The day after the attack, U.A. stands silent and shuttered. The atmosphere is heavy as the faculty convenes for a crucial meeting with Police Force Investigator Naomasa Tsukauchi.

"We must also discuss the arrival of a god among us," Tsukauchi declares, his voice carrying a weight that commands attention.

Aizawa's body tenses, his eyes narrowing as he locks onto the investigator. "And why, may I ask?" he responds, his tone icy and direct.

Tsukauchi's brow furrows in contemplation. "For starters, it's the first time anyone with a quirk that powerful has ever existed," he explains, his expression grave.

Aizawa scoffs a derisive sound that cuts through the room. "She is no such thing. She is not my student. She is merely the guardian of my students, bonded to Izuku Midoriya," he retorts, his voice firm.

Tsukauchi sighs, rubbing his temples. "Sir, I suggest we proceed with caution. I would have liked to talk to her, but she was adamant about not saying much after the attack. She knows the League's leader," he says, his voice tinged with frustration.

Aizawa hums thoughtfully. "I know that," he replies, his tone calm.

Ms. Midnight looks at him sharply. "You didn't think it would be wise to tell us that?" she snaps, incredulous.

Aizawa gazes back at her, unperturbed. Before anyone else can speak, Nezu stands on his chair, drawing attention with his calm demeanor. "It is a bit disconcerting that someone so powerful knows the leader of such a dangerous group of villains. But I assure you, Azure is not a threat to us. She will not harm her human," Nezu says, his voice filled with quiet confidence.

The room falls silent, the weight of his words sinking in as the faculty members exchange uneasy glances.

"I agree," All Might said, drawing everyone's attention. "I have seen Azure and met her. I know her more than any of you. She is a truly good woman and wants the best for Izuku."

"But that doesn't mean she wants the best for the rest of our students," Vlad interjected, his voice tinged with skepticism.

All Might sighed deeply. "If young Midoriya makes friends with anyone else in his class, I assure you that Azure will protect them, too, with all her life," he stated with unwavering conviction.

The room fell silent again, the weight of All Might's words settling over the faculty. There was a shared understanding but also an undercurrent of uncertainty as they grappled with the presence of such a powerful being within their midst.

"I think we all know this much about Shigaraki: he is being guided towards villainy like U.A. students are being guided towards heroism. But for now, we must trust Azure. If she chooses to aid the villains shortly, we will know," Nezu says, his voice steady and authoritative.

With those final words, the meeting comes to an end. The faculty members rise from their seats, the gravity of the situation still weighing heavily on their minds as they disperse, each lost in their thoughts about the uncertain future and the enigmatic figure of Azure.

All Might and Aizawa walk out together. "I'm sorry, Aizawa. I didn't mean to speak out of turn," All Might says, his voice filled with genuine remorse.

Aizawa snorts, glancing sideways at him. "And on what terms did you think I was angry about anything you said?" he asks, his tone sharp and slightly exasperated.

"Well, for one, she is your student," All Might begins, but Aizawa cuts him off.

"She is not my student. She's just a guardian. I told you already," he retorts, his voice firm. He chuffs and starts to walk away from the taller, muscular man. "Now, are you coming? I'm not driving you more than I have to," he calls over his shoulder.

All Might nods, hurrying to catch up, the tension between them still palpable but tempered by their mutual respect.

◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥◤◢◣◥

I am seated on Izuku's bed, the soft fabric crumpling under my weight, while he engages in his evening weightlifting exercises. The rhythmic clanking of the weights punctuates the silence, providing a steady backdrop to my swirling thoughts. My head rests heavily in my hands as I mull over the question I have just posed to him.

"Should I accompany you to the festival?" I inquire, my voice barely above a whisper, laden with uncertainty.

Izuku pauses mid-rep, his face flushed with exertion and nods earnestly. "It would be beneficial for us both. We could gain a significant number of points, and your abilities are impressive," he adds, his tone filled with genuine admiration.

I respond with a derisive snort, lifting my head to meet his gaze. "Why would I want anyone to know you possess a kaiju here?" I retort, sarcasm dripping from my words.

Izuku places the weights down and sits beside me, his earnest eyes searching mine. "Because," he begins softly, "we're stronger together. And sometimes, showing our strength is the best way to protect everyone."

His words hang in the air, heavy with meaning. I look away, grappling with the conflicting emotions his sincerity stirs within me.

I hum thoughtfully, "I see. I will ask Aizawa about it," he nods, smiling warmly. "Thank you," he says, his gratitude evident.

I lean into him, feeling the solid comfort of his presence. "I am uncertain, however, if I should join your class. Wouldn't participating in the games reveal that you have a powerful ally?" I inquire, my voice laced with doubt.

Izuku shrugs casually, a confident grin spreading across his face. "What difference does it make? It's not dangerous. After all, the villains also had a powerful creature on their side," he points out, his tone optimistic.

"You fail to comprehend the gravity of the situation," I respond, my voice growing more intense. "If I appear on television during the games, the world will be aware of my involvement, not just the League of Villains. Every villain and hero seeking an advantage will become aware of my actions."

I pause, letting my words sink in. The weight of my concern seems to settle over Izuku, and he looks at me with newfound seriousness. "It's not just about showing strength. It's about the consequences that follow," I continue, my voice softening. "I want to protect you, but revealing my presence could bring more danger to your doorstep. We need to be cautious."

Izuku's expression shifts and the gravity of the situation finally dawns on him. "I understand," he says quietly, his resolve unwavering. "But whatever happens, we'll face it together. Your strength is our strength, and we'll use it wisely."

His words bring a small, reluctant smile to my lips. "Together, then," I agree, feeling renewed purpose. The path ahead is fraught with uncertainty, but with Izuku by my side, I feel a flicker of hope.