Chapter Text
Katsuki Bakugo was trying to change his ways and become better. He really was!
But going back to school after a hangout with his friends was hard. His friends weren't perfect either, but they were a hell of a lot better than anybody at Aldera.
Katsuki often turned to Kirishima for advice on certain matters, and Kirishima often did the same.
Now that Bakugo actually knew how to be better, he needed to actually act to be better. It was hard, but it eventually got better.
He stopped hanging around everybody at Aldera, and since he gradually stopped, barely anybody noticed. That was part one of his plan.
He almost immediately stopped bullying anybody. Katsuki's original plan was to gradually stop that too, but he really couldn't stomach bullying anybody.
While those were his original plans, Katsuki wanted to work up to being able to stand up to the bullying in its totality.
The teachers didn't really notice anything amiss at first, which was neutral to Katsuki.
Though with Izuku gone the others easily found a new and weak target. The few time Katsuki hung out with the group he heard how I'd they ever saw him in public, they'd take him to an alleyway for who knows what.
Those comments always made Katsuki bubble with anger, though he didn't really think Izuku was the same quirkless defenseless loser he'd been in Aldera.
The few times Izuku and Katsuki hung out Katsuki noticed how Izuku had been slowly bulking up. It wasn't drastic, but definitely a difference.
Katsuki knew the actual meaning of a friend now, and those extras at Aldera were not it.
Katsuki's thoughts were stopped like a brick wall when he heard the extras at it again.
Lunch was a fan favorite time to bully people in Aldera.
Very few teachers were around, and there was no work to worry about.
“Just give us your lunch money. It's seriously not that hard.” One of the guys laughed.
This kid was their new target, as he had a pretty useless quirk.
Katsuki heard as they kept insulting him, and Katsuki wondered if he had the courage to stand up this time.
“Well then, I guess we can say you were asking for it.” One of the guys sneered.
Uh oh. That was never a good thing.
Katsuki watched as some used their quirks on the poor boy, whereas others went for just kicking him instead.
While watching, Katsuki knew he could do it the cowardly way and just help the kid after, but those thoughts were quickly swiped out of his mind as he saw some of the guys hold his arms down.
I guess Katsuki could say his body moved on its own.
“Hey. What do you extras think you're doing?” Katsuki said grimly. He knew what these extras thought he was here for, but he wouldn't let that happen. By now he was standing almost in the middle of them, but he was still a few feet out to the side. It formed almost a little triangle.
“Pf, of course you'd want to get in some punches. He-” Katsuki cut the extra off.
“Yeah, that's not what I'm here for extra.” Katsuki used the most calm voice he could muster, and knew that no one in Aldera had heard it by now.
The group of guys immediately looked a little confused and uncomfortable.
The boy who was talking to Katsuki spoke up.
“Fine, but what do you want anyway? We need to finish this up before lunch ends.” He said.
The boy on the ground was terrified, but couldn't get away.
“Yeah you won't be finishing it at all.” Katsuki huffed, grinding his right fist against his left palm.
Katsuki moved in between the boy and the group while they were confused.
“And what is this?” The guy asked challengingly.
Okay, maybe Katsuki would admit he didn't really like this, but he really needed to do this. He needed to redeem himself! He was glad that he didn't just stand by and do nothing. Though maybe he wishes he could crawl into a hole right now.
“This.” Katsuki looked around. “Is me stopping you.” As much as Katsuki cowarded on the inside, he made sure to come off as confident.
This caused half of the group to burst out in laughter, though the other half looked merely annoyed.
“And-” The guy who was talking to Katsuki collected himself enough to talk. “And you really think you can stand up to us? We really thought you were one of us, Bakugo. Guess you're just as bad as Deku.” The guy laughed again while getting ready to leave, knowing Bakugo could and would beat all of them in a fight.
Katsuki replied slyly. “Izuku is better than all of you combined. I don't need to waste my time on you extras anymore.” Katsuki replied, knowing this would get under their skin.
“You really have gone soft, haven't you? Y-” Someone from the group sneered.
“You know I could still beat all of you in a fight. Why don't you just scram? Yeah?” Katsuki snickered right back, a grin evident in his face. “You guys are worse than some villains.” Katsuki announced to the group before they were out of earshot.
This causing some of them to look back with horrified faces at the realization, and some with annoyed faces at Katsuki successfully getting under their skin.
“You good?” Katsuki asked while reaching a hand out to the kid on the ground.
“Y-yeah. Thank you.” The kid said.
“Whatever.” Katsuki was still not used to positive praise, so he often just brushed it off.
The boy got up and walked away, hoping he wouldn't really get picked on anymore.
Katsuki went through the rest of the day with glares and laughs towards him, but he could care less at that point. They were clearly planning on abusing that poor boy a lot more and a lot worse. He didn't regret a dang thing.
_____
“You what!??” Kirishima yelled out to Bakugo, who was kind of grumbling at the loudness.
“Yes, I did. So you can stop making a big deal out of it.” As much as Katsuki did like the praise coming from Kirishima, he simply wasn't used to it, so it is ‘sappy’ in Bakugo's book.
Kirishima looked like he was about to cry manly tears. He had his head slightly down, and a proud smile on his face.
“Whatever. Don't make a huge deal out of it.” Bakugo grumbled while looking away and resting his hand on the back of his head.
“Nah bro! This is a huge deal! You're finally growing your wings.” Kirishima was definitely emotional about his friend finally starting to learn and improve how he acts.
“You can stop with the sappy shit anytime now.” Bakugo announced, honestly happy to spend time with his best friend, even if they haven't known each other for very long.
Kirishima rested his hands on Bakugo's shoulders while making sure to look him in the eye.
“You're starting to better yourself, and that's manky and heroic!” Kirishima stated.
Bakugo could feel himself blushing slightly, something he thought he honestly couldn't do. That was until a voice spoke up from the side of them.
“Definitely gay, both of them.” The figure spoke to a girl standing right beside the guy.
“Huh?” Bakugo said, turning to look at the figure. “You really shouldn't be talking either, Scarface.” Bakugo scoffed, taking in the slightly purple face in front of him.
“Maybe for each other, don't you think?” The girl announced, much more cheery than any normal person.
“HUH? What did you just say Blondie!?” Bakugo's face was most definitely pink by now, which made ‘scarface’ laugh.
“I guess you're Bakugo then?” The guy announced.
“How do you know my name!?” Bakugo screeched, mind still reeling at the earlier comment from the girl.
“You know Izuku. He's mentioned you very few times. Said I'd definitely know if I ever saw you.” The guy said. “Some advice, you two definitely look as straight as a circle.” Touya looked at both of them. “The closet is glass.” He laughed before walking off with the girl skipping beside him.
“Okay, what the fuck was that?” Bakugo asked while turning back to Kirishima, who had been oddly silent. His body language wasn't though. (His face was pink, though he concealed it well).
“I-I don't even know.” Kirishima finally replied.
“Great. Now another door just opened with possibilities.” Bakugo scoffed, actually thinking about what the guy said. (They're both going to ignore what the girl said)
“Wait, you've never thought about things like that before?” Kirishima asked, trying to joke around to alleviate his emotions.
Bakugo just laughed. “I've honestly never had to. It was always ‘heroes’, ‘when I become a hero’, ‘when I'm number one’, you get the damn point.” Bakugo muttered.
“That makes sense!” Kirishima exclaimed.
“What, have you?” Bakugo asked, though his voice was mostly soft.
“I have two moms so yeah, I guess. One time when I was a kid someone called me gay and I asked my moms what it meant. They kinda exclaimed the whole idea and said they'd love me no matter what.” Kirishima smiled at the memory, and his moms.
“Makes sense. Sounds like you've got great parents.” Bakugo mustered up a small smile, one of the first real ones he had in a while. I mean, he had to show his understanding and support somehow, right?
“I'm gonna be honest with you, I'm most likely gay.” Bakugo said while looking away.
“May I ask what you mean by ‘most likely’? Kirishima asked, wanting to get the full picture of his cr-best friend.
“I've never been interested in girls at all. I don't really know how to explain shitty sappy stuff, but around girls I'm just kinda numb.”
Bakugo looked at Kirishima, who was looking at him acceptingly. “That better have made sense or I'll blow your head off smooth.” Bakugo snarled, not really knowing how to deal with emotions.
Thus causing Eijirou to laugh. That beautiful sound caused Katsuki to instantly soften at the sight and sound.
“You really need to learn how to not threaten someone with violence.” Kirishima laughed.
“Whatever.” Katsuki grumbled while looking away, not enjoying how his best friend was right.
“I've never really had a crush before.” Kirishima knew he was lying, though he really didn't want to ruin his friendship with his friend. “So I'm honestly not sure.” He knew he was attracted to guys, but he didn't really know about girls.
“How do you feel around each of them?” Bakugo asked, willing to go into the sappy shit for his friend.
“Like guys and girls?” Kirishima clarified.
“Yes dipshit.” Bakugo often called Kirishima nicknames like such when he was either doing something he didn't really like, or was under high pressure situations.
“Well I don't know. I guess I'm probably more into guys than girls, but I never really talk to them.”
“And guys?” Bakugo paused for a second before continuing. “I'm not going to force you to tell me shit, but I guess I'm willing to help you or whatever.” Katsuki grumbled, though softened at the sight of Kirishima looking at him with a touching look.
“Thank you.” Kirishima quickly side-hugged Katsuki. Thus causing chills to be sent through Bakugo's body. Something which had never happened before.
Kirishima continued after pulling away. “I mean, I don't know. I definitely feel more connected to them if that makes sense?” Kirishima stated like it was a question.
Katsuki thought for a second before talking. “Fair. Maybe you like both, maybe you don't. I'mma be blunt, I don't know if I can help ya there.” Katsuki was definitely willing to listen to Eijirou, but he couldn't necessarily help him.
“That's okay, thanks for listening anyways.” Kirishima said.
Katsuki felt himself blush slightly, though he really didn't know why. He couldn't… Could he? No. He couldn't. Eijirou would hate him, and he might lose his only friends. He couldn't let that happen. These were honestly good people. Who would he train with every morning? Who would he ask for advice?
Who else would give him butterflies every time they touched? Who else would he talk with about personal sappy shit?
He didn't really want to jeopardize their friendship at all, so Katsuki did what he was best at.
He suppressed his true feelings, and never thought about them.
“No problem.” Katsuki used his softer voice, knowing Eijirou was probably the only person he used it around.
“You should come over to my house sometime.” Bakugo replied nonchalantly.
“Maybe I will! Though I'm not allowed to on the weekdays.” Kirishima responded.
It was Sunday, so maybe they'd have to plan for next weekend.
“Next weekend then.” Katsuki replied while walking right next to Eijirou.
“Definitely!” The response was heard from Eijirou.
____
“Nem, you haven't stopped talking about her since that incident. Which I remind you that you almost died!” Shirakumo whined while leaning on his wife.
“But she seemed like such a sweet girl!” Nemuri said.
The quad squad was in an office room they often shared while grading. They'd gossip and talk while getting paperwork and such done.
“You almost died!” Shirakumo said.
“But I didn't, thanks to her!” Nemuri stated, accepting no Toga slashing.
“Didn't she give you her name?” Present mic cheerily asked.
“Yeah she did! I've tried telling you all, but no one wants to listen!” Nemuri crossed her arms while looking over students' papers.
“I would actually be quite interested, Kayama-san!” Nedzu chirped while walking into the office. “I have a hypothesis about this girl, though I would have to know her name to confirm it!” Nedzu announced.
“She told me her name was Himiko Toga.” Nemuri said, questioning why Nedzu was interested.
Nedzu's beady eyes were enough to tell the room that his hypothesis was correct.
“I am correct.” Nedzu announced.
“What do you mean?” Nemuri asked, hoping it was for a good cause.
“Himiko Toga is one of my two online students! She excels in medical knowledge, and I think she would be a good intern for recovery girl. Perhaps that's why she was able to save you without complications.” Nedzu exclaimed.
“That makes sense!” Present Mic half-yelled, having at least half a brain to not yell near Aizawa. (He really didn't want to sleep on the couch)
Aizawa just grumbled, probably a prayer for the poor girl. Nedzu would easily be able to find her, though at least he knew how to be polite about it.
“Do you think she'd want to go to UA as a sort of mixed student?” Nemuri asked.
“It's possible! We've done it in the past, so it shouldn't be too hard to formulate a proper schedule for her. Though her other studies need work.” Thoughts were clearly formulating through Nedzu's brain as he spoke.
“Would she be a general education student or a hero course student?” Midnight asked.
Toga could hypothetically attend UA as a general education student, and still intern under recovery girl for medical knowledge. She could also attend UA as a hero course student and focus on medical care as a hero. Either could work.
“We will leave that decision up to her.” Nedzu announced.
“If she attends UA you better make sure Nem gets a class with her. She acts like a mother talking about her daughter.” Shirakumo laughed at his joke, earning a glare from Nemuri, though it had no malice in it.
“She will, depending on if she does decide to attend UA. She still needs education in other subjects after all!” Nedzu stated.
“Speaking of which, that reminds me,” Yamada turned to look at Aizawa with a grin on his face. “What about your favorite vigilante? I know the HPSC wants him off the streets, though wouldn't he be too old for hero school?” Yamada was now questioning Aizawa, though he was originally trying to tease him.
“We offered him a spot in UA, thinking he was too old for high school.” Aizawa looked at Nedzu for permission to release the information.
“Me and Aizawa-kun learned his true age a few days ago. If he isn't lying, he will be able to take the UA entrance exam next year.” Nedzu grimly said. No one liked when kids got involved in hero work, so it was always sad to hear of vigilantes so young.
“You're joking.” Yamada was trying to wrap his head around this idea, though he actually thought his husband was joking.
“Wish I was.” Aizawa replied.
“Did you offer him a spot at UA? And he had to decline because of his age?” Yamada asked, this time towards both Nedzu and Aizawa.
“Actually, no. He mentioned something like, ‘when you learned more about me you wouldn't want me at your school’ or something similar.” Aizawa sighed.
“Indeed. I believe it's quirk related, but I could be wrong.” Nedzu chimed in.
“That's so sad! Do you think he became a vigilante because he didn't think he could make it as a hero?” Nemuri asked.
“It's a possibility. If we could find out who he is we could make an official offer, or have someone recommend him.” Aizawa chimed in. He wouldn't really let anyone know he cared for the child.
“Indeed! He would make a very good hero I think! I'm unsure of his intelligence though.” Nedzu mentioned.
He couldn't tell Nedzu. Nedzu couldn't get his paws on his problem child.
“I can tell you're thinking of something, Aizawa. Care to explain?” Nedzu asked.
Crap. That rodent knew almost anything about human body language, and he wouldn't rest until he found out whatever it is he's looking for.
“To answer your question, apparently he's been seen analyzing fights and some pro-heroes fighting styles.” Aizawa decided to not tell Nedzu about the fact that the kid analyzed him. Aizawa asked to look, and it was a really good analysis.
It's better than some of the analysis he's seen from professionals.
And the fact that the problem child had the audacity to say, ‘it really isn't much!’, ‘Really, anyone could do this!’, ‘this isn't even that good!’, and some other comments Aizawa forgot.
“I'm assuming you've gotten a look at it based on your body language?” Nedzu chirped, his expertise on human body language coming in handy.
Aizawa knew he'd be fighting a losing battle. There was no use lying when it came to Nedzu. He knew basically everything.
“Fine, yes.” Aizawa finally answered.
“May I ask how well it was written?” Nedzu chirped.
“Better than most professionals I've seen. Kid doesn't miss a singular detail.” Aizawa responded back.
Nedzu pondered for a second before talking. “You seem troubled by something regarding this. May I ask what?”
“When I saw it, the kid said stuff like, ‘it's not much, really!’, ‘anyone could do this!’, ‘this isn't anything special!’, and other things I forgot.” Aizawa mentioned, pausing for a second before continuing. “When I first asked about them he said, ‘I understand if you find them creepy’ or something like that.”
Nedzu thought for a second before speaking. “If Aizawa-san is complimenting this child's analysis, he must be good.” Nedzu mentioned. Aizawa rarely compliments someone, so you know it's genuine when he does.
“Isn't it kind of concerning how his first comment on it was about it being creepy?” Nemuri asked.
“I wish my students analysed fights and stuff!” Shirakumo cut in.
“It isn't something to be entirely worried about, though it probably doesn't mean anything good.” Aizawa mentioned.
“Indeed! If comments like these do become more consistent, then it will possibly become a cause for concern.” Nedzu said, hoping it wasn't anything bad.
“Yeah. I'll keep an eye on him since I patrol the most.” Aizawa mentioned. “Though it will be helpful if you three keep an eye on how he acts around you.”
“We can so do that Sho!!” Yamada spoke up.
“Yeah!” Shirakumo yelled out.
“Good! Thank you all! I'll be taking my leave now.” Nedzu chirped.
_____
“I know you wanted to go earlier in the week, but I do appreciate you waiting until today to go with me!” Denki stated while leaning slightly on Izuku's shoulder.
The two were walking through the mall, this time for new shoes for Izuku.
“I didn't really want to go alone anyway.” Izuku laughed, not knowing why he wanted to spend more time with Denki.
“I wouldn't either! This mall is pretty big!” Denki stated. “Anyways, what type of shoe do you even want?”
“I don't know to be honest. I used to use these for everything, so I don't really have any other shoes.” Izuku sheepishly admitted. “I didn't really need any other shoes.”
“That makes sense! So you want shoes you can wear basically all the time?” Denki asked.
“I'm actually thinking of getting two pairs. It would be nice to have tennis shoes for training and basically everything. Though I've found combat boots are pretty durable, they look great, can be used for anything, and are pretty comfortable.” Izuku stated, walking to the first show store he found.
Denki imagined Izuku in combat boots along with his vigilante outfit, and it was definitely a sight to behold.
“M-makes sense!” Denki stated, trying to push the image from his mind. “I think that could work!” He finally regained his composure.
“Hey, look over there. That shop seems pretty affordable, though we'd have to find another store for the combat boots.” Izuku stated, grabbing onto Denki and dragging him toward the store.
“Yeah, the shoes in there look similar to what you're looking for!” Denki chimed in, completely ignoring the touch on his arm.
Izuku tried on a few pairs before deciding on one.
“Thank goodness they have quirkless versions. The originals were sorta narrow.” Izuku chuckled.
“And those look pretty good too.” Denki exclaimed.
Izuku paid for the shoes before leaving for another store.
“Which store do you think would have combat boots?” Izuku asked, looking around at the different stores.
“I'm honestly not sure. I mean, we could just walk around until we find one?” Denki purposely suggested, wanting to spend more time with his best friend.
“Sure!” Izuku chirped.
The two walked and talked while they looked for a store that had combat boots.
“Wait, I think this store might have some!” Izuku exclaimed while dragging Denki over to it.
“I mean, there are some in the windows, though it's a sort of goth clothing store.” Denki stated.
He honestly thought people who dressed that way were really cool, though he didn't think he could pull the style off himself. Izuku might be able to though. That reminded him.
“Hey, these look really good!” Izuku said while walking over to the shelves with different variations of boots.
“I just really hope they have a quirkless option.” Izuku sighed.
“Yeah, it would totally suck if they don't!” Denki exclaimed.
Izuku and Denki looked around for different versions of the boot.
“Hey, I think I found what you're looking for! It's even in your size!” Denki exclaimed while grabbing the box from the back of the shelf.
“Thank you!!!” Izuku quickly side-hugged Denki while sitting down to try on the shoes.
“These fit perfectly! There's some space left, so they should last a while!” Izuku leaned into Denki's ear before continuing. “These would be perfect for nighttime!”
Izuku took the boots off and put them back in the box.
“Come on, let's check out so we can go back to my apartment!” Izuku called back to Denki.
“Hey, that reminds me!” Denki started talking while walking with Izuku to the register.
Izuku paid for the shoes and left with Denki.
“Do you still have that eyeliner stuff I suggested to you the last time we were here?” Denki thought the eyeliner would look sick with Izuku's vigilante costume.
“Right! I forgot about that, but yeah, I do!” Izuku exclaimed.
Denki decided to bite the bullet and admit what he was thinking. “I think it would look sick with your vigilante costume.” Denki stated.
“Probably, though I don't wear my vigilante costume for looks. It would still be cool to see how it looks!” Izuku stated.
“You should so try it when we get to your place!” Denki exclaimed.
“Sure. No harm in trying!” Izuku replied.
The two continued walking to Izuku's apartment.
“Okay, I want to see what it would look like with your vigilante costume!” Denki asked.
Okay, maybe it was an excuse to see him in his vigilante outfit. Maybe Izuku did look good in his costume, okay?
“Alright. I'll try on my costume with these shoes too!” Izuku stated before walking to his bathroom.
Denki doom scrolled on his phone until Izuku was finally done.
“I think it looks pretty alright. I was a little shaky doing it, but I managed.” Izuku stated while walking out in full vigilante gear.
Okay, wow. Izuku looked like a God right now, and who was Denki to say otherwise? Okay maybe he had a thing for his best friend. He would never admit it though.
“T-that looks really g-good!” Denki stuttered over his words, trying not to say exactly what he was thinking.
“Thanks! I might add it to my vigilante costume permanently since I wouldn't be using it anytime else.” Izuku admitted. “Also, these shoes are quite literally awesome. They look great, and feel great.”
“That's good!” Denki tried to not be too overbearing.
“Yeah! I'll love messing with Eraserhead when I show up with eyeliner!” Izuku was laughing just at the thought.
Really, Denki did like his best friend. Probably more than he should. He'd need to keep a tab on his feelings, and definitely get his butterflies under control.
“Anyways, I'm changing out of this.”
Izuku walked away and changed back into some normal lounge clothes.
The two talked and watched some videos until Denki had to leave.
Izuku walked him to his house.
“Thank you Izu! See you again soon!” Denki stated before closing the door.
Izuku didn't know if it was normal to feel all fuzzy and warn around his best friend. The butterflies didn't seem normal, but happened almost every time he made contact with Denki.
Maybe this was just part of having a best friend.
Izuku knew deep down he was lying to himself.
____
“Really problem child?-” Aizawa huffed, not impressed or surprised with his vigilante's actions.
“Yes, really. I think I look cool.” Izuku fake-pouted.
“-Eyeliner?” Aizawa finished, mostly messing with Jasper, though there was no real malice behind his words.
“My friend told me I look cool, and told me I should wear it more, so I am!” Izuku half-whined.
At least he has friends. That's a good sign. Aizawa thought for a few seconds before replying. “So he knows about you being a vigilante?” Aizawa hoped he'd fall for the bait.
Though knowing how smart Jasper is he wouldn't fall for it in his sleep.
“Yeah, nice try Eraser. That's for me to know, and you to,” Izuku thought for a few seconds. He didn't want Eraser to know more about him. “Never know I guess.” Izuku's tone was almost sad in a way. He did want Eraser to know more about him, just not that.
While Izuku was thinking, Eraser dispatched the police to handle the guy they took down together. He wasn't anything special, but the guy was fairly large.
“Offer’s still up, you know.” Aizawa called back to Izuku, who was making sure he grabbed all of his ninja stars.
“Yeah yeah. You've been telling me every day of the week since that call with Nedzu.” Izuku stated. Izuku's tone quickly hardened into a sad and grim tone.
Izuku was stuck dwelling on what he could've been if he just had a stupid quirk. Why did he have to be so unlucky!?
“You wouldn't want me at your sc-” Izuku was cut off by Aizawa.
“And you've replied with the same sentence every time I mentioned it. Tell me, what is it we wouldn't want in UA?” Aizawa started. “Youve got more drive than all of my expelled students combined. You're smart, you've got pretty half-decent combat knowledge, you know weaponry, and you can hold your own in a fight.” Aizawa just wanted this vigilante to see why he could be a hero.
So he did the only thing he thought would get to him. He complimented almost everything he could think of on the fly. Luckily for Nedzu he was watching in through the comms. (He required Aizawa to call him when he started talking to Jasper)
Izuku just froze, stuck in his tracks by the compliment. Denki tried complimenting him a lot, but Izuku thought he was just lying. I mean, friends did that, right?
Izuku stared at Aizawa, eyes wide as he watched the hero look at him with his usual stoic expression.
“It's the truth, kid.” Aizawa finished tying up the unconscious, but unhurt villain. He walked over and looked Izuku in the eyes.
“You know I mean the compliments I give out, so think about that tonight.” Aizawa mentioned before jumping up to get back to his patrol. Izuku was almost too quiet to be heard, but Aizawa heard him loud and clear.
“You're probably lying. Everyone else always is, but this time you sound genuine, Eraser.” Izuku whispered before running off into another alleyway.
“Did you get his comment, Nedzu?” Aizawa asked once Izuku was out of earshot.
“I heard him talking, but I would have to enhance the audio to figure out what he said. Is it cause for concern?” Nedzu asked.
“I don't know. It's definitely not good, that's for sure.” Aizawa sighed into his comm.
“Do you remember what he said?” Nedzu asked, own and paper ready to write it down.
He said, ‘you're probably lying. Everyone else always is, but this time you sound genuine, Eraser’.” Aizawa mentioned.
Nedzu reflected for a second before replying. “Based on my knowledge, there might've been a sort of incident or event that causes him to think like that. Unless it's a series of events that caused this mindset.” Nedzu wrote a few things down.
“His mindset about himself and what others think of him definitely isn't the greatest, I'll say that.” Aizawa said.
“Anyways, I need to get back to patrol. Hope you got enough of what you needed.” Aizawa said, waiting a few seconds for the rodent to reply.
“Indeed, thank you Aizawa-san! Tonight has been a huge help! Have a goodnight!” Nedzu chirped before hanging up the hero comms.
Aizawa got back to his patrol, making a mental note to talk to Zashi about it later.
_____
Izuku was still kind of dazed about what Eraser had said earlier.
Come on, Izuku! Get it together! Izuku quickly stopped all of those thoughts as he climbed onto the roof and towards a scream into another alleyway.
He saw Present Mic running towards the alleyway as well, though he would probably be a few minutes out still.
I guess it was up to Izuku until he got there.
Izuku laid down on his stomach as he watched down and into the alleyway. It was a typical robbery. An older woman was up against the wall, trying to de-escalate the situation.
Izuku watched as the guy raised a bat to the older woman. Luckily for Izuku, it was wood.
Izuku ignored the growing footsteps way behind him as he grabbed three stars from his pocket. He had been practicing the no-reload method more, and was honestly getting pretty good at it.
Izuku sidearmed one of the three stars since he was laying down and couldn't overhand throw.
It hit the bat, though it didn't have enough to knock it out of the guy's hands.
Standing up quickly, Izuku's hiding spot had already been revealed.
Izuku threw a star overhand, which was much more effective and gained much more strength.
It hit the bat, almost knocking it out of the guy's hands, but not entirely.
Izuku quickly threw the third star right after the other, successfully knocking the bat out of his hands.
Izuku jumped down from the roof and rolled, grabbing his metal pipes as he did.
Apparently Present Mic was able to see into the alleyway, but still had some steps to go.
Izuku extended his pipes, and quickly ran ahead to the guy. It seemed like the guy was able to sprout metal from his body.
Starting to use his quirk, Izuku realized this guy injected himself with something. Izuku really didn't want to wait to see what it was, so he quickly jumped onto the wall and behind the guy. Hitting his pressure point as he did, Izuku looked at the half-empty syringe while picking it up.
“That was so cool!” Present Mic yelled while jumping down. He took one look at the syringe Izuku was holding, and took it away.
“You really don't want to touch that listener!” Present Mic yelled while quickly taking it away.
“Hey Present Mic!!! How are you doing?? Also what is it? The guy started injecting himself with it but I knocked him out before he could use the entire syringe.” Izuku mentioned.
How could Present Mic go about this without telling him the whole operation? Eraser head, Loudcloud, Midnight, and Present Mics agency had taken the case on.
“It's a street drug, not very safe!” Present Mic went with. If he was lucky, Jasper would drop it. “Anyways, those were some cool moves! The way you threw those stars with such accuracy! And the pressure point trick!? I know pros who don't know how to safely do that!” Present Mic wanted to switch the subject and see how the kid would react to compliments.
Aizawa told him about what the kid had said, and it was worrisome. Especially for someone who worked around kids and knew how these situations turned out sometimes.
“Thanks! But you don't have to lie.” Izuku stated, mind on other things. Izuku switched the subject back. “Now that I think about it, as soon as he started injecting himself with it his quirk seemingly doubled in strength. Though he did leave himself wide open for an attack while he was injecting himself. Is this the substance that's been creating those instant villains?” Izuku asked, putting the pieces together faster than Present Mic would like.
Luckily he was recording, as Nedzu wanted most or all conversations with Jasper recorded.
“So this drug increases the strength of the quirk and body. I wonder if it enhances the quirk factor or the quirk itself.” Izuku grabbed his notebook and started writing different theories he had and different facts he knew.
“You really shouldn't be delving further into this little listener!” Present Mic tried, he really did.
“Wait, so you do know more about it! What's the name of this substance? Who's running the production and why?” Izuku started writing down some questions before opening his wristband to chrome.
Present Mic knew he was done for when the kid grabbed-. Wait, is that one of those advanced support watches? Did they sell those to the public? Present Mic didn't know.
“I remember hearing the name of an instant villain drug a while back, though I don't know if it's the one I'm looking for.” Izuku told Present Mic.
“I remember hearing about a drug that decreased the ability to make rational decisions, but increased the power and strength of the quirk.” Izuku started searching it up before Present Mic had a chance to stop him.
“Fine!” Present Mic finally relented, hoping this new information would stop Jasper. “It's currently a very dangerous and ongoing investigation. I don't want you getting hurt!” Present Mic did worry about the kid often. Maybe even as much as Shota did sometime.
“I can handle it! Besides, I might be able to help!” Izuku thought for a second. He knew Present Mic probably wasn't allowed to tell him any important information, so he'd lay off for now while he did his own research. That could work! Izuku sighed before talking, adding extra emphasis on his words. “Fine. I'll lay off of it.” He didn't add the for now, though it was probably obvious.
“Thank you!!!” Present Mic yelled while tying the guy up. “S-Eraser would kill me if he found out I told you anything at all!” Present Mic almost slipped up, but quickly covered it up.
“I understand. Eraser would probably lecture me if he knew I fought a guy who tried to use whatever it was.” Izuku ended with a laugh.
“I'm assuming your guy's agency took up the case?” Izuku asked, though he didn't expect an answer.
“I am legally not allowed to tell you any more information! Sorry listener, it's classified!” Present Mic really didn't want this kid to know anymore than he already did.
“That's what I thought.” Izuku sheepishly admitted while rubbing the back of his hood.
“Anyway, I better get going! I'll see you around Mic!” Izuku yelled before catwalking off and back to his apartment.
“Thank you Yamada-kun!” Nedzu stated, randomly popping into Present Mics comms.
“Holy crap! When'd you pop up in my comms?” Present Mic asked.
“Ive been here since you were running into the alleyway. It's been quite a delight listening to your conversation with Jasper!” Nedzu chirped, writing notes about how the whole ordeal went.
“What do you mean?” Yamada asked, confusion in his voice.
“I've learned Jasper is very intelligent from this interaction. He easily pieced information together when he barely knew anything, though you convinced him to stop. I think he would be a very good UA student, though the comment he said when you complimented him is cause for worry. We would be able to provide the resources necessary.” Nedzu mentioned.
“So the offer still stands?” Present Mic asked.
“Indeed! It may take a while for him to come around, but I believe he will.” Nedzu said, having faith in the vigilante.
“Alright! I'm willing to help try to convince him!” Present Mic yelled.
“Thank you, Yamada-kun.” Nedzu hung up the comms, thinking to himself.
For some reason Nedzu had a feeling Jasper wasn't going to just leave this case alone