After the incident that occurred the previous day with the direct attack by the League of Villains, U.A. temporarily closed for security, but that didn't stop what was coming. The news didn't take long to spread nationally. Various news channels covered the event with extensive details: they talked about the motives of the attack, the number of villains involved and how U.A. students valiantly resisted the assault. However, there was one detail that was intentionally omitted in all broadcasts: the true hero of the confrontation who saved everyone.
The official version claimed that All Might was the one who stopped the main leader and finished off the Nomu, the living weapon that had caused the greatest chaos. This was a strategic decision. It wasn't convenient for the world to know that a simple student, someone who hadn't yet graduated, had practically defeated most of the enemies alone... and most alarmingly, that he defeated a creature that had proven to far exceed All Might in brute strength. Revealing something like that would have generated doubts, fear, and above all, international pressure. So, for the sake of stability, the truth was covered up.
However, although the public version was softened, within U.A. they couldn't ignore what had happened. There was an immediate problem that had to be resolved: the immense power shown by Izuku. His intervention not only saved lives, but made it clear he was hiding abilities far above a student's level. That's why, the day after the school's temporary closure, he didn't have classes in the morning; on the contrary, he was called directly to Director Nezu's office, a kind of small modified animal who wanted to talk about the incident.
When he entered, he noticed only the director was there. The room was spacious, decorated with sobriety, and in the center stood out two facing sofas with a glass table between them. On the table, two cups of tea steamed with a familiar aroma, along with a small plate with Izuku's favorite cookies.
Izuku didn't greet upon entering. He simply sat across from the director. He took the cup calmly, tasted it, and nodded slightly.
—As always, bringing me the tea I like. Rei must have given you the recipe to please me —he murmured, sketching a brief smile.
—As always, very perceptive, master. But I could never repeat Rei's recipe, you would notice instantly even if it were so perfect. I only had to create a thermos that would preserve it for many days at the exact point you like, made by her herself —Nezu responded, also smiling as he settled in and offered him more tea.
—As always very ingenious, Nezu —he said, taking a sip of tea calmly—. Before having this pleasant chat... I want to know what happened to the original Nezu.
The warmth lasted little. Izuku changed tone without beating around the bush, his gaze hardened.
The director set down the teapot in silence. His smile disappeared too, and for the first time in a long time, he lowered his gaze a bit.
—He died. It was a serious injury. We were in a safe house... bad idea. The "Apocalypse Fan" organization attacked us without warning. I eliminated them, but he didn't have the same luck. A lightning bolt went through him. I didn't manage to use the recovery machine to save him. I'm sorry, master. But master, there could be a possibility! Couldn't you use your...?
—NO —Izuku said curtly, generating a shockwave that frightened Nezu.
—I see, I'm sorry master for bothering you.
Izuku breathed deeply. He brought the cup to his lips to drink it in one gulp, so that when trying to set it on the table, he used more force than necessary. The porcelain broke into pieces on the glass. Even so, his expression didn't change; it remained serious.
Nezu acted calmly, as if he already expected that type of reaction. He took out a second cup from a small cabinet next to him, and quickly offered it to him.
—Don't worry, I thought you wouldn't do it —Nezu said, with a calm voice while serving tea again—. Thanks to my knowledge... and the use of the "Door to the Beyond," I was able to acquire the necessary memories to pretend to be him in front of everyone. The enemy doesn't know he's dead and we have everything secured. There are no changes to your plan, sir.
—I hope so —Izuku responded, this time taking a more relaxed sip. Then he took a cookie and tasted it—. They're still good...
There was a small silence. Then his gaze became serious again.
—So... tell me, how was my intervention in fighting those villains and the Nomu handled?
Nezu sighed softly with relief, already expecting that question.
—I had to intervene in several things. Thanks to the brainwashing quirk, I was able to erase the memories of all the villains who had any relation or heard about the "Seven Deadly Sins of the End." Even so, the police and teachers asked many questions. Especially regarding you, master...
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We found ourselves in a meeting room the night of the other day, after the incident at the U.S.J. Several U.A. teachers were present, accompanied by police detective Naomasa Tsukauchi. On the table lay folders, half-finished cups of coffee, and faces marked by the tension of the previous day. They talked about everything: the attack, the search for the villain leaders, records found in the security system. But there was one particular topic that left more than one confused...
—Well, that concludes my report —Detective Tsukauchi said, closing his folder with a slight sigh—. Any questions or additional comments about the information presented?
There was a brief silence, until a calm but firm voice rose in the room.
—I do have something to say —Nezu said, without altering his cordial tone, but with a clarity that demanded immediate attention.
Everyone turned toward him, attentive.
—As I've noticed from some of your looks, there's concern not only about the attack itself, but about another matter... the fact that a student recently enrolled this year was able to easily defeat extremely dangerous villains. As if they were leaves swept by the wind. And, even more surprising, he defeated a creature we knew surpassed All Might... without showing serious injuries. I want to hear your opinions.
Everyone adopted a serious expression. Even Aizawa, who despite being bandaged almost from head to toe, moved with surprising normality. It was somewhat strange, considering it was known he had suffered a considerable leg injury and his head had been brutally smashed against the ground by the Nomu. However, when he was picked up, he barely had a slight leg affection and multiple injuries that were treated quickly. A complete miracle. Not like No. 13, who was still in emergency, in critical condition.
—This is outrageous —Vlad King said, arms crossed—. A student shouldn't possess that level of power with his quirk. Not to that degree.
—We agree on that —Midnight intervened with a thoughtful look—. The young man demonstrated abilities never seen before. He sent that creature flying as if it were a rag doll... By the way, speaking of the Nomu... did they manage to find its body?
Tsukauchi nodded slowly as he leafed through his folder.
—Only its head... —he said with a firm voice.
Everyone in the room was startled.
—What...?!!!
—When investigating the hole left in the dome, which although large gave us an approximate trajectory. We initiated an exhaustive search —Tsukauchi explained while leafing through his folder—. It took us quite a while, but we finally found it thanks to an elderly man in Itoigawa, who reported having found "an amorphous thing with a bird beak" in his backyard.
The teachers exchanged glances. Midnight opened her mouth, but took time to articulate words.
—That... that's hundreds of kilometers away. Are you saying the boy threw it all the way to Niigata Prefecture?
—About three hundred thirty kilometers, to be exact —the detective affirmed, closing the folder with a slight sigh—. At first we believed it had left no trace, but during a second aerial review, we detected multiple perforations in a straight line. Holes in mountains, split trees, and body remains scattered among the vegetation. Everything indicated a trajectory of brutal impact.
Silence took over the room. Even Toshinori, normally serene, frowned in sign of surprise.
—When we examined the head, and that barely, it was unrecognizable in several points —Tsukauchi added—. The investigation of its identity is already in process, but in the state it's in and the multiple contaminants that passed through it, this will take a long time to find out.
—Young Himura threw it... with a single punch? To that distance...? —Midnight said, then slowly shook her head, showing she couldn't process what she was hearing.
—Without support, without help from his classmates, only his own strength —Vlad King added, crossing his arms gravely—. That's not something even top-level heroes do daily. It's monstrous.
Snipe removed his hat in sign of respect.
—I didn't think a student could do something like that. What happened goes beyond extraordinary.
—But we're not here to praise him —Aizawa said with a harsh voice, cutting the moment like a knife—. We're here to understand why he's so strong and why does he have combat experience at such a young age?
His serious tone attracted everyone's gazes. Despite his bandages, his presence commanded respect.
—And I believe —he added, slowly crossing his arms— that Director Nezu already has the answer.
Everyone directed their gaze to the small rodent seated at the end of the table. Nezu, with a cup between his paws, maintained composure with a subtle smile... but his eyes shone with dangerous sharpness.
—I'm not surprised you noticed, Professor Aizawa. Always so direct —Nezu responded calmly, leaving the cup on the table—. Yes, I have information I must show you, as a theory of the secret about his power.
At that moment, a screen slowly descended from the ceiling. The room darkened just enough to focus on the projected image. What appeared left several speechless.
The first images showed records, scanned documents, a blurry photo of a modern mansion and a family with two green-haired women.
—Current name: Izuku Himura. Previously registered as Izuku Midoriya. His quirk is "enhancer whips," he has whips that can form multiple shapes and enhance his body when wrapped around it, taking him to overwhelming levels. He comes from a family with great fortune, acquired through strategic ties abroad. An extensive network, with few public traces, which made a formal investigation difficult. One would think he'd have a good life but...
The screen now showed data from a medical device, brain scan images, physical ones and hidden records with very explicit accounts. The lights flickered for a second, as if even the technology tensed at what they were about to see.
—Since he was small, he was discriminated against for apparently not having a quirk. According to medical records. That belief deeply marked his childhood. There are no official documents that confirm it, but multiple sources indicate he was a victim of extreme domestic abuse for several years. Suffering several "attempts" at abandonment, such as possible eliminations of his life. But they cannot be taken as such due to lack of solid evidence. But a single incident was evidenced at age five, where he suffered an accident that involved a possible death in a river by "saving" someone. The details are in the files I shared with you... but that's not the most relevant now —Nezu continued, as the images changed—. What's important comes next.
What was projected next were clippings of old news from England, France and other European countries. The headlines spoke of the capture of terrorist cells and covert operations. A constant in all of them was the mention of an unidentified individual, described as an "illegal hero" or "mysterious vigilante" of a very small size, as if he were a child.
Then, the emblem of the French government appeared along with an official MI6 British seal. The screen showed a classified file with the image of a young man whose face was covered by a white mask. At the top, a name in red stood out:
—He was known as "Quirkless" —Nezu explained with a firm voice—. A vigilante who emerged out of nowhere at different points in Europe. At first, he performed minor actions due to his display of not having a quirk: thwarting robberies, rescuing civilians, delivering humanitarian aid in forgotten areas. But he soon demonstrated abilities out of the ordinary, especially during his intervention against a terrorist cell known as Humarise.
The attention of those present intensified.
—It was an extremist organization, still forming but dangerous —Nezu continued—. They believed quirks were a threat to humanity, and their objective was to eradicate them through attempting to create a poison capable of altering the quirk, overloading it and making it kill its carrier in an atrocious way, according to the experiments found. Young Himura not only discovered them... he infiltrated, gathered critical information and collaborated directly with the British and French governments to dismantle them. He also destroyed all progress of the virus before it fell into the wrong hands.
Nezu paused.
—And all of this... at the age of eleven.
This news left those present frozen, it was truly impressive that only a child could achieve such things.
—But that doesn't explain his level of training —Vlad King intervened with a furrowed brow—. According to the documents you gave us, director, he showed exceptional combat skills even in that brief period helping the governments. Are you telling me he acquired a quirk and became so strong in just one year?
—Of course not —Nezu responded, calmly—. According to school records, Izuku was only officially enrolled in an institution for two years. The rest of his education, since kindergarten, was at home... or so it's believed. Since multiple trips abroad were reviewed using his parents' money, at a very young age, almost 5 years old. Most likely during that time, he escaped from his home due to domestic abuse by his family and someone supported him. We don't have precise data on where he was or if someone instructed him, but from the abilities he has demonstrated, it's clear it wasn't common training. It was methodical, disciplined... a mentally demanding one, perhaps very dangerous. That caused his late awakening.
—I suspected it when I saw him use those black whips with such precision —Aizawa added, with his arms crossed—. I was part of the operation against Humarise. When they assigned me to him, I was impressed by his size... he was a child, and yet he moved like a professional. He swore he had no quirk. I thought his whips were tools, similar to mine. But now... I understand it was his quirk, probably one of the rare cases of late manifestation. I've heard about them: They manifest through excessive stress or danger signals; the power they contain can be overwhelming or harmful to their carrier. I had never seen one in action. Until now.
—A child abandoned by his family, who became strong through his own motivation to stay alive... —Midnight whispered with tears in her eyes as she read the complete report—. Poor thing...
Nezu breathed deeply, and with a serene voice, concluded:
—That's why I ask you not to see him as a threat, nor as a fraud. Izuku Himura is a young man who overcame extreme circumstances, who chose the right path despite having every reason to turn against the world. And that, gentlemen, is admirable. It's our duty as teachers to support him, train him and protect him. Because we should be grateful... very grateful... that his strength was born under the light, and not from hatred or resentment, of this world like those lost young people.
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—Wow, you told them quite a convincing decorated truth —Izuku commented with a slight smile, while taking a sip from his cup calmly.
—It was that... or let them start suspecting why a boy medically diagnosed with factual results as quirkless now has such overwhelming power —Nezu responded with a relaxed tone, as if proud—. I had to alter some medical records to sustain the story, such as through computing to overwrite records of isolated incidents you committed. And I must admit it... it turned out quite believable and impossible to investigate, don't you think, master?
—You surprise me as always. The greatest mind of all doing its thing —Izuku said with a smile—. And what did you tell Toshinori? He's not easy to fool and knows well that I was quirkless.
—I didn't have to tell him much —Nezu said, barely lowering his voice—. He sensed there were lies in the report... from what he already knew about you, of course. But I responded to his doubts with half-truths and well-formed lies, enough to calm him down. I told him you hid it out of fear... for not wanting to relive your past.
—That... has some truth to it —Izuku admitted, without taking his eyes off his cup.
—Although there was something that left me worried —Nezu added, with a more serious expression—. He told me about an event that has been repeating lately.
—What kind of event?
—Toshinori assures he saw something. He doesn't know how to explain it precisely. A presence... an entity. He says it was just an instant, but he felt it clearly. And it wasn't normal. It caused him a fear he hadn't felt since his worst days as a hero. He believes it's dangerous.
Izuku remained silent. He didn't flinch. He just kept drinking his tea calmly, but his gaze became deeper.
—So I gave him an answer that could calm him —Nezu continued—. I told him what he saw was a manifestation of One For All. A kind of echo of the first bearer, which sometimes presents itself when the quirk changes hands. I mentioned that his master had also seen something similar in her time.
—And did he believe it?
—Not entirely. But he didn't ask again. Still... since then I notice him restless. He has that look, as if he knows there's something more... something he can't name. You should be careful about awakening that in front of your new master. Persistent doubts sometimes lead to unnecessary discoveries.
—I told you that, didn't I?
—And I keep remembering it, master.
—Alright, I'll be more careful... —Izuku said calmly—. But changing to a concern, since you're connected to the base... they told me Hinpan Toga would come yesterday to support me, but she didn't appear. Do you know where she is?
—Well, as I understand, her elimination mission is already completely finished. I don't know where she is, but I hope she's not doing anything bad. That young lady is very problematic... hopefully she hasn't destroyed anything —Nezu responded with a worried sigh.
—I don't like destroying things, Mr. Nezu. It's her... I prefer the kitchen. That way I can make delicious things for my Darling —a cheerful voice said, with disconcerting naturalness.
An uncomfortable silence took over the room. No one said a single word for 20 long seconds. And then, without warning, Nezu breathed deeply, carefully set his cup on the table, returned to the sofa and... fell sideways with a dry sound, beginning to convulse with desperation!!
—MR. NEZU!!! —Hinpan screamed with tears in her eyes—. MR. NEZU, PLEASE RESPOND, I DIDN'T MEAN TO BE RUDE!!
She lifted him as if he were a stuffed animal and shook him desperately to wake him, but then realized her mistake upon seeing he couldn't breathe from her strong grip. She released him immediately and fell to her knees, breaking the floor with her incredible strength, while banging her forehead repeatedly, continuing to create large cracks against the floor, without stopping.
—I'm sorry!!... I'm sorry!!... I'm sorry!!... I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention, Mr. Nezu!!... I won't do it again!!
It was a truly unusual scene for anyone who saw it. Seeing Hinpan, a humanoid fox mutant who measured almost three meters tall, cry like a little girl while a tiny Nezu of barely 85 centimeters kept convulsing... was something difficult to process. For Izuku it was the most normal thing of all.
Hinpan (姫般) Toga was a figure difficult to ignore. At almost three meters tall and with a vibrant presence, she had an air of overflowing tenderness that contrasted with her physique, both
shapely and slender in every part, which could be in certain circumstances imposing as well as attractive. Her long, loose hair fell gracefully to her shoulders, decorated with fine green and orange lines that intertwined as if they were part of natural fur.
Her face radiated sweetness, with large eyes framed by thick lashes: one bright golden and the other emerald green, full of life and emotion. Her orange and green fur had a soft, splendid shine, and her smile, although showing fangs, transmitted more affection than threat.
She wore a harmonious combination of functional and delicate clothing, with a fitted jacket, a simple blouse and a pleated skirt that adapted to her animated style. Everything in her outfit highlighted her cheerful nature without being flashy or provocative.
Despite her evident strength, her behavior was that of a kind and effusive girl. She spoke with enthusiasm, sometimes with a soft voice, other times somewhat high-pitched when she got excited. Her innocence and genuine affection for those she loved, especially Izuku, made her seem like someone incapable of malice.
But still... she hid something more. Something deep that Izuku would protect with all his heart. However, this wasn't the moment to think about it. It was time to solve this problem.
—Don't worry, my lady, I'll take care of that —Izuku said calmly, already standing next to a computer Nezu had on his desk.
Hinpan was surprised to see he had left his place so quickly, but upon feeling his hand tenderly drying her tears, she calmed down immediately, lowering her gaze like a scolded girl.
Then Izuku approached Nezu, lifted him by the back of his shirt collar and... gave him such a resounding slap that Hinpan gave a small jump from fright.
—Hey, lab rat, wake up. Stop playing weak —he gave him another slap—. You endured your captors without blinking for a second, you endured indescribable things in that damn laboratory...
—Darling...! —Hinpan tried to intervene, but Izuku didn't answer her.
—...and now you're telling me that one of the most intelligent beings gets scared by a simple little girl? —he gave him another slap, harder—. Answer!
—I woke up with the first one, master! —Nezu growled, with his face red and swollen—. I know I've endured a lot, but this is already unnecessary abuse!
Izuku just smiled, angering Nezu more with his response.
—Sorry. It's just that I wanted to be very sure —Izuku said, releasing him without remorse. Then he turned toward the computer and added naturally—: By the way, your security system was so dangerous that I'm glad it also responded to my biometric identification. If not, we would have had a disaster in this room.
—Hehe. Some things carry my personal touch. They can't be hidden —Nezu responded, still rubbing his cheek, but with his usual cunning smile.
—Well, leaving that aside... Miss Hinpan Toga. Now it's your turn —Izuku said in a tone, now firmer.
Hinpan lowered her head immediately. She knew what was coming; when Izuku said her full name, it was a clear sign of scolding. Her ears folded, and her tail stopped moving while her hands pressed against her skirt.
—I remember having said that tardiness is something I deeply disapprove of. Even if they're people I love... What happened?
His voice was serious, almost cold. Hinpan began to tremble slightly. Her eyes filled with confusion and guilt, it was clearly visible she was searching for the right words, but they didn't come out easily.
—I... I wanted to come back... but... but she got stubborn... and... and you also took too long, so it's also your fault! —she exclaimed suddenly, lowering her gaze and turning her face to one side nervously. Her cheeks puffed up as if trying to contain more words, but immediately she stepped back, covering her mouth with both hands—. A-ah, I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be rude! It's just that... he's also upset with you... so it's also your fault!... Ah! Don't yell at me...!
—Toga! —Izuku said firmly, looking toward her. Causing Hinpan to turn her head with a different look he knew well—. Don't yell at Hinpan. She wasn't at fault for anything. So... learn from your mistake. Or, do you want me to punish you by calling you by your original name?
The room fell into a brief but deep silence. Hinpan, immediately, calmed down. Her ears rose softly again, as she released a long sigh as if the weight on her chest vanished. Izuku just rubbed his forehead with a tired gesture, and then let his shoulders relax.
—I think I should leave now. I've taken too much time in this meeting, and I need to start getting ready for what comes next —he said calmly to head toward the door, and then look at the "three" of them with a smile—. See you soon, Nezu, call me when you see another problem. And... my ladies, you already have my address where I'm living. Please, tell me everything after school, we have much to talk about.
Izuku turned with the intention of leaving, but then felt something soft but firm stop him. It was Hinpan's large hands, holding him delicately, as if fearing to break something valuable. Her ears lowered just a bit, and her eyes—still moist but bright—looked at him with a mix of tenderness and shyness.
—Alright, Darling... but... you're forgetting something. You know... —she whispered with a low voice, almost childish, looking at the floor with palpable sweetness in her expression.
Izuku looked at her in silence. His smile widened softly upon understanding what she was asking, and with a warmth that disarmed, he nodded.
—You're right... our greeting. Sorry for almost forgetting it —he said with a tender voice, causing Hinpan's eyes to light up.
Hinpan, with unusual gentleness for her size, knelt slowly to be at his height. Very carefully, she lifted him in her arms until having him face to face. She smiled sweetly, but contained the emotion in her eyes. Izuku then held her face between his hands, as delicately as if it were made of crystal, and kissed her forehead tenderly. Then, surrounding her as best he could with his arms, he hugged her with sincere strength.
—Welcome home, my lady —he whispered with warm, deep affection, as if those words were his way of protecting her.
Nezu, in a gesture of respect, looked away, allowing them that intimate moment without interruptions.
—("Me too, Darling?")— a soft voice resonated, dark yet dangerous and playful in Izuku's mind. It didn't surprise him; it seemed she was regretful.
—Of course... you too —he responded in a low voice, still hugging her.
And for an instant, everything else ceased to matter.