ATTENTION: This chapter may contain references to abuse and psychological trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
The back garden of the psychiatric hospital was the only place where Rei could truly find peace… the only place where she could breathe without feeling the weight of her unpleasant past. Though spacious and well-kept, it always remained empty at that hour of the day. Her angel had made sure that moment belonged only to her.
They sat together on a stone bench, surrounded by the soft fragrance of flowers and the gentle whisper of the wind among the trees. Her angel, as always, was impeccably dressed, holding his teacup with serene grace as he gazed at the scenery. Rei, meanwhile, nestled against his chest, happily savoring her favorite chocolates. Those were the moments she treasured the most…
He never changed. Week after week, he came—keeping his promise. And she… she needed him more than she dared to admit.
—"I don't know how you do it, but when I'm with you, my pain just disappears…" —she whispered with a soft smile, the same smile that always made her angel feel grateful.
Her angel let out a teasing chuckle, that familiar sound that always put her at ease.
—"Ah, my little snowflake… what surprises me is that you even like someone like me. I'm not handsome enough to earn all that affection. And you know perfectly well what I really am. Honestly, I don't get you, hahaha."
His tone was playful, but Rei knew the truth behind those words—he was still hiding behind his mask.
Rei clicked her tongue softly, half tender, half reproachful.
—"Don't say nonsense," —she murmured, brushing a strand of his hair away with affection—. "You're beautiful, Izuku-kun… inside and out."
Izuku looked away for a moment, as if those words hurt more than he wanted to admit. Rei felt a small sting in her chest. She wanted to hold his face and make him see what she saw in him… but he would never let her.
—"Well then, Izuku-kun," —she said, trying to change the subject so he wouldn't worry—, "how have you been these days? Done anything interesting? And how's your… mission?" —she asked with a faint trace of concern.
Her angel set his teacup down on the bench and looked at her with affection.
—"Always worrying about me… that warms my heart." —He sighed before continuing—. "These last few days have been quite productive. After three months, Mr. Toshinori finally entrusted me with One For All. The first stage is complete. Now I just need to enter U.A. and gather information. I feel like I'll finish much sooner than I expected."
Rei smiled. She knew how important that mission was for all of them. It was incredible how much her life had changed since the day she met her angel… that day had been a storm of emotions, one that still lingered in her heart. But her angel's voice pulled her back from her thoughts.
—"Let's leave that topic for now. Tell me, how have you been feeling with your children's visits? Have they helped you feel calmer?"
Rei let out a sigh. Her expression turned melancholic.
—"Fuyumi visits often, though lately she's come less because of work. Natsuo… shows up from time to time, but he never stays for long. Toya… well, you know how he is. He always comes at night; he's the one I talk to the most, and I'm deeply grateful for that." —She paused for a moment, her fingers trembling slightly on her lap—. "But Shoto…" —her voice lowered— "I thought I'd see him here. But he's never come. That makes me sad."
Her angel leaned slightly toward her and offered a comforting smile.
—"Rei-chan… don't worry," —his voice was warm and reassuring—. "I'll go to U.A. and make sure he comes to see you. You deserve to see all your children again. It's the least I can do for you… after everything you've done for me."
She stared at him for a few seconds… and her heart filled with tenderness. She couldn't help herself. She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his forehead, then pulled him into her chest. He could pretend to be strong before everyone else, but not before her.
They stayed like that for a while, in silence, enjoying the peace only they could share.
—"You know… in a week they'll discharge me," —Rei said suddenly, her tone hopeful—. "And I've already decided where I'll live. My parents left a house in my name."
Her angel lifted his gaze, curious.
—"And what will you do with it?"
Rei looked straight at him, her expression serious, full of determination. She knew Izuku would try to refuse, but this time she wouldn't let him hide behind his excuses.
—"I've been thinking… why don't you come live with me? That way we could be together. I don't want to be alone… but more than that, I don't want you to keep suffering."
Izuku blinked, surprised by the firmness in her voice. But what truly unsettled him was the sadness in her eyes.
—"Izuku-kun… I know what they do to you in that house. I know what you've endured… the sleepless nights, the place where they force you to rest, the miserable food they give you. And the punishments… those aren't trainings, they're tortures. A damn torture! That life with those people is hell… and the worst part is that you've convinced yourself you deserve it. But you don't! Don't punish yourself for what happened that night with that child… it wasn't your fault."
Tears threatened to fall, but she forced herself to hold them back. She didn't want to make him feel guilty; she just wanted him to understand how much it hurt her to see him like that.
Her angel looked at her intently. His eyes reflected a storm of emotions, but in the end, his expression softened with sorrow.
—"Oh, my lady… you know I can't. I still have a home to take care of… because there's someone who needs me. And you know how I am when I grow attached to someone… and you know I owe her," —his voice was steady, but in his gaze lingered a quiet melancholy.
Rei turned her eyes away, trying to hide the sting of sadness she felt. So instead of insisting, she simply held him tighter.
—"Alright…" —she murmured with a soft smile, though her heart ached inside—. "But promise me something… when all this ends, when your promise has been fulfilled, please come back to me… showing me your true face, okay?"
Her angel didn't answer immediately. He just looked at her for a moment, then finally closed his eyes and whispered:
—"I promise." —He finished, then rested his head on Rei's lap and began to sing his favorite song, the one that always calmed him down, revealing once again his true self—. "London Bridge is falling down… Falling down, falling down… London Bridge is falling down… My fair lady…"
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Izuku walked calmly through the streets, feeling the cool night air hit his face. He had just left the psychiatric hospital, where he had spent hours with Rei, enjoying her company in the back garden. In the end, he noticed that it was already getting late and decided to leave, promising to return the next weekend to receive her when she was discharged and help her with her move.
The way home wasn't long, but it was tedious. The lights of the lampposts flickered intermittently, and the noise of the city mixed with his thoughts. He passed through crowded streets, avoiding curious looks, until he reached a quieter area. There, the silhouette of a modern and luxurious apartment building appeared in front of him. He was almost home... but he noticed something was wrong, especially when he realized that a tall and imposing figure was waiting for him at the entrance, blocking his way to the reception.
Izuku sighed with resignation. It was Haruto, Mrs. Inko's bodyguard. He wore his typical tight black suit that showed his robust body. His serious gaze and rigid posture made it clear that he wasn't there to chat.
Izuku smiled slightly.
—Hello, Mr. Haruto, I see you're still in shape. How's the girlfriend?
The man didn't respond immediately. He only crossed his arms and looked at him coldly.
—You can't come in. This is no longer your home.
Izuku tilted his head with feigned curiosity.
—Well, Frankenstein, I really like your simplicity when speaking, but I want to know something. What's the reason for that decision?
—The Midoriya family moved out. They don't need this house anymore, therefore they don't need you here, so... get out!
Without warning, Haruto hardened his arm and his skin turned to stone. His fist, now the size of a wrecking ball, moved at full speed toward Izuku's face.
Izuku didn't even blink. He raised one hand and stopped the blow effortlessly, as if he had caught a paper ball. Haruto was stunned; it was obvious he hadn't expected that—how foolish.
—Well, Mr. Haruto, thanks for the news. But you should know that I'm not interested in the Midoriya family's decision to throw me out. So I'll just take my things and leave. All right? Goodbye, sir.
Before the big guy could react, Izuku grabbed him with one hand and threw him with terrifying ease. Haruto's body hit the wall with such force that the structure cracked and left a huge hole in the concrete.
Izuku was about to leave, but suddenly he noticed something in his jacket pocket. He took it out and saw that it was a note from Mrs. Inko. It seemed she had left him a "nice" message before leaving.
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"To the worthless piece of shit."
If you're reading this, it means Haruto left you lying on the ground, writhing in pain among the trash—right where you belong. I hope he broke something in the process.
Anyway... we finally got ourselves a proper house, far better than that filthy dump we used to live in—thanks to your father, of course. Now we have everything we need: a chef, servants, and real comfort. We moved out today, so don't bother looking for us. We don't need you, we never did. Don't embarrass yourself by showing up—you'd only be a nuisance to our sweet Izumi.
Live with the fact that you're a mistake, something that never should've existed.
P.S. We threw all your crap in the trash. You're welcome.
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He finished reading and let out a quiet sigh. He didn't feel anger, nor sadness—just emptiness. He had expected this, though not so soon. But thinking about it, maybe it was better this way.
He climbed the stairs calmly, pulled out his keys, and unlocked the apartment door. Good thing they hadn't thought to change the lock before leaving.
Inside, everything was abandoned. Dust had begun to settle on the furniture they'd left behind, and the air carried the stale scent of confinement. Without wasting time, he headed straight to his room.
He moved the bed frame effortlessly, lifted the rug, and pulled out a well-hidden wooden box. Everything was still there. But there was something else. Right beside it, he found a cardboard box with a letter taped on top.
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"Dear Oni-chan,"
I'm so sorry… I couldn't do anything. They threw away all your things… except for what you hid here.
Inside this box, I left you a gift. I know you like suits, and I wanted to give you this one… I wanted to see you wearing it, but I guess I won't be able to.
Thank you for everything—for all the years you spent with me, for enduring every punishment even when I knew it hurt you, for being my only light in the dark days. I hope we can see each other again, because…
"I love you, Oni-chan."
With love,
Your sister who will always care for you.
P.S.: Please, promise me you'll enter U.A., even if it's just the general course. I just want to see you one more time.
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Inside, he found a black suit, elegant, with a neatly tied tie and a coat adjustable in three different styles. Practical, imposing… just the kind of thing he liked to wear. He brushed his hand over the fabric with a sense of nostalgia and let a small smile form on his lips.
—My sweet girl... I won't just get into U.A., I'll be in the hero course, right there with you. And I won't let anyone make you cry. Because your big brother will always protect you.
He took the other box and pulled out his belongings: a phone, his notebooks filled with hero notes... and a white mask with two simple holes for the eyes. He knew it wasn't time to use it yet... there was still some time left before that moment came.
He put it away and instead pulled out his phone, searching for the first contact in his list before making the call.
—My dear Rei... I think the request you made of me will come true much sooner than expected.
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After the day his family left him adrift, Izuku had to make several changes if he wanted to keep moving forward with his mission.
First, he stayed with Rei during the remaining week so she could be discharged from the hospital. It wasn't difficult to hide from the younger children; he only needed to attend his classes and that was enough, since they seemed to come only in the mornings. With Toya, however, he didn't need to hide, as he had to assign him a new task.
—Get someone from the civil registry and a judge to authorize your adoption and name change, master? —Toya asked in disbelief—. Master, you know I'm not good at espionage. I'm a... —he checked to make sure his mother couldn't hear him— killer. I know nothing about that.
—No, but you're good at threatening people, and Black is an expert at obtaining important state documents. It won't be difficult. Take "Hinpan-Toga" with you. She's gentle and calm enough to handle the situation naturally. Her soft voice and kind smile will make anyone drop their guard without the need for violence. Sometimes, a well-spoken word is more effective than a threat.
Toya sighed but nodded.
—Yes, sir.
It didn't take them long to get the documents. Officially, his new name was Izuku Himura. He didn't have to worry about his identity, since, knowing Mrs. Inko, he only needed to make sure there was no other "Midoriya" enrolled at U.A.
After Rei was discharged, the two of them moved into the house she owned. It was large and cozy, with a design that combined traditional and modern elements thanks to several renovations over the years. It was the perfect place to live: a decent, safe neighborhood constantly patrolled by professional heroes, which would help avoid future problems.
The last pending matter was what he had to tell Toshinori-sensei. Izuku spoke calmly, choosing his words carefully. He didn't reveal much about his family, but he did explain his current situation. When he finished, Toshinori gave him a small, understanding smile and nodded gently. His eyes reflected deep empathy, silently assuring him that he was there for him — without pressure or judgment.
—I understand, young Midoriya. You don't have to tell me anything else if you don't wish to. I just want you to know that I'm here for you.
Izuku felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He deeply appreciated his teacher's discretion and the respect he showed for his privacy. He would tell him everything later — but not now. What he needed was to resume his training. Only seven months remained before the exam.
In the months following his acquisition of One for All, the first thing he did was learn how to use it. At first, his concentrated punches didn't hurt, but he noticed marks on his body after using them, and it took too long to gather energy. That made it both impractical and dangerous in combat. Because of that, he decided to develop a new strategy: distributing the energy throughout his entire body in smaller doses. Black suggested a name for the technique — and thus, "Full Cowl" was born.
Izuku trained intensely to perfect his control over One for All. He dedicated long hours to speed and endurance exercises, running at full power along the beach to measure the quirk's output. He also practiced high jumps to improve his aerial mobility and landing precision. At the same time, he implemented combat training, facing Toshinori in sparring sessions where he tested different levels of power and speed, learning to gauge his strength without overloading his body.
As the months passed, he experimented with new ways to use the quirk, searching for methods to increase his efficiency in battle. During one of those training sessions, he discovered something unexpected, an ability he hadn't anticipated. Although he knew it was powerful, he decided to keep it secret for the time being. He preferred to save that ace up his sleeve; he knew he would need it later.
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7 months later...
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It was the last day, and dawn had just begun to break. In three hours, the entrance exams would start, marking the end of his training. Izuku was there only to relax for a moment, to breathe, as if a small piece of peace was all he had left. Though the time that passed had been brief, the changes he had gone through were deep and devastating. Some were good, others simply questionable, but it no longer mattered. He couldn't waste more time thinking about what was behind him. The only thing left was to move forward and to do that, he needed to surround himself with people he could trust. It was time to take another step toward earning Toshinori's trust.
—Hello, young Mi... Himura. Sorry, once I learn a name, it's hard for me to get used to a new one —said Toshi, freshly arrived, as Izuku greeted him with a calm, understanding smile.
—Don't worry, Toshinori-sensei. It's normal. You weren't expecting to get involved in something so personal.
—Getting mixed up with the Todoroki family and your own family issues were big changes —ones I respected as your teacher, but also as your friend. Don't worry about that —Toshinori replied with a smile as he stepped closer so they could both look out over the ocean.
Izuku remained silent for a moment, watching the waves break along the shore before speaking, his voice deep and serious.
—Thank you, Toshinori-sensei. It's comforting to feel your understanding and trust. That's why... it's time I tell you my story. You deserve to know who my family really is, and why they hate me so much.
He paused, took a deep breath, and began to tell everything —why he had these scars, why he didn't just run away from that infernal life.
—As you know, when I was four, I was diagnosed as quirkless. My... "parents" couldn't stand it. They couldn't accept that their child —born of two people with quirks— was... normal. In their minds, I was a monstrosity, a mistake. They tried everything to prove the diagnosis wrong, but when they realized the truth, they didn't know what to do. Mr. Midoriya stopped looking me in the eyes, and Mrs. Inko, devastated, turned to alcohol. They cast me aside, hated me. Rejected me. I became a burden they no longer wanted to exist. They couldn't stand that I wasn't special, that I wasn't like them. Mr. Midoriya... blinded by hate, tried to drown me in a river, saying it was "better if I were dead." He thought that if he killed me, he wouldn't have to face the shame of having a quirkless son. —He went silent for a moment, remembering still brought only sadness— But I survived. A family found me and saved my life by taking me to the hospital. My father hid the fact that he had tried to kill me using his influence. Everyone believed him... and from that day on, he never touched me again. But I think he did kill me that day, because after that, I was never the same.
Toshi watched in silence, his face a mix of sorrow and pain. Hearing such horrors was heartbreaking, but he stayed quiet, letting Izuku speak, letting him release everything, even though Izuku's voice carried no emotion.
Izuku let out a hollow laugh, one devoid of any real joy. He hated having to tell this part, but it was the day his sister's love for him had truly begun.
—Once... Mrs. Inko thought I had stolen her liquor. One of her bottles was half-empty, and without thinking, she assumed it was me. It wasn't. It was my sister. Out of curiosity, she wanted to taste a little and ended up drinking half of it. She got sick... really sick. She vomited until she nearly choked, but I managed to hide her before our mother saw her. I cleaned her up, gave her medicine, took care of her all night. You know, when she was drunk, she said the funniest things —nonsense compliments, silly laughter... —Izuku smiled faintly, sadly— It was nice seeing her that way, even if it was for the wrong reason.
But Toshinori didn't smile. He looked at him gravely, realizing that moment —that brief tenderness— was just the prelude to something much darker.
Izuku averted his gaze and continued.
—Mrs. Inko never knew it was Izumi... and since she thought it was me, she decided to "teach me a lesson." She tied me to the bed with ropes and forced me to drink for an entire month. Not one glass, not two... entire bottles, without stopping. When I choked on the alcohol, she would just watch, waiting for me to swallow before pouring more down my throat. Sometimes, she mixed different liquors until my body couldn't take it anymore. I never gave her the satisfaction of seeing me suffer... I just laughed. But her anger grew so much that she decided the "training" had to be more intense... She started experimenting with poisons. First small doses. Then larger ones. Always enough to make me feel the burning in my throat, the fire in my stomach. I didn't feel anything anymore —and I didn't care. I just kept showing her how little her hatred meant to me.
He paused, remembering the day his sister had seen it all.
—Izumi... saw that "training." She was hiding inside a closet, trembling, wanting to help... but if she did, she'd be punished too. I couldn't let that happen. So, when I saw her, I just smiled. As if nothing was wrong. As if I wasn't at the edge of collapse. And in a low voice, I told her, "It's okay. Don't come out."... When our mother went to sleep, leaving me there still tied up, Izumi ran from her hiding place and hugged me as tightly as she could. She tried to cry, but I didn't let her. I couldn't risk her being discovered. So I hugged her back and whispered, "Don't cry, little sister. This is just special training. Mrs. Inko just wants me to learn to resist alcohol... and poisons. That way, I'll be stronger, I'll survive. And I'll be with you for a long, long time." She was still little and innocent; she didn't need to understand. It seemed to work, because she calmed down... and fell asleep in my arms. From that day on, she couldn't stand to be apart from me, just as I couldn't bear to lose her.
The silence between them became unbearable. Toshinori could barely breathe, his body trembling with restrained rage. Then, without warning, his muscular form erupted in a golden flash, and with a roar of fury, he drove his fist into the ground.
The explosion of power cleared a vast area of sand, leaving a massive crater beneath his feet. The force of the impact echoed through the air, and the salty sea breeze swept away the dust.
Izuku didn't move. He didn't even blink. He didn't need to. He understood what that punch meant. Toshinori was furious —his heart, always ready to protect the innocent, couldn't bear the thought that a child, his successor, had suffered so much. He was the Symbol of Peace. A hero. And true heroes never stood idly by in the face of evil. Not him.
Toshinori gritted his teeth in frustration.
—Young Himura, I... —His voice was rough, trembling, but he couldn't finish.
Izuku raised his hand to stop him. His gaze was firm, determined, but not cold.
—I know what you want to do. But I don't want you to. I told you this, not so you'd defend me, but so you'd understand me. So you'd see that despite everything I lived through, I never hated them. I never wanted revenge. The only thing that truly matters to me is protecting my sister. Nothing else. I don't care about hate, or about the despair of those who hurt me.
Izuku stepped forward and looked Toshinori straight in the eyes.
—Do you know why? Because I'm going to defeat them in the best way possible —by proving they never broke me. I follow your example, Toshinori-sensei. —Izuku smiled faintly— I smile to show the world that I am here!... I'll prove it. I'll keep going, because I have a mission in this life. Because someone once made me a promise.
Izuku tilted his head slightly, his smile filled with defiance and determination.
—I'm only in this life because someone once told me it's fun... What else can I say?
Toshinori let out a broken laugh, wiping away the tears that had escaped his eyes. Then, with a proud, sincere smile, he placed his massive arm over Izuku's shoulders.
—Honestly... I made the right choice. You'll be the greatest hero this world has ever seen. And I'll be here to witness it.
Izuku smiled wider, and the two of them bumped fists —a silent gesture of trust and unbreakable promise.
—Thank you, Toshinori-sensei.
End of Chapter 3.