36

Chapter 36: People That Will See A World That I Shall Never KnowNotes:

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

Chapter Text

Inko can't drink the tea she's brewed. It sits heavy and hot in her hands- just below the point of burning her skin. Though uncomfortable, it's grounding, and helps to take her mind away from the queasy feeling in her stomach. Which is why she doesn't drink.

"...they…" It's hard to find words when faced with something right out of her nightmares. "...they look like Izuku?" She finally manages, and her voice cracks on her son's name.

The two officers in front of her bear matching expressions of sympathy. They hold steaming cups of tea in their own hands that they have no trouble swallowing. Inko feels tears spring to her eyes and pretends it's just the warm vapor from her cup irritating them.

She doesn't understand.

Officer Tanaka sets down his tea on the counter with a soft clink. He places a warm hand on Inko's shoulder. "We don't know if they have any correlation to Izuku-kun's kidnapping, but we wanted to tell you just in case. That way we can put precautions in place to keep him safe."

Inko's first thought is- Izuku isn't going to like this. He didn't like the restrictions on his freedom before when he was recovering, Inko could tell, despite him never complaining. But she can't deny that her need to keep him safe trumps any protesting from her son, no matter how upset that makes him.

Losing Izuku- those five months without him were the worst months of her life. Not knowing where he was- whether he was safe or even alive. She couldn't bear it. Izuku is the only one she has left. The only reason she wakes up in the morning, goes to work, and sleeps at night.

It was too much to endure knowing Izuku was gone and might never come back. Not to mention Inko's own deepest, darkest fears- those she'd lie awake for days thinking about- that maybe she was the reason he left in the first place.

Of course later the police confirmed that Izuku was kidnapped. The scars and amnesia supported that conclusion, but Inko still wondered.

She wasn't stupid. She'd seen the process, though gradual, of Izuku slipping further and further into a funk. He used to be so vocal about his dream, bright-eyed and exuberant- chatting nonstop about heroics and things Inko could hardly keep up with. And then-

And then he just stopped.

His eyes grew duller, his words came quieter or not at all, and his posture slumped as if he was a world-bearing atlas. It was slow, so slow that Inko hadn't noticed until Izuku was already gone and she was looking back on tainted memories. What kind of mother was she- not noticing the way her baby boy was hurting? She'd been so blind. She wanted so badly for Izuku to find a different fixation. She wanted him to be safe and away from the hero business that she didn't even blink when she'd stopped hearing it from his lips.

No, she had been glad.

And Izuku never told her something was wrong. He fooled her with smiles and menial conversation. Inko would have never known something was wrong without the terrible wake-up call she had when Izuku didn't come home.

"What can I do?" Inko asks, burying her self-wallowing with a sniffle. She will do anything to keep Izuku safe. She won't let anyone take her baby away from her again.

The other officer- Detective Tsukauchi if she recalls correctly- smiles at her politely. "We have a few measures put in place in the neighborhood that will hopefully deter any potential activity. Increased patrols and general advisories. We haven't released any statements to the public, but we are warning against going out alone or moving into dark or suspicious areas. Many local heroes have been notified about the case too."

Inko listens to the soft lull of the detective's voice and frowns, holding her tongue. He's a law enforcement professional, and he knows his job more than she does, but Inko still wants to tell him it isn't enough. How can it be when it comes to Izuku?

Tsukauchi must see it on her face. "Midoriya-san. We don't believe that these villains are after Izuku-kun. In his case, he returned to his residence on his own. It's assumed that the perpetrators released him of their own will, with assured measures in place that we couldn't trace anything back to them. A group that has let someone go willingly isn't likely to reattempt with the same person. This visit is only a precaution for your sake and ours, and for the continued safety of Izuku-kun."

Inko bites her lip. She can admit that the detective's words have soothed a few of her worries, but she still doesn't like this whole situation. The victims look like her Izuku! How can she rest easy when she knows that?! No matter what the police think is the most "probable", Inko will make sure Izuku never leaves her sight again.

On the way home, Izuku hums. He thinks it's a tune from a cartoon he watched when he was younger, but he isn't sure. Kacchan had told him to "shut the fuck up" because of it a number of times, but now that they've said their goodbyes for the night after walking home together from detention, Izuku is back to humming as he approaches his house. The words are lost on him- and the melody has been changed too many times to tell exactly what he's humming anymore. But it's something happy, he thinks, and a smile plays on his lips.

And then he frowns.

He's close enough to his apartment complex to notice that there's a police car parked in the parking lot. The police car isn't running code- there are no lights or sirens. It's just sitting there innocently. But-

Izuku hesitates to go further.

Just because there's law enforcement here, doesn't mean it's here for him . It's probably someone making their rounds.

(Yet even as Izuku assures himself, he can't push down the thought of Nedzu deeming him a villain and sending him to jail. Or worse; the police coming to inform his mother that they've found the real Izuku's body…)

He swallows.

That...that's probably not it. The officers are probably in a different apartment than his, and their purpose here likely has nothing to do with him at all. He'll open his door and his mom will greet him and he'll tell her about the wonderful day he's had.

It'll be fine.

But those encouragements do little when he looks up at the staircase leading to the second floor. The mood from earlier feels like a memory now and Izuku has to work up the courage to take a step forward. Really, if they were going to arrest him, they'd have come to the school, right? Or at least brought more than one squad car. There'd be reporters or heroes or something, right?

Izuku inhales deeply and tries to recall the tune he was humming. He can't seem to remember it now. The breath he holds stutters out of him and he walks forward, climbing the steps at a systematic and deliberate pace.

He pauses once he reaches his door, listening for any noises beyond it. His limbs are stiff as he holds them in place and tries to hear beyond his rapid heartbeat.

He hears nothing.

Sweat drips down his neck and Izuku has to physically shake the paranoia from his mind. He almost wants to knock, on his own door, if that wasn't completely and totally ridiculous.

There's no need for him to panic. And so he turns the key in the lock and swings open his door.

Usually Izuku would offer an "I'm home!" to his mother, but today he waits in silence, anticipating. His eyes move directly to the living room, searching for uniforms and silver badges, but he finds it empty. He doesn't relax yet.

"Izuku?" His mother asks, her voice strained. "Is that you?" She sounds hesitant, which causes Izuku to tense, his pulse fluttering. A thousand thoughts race through his head, the prominent ones being of his mother asking "Who are you?" "Why didn't you save him?" "You're not my son."

His breath hitches.

But his mother leans out of the doorway to the kitchen and her expression is not one of hatred or disgust. Her eyes are puffy though, like she'd been crying. She offers him a smile.

"Oh, uh, Izuku dear, we have...guests." Her eyes flit to something in the kitchen, just out of sight.

Before Izuku can ask if it's who he dreads it is, or curse his rotten luck, two bodies walk out of the kitchen behind his mother. The first person Izuku recognizes as Officer Tanaka. The man smiles at Izuku easily, hopefully not noticing the panic Izuku feels welling up at the sight of him.

"Izuku! It's been a while, huh? Good to see you!" He exclaims, stepping close enough to shake Izuku's hand and clap him on the back.

Izuku smiles shakily, unsure. Officer Tanaka is as friendly as ever...which wouldn't be the case if he was being arrested, right? Then again, what was with his mother's reaction?

"And this-" Officer Tanaka stands back to introduce the other person, a person Izuku has already met outside of this timeline. His eyes widen unconsciously. "-is Detective Tsukauchi. I don't believe you've met."

Izuku grasps the detective's hand when it's offered to him and replies on impulse, his mind racing. "Uh...no."

Tsukauchi doesn't give anything away, but Izuku realizes a second too late exactly who he's talking to. He pulls his hand back quickly, as if the distance might prevent him from giving away anything else.

"I-I mean! I've, uh, heard of him before." Izuku amends, eyes flitting about for something to focus on other than the detective before him. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.

Officer Tanaka laughs, not put off in the slightest. In fact, he seems delighted that Izuku knows about his colleague. "It seems your reputation precedes you Tsukauchi-san!"

Izuku's eyes find the detective's. He waits for an accusation, words full of suspicion, but there's nothing.

Tsukauchi simply smiles good naturedly at him, his eyes crinkling. "I'm honored."

Something loosens in Izuku's chest and he breathes an internal sigh of relief. Really though- he needs to be a lot more careful. 

Tsukauchi is the worst person he could meet in this timeline. It's already hard enough to hide things without a truth quirk thrown into the mix! Why is he even here when he's usually in charge of larger cases anyway?

Izuku bites his lip. Is he about to be interrogated? Do they want to ask more questions about his kidnapping? Have they discovered something that places a hole in his cover story? Or- have they somehow found out about his vigilantism?!

"Why..." Izuku utters, his breathing noticeably more erratic. "Why are you guys here?" It's only at the end of the question that Izuku remembers to ask it casually so he doesn't seem guilty.

Thankfully, neither officer comments on the way his voice cracks.

Officer Tanaka's smile wavers. He shares a look with the detective and then one with Izuku's mother.

"What?" Izuku basically demands, his voice a little too high and a little too fast to be normal. It feels like he's back to that day he woke up in this timeline where everyone was dancing around him and speaking where he couldn't overhear and he hates it.

It must show on his face because his mother steps forward and grabs his hands with a worried expression. "It's nothing bad, Izuku. There's just been some villain activity in the area that they've come to warn us about." She squeezes his hands and gives him what's meant to be a reassuring smile. Her eyes find his and stare with a look he can't identify.

Izuku frowns. "Villain activity?" He repeats. Why would that need a personal visit? What's going on? He doesn't like this. Not one bit.

Detective Tsukauchi clears his throat and Izuku snaps his attention to him. "Why don't we discuss this somewhere... other than the entryway?" He smiles again, all business and polite professionalism. Izuku studies him, trying to find a crack in the facade, but the man's face reveals nothing. Izuku can't tell if he's disappointed or impressed.

"Where are my manners?! Of course! Please, follow me!" His mother hastily agrees, leading the group into the living room to take a seat. Izuku takes a chair to himself, right across from Tsukauchi. His mother and Officer Tanaka sit on either ends of the couch between them.

Izuku would expect tension, or something similar, but Tsukauchi broaches the conversation with a relaxed manner.

"Like Midoriya-san said, this conversation isn't to get anyone in trouble. We are here only out of concern. There's no need to be so tense."

Is he tense? Izuku can't tell. He tries to relax his posture, but it doesn't feel any different. Does he look tense?

"Is this about...my disappearance?" Izuku asks, the only thing he can think of that involves police intervention. Well, the only thing he can think of that doesn't involve I'm-going-to-arrest-you police intervention.

The detective nods, not losing his easy smile. "It's related, yes. There's a kidnapping group that has been active recently. A few of the affected victims bear a striking resemblance to your likeness." He clasps his hands in front of him. "There's no case yet though. Nothing official. We can only speculate about who is committing these crimes and what they're after. But, in light of your own experience, we wanted to warn you so that there would be no repeat incidents."

His mother stares at him with sadness and fear, the lines of her face making her appear so much older. Izuku sees it all from the corner of his eye and frowns.

Kidnappings? And only people that look like him? Why? It doesn't make any sense. While there are cases of serial killers having a "type", or human traffickers taking people they deem attractive or "useful", most kidnappings aren't based on appearance. In fact, the majority have to do with ransom or the quirks of the victims.

Why would villains do this? And why search for someone that looks like him?

Is this a result of something he's done while meddling in the timeline? Or-

Is this something that other Izuku caused?

There's a foolish, foolish part of him that wants to believe that this is a newfound hope. That maybe original Izuku didn't go through with the suicide and instead got wrapped up in something like this. That maybe he's still alive. There hasn't been a body found yet, after all. (Not that anyone's looking considering how he waltzed into his own apartment and ended the search with his presence.)

But- Izuku's scared. He's scared that if he puts his time and effort into believing that the other Izuku can still be rescued, that he's somehow still alive after all this time- that he'll be faced with the hard truth once more. And he doesn't know if he is strong enough to face it again.

Besides- this could all just be a once-in-a-lifetime coincidence. Although they "look alike", Izuku can't judge by how much unless he sees the victims himself.

"Izuku, there's no need to worry, sweetie." His mom tells him, not heeding her own words as the worry is plain on her face. "The officers have told me that it's unlikely to be the same people who kidnapped you and that there are plenty of ways to stay safe!" She reaches across the armrests of both their seats and closes a hand around his. "We can set a curfew and make sure you don't go off alone anywhere and maybe a GPS tracker? I'm sure UA could spare some teachers to-"

"Mom." Izuku interrupts, amused and a little fearful of the lengths his mother would go to keep him safe. "It'll be okay."

His mother sighs, her eyebrows still pinched together. "Izuku, I can't lose you again." Tears gather in her eyes. "I can't."

Her gaze leaves no room for lies- or arguments.

Izuku squeezes the hand still in his hold. "You won't." He promises, even if he knows he can't make it come true. Even if it's a standard white lie. It's the only thing he can say.

His mother sniffles, wiping at her eyes and Izuku sits back in his seat, swallowing thickly. He turns to the officers.

Officer Tanaka has a serious look on his face, tinged with pity, as he spares glances at Izuku's distraught mother. Detective Tsukauchi, however, stares directly at Izuku, gaze curious and unrelenting. He smiles when they meet eyes, unapologetic.

Izuku looks away first, a little rattled. He hasn't said anything strange, right? His hand unconsciously moves to his chin as he thinks about it.

"Indeed," Tsukauchi speaks again. "We have recommended some measures to your mother in order to keep you safe. It might be a little burdensome for a teenager, but I ask that you heed them for your own safety."

Izuku tilts his head. "You said you didn't think it was the same people who kidnapped me the first time though?" He doesn't want to go back under watch. Not with everything that will happen tomorrow and in the future.

Tsukauchi hums. "Well, considering the way in which you returned, the conclusion we reached was that you were let go. It wouldn't make sense for the same group to then try to kidnap you again. While it may sound blunt: If they wanted to have you, they would have kept you. Otherwise, why release you? But of course, we don't know for sure, and one can never be too careful."

Izuku nods, watching what he says. "Of course."

Not that it really matters to debate the why when Izuku wasn't kidnapped to begin with. And- he's sure that if his counterpart was kidnapped (a very big if) then he wouldn't have been released like they claim. The other Izuku would've returned by now if that was the case.

Still...this situation is strange. Like he thought before- it probably has something to do with his presence here considering this didn't happen in his own timeline. Did he make a slip somewhere? Anger an unknown enemy? He knows he's been antagonizing two large villain groups, but neither of them should be aware of his face or who he is. It doesn't sit right with him that people are being taken when the perpetrator might be looking for him. That'd make it his fault, and his responsibility to fix.

Unless maybe this did happen before and Izuku was unaware only because he didn't meet Officer Tanaka or get kidnapped in his own time. He doesn't think that's it though.

He needs more information.

"Who all was taken?" Izuku asks, looking between the policemen.

Officer Tanaka sighs, shaking his head in regret. "Only a handful. All different ages and genders. With varying quirks too. The only thing they share is the relative look of their faces. Large eyes, freckles and pale skin." He holds up a finger after each item. "Normally we wouldn't make the connection between such differing cases, but since I'd met you before, it almost felt like I was looking at your extended family. It gave me quite a shock."

Izuku furrows his brow. He'd really like to see these people himself. Surely if someone was looking for him, they'd have something more concrete to go on? In the hypothetical scenario that other Izuku was kidnapped by this mysterious villain, how would they not know his identity? They should know his name, shouldn't they? Or at least where he lived if he was near his home when he was "taken". They should've been able to find him again, or who they thought was Izuku, if that were true. They wouldn't be kidnapping a bunch of random lookalikes.

So it's more likely that the original Izuku was never kidnapped and this villain group spawned from something he did. The question is- what?

"Would I be able to...see the faces of the victims?" Izuku asks hesitantly. He glances up at their guests.

Officer Tanaka blinks and then looks to Detective Tsukauchi. The detective engages in a staring contest with Izuku, not speaking for several long seconds.

"We're going to release a cautionary statement to the public later anyways and a cursory search on the internet would reveal the missing persons. I don't see the harm." He hums, tapping his chin thoughtfully. "Why are you interested?"

His gaze is keen as he stares at Izuku. No one else seems to notice.

"W-well they're supposed to resemble me, right? Who wouldn't want to see?" Izuku responds carefully. He shifts in his seat under the detective's scrutiny.

Tsukauchi smiles. "Right. I suppose that's true."

Izuku doesn't like the way he words it. It sounds as if the detective is waiting to catch him in a lie.

Officer Tanaka nods and pulls out a folder. He removes several sheets of paper and spreads them on the coffee table before them. Izuku scooches to the edge of his seat in order to see better.

An 18 year old girl named Ryu Hana. A 12 year old boy named Takashi Yuuji. A 14 year old boy named Fujimou Hyouka. A 17 year old boy named Hatake Kai.

He can't say with certainty that they look like him. Sure, he can spot freckles and large eyes and pale skin, but the differences are more than the similarities. It could be a complete coincidence that these people happened to look alike while the kidnapper took them for another reason entirely.

And yet, Izuku can see the resemblance and it shouldn't be ignored. He doesn't know who is abducting these people and why. It's too soon to draw conclusions. He'll just memorize these names and look them up later when the officers have left. Perhaps he'll be able to find something.

"...Izuku?" His mother's voice breaks him from his reverie. Izuku looks at her. She creases her brow. "Honey, are you paying attention?"

Izuku finds he is the center of everyone's gaze and his cheeks heat up. "Uh, no. Sorry. What did you say?"

It's Officer Tanaka who speaks. "No worries. We just wanted to know if you've remembered anything related to your disappearance?"

"Remembered anything?" Izuku parrots. Partly to reconfirm and partly to buy some time.

Officer Tanaka nods, smiling sheepishly. "It's okay if you haven't, but it'd be very helpful if you have discovered anything, even the tiniest, seemingly insignificant detail."

Izuku frowns. "I-"

Images spring to the forefront of his mind. Images of crinkled and creased notes and a dark school and Kacchan.

"What if All Might never said you could be a hero?"

"I was in a rush you see and so I left shortly after…"

He clenches his fists.

"I haven't." Izuku replies. "I-"

"Midoriya," Detective Tsukauchi interrupts, "I know some memories may be traumatic for you, but we need you to be honest. If you tell us what you've learned, we'll be able to protect you better." His voice is low and soothing, but his eyes aren't willing to compromise.

He wants answers. He wants the truth.

Izuku wants that too, to know what happened that day. He sighs, turning his gaze towards the ground.

But the notes? A supposed suicide? Why does that matter now? How can he explain that to an outsider? Or fit it into this assumed kidnapping scenario?

How can he tell his mother that?

"I didn't remember anything." Izuku repeats, his eyes locked on to the detective.

And he didn't. He never had amnesia to begin with so he never technically uncovered anything by "remembering" it. The things he's learned, he's had to find out through others. Through his own effort.

Detective Tsukauchi stares back at him, but doesn't speak. His mouth is pressed into a thin line, like he wants to say something but isn't sure if he knows exactly what yet.

"That's too bad." Officer Tanaka sighs, and Izuku almost forgot he was here. "But please contact us if anything comes to mind."

Izuku nods. He just wants this visit to be over already.

Officer Tanaka stands, thanking Izuku's mother, and gets ready to leave. But Detective Tsukauchi still sits, chin in hand, apparently lost in thought. Officer Tanaka turns around in confusion once he realizes there's no one behind him.

"Sir? We have-"

"Midoriya," The detective suddenly inquires. "Are you aware of my quirk?"

Izuku pauses.

He lets his thoughts and breaths settle before he speaks.

"I've heard of it before, yes."

Tsukauchi nods, as if he expected that answer, while his mother and Officer Tanaka are both surprised. But it isn't like Izuku could have lied his way out of that one.

"Izuku? Have you met the detective before?" His mother asks and this is moving into dangerous territory, but- he's still alright.

"We've spoken before, although the detective wouldn't remember." Izuku answers, truthful on both accounts. His heart beats rapidly in his chest and he's glad Tsukauchi can only detect lies and not thoughts or feelings.

Tsukauchi frowns, obviously not pleased with the statements his quirk reads as true. Izuku can relate- it's not a nice feeling to be told something happened when you don't remember it.

Izuku's mother isn't satisfied either. "When was this?" She asks, her brow furrowed. "You didn't get in trouble, did you?"

"No, it was after a hero fight." Izuku replies smoothly. "Detective Tsukauchi was just there to help out and ask questions."

Which is also true. The USJ was a hero fight, and Tsukauchi had been present to help out and ask questions.

His mother exhales in relief and Officer Tanaka chuckles, unbothered by the atmosphere. "Wow. Small world, huh?"

Izuku attempts to smile back. He's done good so far, but- he doesn't know why Tsukauchi suddenly wants to know if Izuku knows his quirk. Has he been too wary of the detective and the man picked up on it? Or is Tsukauchi simply overly cautious?

"I haven't told anyone else about it." Izuku continues, hoping the reassurance might help end the conversation. "It was a while ago, so it's okay if you don't remember. I just love to hear about quirks so..." He trails off, rubbing the back of his neck.

The detective sighs, frown still twisting his features. He stands, and runs a hand through his hair. "It's alright. I'm just surprised since I'm usually more selective about who I reveal my quirk to." He smiles, although it's still a little strained. "No offense Midoriya, I'm sure you're great at keeping secrets."

Izuku doesn't know if that's a compliment or if Tsukauchi suspects more than he's letting on. Either way, Izuku returns a tight-lipped smile.

"Yeah." He replies, eyes sliding to his mother. "I have a few."

After small talk that has returned to safe territory, the officers leave and Izuku can breathe a sigh of relief. This new information about kidnappings is worrying though. He doesn't want to jump to any conclusions, but it really seems that whoever is doing this is after him. But for some reason they only know his face. Not his hair or eye color or his quirk or anything like that.

Which has Izuku stumped if he's being honest. The situation is so bizarre and the clues so few- how the hell is he supposed to track them down?

He has to deal with the USJ tomorrow. And once that's over with, confer with Nedzu on how to take All For One down without all the collateral damage that happened at the training camp and in Kamino. Adding another thing to his plate feels even more daunting.

But Izuku will do it. He can't leave things like this, so he'll just have to find the time.

"Izuku…" His mother says, still looking upset from the conversation with the police officers. "I need to talk to you."

Izuku frowns. He knows that his mother had more time to speak to the guests before he arrived, so he doesn't know what they said to her. He can see pretty clearly though how this talk of kidnappings and lookalikes would have her concerned.

"Sure." Izuku replies. He can't avoid this conversation about whatever measures his mother wants to put in place in order to protect him, no matter how much he wants to. The timing is terrible though. Because tomorrow the League of Villains might attack at their field trip and his mother definitely won't respond well to that.

His mother rubs her hands, twisting her fingers as she bites at her lip. She avoids all eye contact with Izuku, which is something she does when she knows she's about to say something Izuku won't like. Maybe she was serious about that tracker? That really would be a pain.

"Mom…?" Izuku prompts.

His mother flinches at his voice and then places her head in her hands, an audible sniff revealing to him that she's holding back tears.

Izuku moves to her side in an instant, placing a hand on her back comfortingly. "It's okay mom. I'm not going to get kidnapped. Everything will be fine. I promise."

His mother hiccups, and sits back up, wiping stray tears from her eyes.

"Izuku, I'm so scared." She whispers, as if confessing it any louder will alert the villains to their presence. "I'm so scared I'm going to lose you again."

She sobs, trembling in Izuku's arms as he pulls her into a hug. His heart feels full, but in a bad way- like it's about to burst at the seams.

Any resentment he has towards the protective measures flees in an instant. "Mom, I'll be fine. They said I probably wasn't the target anyway. And I'll make sure to send you texts whenever you want, and I'll stay home and be careful. The tracker too, if you want." He grimaces at the thought, but continues. "And I can talk to Aizawa-sensei, although I'm not sure he'd have time to watch me or if UA could do anything at all. They don't have dorms yet…" He trails off, heart skipping a beat, but it seems his mother is too distressed to be paying close attention to his words.

It's moments like this when Izuku wonders what the right thing to do is. He feels guilty everyday, every moment, of lying to his mom, of hiding the truth from her about who he is and what has really happened to her son. But seeing her this distraught? Over the mere thought of Izuku disappearing again? He can't say anything.

As Principal Nedzu said, they'd need to have that conversation eventually. Izuku will have to let his mother know- let her grieve for her lost son. And Izuku will have to carry on knowing that he couldn't spare her from that heartache. That he has to leave to his own world. He knows that conversation will come sometime in the future.

But not now.

His mother clutches at him, wetting his shirt and chipping away at his heart. "W-what if...what if they g-get you...and you...what if y-you d-die this time?" She cries.

Izuku squeezes his mom tighter. He wants to tell her he won't leave, or die, but that isn't a promise he can make. Instead, he pulls out his phone and finds an app that can track his location. He downloads it as his mom's sobs die off.

He waits until she's ready, rubbing soothing circles into her back and telling her over and over again that he's right here. He's not going anywhere. Everything is going to be okay.

When his mom finally pulls away, water-logged and red-faced, Izuku smiles at her. "Look." He says, showing her his phone. "I found this app that will show you where I am whenever you open it. And I can see your location too if you'd like. That way we'll always know where the other is." He smiles.

His mother blinks, staring at the phone. She reaches a shaky hand for it and studies the map there. Her watery eyes reflect the bright green dot hovering over the gray spot that is their apartment complex.

She looks up at him, her tears momentarily stopped in their tracks. "Izuku...are you sure?" She sounds confused, and almost hopeful.

Izuku nods. "If it will help...it's a simple thing to carry my phone around." He plucks the electronic gently from his mother's hold and slips it into his pocket. It feels heavier than usual, and Izuku is already thinking of ways to get around it. He wonders if that makes him a bad son.

"You don't…" His mom frowns. "I thought you didn't want to?"

While true, he shakes his head no with a rueful smile. "It's okay, mom. I think I can deal with a tracking app until this all blows over."

And he can. He will. Regardless of what he wants. Izuku only needs to work around it for a few things, and then after, he'll put up with it. It really isn't that much of a hindrance for day to day life anyway.

His mother pulls him into another hug and squeezes him tight. "Thank you." She murmurs into his hair.

Izuku takes a moment before he hugs back, relishing in the comfort he doesn't deserve.

"There's nothing to thank me for."

Izuku wakes up in a cold sweat, a gasp escaping his mouth. He fumbles with the blankets tangled around his limbs until he has extricated himself from the bed. It takes a while for his heart to stop racing and his mind to not see his nightmares in the shadows on the wall. He reaches for his phone.

He hasn't slept at all. Every time he tries, he sees the hulking form of the Noumu, reaching hands, an evil laugh, and everyone dead dead dead .

And if that's not bad enough already, there's also the images of his mother crying over a dead body (that Izuku doesn't need to see the face of to know is him.)

Izuku sighs, laying an arm over his eyes. He's so tired. And yet, it's like his bones have been electrified, wrapped with kinetic energy that Izuku needs to expend, and he can't lie still. He's all sorts of nervous and scared for tomorrow, but he also feels grim determination settle over him like a cloak.

He will make sure this field trip ends well. He'll change the future.

And that means that along with the plans he's made with Nedzu- Izuku needs to finish his own preparations. At the top of that list is: ensuring All Might is present at the USJ from the beginning. Nedzu and him both had agreed that All Might was the most capable in handling the Symbol Killer noumu. There weren't a lot of options really. And while Nedzu created contingencies for if All Might couldn't handle it, Izuku would rather not take any chances.

He flips his blanket off himself and hops out of bed. Kneeling on the ground and bending over, Izuku reaches under his bed and drags the box he shoved under there so long ago.

He swore he wasn't going to do this again...but it was the only way.

All Might needs to make it to the USJ.

Izuku fiddles with the black clothing, frayed in places and smudged with dirt. The mask sits innocently in the box as well, an exuberant grin on full display when Izuku's mood is anything but.

In his time, All Might missed the field trip. Which meant he used up his time limit before coming to school. Which means, if Izuku wants him to be present, the hero can't use his time up before school. And that presents a pretty easy solution.

Izuku will follow All Might's route before the hero does and swoop in to aid in any disasters that may make him stop to expend his time limit. If All Might actually heeds the advice Izuku gave him yesterday, he will hopefully leave things to be handled by Izuku and the other heroes that will probably show up.

A couple issues are present for this plan though. One: Izuku is a vigilante, by definition, and his interference may cause more harm than good. Any heroes that arrive on scene may spend more time trying to stop him than to solve the real problem. Which would be counterproductive.

Two: Izuku is one person. Who, while carrying All Might's quirk, can only do so much himself. He doesn't know what kind of things All Might handled in his timeline. And he doesn't know if he will be able to handle them as well. This could all backfire terribly with Izuku being arrested and unmasked and then subsequently kicked out of UA.

Needless to say, he doesn't want that.

But, there's not much Izuku can think of that he can do otherwise. All Might said he wouldn't ignore a cry for help. So Izuku just has to make sure that no one cries for help.

He sets an alarm on his phone to get up early, and then shoves the box back under his bed. Izuku flops onto his comforter and stares at the ceiling.

It takes a while before his mind stops buzzing enough to let him sleep.

The loud beeping of his alarm lets Izuku know that he had, in fact, fallen asleep. It's no slow or leisurely awakening. Izuku is immediately chalk full of adrenaline, wide awake and blood flowing through his veins like river rapids. He knows what today is and what he has to do. It's going to be a long day.

But hopefully, an uneventful one.

The world outside his room is still dark, but the clock tells him morning will come soon. Izuku gets dressed in his school uniform and crams his vigilante outfit into his backpack. The plastic mask crinkles and bends at the rough treatment, but everything fits among his school books. As he gets ready, Izuku hears his mother move around in the kitchen.

He leaves his room, and greets his mother in the kitchen with a kiss to her cheek.

"Leaving early?" His mom asks, a yawn stretching her mouth. She's not concerned in the slightest, since Izuku has made a habit of leaving early- usually for entirely different reasons.

"Yeah." He agrees, grabbing a fruit, even if he doesn't feel like eating. Besides the anxiety he feels for today, his stomach also twists itself in knots at the lies that leave his mouth.

His mother hums. "You're walking with Katsuki?" She doesn't change her tone, but she tenses ever so slightly.

It was something they discussed last night so Izuku didn't go anywhere by himself. His mother had called Mitsuki-san and she'd forced a complaining Kacchan to walk Izuku to and from school. The Bakugous only knew about the general advisory to stick together, and not of the victims that looked like Izuku. After all, that information wasn't released to the public.

Kacchan might suspect something with his enhanced perceptiveness, but he's not likely to make the connection. Everything works out in his mom's eyes and Izuku doesn't mind the blonde's company either.

"He's on his way." Izuku assures and his mother relaxes, exhaling in relief. Not a second later and the doorbell rings, signaling Kacchan's arrival. Izuku turns to go.

"Izuku," His mom calls, stopping him in his tracks, "I love you."

Izuku gives his mother a bright smile. "I love you too."

He opens the door and ignores Kacchan's grumbling about not answering the door quick enough. They start their walk to UA, Izuku uncharacteristically silent as Kacchan complains about having to babysit him. He fidgets with his phone in his pocket, wondering if his mother is watching his route to school right now.

"Deku! Fucking pay attention!" Kacchan shouts, dragging Izuku by his bookbag out of the way of a group of joggers. Izuku stumbles, blinking at his surroundings.

"Damnit, watch where you're going and stop daydreaming!" Kacchan snaps, eyes searching Izuku's face before looking away.

"Yeah, sorry, sorry." Izuku chuckles lightly. He starts to pay a little more attention to the path in front of him while Kacchan continually shoots him weird looks. Although it's still early, Izuku needs to ditch Kacchan and go help All Might so the field trip goes according to plan. He doesn't know how he expects to do that though without making himself suspicious, since Kacchan has taken this bodyguard duty surprisingly seriously.

Thankfully, as they arrive at the school gates, Izuku sees the perfect opportunity.

"Yaoyorozu!" He waves at his classmate as she approaches the gate. They are the only ones around, the sun just barely starting to brighten the sky.

Yaoyorozu waves back and beams at them, causing Kacchan to scowl. She heads in their direction.

"You can go on ahead." Izuku tells his childhood friend, discreetly slipping his phone into the other's side backpack pocket. "I need to talk about some class president stuff with Yaoyorozu."

The lie sits heavy on his tongue, but it's a good one, and they are already at UA. Kacchan has no reason to refuse.

The blonde growls something about "stupid elections" and then stomps through the gate without a look back. Izuku grins at the small triumph as Yaoyorozu finally meets him.

"Midoriya! How are you?" She asks affably.

Izuku smiles. "Fine, thanks. I didn't know you came to school this early."

Yaoyorozu blushes and looks away. "Ah well, I get dropped off by my chauffeur in a limo...and I don't like attracting attention." She looks over her shoulder and points. "That's why I also have him drop me off a block back. I think it's...embarrassing to lord my status over everyone else."

Izuku hums, unaware that Yaoyorozu bothers with something so simple as hiding what she rides to school in. Was that true in his time as well?

"I don't think it's 'lording it over us'," Izuku informs her, "It's just a car. Our classmates wouldn't care too much anyway."

Yaoyorozu grimaces. "You might be right, but I'd prefer if you kept this between us. I'm already in on recommendation, I don't want to divide myself from our class any further." She sighs, a troubled expression settling over her face.

Izuku frowns. "Well, I will definitely keep this a secret if you want, but you shouldn't worry about being different. You got in on recommendation for a reason, not to mention you are incredibly smart, a quick thinker and a wonderful leader. You are kind to our classmates and offer respect to us even though you could be a rich snob if you wanted to. Not to mention that you're here to be a hero just like everyone else! So no one has any right to say that you don't deserve to be here or to make friends with anyone because of your background! If anything, you could use some more confidence, because you tend to second guess yourse-" He stops short and quickly changes what he was going to say. "I mean, you might end up second guessing yourself. You, uh, you're a big thinker, so you just gotta watch out for those thoughts keeping you from action...I guess."

Yaoyorozu smiles at him with humor glittering in her eyes. Izuku coughs awkwardly, his cheeks hot, and attempts to straighten his tie which will forever be a lost cause.

"Sorry if that was...too much." He apologizes.

Yaoyorozu shakes her head, noticeably pleased. "No, in fact it was very insightful." Her expression softens. "I think I…I think I needed to hear that. Thank you."

Izuku smiles. "No problem at all, and once again, I won't tell anyone." To emphasize, he mimes zipping his lips.

Yaoyorozu giggles. "I owe you one, Midoriya."

It's then that Izuku remembers why exactly he decided to call over Yaoyorozu- before he got distracted talking to her.

"Actually…" Izuku mentions, growing nervous for some reason, "Can I cash that favor in now...?"

Yaoyorozu stalls, thrown by the request, but then nods slowly. "Oh, um, yes, if you'd like. What did you need?"

Izuku shuffles his feet, sucking in a breath. "I need you to be my alibi." He states plainly, staring at his friend.

Surprise flickers over Yaoyorozu's face. "Alibi? For what?" She asks confusedly, and also with a touch of suspicion.

Maybe asking the vice president to cover for him is a bad choice, but Izuku doesn't think so. While Yaoyorozu is a model student, and seldom breaks rules or causes trouble, Izuku is well aware of how she accompanied them to Kamino to rescue Kacchan. Her presence in his own time, with her quirk-made tracking device, was the key to finding the League. In his eyes, her sense of responsibility is the perfect fit for what he needs.

"Just say that you and I are discussing class president things somewhere, if anyone asks later. I'll be back in time for homeroom, I just need you to find an empty classroom, or the library, or somewhere to hide out, and pretend I'm with you."

Yaoyorozu furrows her brows in confusion. "But won't the IDs reveal that you never entered UA's grounds?"

Izuku can't help the grin that spreads over his face. That definitely isn't a no.

"I don't need to trick the security system, just the people. No one checks that log anyways, and I'll be on time for class, so I shouldn't draw suspicion. I just need to do something real quick, but I can't let anyone know I'm doing it." He explains quickly, patience waning as the sky brightens more and more.

"Is this…" Yaoyorozu looks around and then leans in conspiratorially. "Is this about the precognition that isn't precognition?" She whispers.

Izuku stares. He actually has to think about it. "Well...actually...yeah it is. And it's really hard to explain, so-"

"It's okay," Yaoyorozu interrupts with a soft smile. "I trust you. I'll say you were helping me create the classroom cleaning schedule. I've worked on it already, even though it doesn't start until next week." She flourishes the schedule from her backpack so quickly, Izuku almost thought she used her quirk. "It's color coded!" She announces proudly.

Izuku gives it a quick once over. "Wow, this is excellent." He praises, and it's the truth too. He would love to give it a proper look...later. "Thanks Yaoyorozu, now I owe you one." He laughs.

She nods, sealing the schedule back into her backpack. Her fingers halt on the zipper.

"I think...if you want to pay me back, then maybe…" She takes a deep breath. "Maybe you can tell me what all this is about?" Her eyes glance up and find his, searing something into his soul.

Izuku feels his pulse flutter erratically. His face falls. "Yaoyorozu, I-"

"Not now." She amends, gaining back her self-assured demeanor. "But I'd like to hear it. Eventually."

She holds out her hand for a handshake.

Izuku belatedly notices the sky is brighter than it was a few minutes ago as he stares at Yaoyorozu's offered hand. Can he take it? She doesn't need an explanation right now, so he should be able to give her one sometime, right? He won't be making an empty promise...right? She deserves to know the truth.

There's a long line of people that deserve to know the truth. His mind reminds him traitorously.

Izuku sighs, but finds himself taking Yaoyorozu's hand and giving it a simple shake. She beams at him, elated, and Izuku can't bring himself to regret this right now. She trusts him, and he can trust her...eventually.

"I'll be back before homeroom." He reiterates one last time, receiving an answering nod from Yaoyorozu. Izuku dashes off then, away from UA's gate and Yaoyorozu's quickly retreating figure waving a farewell.

As Izuku ducks into a back alley to switch his clothes out, he realizes a few things about his plan.

One- he's glad he has a burner phone and can use that to track All Might down through social media. Izuku already knows the suspected routes the hero might take, but it makes it easier when All Might has a large media presence. Any holes or shortcomings in this plan can be patched with the #AllMight tag on Twitter.

Two- Izuku has no idea how he will get his own phone back from Kacchan without revealing that he left it with the blonde in the first place. Kacchan doesn't know about the tracker, but he's sure to have questions just the same. Izuku decides he'll worry about that later though.

And three- he is in no way ready for all the looks and attention he gets vaulting across rooftops in his vigilante gear. It's nerve-wracking, since he isn't a hero, and he can get caught any second. The night offers him more comfort, more security, and less weird glances at his cheap All Might mask.

But Izuku is on a mission. And right now the law comes second to that.

He avoids a lot of heroes by circling around them. And they don't notice him if he gives them a wide enough berth, which is nice. But, there are a few that do spot him. Some are too busy, or too nonchalant to care. They look at him and then glance away when he shows no outward signs of attacking. Izuku wonders if they think he's some crazy fan, or if they know he's a vigilante and decide he's simply not worth the trouble.

The couple heroes that do give chase, he is able to outrun quickly and lose. He's not sure if he's proud or disappointed when he pulls it off. Regardless, Izuku feels a bit better about not ruining everything after that.

If he can run away, then there's less chance he'll get caught.

The shrieking of civilians catches his attention and Izuku jumps towards the direction of the screams. He arrives just in time to see a large man with a mutation quirk wreaking havoc.

The man has pink skin and his muscles seem to form a hood over his head. He actively engages in a fight against three heroes, two of which Izuku recognizes as Mount Lady and Kamui Woods.

The villain is strong and quick- ripping through Kamui Woods' branches when they can actually hit him, and dodging the hits of the others as well. It looks like the third hero on scene has a ranged quirk, though he can't land a single shot.

A large crowd of people observe the showdown, way too close for comfort. The policemen are still in the process of cordoning the crowds away. Izuku observes everything from his perch, waiting to see if the three heroes have it or not.

They do relatively well, if a little uncoordinated, and Izuku thinks at first he won't have to interfere. But he finds he's misjudged the situation. The heroes slowly pushing him back just make the villain (Vihara Headgear, he said was his name) get angry and desperate. Izuku sees the moment the villain turns towards a family of three cowering behind an overturned car near him. It's apparent the villain is not against taking hostages. As he reaches toward them, the people scream in fear.

Izuku is on a rooftop a fair distance away. He doesn't know if he can save them in time before they get grabbed. But, he has to try. He only needs to move faster, faster than he's ever gone before.

One for All crackles over his limbs and something inside him burns, for just a moment, before a strange feeling of weightlessness overcomes him. Izuku doesn't have time to dissect it before he moves instantaneously, a flash of red trailing behind him as he reaches the would-be victims and scoops them out of danger. His feet leave the ground for longer than normal.

Izuku deposits them on the other side of the police line softly, and bounces a bit, before the villain can even register what just happened. The split-second bewilderment gives Mount Lady the chance to land the final blow, punching Vihara Headgear into the pavement.

The crowd erupts in cheers and Izuku smiles a hidden grin underneath his mask. The weightless feeling is gone with the drop of One For All, but it's familiar. It reminds him of Uraraka's quirk.

...Is it what he thinks it is? Did he get another-

A tug on his sleeve has his attention dragged to a young girl- one of the three people he just saved. From the resemblance, it looks like she's the other two's daughter.

"You saved us." She whispers reverently, small face screwing us as tears slip from her eyes. "Thank you!" She hugs him, burying her face in his ratty black hoodie. Izuku pats her back hesitantly, but then extricates himself when a police officer walks towards him.

He's gone before they can say anything to him.

Toshinori has taken great care in not using his hero form as much lately. His position as a teacher at UA, while allowing him to search for a successor, also helpfully masks what may appear to be less frequent outings as All Might. He can't afford to show weakness as the number one hero, and being hired on as a teacher prevents the discovery of his secret injury.

But, Toshinori usually finds, crime doesn't stop even if he does, and he often steps in to handle escalating situations along his morning commute. He can't ignore a cry for help and knowing he saw something happen and didn't step in? It would weigh too heavily on his conscience.

Today though- it's strangely quiet.

He stays in his true form and meanders the streets on the way to UA. He passes the remainder of a hero fight- it seems Mount Lady took down a rampaging villain- and doesn't think it's odd. It's a daily occurrence to intervene in at least one incident. Musutafu is never completely peaceful, as large as it is.

And yet, Toshinori encounters nothing that is not already resolved. The purse snatcher has already been apprehended. Someone has already stopped the criminal speeding away from the hit and run. The burglar holding up the bank in the next town over has been dealt with before Toshinori even thinks about responding. It's...as nice as it is unnerving.

And the only name he hears the onlookers and investigators drop as he ambles by...is All Might. Which, understandably, has Toshinori stumped since he hasn't stopped any of these. He doesn't quite know what to make of it.

But, this low crime means that Toshinori can make it to work on time, without using up any of his time limit as All Might. The thought makes him feel proud, even if it has nothing to do with his efforts. Perhaps he can avoid the teasing from his colleagues today for being chronically late because of his "hero complex".

Toshinori enters UA with five minutes to spare before class starts. As he walks towards the staff room, he is almost barrelled over by a sprinting Midoriya.

"Sorry!" The boy throws hastily over his shoulder as he continues to run, his tone winded. "See you at the field trip!"

"Yes…" Toshinori responds to empty air, Midoriya already long gone. Then he scratches his head and wonders why Midoriya expects Yagi to be at a hero class field trip.

The plan, which may have been a success, was clearly not thought all the way through. Despite his speed, Izuku still arrives to school behind schedule. He has to hastily change back into his uniform in the alleyway where he hid his backpack, and his tie looks even more atrocious than before, if that's even possible. Izuku gives up on it quickly so that he can actually make it to homeroom like he promised.

All Might seriously needs to change his route to UA. Izuku spotted him after the first incident and then discreetly followed him so he could stop anything that happened before All Might could interfere.

But damn was it a lot.

He doesn't know if it's the route, or just how the city is during the daytime. Izuku expected some crime, obviously, but he vastly underestimated how many problems All Might could solve until it was himself solving them. He's just relieved it's all over and he managed to get through it in one piece.

Mission accomplished.

He may have unlocked another part of One For All too, if the strange weightlessness earlier is anything to go by. And that would be exciting and wonderful if Izuku had more time to unpack it. Not now though, when he's right about to go to class. He should be able to get a quicker handle on it since he's used to working with Urakaka in zero gravity. But that will have to be tried and tested later. He's almost late for homeroom.

Izuku runs through the halls of UA, already out of breath and dripping sweat. The sweat stings at small cuts and scrapes he hadn't noticed before now, and Izuku is just glad he has the option to shower before they change into their hero costumes and leave for the USJ.

He skids outside his classroom and let's his breathing settle before he opens the door. Izuku has no idea what he looks like outside of knowing that it's probably a hot mess. He gets a few weird looks, but ultimately is ignored as he walks to his seat.

Kacchan glares at him, spinning around in his seat right as Izuku plops in his, exhausted.

"What the fuck took you so long, huh?" Kacchan hisses. "Ponytail came back ten minutes ago."

Izuku laughs nervously, tugging at his collar so he can air out the heat he's dying in. "I left something behind, so she went on ahead...I ended up running here so I wouldn't be late."

Kacchan continues to glare, likely puzzling out whether that's a believable excuse or not, when Aizawa-sensei walks in. Kacchan has to turn around in his seat once their teacher starts talking and Izuku breathes a mental sigh of relief. He fans himself as their teacher drones on, wishing he could rip off his blazer.

His eyes slide to Kacchan's backpack, Izuku's phone still peeking out from its place in the side pocket. If he reaches over now, no matter how sneakily, he's going to get spotted. He'll have to wait for a different opportunity, if one even shows up, to get it back.

Time ticks past and the hours count down to their field trip. Izuku is intimately aware of the time, glancing its way more than he usually does. He also notices the teachers talking more than normal, and the troubled frown on Aizawa-sensei's face when he thinks no one's looking. They should know about the plan by now.

During lunch, the whole class is buzzing while Izuku has to fight his stomach for every bite of food he eats. His leg jitters underneath the table, yet no one is aware of his anxious fidgeting.

Yaoyorozu joins them today, to Izuku's delight, and helps fill in when the others ask about his morning. She lies smoothly, and easily fits into their small group like she's always belonged. Izuku is very thankful for her help, and intends to tell her when he gets the chance. His friends take turns guessing what they'll do for the field trip while Todoroki remains silent, (like always) and Shinsou picks at his food with a scowl on his face. Izuku's too distracted running through the plan for the 32nd time in his head to notice.

After lunch, excitement is at an all time high...for everyone but Izuku. Aizawa-sensei steps to the front of the room, facial expression kept in a careful neutral.

"For the foundational skill of heroics we'll study today, it was decided that a large team comprising of UA staff and outside agencies will be teaming up." He informs them.

Izuku listens raptly while Sero raises his hand. He speaks before their teacher calls on him. "Sensei, what will we be doing?"

Aizawa-sensei pauses, as if for dramatic effect. "...The trial of rescue." He relays.

No-so-quiet comments break out among his classmates discussing this information. Aizawa-sensei frowns at their enthusiasm, as if he tastes something sour.

"Don't get ahead of yourselves." He warns, "Rescue operations often go wrong. A hero needs to be prepared for anything. Whether it be a severely injured civilian or a villain lying in wait for an attack."

The class nods as one, though Izuku's probably the only one who knows the true meaning behind his words. He gulps as Aizawa-sensei reveals the cases with their hero costumes.

"As I was saying, it's up to you whether to wear your hero costume or not. Some of them might not be fit for the trial of rescue, after all. The training area is fairly far away, so we'll be arriving there by bus. Stick together once we get there and listen well to the heroes on site. That's all. Go get prepared."

Izuku casts one last look at his teacher before he leaves with the others. He'll be wearing his hero costume this time since it wasn't destroyed by Kacchan. Even if that makes him better prepared, his stomach still feels queasy.

The bus looms before them and Izuku and Yaoyorozu help direct their classmates into a single file line for easy boarding. She smiles at him while they wave people forward. A mood Izuku, unfortunately, can't indulge in.

He ends up around the same area he was last time, facing the center aisle. After all his classmates board, Aizawa-sensei does too...as well as a few other teachers. Which is different from before.

"What's up little listeners?!" Present Mic announces loudly as he enters the bus, pointing his fingers towards the roof like a rockstar on tour. No one answers him, though he doesn't seem to expect any.

Following him are Cementoss, Ectoplasm, Snipe, and Midnight. Midnight winks at them all.

"Oooooh a field trip! It's been a while!" She says, taking a seat towards the front and sprawling across it. Her words get a few woops of agreement.

Izuku observes Snipe lean over to whisper something in Aizawa-sensei's and Cementoss's ear, to which they both nod. His stomach does a couple somersaults.

The teachers take their seats and Aizawa-sensei reminds them all again to mind their manners and listen to the "chaperones". He still looks somewhere between angry and worried, which Izuku supposes is a valid reaction to have. He probably didn't want Class 1-A involved in this plan any more than Izuku did.

But this is it. This is what they get. More heroes will join them at the location discreetly and everything will be fine. His friends will be safe. The League will be captured. And Izuku will be able to breathe a little easier.

"Hey, who's that?" He hears Satou mutter from beside him. Izuku turns with the rest of the class to see All Might board the bus, currently as Yagi Toshinori. The skeletal hero smiles sheepishly and Izuku overhears him say something to Aizawa-sensei about "being late."

He did it then. This morning- it worked! Now All Might will be with them from the beginning! Izuku stares at Yagi as if he's dreaming, a small smile stretching his face. He can't believe something went right for once.

"Where's All Might?" Someone asks when the bus starts to drive away.

Aizawa-sensei doesn't bother to look. "He'll meet us there."

And, with Yagi-san sitting only a few seats in front of him, Izuku knows he will this time.