Author's Note: This chapter will be narrated entirely by Izumi. I'll see if some chapters like this are made. Thank you for your understanding.
֎֍֎
Spring, April, first day at U.A.
֎֍֎
I'm already at the entrance of U.A. I don't feel excitement, only a cold determination. This is my first day at the hero high school, and that's the only thing that matters. The admission rate for U.A. is one in three hundred. Besides the four admitted through recommendations, only thirty-six get in through the entrance exams, divided into two groups of eighteen.
Being accepted isn't an achievement, just a simple consequence of my effort. I was the second best in the entrance exams. My parents were enthusiastic, even thought about throwing a party for me... but their approval meant nothing to me. Nothing did anymore.
Since they left my Oni-chan to his fate, my world fell apart. For a moment, I thought I'd see him at school, like always. How stupid I was. I never saw him again. Desperate, I tried to ask the principal what had happened, but he was replaced the next day. The new one had no idea about anything related to my Oni-chan. When I asked my parents, their answer was what completely broke me:
—That piece of shit? You don't have to worry about him anymore. That problem's already been dealt with. Trash isn't important in this family.
That was the moment something inside me shattered forever.
As the months passed, my attitude changed. I used to try to be kind, to stay calm... but that was part of a person who no longer existed. I became stricter, more aggressive. I didn't care about anything anymore. As a form of protest, I dyed my hair black with a few light streaks in the back, just to keep a part of our resemblance.
My relationship with my classmates turned into pure disdain. After all the years my brother suffered, I couldn't treat them any differently. Even with Kacchan, I stopped holding back. Every time he wanted to fight, I gave it to him — and most of the time, I made him eat dirt without hesitation. I have to admit it... he was a great fighter.
There was no reason to be a good person. NOT WHEN THE ONLY LIGHT IN MY LIFE HAD DISAPPEARED!!
Even so, I hold on to the tiniest spark of hope. Oni-chan promised he would come to U.A., even if it was through the general studies course. And if there was one thing he always did, it was keeping his promises... and thank God, he did. Because I saw him, at least trying to take the hero practical exam. For a moment, hope returned! Soon I would see you again, Oni-chan.
Now I'm standing at the entrance of my classroom, 1-A. The door is huge, obviously designed for students with mutant or giant-type quirks. It seems they made sure to accommodate every possibility.
When I walked in, the first person I saw —unfortunately— was the last one I ever wanted to see again... Kacchan. There he was, as infuriating as ever, while some guy with glasses lectured him nonstop for putting his feet on the desk. He looked arrogant. Pathetic.
Around me, some students were talking about their results on the entrance tests, about their scores, like they were rewarding themselves for being here after competing with more than eleven thousand applicants. Even more pathetic.
When everyone noticed my presence, the noise stopped instantly. The classroom went completely silent, and every gaze turned toward me. Bakugo gave me a quick glance, but immediately looked away, clearly irritated. I could tell it pissed him off that I didn't care. But the guy with glasses... he kept staring at me in detail, which irritated me instantly.
I gave him a cold, serious look. His posture tensed, but even so, he dared to approach.
—G-Good morning, I'm from the private Somei Academy, I'm...
—Yeah, I know —I interrupted, without the slightest concern for being blunt— I heard you during your fight. Your name's Iida... and I don't care.
The room went silent again, and I could see the surprise on their faces. But I didn't care. I had more important things to think about.
—And why were you staring at me like that? —I asked, fixing my eyes on him with intimidating seriousness— Do you like me or something?
—N-No, not at all! —he quickly replied, completely flustered— It's just that... you look a little like someone I knew, but it doesn't matter. S-Sorry for bothering you. And also... you're breaking the rules with...
—With WHAT? —I cut him off with a defiant tone. He trembled immediately— That's what I thought. Just leave me the hell alone, and I'll follow your stupid rules. Got it?
He nodded nervously and bowed, but I'd already lost interest. I walked to my seat without looking back, but another annoying voice interrupted my way.
—I'd recognize that curly hair anywhere! —a high-pitched voice exclaimed behind me.
I turned slowly, glaring at the brown-haired girl who had spoken. I watched her face pale instantly as she let out a small squeak.
—A-Ah... S-Sorry... I thought you were someone else... —she stammered, clearly terrified— M-My name's Ochako U-Uraraka... Nice to meet you, scary girl...
—Whatever —I replied with total indifference, sitting down while feeling everyone's eyes on me, filled with fear. Except for Kacchan, for obvious reasons.
However, two of them caught my attention. They didn't show fear — only a calculated calm. A boy with dual-colored hair and a girl with long jet-black hair. Their stares were serious, analytical. Were they the ones who got in by recommendation? Maybe they thought they were the strongest ones here... They were very wrong.
When everyone finally sat down, the atmosphere seemed to calm. For a moment, I thought I would finally get some peace... until—
—If you came here to make friends, get out.
From the doorway appeared a man with a tired expression, wrapped in a sleeping bag that made him look more like a caterpillar than a person. Everyone was surprised by his weird entrance — some even looked scared.
—It took you eight seconds to quiet down. Well, time's short. I'm your teacher, Shota Aizawa. Nice to meet you —he said as he stepped out of the sleeping bag— To be direct, put on these gym uniforms and get outside, now— he said while holding the uniforms.
I knew him very well... the pro hero and former underground agent, Eraser Head. His quirk, Erasure, allowed him to cancel anyone's quirk within his line of sight, though he could only maintain it while not blinking. He was also known for his stealthy fighting style and incredible skill with his capture scarves. A dangerous man if you underestimated his sloppy appearance.
I knew all that... thanks to Oni-chan's notes. I really... miss him so much.
But before Professor Aizawa could hand out the gym uniforms, the annoying Iida raised his hand, interrupting him.
—Professor Aizawa, sorry to interrupt, but there are only nineteen people here. Where's the missing one?
A murmur spread through the room. Everyone started looking around, silently counting. But what really surprised me was Aizawa's reaction. He frowned, clearly irritated, and checked the list on his tablet. His expression hardened as he confirmed that, indeed, one student was missing.
Without saying a word, he pulled out his phone and made a call. The classroom went silent, tense, as we waited. The minutes dragged on... uncomfortably.
—Well, thank you, Principal —he said, hanging up— Apparently, the student won't be showing up today due to family issues. Lucky us, huh? I wanted to meet the one they called the "Invincible Admit."
The impact of those words was immediate. The room exploded in murmurs. Everyone was talking at once, surprised and excited. The number one of the exams? In this class?
I had heard the rumors. They said this person wasn't just talented... he was something beyond human. Someone terrifying when the truth came out.
It was said he finished the written exam in record time, without showing the slightest effort. In the practical test, it was even more unbelievable — he destroyed the robots with unmatched speed and precision, while rescuing other examinees without missing a beat. He left no one behind. He made no mistakes. 150 villain points and 150 rescue points — 300 in total. An unreachable score. No one even got close.
Something about that annoyed me, but it also amused me, because I got to see Bakugo's face of desperation for the first time. It was satisfying.
But that wasn't what made him a legend from day one. What did was that, while everyone ran from the zero-point robot, he didn't hesitate. He charged straight into danger... and destroyed it with a single hit. With. A. Single. Hit. And while doing it... he protected an injured student. A true act of heroism.
Although, for me, there was something even more curious about him... his name — Izuku Himura. For a moment, I thought it was my brother. But... it couldn't be him. My Izuku... my Oni-chan... was quirkless. There was no way he could pull that off. Besides, that wasn't his last name. It couldn't be him. Or... could it?
Well, that didn't matter. I knew he took the exam. He had to be here. I knew it.
֎֎֎
Out in the school's training yard, Mr. Aizawa told us we'd be doing a Quirk Assessment Test. That caught a lot of us off guard since we hadn't received the usual orientation other schools gave.
It really took us by surprise. There were murmurs of confusion. No inspiring speeches, no friendly introductions. I knew it perfectly well—this was U.A., and at U.A., there was no time for formalities.
—To make things simple, you'll be doing the standard physical tests used by the government. You know, the ones where you can't use your quirks... a rather unsatisfying measurement from the Ministry of Education. So... Bakugo, what was your score on the softball throw?
—67 meters —he replied coldly.
—Good... then this time... —he tossed him a softball— use your quirk.
Kacchan got ready immediately. He walked up to the throwing circle, rolling his neck like he was about to start a fight. He gripped the ball firmly, his arm tightening as energy from his quirk began to build up.
—DIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEEE! —he screamed as he threw, followed by a deafening explosion.
The ball vanished into the sky, leaving behind a trail of smoke and gunpowder. Everyone stood in awe, wide-eyed. A second later, the device displayed the result: 705.2 meters.
The silence lasted only a moment before the cheering started. Some clapped, others shouted in excitement. They clearly thought this test was going to be fun. Idiots.
I knew better. I knew Eraser Head's reputation. He wasn't called an unrelenting hero for nothing. His methods were ruthless, his approach lethal. He didn't waste time on games. And my suspicions were confirmed the moment I saw that malicious smile appear on his face.
—You think this is fun, huh? —he said softly, but there was a threat in every word—. Do you really think you'll make it through the next three years with that attitude...? Fine... let's change the rules. The one who ranks last in the overall results will be considered useless... and will be expelled.
The air seemed to grow colder. No one dared to speak.
—So... shall we begin? —he concluded, his expression making it clear he wasn't joking—. Welcome to the Hero Course at U.A.
And so, the test began.
In the 50-meter dash, I saw several quirks that looked promising... though not all were impressive. For instance, that four-eyed guy, Iida. His quirk involved engines built into his legs, allowing him to propel himself at insane speeds, almost like a Formula 1 car. And trust me, he never missed a chance to show off.
—Precise speed is the key to a hero's efficiency! —he declared, with that pretentious tone and exaggerated movements.
During the grip strength test, there was one who stood out: a guy with multiple limbs he could generate from his body. Useful, I'll admit, but not that impressive.
For the long jump test, there was a muscular guy who got stronger by eating sugar —which honestly sounded more like a weakness than an advantage, considering potential diabetes issues— and a girl with frog-like features who moved with surprising agility. She was kind of cute, if you ask me.
During the side-step test, the one who instantly became my least favorite appeared: a pervy little midget with pink sticky balls growing out of his head. Just looking at him disgusted me... and his attitude made it worse. Especially the way he looked at me. Disgusting bastard.
And finally, in the ball throw, there was a surprise: that girl, Uraraka. Her "Zero Gravity" quirk allowed her to do the impossible—she threw the ball, and it never came down, marking an infinite score. I didn't expect that from her, but still... I wouldn't underestimate her either.
When all the tests were over, I ended up in first place overall. It wasn't a surprise. Thanks to Oni-chan's advice and my own training with my quirk, I managed to stand out without much effort.
But someone wasn't happy about it. Kacchan was glaring at me, fists clenched, boiling with rage for being beaten again. But as always, his anger didn't bother me.
The one who should have been worried was Mineta, the perverted bastard with the purple balls, who ended up dead last. His face turned pale, frozen in fear, knowing that meant expulsion. But to everyone's surprise, Mr. Aizawa revealed that no one would actually be expelled.
Some students cheered, others complained. Personally, I didn't care. But I did notice something... the recommended students barely reacted. For them, this had just been a scare tactic to put pressure on us. So naïve.
Aizawa never did anything without a purpose—Oni-chan's reports made that clear. My guess is this test was designed for someone specific: the top-ranked student. But his plan failed, since that person didn't attend today.
Later, when classes ended, I was about to head home when someone stopped me from behind. It was that annoying Iida.
—Midoriya, it seems I was disrespectful toward you this morning, so I want to apologize —he said in his overly formal tone, extending his hand as he touched my arm.
I frowned immediately. Seeing my expression, he pulled his hand back quickly, stepping away in fear.
—Ah... well, Mr. Aizawa tricked us with that test, didn't he? I thought he was a great hero, but it turns out he's not... just a disappointment, don't you thi—
I didn't let him finish. I raised my hand, stopping it just inches from his face. Iida froze, shocked by my reaction.
—And who the hell are you to criticize him? —I asked coldly—. He wanted to push us to show our true potential. When you're under pressure, when you have something to lose, that's when you give 100%. That's what makes us stronger.
I took a step forward, forcing him to back away.
—If you can't understand that, then you don't deserve to call yourself a hero.
I didn't wait for a response. I turned around and walked away, leaving him frozen in place. I didn't care to stay there any longer... but having to ride home in that damn luxury car annoyed me just as much.
Oni-chan... when I need you the most... where are you?
֎֎֎
The next day, classes went by normally, just like in any other high school. In the morning, we had regular subjects like English, math, and a few others.
At noon, we had nutritious gourmet lunches, and while they were delicious, I ate them with a certain disdain. After seven months without tasting Oni-chan's cooking, it felt like my sense of taste had lost something.
To make things worse, it also annoyed me that Iida and that brown-haired girl, Ochako, kept following me everywhere. I couldn't understand why they insisted on sticking so close. I didn't want to be their friend, but they didn't seem to get that.
In the afternoon, the real deal began… the Basic Hero Training. But the real surprise was seeing who would be teaching it.
—I'M... ENTERING... LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!!
It was All Might! Wearing his iconic Silver Age suit. The excitement in the classroom exploded, and I wasn't the exception. He was my favorite hero—after all, my room was filled with his posters and figures.
—Teaching Basic Hero Training is essential for all those who want to become true professionals —said All Might with his trademark enthusiasm—. Here, you'll learn the foundations of what it truly means to be a hero, and this subject will have the most practice hours! So... today we'll have... COMBAT TRAINING!!
The cheers of excitement were immediate. Kacchan looked ready to blow something up, and well... I couldn't deny I was also eager to beat the crap out of a few annoying people.
—For that... you'll be wearing these... —said All Might as several compartments opened, revealing numbered cases—. These are suits designed specifically for your quirks! Made according to your personal specifications! Now, put them on and show us how you look as heroes!
The classroom's excitement became deafening. But just as we were about to grab our cases, the atmosphere shifted into surprise.
—WAIT!! —All Might suddenly shouted—. WHERE IS YOUNG HIMURA?! WHY ISN'T HE HERE?!
The sudden change in his tone—from cheerful to worried—left everyone stunned. That's when the dark-haired girl, Momo Yaoyorozu, spoke with her usual calmness.
—Mr. All Might, Himura didn't attend today either.
That response alarmed All Might even more. He immediately pulled out his phone and rushed toward the door.
—Change quickly! I'll be waiting at Training Field Beta... GOODBYE!! —he yelled before vanishing like a whirlwind.
When we arrived at Field Beta, everyone was wearing their hero suits, designed according to the specs we had submitted to the affiliated companies. I had to admit, some of them looked pretty good.
Mine, however, was something truly special. Oni-chan had designed it with care, thinking about my protection and comfort. I didn't fully understand the technical materials, but I knew it included Kevlar, PBI (Polybenzimidazole), and some tungsten components, making it both fireproof and lightweight.
The details were astonishing: incredibly heat-resistant gloves, boots designed so I could fly using my flames, and an impressive durability — able to withstand bullets and burns alike.
But what I loved the most was the design itself. It wasn't flashy, but it was elegant and comfortable. Plus, it had a special hood with two bunny ears — a detail Oni-chan added because he knew how much I loved them. It reminded me of the bunny suit he once wore… and one I could never forget.
—It looks really nice on you, it fits you well —said that annoying Uraraka with her usual cheer.
—OF COURSE IT DOES!! Someone very important to me made it —I answered proudly.
—Your mom or your dad? —she asked curiously, which instantly changed my expression. I stared at her with fury, which alarmed her and made her back away quickly out of sight.
—EXCELLENT! I see everyone already has their suits, and I must say... you look like real heroes! —exclaimed All Might, throwing us a compliment that, I won't lie, I loved hearing. —Oh, and I've just received notice that student Himura will return tomorrow. That's encouraging, he'll have to catch up on his assignments.
Mururs spread among my classmates. Apparently, Himura was still the mystery everyone wanted to meet. And that two-tone-haired boy frowned whenever they mentioned Himura. Does he know him?
Today's test was a villains-vs-heroes game, designed to teach us how to fight in enclosed spaces, where the risks are higher. We were paired at random and split into two groups: heroes and villains.
Villains will protect a bomb inside the building.
· Heroes must infiltrate and disable it.
· Villains win if they capture the heroes.
· Heroes win if they touch the bomb or capture the villains.
Not that complicated to understand.
When the teams were formed, to my misfortune, I ended up paired with that annoying brown-haired girl and we were assigned as heroes. Well... something good, I guess. Meanwhile, Bakugo and Iida were selected as villains, and they'd be facing us — which I couldn't help but celebrate inwardly.
This was the perfect opportunity to humiliate him and prove how wrong he'd been to belittle my Oni-chan all these years.
Outside the building we were given communicators to receive instructions from our partner and the teacher in case something came up. We waited for the signal to enter. As soon as it came, we moved quickly inside and started to put together a plan.
Fighting Kacchan was an advantage; I knew exactly what he would do. His impulsiveness was his biggest weakness. Although his power was impressive, I had already learned to predict it. Oni-chan always beat him by exploiting that very flaw. As he used to say:
—A reasonable mind will always overcome an unrestrained one.
I explained the plan to Uraraka, who accepted without problem, and with that... our mission began.
The silence was strange. You couldn't hear anything in the halls, which only increased my suspicion. We moved cautiously, peeking around every corner, alert to any movement... and then, without warning, an explosion blasted through a nearby wall. We narrowly avoided it, throwing ourselves to the ground just in time.
When I looked up, I saw Kacchan, that irritating grenade-hand extended, a superior smile on his face.
—Come on, Deku's sister! This time let's see who's stronger. I'LL SHOW YOU I'M THE BEST, JUST LIKE I DID WITH YOUR BROTHER! —he shouted with his usual arrogance, using that irritating nickname he always called Oni-chan.
This time, I wasn't going to let it slide.
—Uraraka, go to the bomb and wait for my signal. I'll deal with this walking explosive —I ordered, igniting flames in my hands as she ran out of the room.
—Wow, I'm still surprised the crybaby got stronger without her extra weight, huh? HOW PATETIC!! —Bakugo said with his usual brazenness.
—And you're still the same bomb-brained asshole. Do you already miss the beatings my Oni-chan used to give you? Huh, Kacchan? —I shot back with a mocking smile.
That was enough to set him off... in more ways than one. He seriously hated that nickname.
Kacchan lunged at me, his hand ready to unleash an explosion, but I'd already predicted it. I grabbed his arm quickly, applying a defensive lock that slammed him to the floor and took his breath away. When he tried to get up, I gave him a flaming kick that sent him flying through the hole he'd made, crashing violently into a wall.
—Wow! You know martial arts! —Uraraka exclaimed, still frozen like a statue, staring wide-eyed at the scene.
—STOP STARING AND GET TO YOUR POSITION, NOW! —I yelled furiously.
No need to repeat it. She shot out of the room.
I approached Bakugo, who was still slumped against the wall, with visible burns and a fury that seemed to burn him from the inside.
—HOW THE HELL DID YOU DODGE ME AND SEND ME FLYING?! YOU NEVER DID THAT WHEN WE FOUGHT! —he roared in anger.
—That's true... I just wanted to humiliate you, in the way you hate most... with Oni-chan's advice.
֎֍֎
Five years ago… in an ordinary park.
The sun was blazing, and I felt like my arms were about to fall off. "Just one more," I kept repeating in my head, but it was getting harder every second. My breathing was heavy, my muscles were trembling... I couldn't take it anymore!
—Almost there, little sis! Just one more, you can do it —Oni-chan encouraged me with that smile of his, as if doing fifty push-ups was the easiest thing in the world.
With one last effort, I pushed the ground with what little strength I had left and managed to do it. Fifty daily push-ups completed! But as soon as I hit the ground again, I stayed there, spread out like a starfish.
—Aah! I can't move anymore... —I groaned, staring at the sky as if I were saying goodbye to life itself.
Oni-chan laughed, sitting beside me. His laugh always cheered me up, but right then it just annoyed me a little... he wasn't tired at all!
—What did you expect, little sis? When you said you wanted to train with me, you knew exactly how I work out —he said, still laughing.
—It's your fault, Oni-chan! How the hell do you have so much stamina? —I complained, barely lifting a hand to point at him in dramatic accusation.
He shrugged with that playful smile of his.
—When you're trained all the time, you eventually get used to enduring anything.
The moment he said that, his tone shifted a little... and my heart tightened. I knew exactly what he meant, and the memory of how they treated him at home made my eyes start to sting. I tried to hold it in, but the tears were already welling up.
Oni-chan, as always, noticed right away.
—Hey, don't worry about that! —he said quickly, with that soft voice he always used when he wanted to comfort me—. You know what? I'm gonna teach you how to defend yourself from Bakugo. How about that?
My tears vanished instantly, replaced by pure excitement. Finally!
—I'll finally be able to beat Kacchan! Yippppiiiii!! —I shouted, jumping with joy even though a second ago I thought I couldn't move at all.
Oni-chan laughed, caught up in my energy.
—Hahaha, well then... shall we start?
֎֍֎
At that moment, Oni-chan's words came back to me with perfect clarity, as if I could hear him whispering right into my ear:
("First, provoke him… that way he becomes unstable and easier to control.")
—Hey, Kacchan —I said with a defiant smile—. If I dressed like Izuku, would you hit me too? Or would you chicken out because you can't beat him?
His eyes lit up with fury. Perfect. Just what I wanted. As expected, he launched himself toward me with an explosion —straightforward and without thinking.
("When he's angry, he always charges an explosion in his right hand. Dodge it.")
I waited until the very last second, then spun on my axis, letting the blast pass right by me. In the same motion, I lowered my center of gravity and slid under his arm, feeling the heat graze just inches from my face.
("Hit him right in the right forearm. When he was six, he injured a tendon —that was my fault, hehe. But... even though it healed, it's still a permanent weakness.")
Using all the momentum I had gathered, I threw a flaming punch straight at his right forearm. The impact landed perfectly; I heard the crack in his arm and the muffled grunt as Bakugo's hand spasmed, rendered temporarily useless.
I took advantage of his pain, spun on one leg, and delivered a roundhouse kick to his side. He dodged just in time, but I had already gained distance.
—Damn it, crybaby! —he snarled through his teeth, charging another explosion in his left hand.
("When he's angry, he only looks forward. That's his blind spot. Hit him on the right side of his skull, just below the ear.")
Bakugo lunged at me again, propelled by an explosion. I ducked just as he flew over me and, without losing rhythm, spun fast and landed an upward flaming kick right at the base of his skull. The impact was brutal —his body twisted midair before crashing hard into the floor.
I knew it wouldn't knock him out, but it was enough to disorient him.
—Don't get too full of yourself! —he growled, staggering to his feet. —I'LL KILL YOU, RICH GIRL!!
I saw him take a breath, trying to steady himself —cautious, but wounded.
("When you hit him enough, he becomes more aware... but if he's already hurt, that only works against him.")
I seized the moment. I jumped at him, flames wrapping around my boots, and launched a series of rapid kicks. The first he dodged, the second he barely blocked, and the third struck his ribs, sending him backward.
Then... he laughed.
—Hahaha... You know, Deku? My costume isn't just for show. My hands sweat nitroglycerin, and these grenades store it...
("When he starts talking about his power, don't give him time. You know exactly what device he'll use to boost his attack later. You read the data I made about him. Be fast and take it away. He really loves that grenade system.")
I didn't let him finish. I blasted forward with flames from my feet, closing the gap in an instant. With a spinning motion, I grabbed his arm and twisted it behind his back, tearing off his gauntlet in one swift move.
—What?! —Kacchan shouted, but I didn't give him time to react.
I used the same gauntlet as a weapon and smashed him into the ground with such force that the air burst from his lungs in a choked gasp.
—I can't believe you haven't changed... seriously, you disappoint me —I said coldly, staring down at him.
Bakugo got up slowly, breathing heavily, but grinning.
—Hahaha... Maybe you know me well... but I know you too...
("When you corner him... never let him stand up. He knows you pretty well too.")
Too late. He lunged at me with a desperate explosion, his speed fueled by rage and pain. His left hand gripped my hood with brutal strength, yanking me toward him. I felt the pull at my neck, almost choking me, and before I could react... I saw his other hand move.
The one still wearing the gauntlet.
—DIDN'T THEY TEACH YOU NOT TO GET DISTRACTED, DEKU'S SISTER?! —he roared.
I saw him unlock the safety on the gauntlet —and in the split second I realized what was coming, it was already too late.
The explosion was deafening. The air trembled from the impact, the shockwave rattling through every floor of the building. For an instant, everything was light and fire. I felt the heat wrap around me, the force throwing me backward like a rag doll.
When I opened my eyes, the first thing I noticed was the ringing in my ears. The world felt blurry, distorted. I coughed, tasting blood in my mouth. But despite the pain... I was alive.
My suit had protected me.
—Thank you... Oni-chan... —I whispered weakly.
But then... I saw it. My hood was destroyed.
The charred remains of the fabric fell around my shoulders, the carefully sewn seams turned to ashes. And with that small detail... rage consumed me.
That hood wasn't just part of my costume. It was Izuku's gift —the symbol of all the effort and love he'd poured into protecting me. I knew how much it had cost him to make it... I knew how much he'd suffered for it.
Three months!!.
Three long fucking months he'd disappeared... and when he came back, he was exhausted and in pain. I remember when he walked through the door... that calm smile, the bandages on his hands, the fresh scars on his skin.
("I hope you like it. It's my gift... so you'll always remember that I'll protect you, little sister.")
My vision blurred with fury. I stopped thinking. I just attacked.
With a roar, I unleashed a blazing wave, spinning as I forced him to retreat. My movements grew faster, fiercer. With every strike, the air around us burned hotter.
Kacchan countered with an explosion that hit my face, but I didn't stop. I answered with a flaming kick to his shoulder, followed by an uppercut that made him stagger.
Blow after blow, we clashed like beasts.
—HAHAHA! —Bakugo laughed, though his body was shaking—. That's it, Izumi! You're stronger than I thought... SHOW ME YOU'RE STRONG ENOUGH TO CRUSH YOUR QUIRKLESS BROTHER!
His words made me stop for a second... and then I remembered:
("Kacchan's biggest weakness is his arrogance. He trains hard, but never explores his true potential. Unlike you, who aim to improve not by crushing others, but by pushing yourself.")
I took a deep breath, calming the fire burning inside my chest. I stepped back, putting some distance between us.
—You know something...? —I said, panting—. I'm not as strong as I seem. I still have a long way to go. Maybe... I could consider you a rival...
I saw a spark of satisfaction in his eyes. But it vanished with what came next:
—...But Izuku... he'll never be your rival, or your trash. He's a mountain you'll never climb. Because he worked harder than anyone else in this damn world. That's why... I'll show you how the Quirkless you hate so much trained me to surpass my limits!
Bakugo froze —and I didn't hesitate.
I grabbed the gauntlet I had left on the floor, put it on, and rushed at him. When he tried to defend himself with an explosion, it was already too late: I struck his hand to divert the blast and fired a flame combined with his own explosion toward the ceiling above us.
—COMBINATION QUIRK: CONTROLLED BOMB-BLAZE!!
The blast was so violent the ground shook beneath my feet. The burst of fire and compressed air tore through everything, sending a pillar of flames and smoke to the roof. Bakugo was flung into the air like a rag doll, screaming in rage and frustration.
With my voice raw from the strain and pain, I shouted with all my strength:
—NOW, URARAKA!!
I saw her through the hole I'd made —Uraraka reacted instantly.
From her position, she used the chaos I created. With her Zero Gravity, she lifted the debris around her and hurled it toward Iida to throw him off balance. The impact was brutal, hitting him hard and completely disorienting him.
—BOMB SECURED!!! —Uraraka shouted, her voice trembling with triumph and excitement.
—NOOOOOOOO!!! —Iida's desperate scream echoed through the entire arena.
Victory was ours. But I barely noticed.
When I looked back at Kacchan, I saw his expression. His body was battered, covered in burns and bruises —but that wasn't what silenced him.
It was my bleeding arm. Covered in scars. The skin torn and scorched by the explosion from the gauntlet, which couldn't handle the combined force of our Quirks... but I didn't care. Physical pain was nothing compared to what I felt in that moment.
Rage mixed with sadness —a burning storm inside my chest. Then I looked up, through the hole, at the clear sky that the explosion had uncovered... and another memory surfaced.
("You know something, little sis... Kacchan's got an amazing power. He could be the best hero if he'd just stop being so full of himself. If we were like before and stayed united... with our two Quirks together, we'd make quite a show... hahaha.")
—You really were great, Oni-chan...
I closed my eyes for a second. When I opened them, that defiant fire returned to my gaze.
—He always believed you were amazing... —my voice trembled, not from fear, but from the weight of every word—. He wanted us to be heroes together... at least the two of us... But because of your arrogance, you pushed him away. You never saw his potential... not even when he showed you again and again. You hated him... for what he was.
I took a step toward him.
—That's why... he'll never be your rival... BUT I WILL! —My legs were shaking, but my voice didn't falter.— You'll never even touch his heels, not even in 100,000 years. And you know why...? Because he'll always be stronger than you. Get... that... through your head...
The world blurred.
Exhaustion hit me all at once, and my legs finally gave out. I collapsed, the echo of my words still hanging in the air.
And Kacchan... said nothing more.
End of Izumi's narration.
֎֍֎
In the operating room, where the other students and All Might were gathered, they watched the first battle in complete detail. No one spoke.
— THE HERO TEAM... WINS!!! —announced All Might, declaring the exercise over.
Izumi was taken to the infirmary to treat her wound, which was quite serious. Bakugo was also sent there, though his injuries were minor, and he left quickly afterward.
Toshinori observed Izumi from a distance, a mixture of sorrow and pride reflected in his eyes. Although he was worried about her condition, he also felt admiration for the effort and bravery she had shown.
The following matches were both calm and surprising. Shoto Todoroki, with his ice and fire quirk, displayed an impressive power by freezing the entire building to immobilize his opponents and then melting it to free them. Kyoka Jiro and Mezo Shoji tracked their enemies with their Earphone Jack and Dupli-Arms quirks respectively, while Momo Yaoyorozu used her Creation quirk with remarkable precision. The rest also gave their best and completed the test spectacularly, thus ending the class.
— Well, I'm very proud of the demonstration you all gave today. You showed your potential and also what you need to improve on. Now, I'll take my leave and review your grades and young Izumi's condition. Have a good afternoon. —said Toshi before leaving at high speed, while the students headed to the locker rooms to change.
Meanwhile, in the infirmary, Izumi lay on the bed, her face relaxed but visibly tired. Her arms were bandaged, and although Recovery Girl's healing had closed her wounds, the exhaustion had drained her completely. Recovery Girl, for her part, checked the bandages with a serious expression, making sure everything was in order.
Sitting beside her, Toshinori, now in his skeletal form, maintained a calm posture, watching her recovery patiently—until his phone rang.
— Hello?... Young Himura, it's good to hear from you. —he said, his features relaxing slightly as he recognized the voice on the other end.
— Likewise, Toshinori-sensei. —replied Izuku, with his usual calm and composed tone. — I got your message... How's my sister? —he asked, though a hint of tension could be heard in his voice.
— Don't worry, young Himura. According to Recovery Girl, she didn't suffer any serious injuries thanks to her suit. It was truly resistant to explosions.
On the other end, there was a brief silence before Izuku let out a quiet sigh.
— Well... I knew this would happen sooner or later. —he said, with a mix of resignation and a touch of humor. — Either they'll reconcile and fight together till the end, or they'll try to kill each other. Anyway... I thought I designed that suit to withstand Bakugo's explosions at full power. I'll have to readjust the calculations.
— That's understandable, young Himura, one wouldn't expect... wait a second... YOU MADE THAT SUIT?! —exclaimed Toshinori, his voice filled with disbelief.
— Of course, Toshinori-sensei. —replied Izuku with a casual tone. — If I wasn't going to be a hero, I'd at least guide my little sister to become one, as part of the support team. My family is all that matters to me — especially their safety.
For a moment, Toshi could only remain silent, processing the words. After all the time he had known Izuku, the boy still managed to surprise him. Finally, a soft smile appeared on his face.
— You never stop surprising me, young Himura. —he said with genuine admiration.
— What can I say? I'm a pretty unique guy... —joked Izuku, with a light chuckle. Suddenly, some interference crackled through the call. — Well, I've got to go—they just called me to fill out some paperwork. Apparently, I'm going to be a father. Hahaha... Bye, Toshinori-sensei.
Toshinori opened his mouth to respond, but the call ended before he could say anything.
— ... Wait... WHAT?! A FATHER?! —he repeated, staring at the phone with wide eyes, completely bewildered.
֎֍֎
The warehouse was hidden deep within the Amazon jungle, surrounded by dense and oppressive vegetation. Giant trees and twisted vines kept it concealed from the outside world, as if the jungle itself were trying to contain the horror unleashed within. The air was stifling, the sticky humidity mixed with the stench of blood and death, creating a suffocating atmosphere.
Inside, the scene was a nightmare made real. Mangled bodies were scattered everywhere: some with their skulls split open, others torn in half, guts spilling out as if they had exploded from within. Chunks of flesh clung to the walls, and the floor had become a thick pool of coagulated blood. The carnage left nothing to the imagination — it was a brutal, direct message to anyone foolish enough to cross the one who had done this. The air felt heavy, as if Death itself lingered there, watching, waiting for the next victim.
At the center of that hell stood Black. His figure barely reached 1.66 meters, yet the aura he gave off made him seem much larger. He wore an elegant suit, immaculate despite the blood splatters, which lent him an unsettling air of cold precision. A cracked white skull mask covered his face, stained with dried blood, giving him the look of a specter from a nightmare. His eyes, visible through the hollow sockets, gleamed with a mix of coldness and madness.
At his feet, a fat man lay dying — reduced to little more than a human wreck. One arm was missing, the other crushed beneath a slab of concrete, and his legs were nothing but twisted stumps, almost unrecognizable. But the worst were the cuts across his body: deep, deliberate, made with a blade, leaving the skin hanging in strips. It was a miracle he was still breathing, but his torment was far from over. A sharp sword rested against his neck, ready to finish the job.
—So, playing hide and seek, huh? How interesting... —Black's voice was cold and precise, without a trace of mockery or amusement—. I suppose you liked pretending to be untouchable. That quirk of yours, the one that makes you stronger when you eat... Very useful. But now, without limbs... and without a stomach, it's nothing but irony. You're pathetic.
The fat man spat blood, breathing heavily.
—Damn vigilante... —he growled weakly—. No matter where you go... the Hell Cartel will hunt you down... Our leader will find you... and your corpse will be a trophy on the mountain of the crucified...
Black didn't react. His tone remained relentless and calm.
—That man who controls South America? —He paused briefly—. He's not a threat. If he had ever met my master, he'd already be dead... just like you, asshole.
With a swift, clean motion, the sword sliced through, decapitating the man in one strike. Blood gushed like a fountain, soaking the floor even more. Black stood still, emotionless.
—You really take these missions seriously... but tell me, what would you do if the master found out you're using bad words? —a mocking voice spoke behind Black; he knew it very well.
Black didn't flinch but stayed silent for a few seconds before answering calmly.
—Toya. This isn't the time for your jokes.
—Hehehe, always so serious... I still can't believe you were ever happy. —Toya said with amusement—. But don't worry, the master only gets mad when we curse in front of him, not when he's away.
Black glanced over his shoulder and, with a precise movement, pointed his sword just a few centimeters from Toya's neck. However, Toya didn't flinch at the threat, maintaining a calm, defiant look.
—You shouldn't underestimate him. You know as well as I do what happens when he loses his patience. —Black said coldly.
Toya raised his hands in mock surrender, still smiling.
—Such a buzzkill. But fine, I'll go. I'll miss the food here —those tamales were amazing— but I want to get back fast. I hope I get to see the master... I want to watch him fight the heroes for real. That'll be a legendary battle.
Black shook his head, his voice steady as he sheathed his sword.
—When the master fights seriously, there's no battle. There's only a massacre. And he doesn't even use quirks. That's why we respect him... and fear him.
—Well, you've got a point there... what a shame, really. —Toya said with a mock-dramatic sigh.
Black didn't respond immediately. He just stared at him, and when he finally spoke again, his tone was even colder and sharper.
—Stop playing around and answer me... Why are you here? —His patience was wearing thin, and it showed in every word.
—Calm down, man... What do you think? —Toya paused, eyes locked on Black—. The master needs you.
Silence fell between them. Black remained still, but behind the cracked skull mask, a faint smile formed. He had been waiting for this for a long time.
—When do I leave? —he asked, his tone unwavering, but carrying a determination that needed no embellishment.
End of Chapter 5.