but... yeah, by then the boy was far more than just a pupil or successor to him.

End of chapter 15.

Last chapter before the year is over! Remember I try to include romance, adventure, action, mystery, references, and all the ingredients you could ask to a good story. I want this wedding to happen as much as you, readers, I swear! I'm not making it long because I'm evil 😢😢...

I told you the part of the wedding will be tricky, so I am dividing it properly in order not to disappoint.

This is Honest Fiction thanking you all for your reads, comments and patience, and wishing the new year brings you everything you work hard to get and more!

I'm personally having a hard time lately, but I always try to think that, in life, being successful is never as hard as actually deserving it (I'm sure you can tell an example). And I'm sure all of you already deserve something great in your lives! So... the hardest part is done, right?

One more thing... if this year you tried something and you failed... CONGRATULATIONS!! MOST PEOPLE DON'T EVEN TRY, SO I AM GLAD TO HAVE YOU AMONG MY READERS!! And a whole new year is about to start! Sure there would be good things and things that suck... but hey, if you are the Fiction you read and create... you must be really cool, Watties!!

See you when 2020 starts! Have fun until then!!🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻