One healing later and a promise to not be back to see Recovery Girl unless it wasn't his fault, as well as a surprisingly lengthy lecture given to Toshinori, Izuku was back in class. He was tired, sure, but he was forcing himself to stay awake. He didn't want to miss any more of Kan-sensei's appraisal of everyone's battle trials. Luckily, he had been waiting for Toshinori to get back as well, so Izuku slid back into his seat, eager to hear the feedback as Tokage leaned over to him.

"Yo, Mumbles, you all right?" She asked, worry laced in her tone.

"Y-yeah, I'm all good," Izuku rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. "Just tired."

Monoma turned around in his seat and opened his mouth to say something, but then Kan-sensei cleared his throat for attention from the front. "Alright, we don't have much time before the day is over, so we're going to have to make this quick. I'm sure all of you would like to get home to start on your homework."

A chorus of groans followed that announcement.

Kan-sensei grinned. "Yes yes, high schoolers hate homework, what a surprise. Now, let's review the first battle trial." He held up a remote and pressed the button, a projector playing a video on the blackboard. It switched between scenes, replaying what went down between Kuroiro, Yanagi, Awase, and Kaibara. "Let's go over the villain's play. Prioritizing the bomb's safety and barricading themselves in was a good choice, as well as limiting the shadows in the room. However, you two got cocky and let your guard down. That's what led to your defeat."

Kaibara nodded while Awase clicked his tongue.

"As for the heroes, you two did an excellent job on focusing your plan on utilizing Kuroiro's quirk," Toshinori picked up. "But Kuroiro, you almost got taken down near the end there. If you had hesitated any longer, you would've been captured and likely have lost the match."

"Just because you two won doesn't mean you don't have anything to work on," Kan-sensei added gruffly. "You must all take what you learned from the battle trials and work on bettering yourselves. Now, let's go over the second battle trial..."

...

"Ugh, finally," Setsuna groaned as everyone began gathering their things to leave. "Honestly, I could've figured all that out myself. I knew my plan was incredibly risky, but sometimes the risk is worth it, y'know."

"But sometimes you need to be cautious," Itsuka said, walking over, bag hanging at her side. "Though I'll admit, your plan, albeit risky, was pretty good."

"Why thanks Itsu," Setsuna shot her a wide grin. "Say, are you forcing us to go to the beach again today?"

Itsuka shook her head, glancing at Midoriya's bandages. "Not today. Maybe tomorrow if he's better."

"I should be," Midoriya spoke up as he finished placing his notebook in his bag. "Recovery Girl healed me, but restricted me from overexerting myself for tonight."

"That's the best option," Neito said, nodding. "By the way, Midoriya, that was one hell of a punch earlier! Mind you, you shouldn't hurt yourself, but that was still impressive!"

"Totes!" Setsuna plopped herself on Midoriya's desk, grinning down at him. "You took down the entire wall! And Itsu!"

"I-I was only able to do it thanks to Kendo's training," Midoriya glanced down shyly. "I was able to reduce S-Superpower quite a bit thanks to you."

Itsuka beamed at him. "I'm glad. Hopefully this means even more training will help you garner more control." Her expression grew stern. "I saw how your fingers looked. You still hurt yourself pretty bad. You need to get to the point where you don't hurt yourself when using Superpower, period."

"That's exactly what I like to hear, Kendo," Kan-sensei said as he came over. "Which is good, because I got permission for you four to use Gym Theta for after school training purposes."

"You did!?" Itsuka gasped.

"Indeed, young Kendo," All Might said from behind Kan-sensei, who moved to let him approach. "And I volunteered to supervise. After all, young Midoriya wields enormous power, and I have some experience in that regard."

"Woah," Setsuna muttered to herself. "Private training with All Might himself? Never thought I'd be saying that before I got to UA."

"But of course, as you pointed out, we can't start training today," All Might nodded his head at Midoriya. "Not until you're well and fully healed, young Midoriya."

"Y-yes, To- All Might, sir!" Izuku caught himself just in time. It was best not to draw a whole lot of attention to the fact he and Toshinori knew one another already, let alone they were on a first name basis. Rather, he was, while Toshinori still liked to refer to him as "young Midoriya". It was more than enough for him though.

"Well, don't let us keep you," Kan-sensei motioned for Toshinori to follow him. "Be safe getting home, all of you."

A chorus of "Yes, Kan-sensei" echoed from the group.

As Izuku finished putting away his school things, he still could feel elated from earlier. Yeah, it had hurt and Recovery Girl had lectured him, but he was on the right track, he was sure of it now. Just a little more training, and maybe then he'd be fully able to control One For All at a manageable power level.

...

It was lunch the next day and he, Tokage, Monoma, and Kendo had decided to eat outside today on one of the small picnic tables in the courtyard. Some of their other classmates had decided to eat out here as well, but with the table only being big enough for their group, they had to either take residence at the other tables or eat beneath a tree, like Shiozaki was currently doing.

Izuku couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was still acting as bodyguards, if their wary glances or glares at Class 1A was any indication. He felt bad. It wasn't their fault Kacchan had done what he did, but the relationship between the sister classes was nonetheless soured. And it wasn't just him who noticed this.

Itsuka narrowed her eyes as she gazed around the courtyards. While Shiozaki was peacefully eating beneath a tree, her vines wrapped beneath her as a blanket, her other classmates were less so peaceful. With Awase's death glares and Kamakiri giving sneers to any Class 1A student unlucky enough to walk by (he'd startled the tail guy into almost dropping his food), most of her class seemed to still be unhappy with the Bakugou incident.

"Neito," she hissed to the blond, who sat beside her. "We need to do something about our relationship with Class 1A."

Neito gave her a side glance. "Is there something wrong with it? Those stuck ups deserve- OW!" Ituska had chopped him on the head.

"Neito Monoma," she said harshly. "As representatives of our class, we have a responsibility to ensure friendly relations with our sister class. Is that clear?"

Neito grumbled something beneath his breath.

Itsuka raised her hand threateningly. "I said, is that clear?"

"Yes ma'am," Neito rolled his eyes. "Honestly though, why do we have to be nice to them?"

"We are not having this conversation again," Itsuka sighed. "Just get with the program."

"Fine fine," Neito went back to his food. "But the next time they put a toe out of line, I can't promise I won't forgive them again."

"Good enough, I suppose. For now."

"Oh hey, get a load of this," Setsuna announced, pausing to swallow before holding up her phone to Itsuka. "'Aldera Junior High Shut Down Amidst Rumors of Discriminationn'."

Izuku nearly choked on his rice, but recovered in record time in order to not attract their attention. It had been embarrassing enough for his friends to find out about what they had about him and his past, he'd rather not get into any more of it, especially when it concerned Aldera. The thought made him wonder about Kacchan though. Has he seen the news about this yet?

"So do you know what we're doing for our practical hero lesson tomorrow?" Monoma asked.

Tokage shrugged. "Beats me. Doesn't say on the schedule."

Kendo snorted. "If you two had paid attention this morning, Kan-sensei mentioned that we'd be traveling somewhere off campus. Class 1A gets to do it today after lunch."

"Oh boy, Class 1A gets first dibs, what a surprise," Monoma said sarcastically before being smacked upside the head by Kendo.

Izuku smiled to himself as he ate. While he didn't approve of the way Monoma viewed Class 1A, it was nice to see the antics of his new friends.

"I bet it's rescue training," Tokage set her chopsticks down, her bowl now empty. "I mean, we had a battle trial just yesterday, which is one of the big main hero duties; fighting villains. Makes sense if they have us do rescue training next."

"Hopefully we're allowed to wear our costumes again," Monoma said wistfully.

"Speak for yourself," Kendo pointed her chopsticks at him. "Your costume didn't get a lot of tears in them from an insane punch. Uh, no offense, Midoriya."

But Izuku wasn't paying attention, quickly scarfing down the rest of his food. "Sorry, I gotta run! I meant to drop off my ideas at the Support Course this morning for my new costume! I'll meet you in class!" And with that he scooped up his dishes and hurried back inside.

He was already out of the cafeteria doors when Tokage appeared next to him. "Man Mumbles, you can move fast when you want to."

"Uh, hi, Tokage," Izuku stared at her as they walked side-by-side. "W-what are you doing?"

"Hanging out with you, what else?" Tokage grinned. "I got nothing else to do, and I think Itsu wanted to educate Neito on how a class rep is supposed to act."

"So," Setsuna said after they turned down the next hall. "What sort of upgrades are you going to get for your costume?"

Midoriya's notebook was out so fast it almost gave her whiplash. "I've drawn out a sketch of what I want. It's different from my first one, and it's not that I didn't like it, I loved it, it was from my mom so of course it's great, but I need something more practical. So I built off the base design and-" he shuffled closer to her, showing her the sketch. She gazed at it, noting the similarity with his first costume like he'd said, but also the changes. "The material for the first costume wasn't the best, and really didn't hold up well, so I want something tougher but also comfortable to wear. I put my suggestion in the margins, but if the Support Course has something better to offer, I'll go with that. Oh, I also made the mouth guard metal instead of plastic this time, and I added some shoulder pads here. And I felt the knee pads could be longer, fitting most of my legs now for better stability and protection. And-!"

"Woah there, Mumbles," Setsuna chuckled, bopping him on the head. "We're here."

"Huh?" He gave her a blank look, before looking to his left to see the door for the Support Course. His face turned pink. "O-oh, right. Thanks." He hurried over to the door, and just as he was about to knock, the door exploded. Setsuna yelped, flying backwards in several pieces to avoid the blast.

"Midoriya!" She shouted, trying to see him through the smoke.

"Ow ow ow," a girl's voice groaned out.

"Hatsume, that's your third explosion today!" A voice shouted in exasperation. "And your eleventh since Sunday!"

"I know, I'm still getting used to all the tools," the girl's voice came from the smoke and Setsuna could begin to see the compromising position Midoriya was now in. "Usually there's a lot more. Failure is the mother of invention after all!"

Setsuna watched as Midoriya slowly devolved into a red stuttering mess as he stared at the pink dreadlocked girl laying across his body.

"Pfft," Setsuna tried stifling her laugh, before she gave up and burst out into roaring laughter.

"Oh, hello there!" The girl said to Midoriya. "Didn't see ya there. Welp, goodbye, gotta go! Baby #9 needs some fine tuning!" And with that she hauled herself up and sauntered back into the room.

"Ah, sorry about her," a man wearing an excavator claw as a helmet stepped out from the room, holding out a hand to Midoriya. "She's fresh blood, yet she's already fully integrated into the support course. Mind you, that just means that these explosions are happening regularly." Once Midoriya was back on his feet, he jerked his thumb at himself, and Setsuna noticed orange pieces at the tip of each of his fingers. "I'm Power Loader. I take it you two are here concerning your costumes?"

Setsuna managed to fight down the last remnants of her giggles. "No, just him."

Midoriya, who's face had been red, immediately cleared up as his eyes began to practically sparkle. "Power Loader, the Excavation Hero! OhmygoshI'msoexcitedtomeetyoucanyousignmynotebookplease!?"

And Setsuna broke out into giggles again as Power Loader just stared at the kid before shrugging and motioning for them to come inside. "Sure, why not. Mind the mess, there's a lot of projects lying around."

Setsuna followed them into the room and felt like she had just walked into a mad scientist's lab. Junk littered the floor and tables, hung from the ceiling, and there was even a growing pile of stuff tucked away in a corner. Only a few students were here, including the pink haired girl, all of them working on something or another in their own areas. Power Loader led them over to a worktable in the far corner and grabbed a pen from a mug. Once he signed Midoriya's notebook, he tapped his fingers on the table.

"So what can I do for you, uh...?"

"Oh, right! I'm Izuku Midoriya!" He bowed quickly. "I, uh, need my suit remade. It was damaged during the battle trials yesterday."

"That'll happen," Power Loader nodded, already reaching for a slip of paper from a small pile. "Most of the time I can just make general repairs and upgrades, but if you want it fully remade, then we'll need to fill out an application and send it out to a support company. Don't worry, UA has the very best working for us."

"That's great!" Midoriya grinned.

"Now, do you have a general idea of what you want or-"

Setsuna watched as Midoriya practically jumped at the chance to show off his new design, going over in detail on what he wanted while pointing at his drawing. Power Loader nodded every now and then, gave a suggestion, and hummed in approval. She also noticed the pink haired girl drawing ever closer.

"With how much thought you put into this, it'll make it easier on whoever makes it for you," Power Loader told Midoriya when he finished. "Just fill out this application real quick and I can send it in for you, along with your design."

"Ohhh!"

The pink haired girl's raised voice startled all of them, except for Setsuna, who'd been watching in amusement, as she picked up Midoriya's journal and was examining the drawing. "This is some quality work!" Suddenly she was up in Midoriya's face, her odd irises twinkling with excitement. "What quirk do you have!? No, don't tell me, you're a power type, aren't you! These gloves you want will work, but I got a baby I think would work perfectly for you!"

"Uh, b-baby?" Midoriya blinked at her, face going red again as he tried averting his eyes from her.

"Yes!" She produced two white metallic boxing gloves from nowhere. "Baby #5! You gotta try them-!"

"Alright, that's enough Hatsume," Power Loader was pushing her away. "Go back to your corner. You know the rules, no testing equipment until you're sure it's relatively safe."

Setsuna mouthed the word "relatively".

"Anyway," Power Loader returned while an unperturbed Hatsume began fiddling with the insides of one of the gloves. "Fill out the application and get it to me by the end of the day and I'll go ahead and send it in for you."

"If you ever need any upgrades, feel free to come to me!" Hatsume called out, a wrench now in her hand. "I'll hook you up with some special babies of mine!"

"Er, I would ask her at your own risk," Power Loader advised Midoriya. "Not that her inventions aren't good, but she'll have you test anything and everything."

"Got it," Midoriya nodded, taking the application. "Thanks again, Power Loader sir."

"Just Power Loader is fine," the hero replied, waving his large hand. "Now get going, lunch break is over in a minute. You wouldn't want to be late to class."

"Yes, sir!"

"That girl, Hatsume," Setsuna said as she and Midoriya hurried off. "She was interesting."

"Y-yeah," Midoriya nodded.

Setsuna stayed quiet for a second, before giving in. "So about that position you two were in on the floor."

Midoriya immediately covered his reddening face with his hands as Setsuna roared with laughter.

...

"Well?" Shouta asked, too tired to beat around the bush. "Why are we here?"

"Tea?" Nedzu offered, pouring himself a cup.

Shouta gave him a deadpan stare, before sighing and nodding. Sekijirou gave a curt nod before taking a seat on the couch next to his fellow teacher.

"Good," Nedzu poured him a cup as well before settling down in his armchair. "Now, to business. You both saw what happened to Aldera Junior High?"

"I take it that was you?" Shouta already knew the answer to that question while Sekijirou replied with a gruff, "Yes."

"Quite so," Nedzu said cheerfully. "It was the least I could do after discovering just how deeply the roots of prejudice ran."

"So why am I here?" Aizawa asked again.

"To discuss what we are to do about Mr. Bakugou," Nedzu took a long sip of his tea. "I quite like the punishment I gave him. Harsh, but not as harsh as it should have been. It'll give him something to think about moving forward."

"Should have?" Sekijirou raised an eyebrow.

"Quite," Nedzu shook his head. "By all accounts he should be expelled for his behavior. And I'm sure you were wondering why I didn't go with that option."

Shouta just nodded. Sekijirou crossed his arms. He had his doubts, but he also knew better than to question Nedzu's decisions. Even if it didn't totally sit right with him.

"Well, I have three reasons. For starters, with his behavior, we run the risk of turning him to villainy should the top hero school expel him. As heroes, we have a duty to nurture the young heroes-to-be, especially so if they're like Mr. Bakugou." Nedzu traced a finger around the rim of his teacup. "Second, after much insight into how his and Mr. Midoriya's school life would have played out, it's safe to say that Bakugou was never told off for his behavior. He was constantly under the impression he was well within his right to act the way he does. That is why it makes it even more important to teach him what is right and what is wrong." Nedzu smiled again. "Which is why I think it's prudent to set up a weekly counseling session with Hound Dog. He is a victim of the system, just of a different sort than Midoriya."

"And what about Midoriya?" Sekijirou leaned forwards, his tea still untouched. "Shouldn't he get counseling as well?"

"Oh yes," Nedzu agreed. "But I also think his can be done a bit differently?"

"How so?" Shouta asked this time.

"He went through years of his classmates judging him, and at times, getting physical with him," Nedzu explained. "Not to mention his teachers not only did nothing about it, but encouraged it. By all accounts, he should be reclusive and unwilling to interact with others. But from what I've seen through the school's cameras, Mr. Midoriya has been adjusting quite well, making new friends, and improving. How does that reflect with what you've seen, Sekijirou?"

The gray haired man sighed and leaned back. "He is. His friends, three in particular, in these short few days, have quickly warmed up to him, and he to them. In fact, they seem to be looking out for his well-being more than I would have expected, so they may know a bit about his past as well. And speaking of knowing more about his past, some of his actions are more clear, like when he receives praise from me. It's like he hadn't expected this sort of positive treatment from a teacher."

"And that's what we need to do more of," Nedzu clapped his hands together. "While his friends get him to open up more, we need to show Mr. Midoriya that the situation at Aldera was the exception, and most certainly not the rule. Admitting him to counseling may end up being good for him, but that will only be for if what he's being given now isn't enough."

Nedzu took a moment to drink his tea and Sekijirou relented and sipped at his as well. Meanwhile Shouta was still staring at Nedzu. When the rat lowered his tea, the tired man asked, "And three?"

"Huh?" Sekijirou glanced at him, confused.

Nedzu smiled. "Perceptive as always. The third reason as to why I chose not to expel Mr. Bakugou." He hummed while taking another sip. "It gives Mr. Midoriya something to strive towards."

Silence. Then, "I'm sorry?" Sekijirou blinked.

Nedzu set his tea down and folded his paws. "All his life he was overshadowed by Bakugou and his amazing quirk. Now, with his quirk having come in recently, and already showing great potential, it can help him strive to be as great as his tormentor. Or perhaps even surpass him. He already got a taste of that by taking him down in the courtyard. And getting a higher score on the ball throw test. I daresay a bit of competitiveness would go a long way in helping Mr. Midoriya."

"That's logical," Shouta nodded.

Sekijirou pinched the bridge of his nose. "I get what you mean, but it's still giving me a headache."

"I'd say we're all good here then," Nedzu said cheerfully. "Now, I imagine you two will want to go over Class 1A's performance at the USJ earlier and make adjustments for when 1B goes tomorrow."

"Later," Sekijirou downed the rest of his tea in one gulp before standing. "I want to see how Midoriya's training is going. They should be well into it by now with All Might, but I'd like to see for myself."

"I'll join you," Shouta stood, more slowly. "The kid is showing much more promise than before."

Sekijirou grinned. "Regretting your decision now, eh?"

"Nope," Shouta said in a bored voice as he strode towards the door. "But I am regretting not addressing Bakugou's behavior on the first day."

"That, we can agree upon."

...

"Remember to breathe. Don't focus on any one part of your body. Everything works in conjunction. Let one part flow with another."

"Yeah, be a well oiled machine Mumbles!"

"Set, shut it."

Izuku nodded, taking a breath before punching outwards, drawing the fist in while punching out with the other. It almost seemed mundane at first, repeating each motion again and again. But it had worked, so Izuku was determined to keep it up. And the more he practiced, the more he felt his movements becoming more fluid, more in sync.

Yet... Why did it feel like something was still missing? Izuku faltered slightly, before resuming his movements. Just keep the egg turning in the microwave. Don't let it crack, even when the temperature increases, or when it rotates faster. Keep the egg-

"Stop."

Izuku stopped mid punch, opening his eyes to blink at Kendo in front of him. They were located in Gym Theta. It was pretty bare, as large as a small warehouse and the floor was made of concrete. When Izuku realized it hadn't been she who had spoken, he glanced towards Toshinori, who had his palm pressed over his mouth in thought.

"Young Midoriya," Toshinori said, slipping his hand off his mouth. "What exactly are you picturing?"

"Huh?" Kendo uttered, confused as Izuku blinked in surprise.

"Uh, the egg," he replied, then realizing everyone else aside from Toshinori would need more context, he went on and explained. "I'm imagining the egg is my body, while the microwave is Superpower. So the higher wattage I have it on, the more power I'm using. And the longer it goes on without the egg cracking, I don't hurt myself. Uh, theoretically. It worked some of the time."

Silence, before Tokage snorted with laughter. "That's so bland and simple it might be enough to actually work."

"'Might' is the key word," Toshinori shook his head. "It definitely has helped, but not enough. You need to visualize something different. Something a bit more complicated, and takes into account all the various parts of your body. It needs to be both functional and something easy to imagine."

"I'll try my best," Izuku closed his eyes and concentrated. For a few minutes he tried thinking of various ideas, from a race car to a factory, and even an amalgamation of various machinery and gears and whatnot.

"Yeah, be a well oiled machine Mumbles!"

Tokage's words echoed in his head the more he thought about the machinery. Maybe he was onto something. But this... monstrosity of a machine he was currently imagining was way too complicated with too many moving parts. He needed to dumb it down, but not too much. But how...

An epiphany hit him. He didn't remember when he had heard this, but it was likely during his time at Aldera. Something about how the body was a well oiled machine.

So maybe if I combine both ideas... Izuku now pictured his body, now translucent as it showed his inner workings. Not blood, organs, and bones, but gears, hydraulics, wiring, and a coolant system. He began to slowly move his arms, imagining the gears turning, hydraulics pressing and releasing. He couldn't overwork the system. Machines were designed to function up to a certain limit. He couldn't cross that limit. He had to contain it.

"Okay, I think I got a better idea," Izuku said, reopening his eyes.

"Good," Toshinori nodded. "Now, there's something I wanted to discuss about yesterday's battle trial. Your Texas Smash, to be precise."

"Huh? What about it?"

"Well," Toshinori scratched the side of his head, looking rather like he was trying not to be embarrassed. "I think it's pretty obvious you're copying my moves." When Izuku began to turn bright red, Toshinori quickly shook both hands. "T-that's not a bad thing in itself, young Midoriya! In fact, I find it rather... endearing. But," he coughed into his fist. "I was thinking about it and maybe starting off with Texas Smash is a bit much for a beginner. It's one of the more powerful smashes in my arsenal, which I'm sure you're well aware of. But something that is designed to unleash loads of power may not be the best fit for someone only just harnessing control over his quirk. You should start off small."

"Here, let me give you an example with a fight you should know well," Toshinori held up a finger. "Toxic Chainsaw."

"OH!" Izuku exclaimed. "I've watched that video over a dozen times! He's one of the few villains aside from All For One who actually proved to be more of a challenge for you!"

"Indeed," Toshinori nodded. "He was more of a challenge than most of my foes. So I had no qualms fighting him with my more powerful smashes. Like Texas Smash."

"Plus it allowed you to keep him at a distance!" Izuku fanboyed while Tokage snickered behind him, with Kendo shushing her quietly while trying hard not to smile while Monoma shook his head with a smile. "His toxicity was deadly, even for you, so it was the best strategy!"

"But had I been facing an enemy of a lower caliber, Texas Smash might be overkill on such an opponent. Potentially even deadly," Toshinori explained. "So it's necessary that I pull my punches. I have a few moves I like to reserve for weaker villains. A great one is Detroit Smash, as it's a move that's power output is extremely flexible with it being just a normally straight punch."

Izuku's palm flew to his mouth and began mumbling. "I think I get it. Texas Smash is a big finishing move that generates loads of wind pressure. Naturally it'll have lots of power behind it. Not to mention the thought process behind it. If I'm imagining using a move as powerful as Texas Smash, or even California Smash, my first instinct would be to prepare for a powerful move. So it would be better to start off with moves that either are more variable in power or... names. I should start with the names. All Might's most powerful attacks are always state names. So maybe a way to trick my mind into lowering the power output would be to name them something smaller, like city names. Yeah, that could work. Detroit Smash is the prime example. And maybe even Delaware Smash, since that's a low wind pressure smash that would only use my fingers..."

Toshinori beamed at the green haired boy. He knew that if he started him off with an idea, Izuku would be able to carry it further and enhance it to better suit his needs.

Once a scrawny boy with no power, but look at you now, All Might thought proudly. Even if I hadn't shown up to give you a helping hand, I think you could've done just fine on your own. If nothing else, it'll be that brain of yours that'll help you win in most fights, not One For All alone.

However, Toshinori's eyes narrowed slightly. This is still only one type of training. Well, two I guess. Mind and body. Even if it's effective, it may be prudent to help train Midoriya another way along with these. Mind, body, and... soul. He didn't have to think long. He already had an idea forming. Who he could ask to help train Izuku. Question is, would he be willing?

Meanwhile, Setsuna's arched eyebrow was arching ever higher. "Hey, Itsu," she spoke in a low voice. "Don't you think their relationship is a bit curious?"

Itsuka frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean," Setsuna rolled her eyes. Honestly, was she the only one to notice these things? "Don't they seem too familiar with one another? I get that Mumbles is a huge hero fanboy, but he and All Might act like they've known each other for a while now."

"You know, now that you mention it," Neito said from behind. "It does seem that way?"

"Riiiiight?" Setsuna nudged Itsuka in the ribs. "Someone over here is a bit slow."

"Shut up."

"But what I'm curious about is how they know each other," Setsuna mused.

"I mean, isn't it obvious?" Neito asked rather smugly.

Both Setsuna and Itsuka shot glares at him before he shrugged. "Midoriya has super crazy strength and can shoot off incredible punches. He said he manifested Superpower on the day of the entrance exam, right? Maybe after seeing his performance, they decided to have All Might tutor him personally before the start of the year. That would be about a month's window, with an extra week or so."

"Huh, you're right," Setsuna said with a tone of surprise.

"You say that like you're surprised."

"You caught that, did you?"

"Okay Set, that's it! That was the final-!" He cut off, noticing the two figures approaching from the gym doorway.

"How's Midoriya's training coming along?" Kan-sensei asked in his usual gruff tone.

Toshinori placed a hand on Izuku's shoulder. "Quite well. Of course, we can't tell how good all this training is doing without testing his control over his quirk." He glanced at the dark haired man slouching beside Sekijirou.

Shouta sighed. "Fine." He rubbed at his eyes before focusing intensely on Midoriya. "Well, let's see it then. Your quirk."

"M-my quirk?" Izuku glanced between him and Toshinori.

Toshinori nodded, squeezing his shoulder. "Don't throw any punches. Just try channeling Superpower throughout your entire body and work on reducing the power."

"Y-yes, To-I mean, All Might," Izuku nodded and turned away, not noticing the odd glance Aizawa gave Toshinori at his slip-up. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, allowing himself to gather the image of his mechanical inner workings before reopening them as he moved into the Natural Stance Itsuka had taught him. Another deep breath and he tapped into One For All.

Energy coursed through his body and he had to immediately focus on it. He imagined the machinery in his body creaking and groaning as it took on this strain, the coolant system working to lower the power. Focusing as well on taking nice, deep breaths, in and out, Izuku slowly felt the power within begin to decrease.

He became aware of everyone's eyes on him. He tried not to let that bother him, but Aizawa-sensei's stare was the most piercing of them all. Unbidden, the memory of the other day surfaced, when he'd punched Kacchan, and the pro had stormed onto the scene, his anger directed at himself-

His control slipped. Izuku panicked, feeling One For All rising in power and- gone. It was just... gone. He blinked, staring at his hands, arms, legs, before glancing around to see Aizawa-sensei's hair standing on end and his eyes glowing red.

"Sloppy," he said, the glow fading from his eyes as his hair gently fell around him. "But a noticeable improvement. I'd imagine you'd only break a few bones if you had thrown a punch."

Izuku didn't know what to say to that. He sounded like he was praising him, but also disapproving at the same time.

"Prove me wrong, Midoriya," Aizawa-sensei nodded to him before turning away. "Train hard and become a worthy hero."

Sekijirou sighed and shook his head. "Don't mind him. You did good, Midoriya. That was excellent control. Keep that up and you'll master your quirk eventually."

"Th-thank you, sir!" Izuku bowed.

"No need to bow," Sekijirou told him. "Now, you'll want to wrap up this training and get home. You lot have a busy day tomorrow."

"Sir yes sir," Tokage mocked salute him.

"Let me just say, young Midoriya," Toshinori whispered to Izuku. "You're doing amazing. I'm proud of you."

Izuku felt like he was wearing the biggest smile he'd ever made yet.

...

And so night fell and the students of Class 1B went about their nightly activities. Some, such as Nirengeki, Manga, Kojiro, Sen, and Hiryu, were still hard at work studying. Setsuna took one look at her homework before tossing it aside and jumping straight into bed, while Neito actually considered doing his before ultimately putting it aside to do in the morning.

Out in the night Tetsutetsu and Togaru walked home after hitting the gym together as Yosetsu helped his old man close up shop. Both Kinoko and Ibara had similar nightly rituals, the former tending to the mushrooms she took care of in her room while the latter watered the various plants and vines that covered her bedroom. Itsuka's routine consisted of a short training regimen before bed, one that had her at her punching bag with her homework already done on her desk.

Others still were already in bed. Jurota, Kosei, and Juzo were asleep while Yui clicked on the next cat video, a smile rarely observed by others upon her face. And both Shihai and Yanagi, rather by accident, happened to be scrolling through the same cryptid site while under their covers, getting themselves updated on the latest info.

Izuku sighed in content, pushing his paper away while rubbing his tired eyes. He'd gotten his homework done as fast as possible so he could have more time to write down possible ideas for new smashes. Glancing at the clock, he decided it was time to turn in.

"Izuku?"

His mom was in his doorway. "Yeah?"

"You said you would be going off campus for a training exercise, right?"

"Yeah. Well, we think we are. That's what the other class did."

Inko nodded, her lips pursed. "You... you'll be safe, won't you?"

Izuku smiled reassuringly at her. "Of course, mom."

Eventually, they all slept, all in anticipation for what the next day would bring, not yet knowing what would unfold. At the same time, under the same night sky, others with darker intentions sat in wait with bated breath, knowing full well that tomorrow would finally see them out of the shadows.