Episode 8 - Beneath the Pride

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❛ HELLFIRE ❜

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Back in the monitor room, the class gathered around as All Might's booming voice cut through the lingering tension of the exercise. "And now, the MVP of this training exercise... is Tenya Iida!" he declared, pointing dramatically at the blue-haired student, who adjusted his glasses with a mix of surprise and pride.

"Any ideas why?" All Might asked, his gaze sweeping across the group.

Momo Yaoyorozu, ever composed, raised her hand confidently. "It's because Tenya played his role as a villain effectively. He prioritized defending the objective, maintained composure, and communicated strategically, unlike the others." She turned slightly, addressing the class as a whole. "Katsuki and Izuku using large, ranged attacks in an indoor environment was reckless. It caused unnecessary damage and endangered themselves and their teammates."

Katsuki let out a sharp hiss of irritation. "Tch. What the hell would you know?!" he snapped, glaring at Momo.

Unperturbed, Momo continued, glancing at Y/n this time. "And while Y/n clearly won her match, she was too casual about the whole thing. Her lack of seriousness could have caused serious injury to Bakugo. It's important to know when to hold back and when to go all out."

At that, Bakugo's eyes narrowed, his temper flaring. "No, she couldn't!" he barked, his voice firm as he stood straighter. "She didn't hurt me! She's just better, that's all!" His outburst drew surprised glances from the rest of the class.

Momo simply shrugged, unbothered by his defense. "Just saying," she replied calmly, her tone devoid of malice.

Y/n, watching the exchange from the sidelines with her arms crossed, smirked slightly. "I appreciate the concern, Yaoyorozu," she said with a casual wave of her hand, her voice light but tinged with amusement. "But I know what I'm doing. Besides," she turned her gaze toward Bakugo, her smile teasing, "he can handle himself... can't you, Kacchan?"

Bakugo's face turned a faint shade of red, and he turned away with a grumble, crossing his arms. "Whatever. I don't need you backing me up."

All Might, sensing the tension, clapped his hands together with his signature grin. "Excellent feedback from Yaoyorozu! These observations are what make us grow as heroes! Keep it up, everyone!" His enthusiasm lightened the mood as the class began to reflect on their performances.

Soon, the class dispersed, and Izuku and Y/n walked back to grab their bags.

"You did really well with Kacchan," Izuku said, giving her a supportive smile.

Y/n sighed softly, running a hand through her hair. "I know. But... Momo was right. It's hard to go easy on him. He's always so... intense. I just wanted him to see that there's more to fighting than just pride."

Izuku nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. Kacchan's always been like that."

Y/n glanced at Izuku, her golden eyes softening. "I think you've grown on him, though. Just... don't let him push you too hard."

Izuku smiled at her, appreciating her words, then quickly rushed toward the stairs to meet up with Bakugo, who was heading toward the gate.

"Kacchan!" Izuku called, his voice full of both excitement and hesitation.

Y/n paused at a pillar, watching from a distance. She saw Izuku stand next to Bakugo, their conversation tense, and then heard Izuku tell Bakugo the truth: that he had gotten his Quirk from someone else, and he hadn't been lying all these years.

Bakugo froze. His fists clenched, but his gaze remained sharp. "You think I'm gonna believe that? You've been lying this whole time, haven't you?"

Izuku shook his head, desperate. "I swear, Kacchan, it's the truth! I didn't lie to you. I—"

"Enough!" Bakugo snapped, his voice full of frustration. "I don't care about your excuses!" He turned away, his pride refusing to let him accept Izuku's words.

Y/n's wings twitched slightly, and her golden eyes flickered with empathy. She hadn't known the full truth about Izuku's Quirk, either.

Bakugo's voice wavered slightly, his usual bravado cracking. "You think I'm just supposed to accept that, huh? After everything?"

Izuku's expression softened, but before he could respond, Bakugo's emotions exploded. "I've still got a long way to go," Bakugo admitted, his voice quieter now, almost fragile. "That guy Shoto... and Momo's words... I see it now. I still have so much to work on."

Y/n's eyes flickered with understanding, but she said nothing, her gaze heavy with unspoken thoughts.

Bakugo wiped at his eyes roughly, furious with himself. "Don't think you've won, Deku. I'm just getting started. I won't lose to you again."

Izuku opened his mouth to respond, but Bakugo was already storming off. He paused for a second, then continued walking, his shoulders tense, and his head held high in his usual defiant way.

Y/n's expression softened, but she said nothing. She couldn't help but feel for Bakugo—his pride was his burden, and she could see he wasn't ready to face it yet.

Izuku stood there, staring after him, conflicted.

"Don't worry, Izuku," Y/n said quietly, her voice gentle. "Kacchan's not ready to hear the truth yet, but he will be. He just... needs time."

Izuku looked at her, offering a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Y/n. I hope so."

As they walked past the gate, Y/n's tail flicked nervously, her wings shifting slightly as she noticed Bakugo glaring back at them from a distance.

Izuku didn't notice, but Y/n did. She turned to Bakugo, her voice carrying softly but clearly in the air.

"Kacchan."

Bakugo stopped in his tracks, a visible shiver running through him as he heard her voice. He slowly turned, eyes red and teary, but his expression was fierce. "What do you want, lizard bastard?" he growled, still reeling from his emotions.

Y/n took a step closer, her wings folding back slightly, but her presence commanding. "You don't have to carry all that anger by yourself. You know, pride can weigh a person down until they can't stand anymore."

Bakugo's lip curled, but there was a flash of something vulnerable in his eyes. "Tch, whatever. I don't need anyone's help."

Y/n smiled faintly, her sharp fangs visible for a brief moment. "Suit yourself, Kacchan," she said, her tone softening just a bit. "But remember, sometimes strength comes from knowing when to let go of the weight."

Bakugo didn't reply. Instead, he grunted and walked away, but not before casting a final glance at Y/n, as if wondering just how much she understood him. He didn't know how to process it, but for a moment, something in him shifted.

Y/n watched him leave, her golden eyes watching with a mix of concern and understanding, but she didn't stop him. He wasn't ready to face that truth yet. But maybe, someday, he would.

Izuku caught up to her and smiled. "You always know what to say, don't you?"

Y/n looked at him, her expression soft. "Sometimes, it's not about saying the right thing, Izuku. It's about knowing when to listen... and when to let someone figure it out on their own."