Chapter 106 - 10-11

Chapter 10: The New Teacher

U.A. was one of the most famous institutions of Japan, thanks mainly to the myriad of heroes it had produced. All Might alone might have launched the school to fame, but the fact it had also been the school of other high-ranking heroes, such as the Number Two Hero Endeavor or the Number Three Best Jeanist, made the institution more than just renowned. It was a place of excellence, and thus somewhere many news networks kept a good eye on. It was thus to be expected they hired John Kent to snoop around.

It was the first time he walked the hallways of U.A. and the fourth time John traversed the land of the rising sun. Next to him, Principal Nezu droned on and on about this or that, all while John took notes.

They had been at it for almost the entire day, moving across every inch of the school and receiving what felt like the entire history of each speckle of dust. Nezu might have allowed a journalist inside his school, but he sure was not about to make it a pleasurable experience. What could have taken three hours had extended over ten. That god-damn sadist Principal…

But John Kent wasn't going to quit. He was promised one hell of a pay if he delivered and by God above he was going to fulfill his mission.

"-and that is why I had to insist on doing the wall over again," concluded Nezu after one of his long tedious stories. "I suppose that would be it, wouldn't it?"

John blinked, staring at Nezu with his pearl blue eyes. He ignored the annoying feeling of his contact lens. He needed them to keep his cover, after all.

"Eh, sorry?" John asked, baffled.

"The tour around the school proper," Nezu stated matter-of-factly. "My, you sure are a persistent one. I didn't expect you to last this long."

I bloody knew it! Mentally swore John.

"Well, I am a professional," boasted John. And I was warned beforehand, he finished in his head.

"That you are, Mr. Wayne" Nezu said. He tilted his head, keeping that creepy smile of his in place "…if that actually is your name."

"Sorry, but secrecy comes with the profession," John rebutted with a shrug. It felt good to have something over the Principal. "If you wish, we could go over my credentials… for the seventh time?"

The two stared at each other. John could see the intelligence shining in those black beady eyes of the Principal, God-Knows what raced across his mind.

"I suppose this is the part we actually meet the students now?" John said with a smirk. "That was the arrangement with my employers, wasn't it?"

Nezu showed no signs of being annoyed, but John suspected that he would need to change his identity and make a run for the airport as soon as he was done there. John was by no means paranoid, but he did not like to stay within the area of influence of a creature so smart that he could easily plan a hit on anyone and make it look like an accident, or worse actually cause a believable accident on someone. Better not to antagonize him further.

"Look, sir, I am just doing my job," John said.

"Yes, your job, just as the other journalists that trespassed a few days ago," hummed Nezu.

John eagerly searched back in his notes. The Wednesday event were of interest to John's employers, as well as a few other things. Nezu had already gone over that event, and in detail, at the start of their tour. The Principal had made it a point to make John suffer the explanation right before going into the school proper.

"Speaking of which, sir, I forgot to ask…" more like Nezu left little chance for John to even make questions "…have you found any suspects on whoever disintegrated your entrance wall?"

"Not yet, but the investigation is still ongoing," replied Nezu. "I am surprised you know about the disintegration of the gate. Neither the police or anyone in my staff mentioned it."

"My employers have their means," said John.

"I suspected as much," Nezu chuckled. "And it is safe to assume your employers want to know if perhaps it wasn't a villain with a vendetta against All Might?"

Leave it to the smartest creature around to figure that one out, thought John.

"You know it," John couldn't help but smile.

"Why, to be truthful I do believe that it was a message against both the school and All Might. However, I do not know whether it was done at a whim or with prior thought. I am led to believe it was more out of impulse," explained Nezu.

Finally, something that he had been paid to learn! John happily wrote down on his little notebook.

"It does sound stupid to just destroy stuff of the people you hate, doesn't it? Especially with such a quirk. A smart man would use the element of surprise," John commented off-handedly.

"Unless the destruction of said stuff was necessary," remarked Nezu.

John frowned, confused. Nezu didn't elaborate, instead giving a damn knowing smile at him. Great, John's employers would not like for him to just leave it at that.

The two made it out of the school grounds. It was well in the afternoon, with the sun nearing the horizon. John mentally swore. He was running out of time, and Nezu knew it.

"Say, All Might isn't anywhere here for an interview, is he?" John asked, a tad desperate.

"I am sorry, but he has been busy today. Being a teacher and mentor is no easy task, after all," Nezu said with a smile. "And no, I will not tell you why All Might decided to teach at this fine institution."

Not that John expected a straight answer from Nezu.

"Not even a hint?" John said. "You know, a few people are worried All Might is thinking about retirement. I just need something to put people at ease…"

"Sorry Mr. Wayne, but I respect the privacy of my fellow teachers. If All Might doesn't wish to comment on his reasoning on accepting my offers to teach here, then I sure won't," said Nezu. "Then again, I might have something to say if you ever visit again…"

John's eyebrow twitched in annoyance. God-damn Principal… of course he wanted John of all people to return. After all, the man had no idea how his employers manage to convince Nezu of all people to give him an actual tour of U.A., but if he had to hazard a guess, he would say assume it probably involved a good chunk of money and the promise to spread the word that U.A. was definitely better than Shiketsu. A second visit would no doubt require pretty much the same.

"I will have to discuss it with my employers," John said noncommittally.

"Well, I think it is time a tour of the dorms," Nezu chuckled, looking at his old-fashioned pocket watch. "My, look at the time! Seems we have run out of time for today!"

You god-damn rodent, bear… thing, mentally swore John, glaring at the Principal.

He nearly rubbed his eyes in frustration, feeling too tired for the Principal's crap. Thankfully, he remembered at the last second that he had his contact lens. John had to be careful, lest one of them dropped and Nezu finally figured out why John's employers had picked him of all people to go to U.A.

"I suppose I will have to come tomorrow…" said an irate John.

"Sorry, but we do not allow outsiders within the school grounds on Sunday," Nezu remarked. "I made that clear to your employers."

"You also agreed to give me a full tour," John pointed out. "And you left a bit out."

"Oh, I did say I would try, but apparently doing a full tour might take more than one day. After all, this school is a fine institution with many specialized facilities that-" and on he went, going over and over how great the school was. Nezu was no doubt trying to get under John's skin.

As he was forced to listen yet more about the school, unable to stop the Principal's new monologue, John thought about his mission.

After All Might announced (or rather it was discovered) that he would be teaching at U.A. the world was left in a strange state of confusion. It had been so sudden and unexpected, everyone rushed for answers. Was All Might retiring soon? Had something happened to the Number One Hero? Had All Might decided to settle down?

It wasn't that Pro-Heroes couldn't be teachers and heroes at the same time. In fact, it was far more common than people thought. The issue here was that, firstly, All Might had never shown any predilection to doing anything other than hero work. In fact, people thought All Might made it a mission to be a constant inspiration and stalwart defender of peace and justice. Secondly, the shift was a tad too sudden, and people's imagination immediately went wild with theories and speculations. It was no surprise that a small army of journalists had rushed to U.A.

Hence, John Kent, owner of the unique quirk Power Vision, had been hired to find answers. As a person who could literally "see" quirks, he had the ability to dig up a good lot of secrets at first glance. For starters, he could tell when someone was weakened. Secondly, and more importantly, by just looking at his targets, John could easily determine if there was any blood ties between people.

His quirk wasn't perfect, though. He could get many things wrong, and sometimes a quirk was just too strange or confusing for Kent to draw any conclusions. It was hard to explain how one saw a quirk. If John had to describe it, he would say it was as hard as describing a new color to people: it was just impossible. Additionally, he couldn't tell what a quirk did, thus aside from whatever controversies he could dig up, it was pretty useless.

The first time John had gone to Japan, it had been to dig information on All Might. He could still remember the first time he saw that hero's quirk. It was like nothing he had ever witnessed. All Might's quirk was like a thousand - no a million - lighting bolts compressed inside a man, shining and spinning on each other and emitting a unique aurora borealis. The one thing John did not understand about All Might's quirk were the eight swirling colors. He had never seen that many in a quirk.

So there he was, hired to use his quirk on students and teachers alike and try to assess if, perhaps, some of the conspiracies of All Might having a kid weren't unfounded. If he also got intel on any prospective hero, then he would also get an extra.

His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a loud groan and a student stumbling onto them. John blinked at the newcomer, surprised. She was a petite rabbit girl, with grey fur and pretty eyes. She looked like she had been roughened up. Just what manner of training were the students doing?

"Izumi," Nezu called, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"Principal, sir, just finished at the fighting room B," groaned the girl. "You wouldn't happen to know where Recovery Girl is, would you?"

"If she isn't at her office, then she probably is at the teachers' longue. Now move along," Nezu said.

Breaking out of his stupor, John decided to use his quirk on the girl. This was the tenth student he had come across by accident, most of whom had been using one of U.A. training facilities inside the main building. John froze at what he saw.

It was impossible. Her quirk… it was just like All Might's! It wasn't exactly like his, though. The more he stared, the more he made out differences, differences he tried to burn into his memory.

"Are you alright, Mr. Wayne?" Asked Nezu with a raised eyebrow.

"Oh, it's just… she look's…" mumbled the man. "Man, I have never seen such a cute mutant quirk before."

It was a lie, but it was the first thing to come to mind.

"Shall we continue?" Nezu inquired.

John Kent slowly nodded. He was still reeling at what he had discovered. It was the mother load, the news of the century! John Kent would get filthy rich with that piece of information. This couldn't get any better.

Now that he had uncovered the truth, John couldn't wait to leave. However, if he hurried away or acted hasty, Nezu would no doubt figure him out. No, John had to play it safe and allow for the Principal to continue his tour.

"I don't think we have enough time to visit the students' dorms, but maybe you'd like to check out the area?" Proposed Nezu.

John wasn't that enthusiastic about it. All Might was not going to be there, if he was still working or whatever, so what was the point? Still, he nodded and walked next to the tiny Principal and onto a paved walkway.

Under the fresh evening air, instead of feeling refreshed, John only grew impatient. He couldn't wait to return back to his employers and inform them of his discovery.

Admittedly, the large area dedicated to the dormitories was vast, almost like a small neighborhood of its own. Large square structures housed entire classes of students each, and not only from the Hero Course. Truly, U.A. counted with quite the funding for such things. Speaking of funding, John had to start thinking what he would do with all the money he would get from his little discovery.

It was as Nezu regaled John once again with one of his long-winded monologues, that John spotted a peculiar pair of people across the narrow street between two dormitories. At first, he didn't pay them much mind, until they got closer.

John blinked unable to believe what he was seeing. Could lighting truly strike twice? Not far, in front of one of the dorms, was Eraserhead. John was familiar enough with him. However, it was the person next to him that really caught his attention.

"Wait, is that…?" John trailed off, until it suddenly clicked.

"Oh that? Yes, we are going to have a new teacher," Nezu remarked conspiratorially.

Perhaps the Principal had planned to use John's tour as a way to spread the word of the new unexpected teacher. Maybe John should have taken note of that. However, at the moment, John wasn't paying attention to that. He activated his quirk, eager to confirm something. John Kent's mouth fell agape. Forget mother load, he had discovered the scandal of the millennia!

-‐-‐-

There were few sacred things in life. For Izuku, his All Might collectors' stuff fell into that category. As he learned that day, Sunday mornings were equally sacred and meant for sleep. How he had managed to trudge out of bed that early? He had no idea, but he managed all together, even if he was barely able to keep his eyes open or stand.

Izumi left the girls' dormitory. It was still night and the air was rather chilly. She hurried to her destination, wearing the same clothes she had for the Entrance Exam. A part of her was nervous about meeting this new mentor of hers, another just wanted to return to her bed and sleep.

The rabbit girl found Ground Omega easy enough. A large forest area cut off from civilization and surrounded by walls, Izumi was surprised she would be training there. Then again, it was a perfectly secluded battleground.

Standing at the gate and waiting for her was All Might. He was in his muscular form, what was curious enough. Other than that, he appeared to be unaffected by just how early it was. Did all heroes start their days so early?

"Young Izumi, glad you could make it!" Laughed All Might. "You look like the bed had to spit you out."

"It might as well," grumbled Izumi. She stifled a yawn and rubbed her eyes. "Alright, I'm here. Now what?"

"Ah, are you ready, Young Izumi? Today shall be a test of your mettle, courage and determination!" All Might chuckled.

"Urgh?" A sleepy Izumi groaned. She just wanted to get it over with.

"Come on, young Izumi! You better wake up or your new mentor will be most displeased!" Laughed the man.

"Just who starts their day at this god-forsaken hour, All Might?" Grumbled Izumi.

"Oh, you're about to find out!" said the Number One Hero

All Might led Izumi into Ground Omega, straight into the forest. Made of tall lush trees, Izumi was filled by the smell of vegetation, from ferns and moist bark to wet grass. Her ears, on the other hand, picked little to no sound. Apparently, nature had more sense than certain Pro-Heroes.

The duo didn't have to walk far. Up ahead, Izumi made the silhouette of a person who was, by the looks of it, stretching. Izumi squinted at the person as they got closer.

It was definitely a woman, clad in a tight sweatshirt and black shorts. Then, as he got less than ten feet away, Izumi managed to make out her white hair… and rabbit ears? Izumi's eyes widened and it all clicked in her mind. Even if her back was turn to them, Izumi could recognize that hero anywhere. That and the rabbit tail was also a dead giveaway.

"Usagiyama, here we are!" Proclaimed All Might with his usual liveliness.

"It was about time you finally made-" the woman said, turning around, only to freeze.

Izumi and the woman stared at one another, before pointing a finger at each other.

"Holy cheese and carrots!" Rumi and Izumi exclaimed in unison.

All Might glanced between the two, frowning.

"Miruko? You are my new teacher? What are you doing here? Wait, did you take the job because of all that controversy back in Hiroshima?" Spluttered Izumi, unable to believe it.

The Number Six Hero, the Rabbit Hero Miruko, was Izumi's new teacher? Although Izumi could understand the reasoning behind having such a hero tutor a fellow rabbit person, Izumi did not believe Miruko of all people could be convinced to teach, much less drop her position at Hiroshima.

"Alright, hold up lil' bunny. Let's rewind a bit," Miruko said, sounding just as shocked. "What the hell?"

Both Izumi and All Might tilted their heads to the right, confused.

"You look like my Aunt!" Miruko said in disbelief.

Before Izumi could react, Miruko dashed towards Izumi, only to stand looming over the teenager. The heroine proceeded to study the poor rabbit girl, going as far as holding her face so she could see Izumi better. Miruko's ruby eyes were filled with confusion and frustration.

"You even have her same eyes!" Miruko exclaimed, shocked.

She released Izumi, gob smacked. All Might and Izumi traded perplexed faces, before replying at the same time.

"She does?" "I do?"

Seriously, wasn't Izumi supposed to be the one flabbergasted by the situation here?

"Yeah!" Miruko said. "What the hell?!"

"Eh…" All Might and Izumi weren't sure how to respond.

"Perhaps you should explain the full truth, young Midoriya," All Might awkwardly said with an awkward cough.

"Midoriya?" Miruko asked, sounding more annoyed than confused. Apparently, the rabbit woman wasn't pleased about being out of the loop.

"Remember that little bit that Izumi is part of the Secret Identity Program?" All Might started saying. "Well, the reason is…" he trailed off, urging Izumi to continue with a look.

However, Izumi was still reeling by meeting Miruko of all people and the fact that she seemed to resemble a relative of hers. Miruko, on the other hand, seemed to furiously connect things and, all of a sudden, she appeared to have drawn her own conclusions.

"Holy shit! She's your daughter! I knew it! That's why you asked for special training and that autograph for her. Holy crap that also means…" Miruko gasped, only to glare murderously at All Might. "You slept my aunt!"

Miruko paused, only to frown and stroke her chin, once again utterly bewildered.

"Now, I don't know whether I should be pissed off or congratulate auntie," wondered Rumi. She shrugged. "Pissed off it is, I guess."

"What? No!" Exclaimed All Might, panicking. "You are mistaken!"

But no matter how much he desperately tried to reason with the rabbit hero, Miruko wasn't having any of it.

"Number One Hero or not I am going to neuter you, you hear me?" Growled Miruko.

All Might squawked in fright as the rabbit woman cracked her knuckles.

"Wait!" Said Izumi, stepping between the two Pro-Heroes. "I am not your neph- niece."

Miruko raised an eyebrow. She still looked poised to reap All Might a new one.

"My real name… my full name is Izuku Midoriya," sighed Izumi. "Yes, I know, that's a boy's name."

Miruko frowned at Izumi.

"That's because I… well… I was born a boy," said Izumi. "Look, I know, it's weird, but I have the ability to – ehm – switch between this form and this other human form."

Miruko folded her arms. She didn't look impressed.

"Alright, show me that other form," she demanded.

Izumi sighed and did as told. Her clothing thankfully was baggy enough for Izuku to fit in perfectly. Once the Pro-Hero had taken a good look at Izuku, he reverted back to his rabbit form.

"Huh, so… we aren't related?" Miruko asked.

Huh, she isn't weirded out that I change sexes? Izumi wondered.

"I don't know," Izumi shrugged. "Neither my dad nor mom have quirks that are rabbit related. The same for my grandparents as far as I know. Mom was trying to see if she could find anything about my great-grandparents but it is kind of a work in progress."

Miruko wasn't convinced though. She seemed, however, too frustrated to care anymore.

"You know what? I don't care. You are here to train, am I right?" Miruko asked.

"Ehm… yes?" Izumi timidly answered. She hadn't expected such a quick shift in the conversation.

"What's that? Just a yes? Kid, your daddy there personally requested for me to train you – Me! The Number Six Hero - and you just give me a yes?" Miruko taunted with a smirk.

Izumi scowled and clenched her fists. Meanwhile, All Might spluttered incoherently next to Izumi, trying to clarify that he was not Izumi's father.

"Yes, I am here to train," Izumi said more vehemently. "So let's do this."

"Better, but still pathetic," Miruko said. "Seriously, this is so weird. It's like training a younger version of my aunt. I'll need to give auntie a call." She squinted at All Might, who innocently looked away. "I'd like to hear the truth from her."

"Ehm… Miruko, you wouldn't mind me asking but why-?" Izumi started.

"-Did I accept your dad's offer? Why the hell not," Scoffed Miruko. "Half that city of ingrates are still riled up over that tiny incident the other day and I just need all of that to blow over. There's also the thing that your dad was the one to make the request and, hey, who doesn't want the Number One Hero owing you a good lot of favors?"

"He's not my dad," clarified Izumi.

"I don't know about that. There's clearly something between the two. There's no way someone like All Might would go out of their way to convince me to train you otherwise," Miruko countered. "And I bet you are the reason is teaching at U.A."

Izumi and All Might stared at her.

"Geez, do I look like an idiot? It can't be a coincidence that Numero Uno over there joined the school's staff just when you, lil' bunny, got in," scoffed Miruko. "And do you know what? I don't give a damn. Power to you. I am just trying to have a break from all those assholes at Hiroshima."

Izumi turned towards All Might and raised an eyebrow. Now that the rabbit woman mentioned it, what had All Might promised or done to get Miruko of all people to train her?

"You have to thank my secretary, though. She's the one who convinced me to come here," admitted Miruko. "Something about improving my image around kids or something like that. Don't know, don't care. So, are we going to have some fun or what?"

"You have a secretary?" Both All Might and Izumi chorused with the same look of confusion.

"Are you sure you aren't related?" Wondered an annoyed Miruko. She drummed her feet against the ground, impatient.

"Absolutely," replied the other two at the same time.

"Yes, I have a secretary," Miruko huffed, only to grin. "And hey, now that you mention her, you'll probably like her. I bet you'll both get along just fine, especially when you intern with me."

"I am going to do what now?" Izumi asked, confused.

All Might started whistling next to her and slowly stepped away.

"Wait a minute…" Izumi looked at the Number One Hero.

"Oh my, look at the time!" All Might laughed, looking at his bare wrist. "Good luck with your training, Izumi!"

"Hold on, All Might-" Izumi called, but it was too late.

All Might vanished in thin air, gone with the wind.

"Shall we get started then?"

Izumi slowly turned back Miruko. For some reason, the rabbit woman was smirking, all while stretching her muscular legs and flexing her arms. There was something in those ruby eyes of hers, and that smile… yeah, this was going to hurt.

I am definitely going to have a word or two with All Might,mentally muttered Izumi.

-‐-‐-

Sundays were an odd day for most students. It was relaxing, for there were no school, but they were rather stressful for they were the day before the start of a new week. It was a day of last-minute studying and homework completion. For Ochaco, it was absolutely frustrating just how quickly the entire weekend flew past her eyes.

The petite brunette walked up the concrete path towards the girls' dorm, leaving the school's massive gym. She kept rubbing her sweaty forehead, her entire body had reddened with exercise and she felt hot and uncomfortable. Ochaco desperately craved for a much needed bath.

Truth to be told, Ochaco had yet to finish her homework as she had been unable to complete any. Instead, she had decided to go and do some exercise to try and clear her mind of her most recent problems. It had worked while she had focused on her workout, but once she stepped out of the gym, Ochaco found all of her previous thoughts flood into her mind, unbidden.

Perhaps it was the fact Ochaco had seen little of Izumi that weekend, or maybe she still felt guilty for not talking, or even texting, to her friend. Whatever the case, Ochaco felt remorseful. Then again, thoughts on the rabbit girl brought a wave of emotions Ochaco was starting to get annoyed at.

Come on, Ochaco, focus on your career, she told herself.

It was easier said than done, unfortunately.

Other students could be seen hanging around the dorms. Some were exercising, while other students were fooling around in groups. All in all, it was a lively Sunday and everyone was making the best out of it. There were even those having an impromptu picnic. With such a fine day, Ochaco wasn't surprised. The one student she wondered about, however, was nowhere in sight.

Thankfully, as if answering her mental inquiries, she came across Izumi.

When Ochaco was halfway to the dorms, she spotted a familiar rabbit girl trudging down a path that led to the battle grounds. Ochaco paused, staring at her friend. Had Izumi gone training at a particular school ground? She felt a pang of something at not being asked along, something she quashed deep in her gut.

Izumi has a right to do her own thing, Ochaco told herself. Just because we are friends doesn't mean I should snoop around her business…

Yet she really would have liked to have trained with Izumi that lovely day, or just hanged out.

Ochaco shook her head and hurried towards Izumi.

"Hey, Izumi!" Ochaco called, grinning.

The rabbit girl slowly turned back, looking dead beat, only for her eyes to widen and a smile to form on the rabbit girl's face. It was almost as if seeing Ochaco had revitalized her. Ochaco, on her part, was rather surprised she hadn't become a spluttering mess near Izumi, all things considered.

"Hey, Ochaco!" Called the rabbit girl.

"You look terrible," Ochaco commented once she caught up with Izumi. "What have you been doing?"

"Oh, you know… training," Izumi said, only to groan and stop walking. She massaged her legs. "Yesterday was my arms and now my legs… tomorrow I am going to know the meaning of pain."

Ochaco giggled at her friend's antics.

"It can't be that bad. What have you been doing exactly? Trying to push your quirk's limit?" She wondered.

"Survive," a haunted Izumi whispered. "I just tried to make it alive…"

Ochaco blinked at Izumi, who stared off dead ahead with a look of reliving past trauma.

"Right," Ochaco slowly said.

"Hey, Ochaco?" Mumbled Izumi, looking at her feet and twiddling her thumbs

"Yes?" Ochaco replied.

"I'm sorry," sighed Izumi.

"For what?" Wondered the brunette.

"For… y'know… embarrassing you," awkwardly said Izumi. "You know, yesterday after the sleepover."

Ochaco blushed and bit her lip. She didn't feel any regrets about what happened. She wasn't about to admit it aloud, however.

"There's nothing to forgive, Izumi," chuckled Ochaco. "It just happened, right?"

"Still, Ashido and others won't live it down, will it? You don't deserve that," Izumi remarked.

"Who cares? We had fun and we just woke up in a compromising position. There's no big deal," Ochaco said, even though she actually felt rather differently about what had happened.

"Still I-I'm sorry," apologized Izumi.

Ochaco felt her heart flutter as Izumi's ears dropped and her amethyst eyes glistened with sorrow. Why was Izumi taking something so mundane in such a manner?

"Hey, it's fine!" Ochaco insisted. "That sort of thing happens! It was an innocent hug, that's all."

"Really?" Izumi wondered, unsure.

"Yes!" Ochaco laughed. "Or do you think the school also prohibits hugging, especially when asleep?"

Izumi wasn't so convinced that the school actually didn't ban such things. She still looked rather anxious.

"I don't know, maybe Midnight suddenly shows up and tell us that there is a proper distance we need to respect," Izumi joked half-heartedly.

Ochaco laughed at such a notion. She wouldn't have been that surprised, though. U.A. really had quite the strict policies when it came to inter-student relationships.

"Really Izumi, it wasn't a big deal," insisted the brunette. "The girls just like teasing us. They don't really mean anything by it. If being so physically close between girls was such a big thing they would be implying Momo has a thing for you. Actually, I am sure most girls wouldn't mind having you for a body pillow."

Izumi scowled and Ochaco laughed. Deep down, the brunette had to admit she was between those that wanted an Izumi body pillow, or rather the real thing.

"It can't be helped!" Ochaco giggled. "You are fluffy and adorable."

Her heart constricted painfully at that and she felt her blood run hot at the admission. Why did such a thing occur when Ochaco had already called Izumi adorable? She had no idea, but it happened nonetheless.

"So… things are alright between us?" Worriedly asked Izumi.

"Of course!" Ochaco nodded. "You won't get rid of me that easily, rabbit girl."

Izumi grinned and her amethyst eyes brightened, sending a shiver down Ochaco's spine.

"Thanks, Infinity Girl. I just… needed to hear that," admitted Izumi with a flustered look on her face. "Never had many friends… or any to being with… so I am a bit afraid I am going to mess up or something."

"You don't have anything to worry about. Just be yourself, Izumi," Ochaco said, placing a hand on the rabbit girl's shoulder. "That's more than enough."

Instead of reassuring the rabbit girl, Ochaco's words appeared to give Izumi pause. Izumi stopped walking, looking constipated, or was she looking ashamed of something? Izumi nervously wrung her hands and opened her mouth to say something. However, her words died on her lips and she remained silent. It was as if she had wanted to tell Ochaco something… but what?

"Are you alright?" Ochaco asked.

"Y-yes, just… tired," Izumi mumbled, looking at her feet.

As if to make a point, Izumi suddenly yawned. Ochaco had to restrain herself from cooing. The way Izumi opened her mouth and then slowly blinked, trying to shake off the sleep, was way too adorable. Seriously, it should be a crime to be so cute.

"I feel like I could drop dead at any moment," mused Izumi, yawning once again.

Ochaco looked around them. She noticed the large fields of grass between the dorms. Many students appeared to busy themselves there, goofing around or just hanging with each other. There was an ideal spot, however, with a few trees that was perfect to lay on.

The weekend was almost over and Ochaco regretted ignoring Izumi, maybe she could make up for lost time?

"We could hang out here if you want," Ochaco proposed.

Izumi looked around and appeared to consider it. She yawned a third time and Ochaco decided to take matters on her own hands.

"Let's just relax a bit," Ochaco decided. "You know, before we face the music at the dorms."

That convinced Izumi, who tiredly nodded. The pair walked towards the grass, stretching a bit, before plopping down

"Man, this feels amazing!" Said Izumi, laying on her back.

"It's a beautiful day, isn't it?" Ochaco commented.

Here we are, two friends just hanging out, Ochaco told herself. There's nothing more to it… yes, nothing more to it.

As the brunette tried to convince herself of that, she realized that the two friends were now just laying around, an awkward silence hanging around them. She stared at the cotton clouds above and an idea popped into her mind.

"Have you ever played Cloud Shapes before?"

"Cloud shapes?" Wondered Izumi.

"Yeah! You know, when you were little," Ochaco excitedly said. Apparently, by the rabbit girl's confused stare, Izumi hadn't enjoyed a relaxing day watching clouds. "Oh, it goes like this: we look at the clouds and try to find the one that looks the yummiest."

"That sounds like something you'd enjoy," Izumi giggled. "You sure you want to play that? We are close to lunch."

"All the more reason!" Ochaco chuckled. "We'll return to the dorms with an appetite."

"Sounds fine by me," Izuku mused. "Alright, how do we do this? Do we take turns?"

"Yeah, I go first," Ochaco said.

She hummed and studied the many passing clouds. Her eyes landed on a rather long one and she grinned.

"That one," Ochaco said, pointing at her chosen cloud. "It looks like a chicken wing."

"A chicken wing?" Izumi squinted at the heavens. "It looks like a carrot to me."

A carrot? Seriously? Ochaco laughed at that. Go figure a rabbit girl would start seeing carrots in the sky.

"Alright, you go next," urged the brunette.

"Hmmmm…" Izumi looked at the sky for a while, before grinning and pointing to another cloud. "That one, it looks like lettuce."

"Lettuce? Izumi, that one looks like Mochi!" Laughed Ochaco. "And we are looking for yummy food!"

"Lettuce is more than tasty enough," argued Izumi.

Ochaco snickered and shook her head. She didn't comment further, though. Perhaps it was a rabbit thing.

"Alright, now I see… uh, a bowl of rice!" Said Ochaco.

"Nah, that's definitely broccoli. Look, you can see the stalk and everything."

"Broccoli? Yuck. Hey, what about that one? That's definitely a steak."

"I see hard squash," yawned Izumi.

"Seriously Izumi? You see all sorts of vegetables!" Ochaco laughed. "I think you might have a vegetarian stuck in you, perhaps for obvious reasons. Hey, does that mean you don't like things with meat?"

Silence. Ochaco blinked, confused, and turned to her friend.

"Izumi?" Ochaco called, only to pause and stare at the rabbit girl.

Izumi had fallen asleep. She must have been really tired to fall deep into slumber like that. However, at the moment, Ochaco could only stare at the cute lagomorph girl. Izumi hadn't just dozed off, she had curled up in a fluffy ball next to Ochaco. At that moment, she resembled a rabbit more so than a person.

Ochaco stared at her friend, pondering what she should do. A part of her wanted to wake her up and go to the dorm, if only so that Izumi could take a much needed nap. At the same time, she didn't want to disturb her. She looked so peaceful… and then there was that part of her that wanted to pet Izumi.

For a brief moment of temptation, Ochaco raised a hand and hovered it over Izumi's head. The rabbit girl must have felt something, for her ears twitched and Izumi huddled into a tighter ball of fluff and cuteness. Ochaco bit her lip, wrestling with herself.

I shouldn't treat her like a pet, Ochaco thought. And yet, it was so easy to just caress her, to feel Izumi's soft fur.

To scratch or not to scratch? That was the question. Izumi's cuteness wasn't making it easy. It was no wonder girls like Momo treated Izumi like a plushy at times.

Come on, Ochaco, think about Izumi. Does she want to be treated like a domesticate bunny? the brunette said.

Finally, Ochaco sighed and gained the strength to control herself. Instead of petting the rabbit girl, her hand went to Izumi's shoulder and gently shook her up.

"Huh?" Mumbled a sleepy Izumi.

"You fell asleep," stated Ochaco.

"Oh… sorry about that," slurred the rabbit girl.

With some effort, Izumi and Ochaco rose to their feet and returned to the dorms. They didn't say anything on their way there, with Izumi being way too exhausted to utter anything comprehensible and Ochaco still thinking about a sleeping Izumi. Once at the dorms, they each split to their own rooms, earning little to no attention from the other girls, probably already bored of teasing the brunette and rabbit girl more than enough the day prior.

When Ochaco made it to her room, she didn't go to her wardrobe to pick clothing for a quick bath. Instead, she stood there, leaning against the door.

"Well, it is obvious I don't just like Izumi…" she said.

Immediately, Ochaco jumped on her bed and screamed in frustration against a pillow.

"…I have a crush the size of a sun!" Whined the girl.

What in the world was she going to do with that confirmation?

Chapter 11: Calm Before the Storm

The countryside had always been an oddity for Inko Midoriya. For most, if not her entire life, Inko had stuck to the cities. In the last years, she had only travelled from urban area to urban area, if she had ever travelled at all. Seeing the vast fields, small forests… it was rather strange. At the same time, it felt nice.

At the moment, Inko felt like she was off to some grand adventure. Walking down a dirt road, between rows of trees, there was something ominous about trekking beneath the shade. Perhaps Inko was merely worried about the upcoming meeting, or the fact she was unused to such surroundings. Regardless, Inko was starting to get a bad feeling about her journey.

The dirt road led Inko to her destination: a small shop. Barely a wooden building, the shop offered all sorts of refreshments, candies and even gifts. There were fridge-magnets, trinkets and a few colorful earrings. Inko's attention, though, didn't linger on the place. Rather, her green eyes wandered off across the road, to a bench, occupied by two people: her parents.

Inko felt her heart skip a beat as she saw the pair. Old and grey-haired, they both wore straw hats, colorful shirts and baggy pants. They didn't have many wrinkles and might have been mistaken for a younger couple, yet their movements weren't fluid and there was a certain rigidity whenever they raised their tea cups to their mouths. Behind them, leaning against a tree, was their old battered motorcycle and their suitcase.

"Hey, bunbun, over here!" Called her father.

Inko smiled and hurried towards the couple. The elders stood up (with some visible effort) and hugged their daughter. It was a merry reunion, all laugh and smiles.

"Dear, you are supposed to want us long gone, not track us down across Japan," laughed Inko's mother.

"I'd never want that!" Said a scandalized Inko.

"Nah, you're too nice," chuckled her father. "We raised you way too straight and uptight, I'll say."

"Oh stop it, dear" chided her mother.

It was as they stepped away from each other that Inko took note of their height. She had always been rather short in comparison to her peers, however she had never questioned the fact both her mother and father were a head taller each, even in their old age. Why was she noticing that just now? Oh, she knew alright, but feared to even admit it.

"So you finally made it. We actually thought you'd get lost, didn't we love?" Her father joked.

"Of course not," harrumphed her mother. She did look like she was lying, though.

"Come on, let us sit down, bunbun," her father cheerfully said. "Dear God, I love this. The nature… the wild…"

The three sat by the bench, enjoying a moment under the shade of the trees and the gentle touch of the wind. Inko almost felt like she was back like her family used to be. Almost.

"What brought you here, bunbun?" Her father asked after a while.

"I just... wanted to see you, that's all," mumbled Inko.

"Come on, bunbun, you've never been the adventurous type," her mother pointed out. "Speaking of adventurous… how did you find us?"

"Yeah, we kind of lost our phone two villages back," wondered Inko's father.

"Your old friend Yamato had a good guess where you would be. All I had to do afterwards was call search for the cheapest bed and breakfasts along the way and ask for you two," said Inko.

"Should have never told Old Yama about this journey," grumbled Inko's father.

"Why didn't you tell me where you were headed?" Asked Inko, wringing her hands.

She didn't wish to have ill-thoughts about her parents, but to her it felt like they were abandoning her.

"We've told you already, dear. We don't wish to bother you," softly said her mother.

"We are in the twilight of our lives, bunbun," sighed her father. "Any moment now one of us will drop dead…"

"…and the other will follow no soon after," finished her mother.

The two squeezed their hands with comfort. Although it was nice to see them still so close and loving towards each other, the resignation and defeat in their faces made Inko's heart ache.

"Don't say that! People live up to a lot longer nowadays and you're not that old," Inko protested.

"No… but past life choices are coming back to haunt us," muttered her father.

Inko bit her lips, unsure. Should she bother or pester them further? She already felt bad enough for interrupting their little getaway, but knowing that she might actually be part of those past choices going after them…

No, think about Izuku, she thought. He deserves to know.

It was with thoughts of her son that she steeled herself and mustered her courage. Besides, she had come that far. Better not to return empty-handed.

"Don't pity us, bunbun," said her father, interrupting her thoughts.

"Yes, we lived a great fun life," added her mother.

"We've made mistakes… a shit-ton of them… but over all, it was freaking worth it," grumbled her father.

"Dad," gasped Inko, scandalized.

"You're no longer a little girl, bunbun," chuckled her father.

Inko did not get the impression either of her parents were truly trying to enjoy their last decade or less of life. To her, it looked more as if they were escaping something. Perhaps the looming realization that death wasn't that far was affecting them a lot more than Inko had first thought.

"Y-you should have stayed in Mustafu. Izuku barely knows you as it is. He would have loved to have his family there…" Inko said. And so would have Inko.

There were times, especially after Izuku had been diagnosed as quirkless, that she felt as if her parents had run off, unwilling to help her. They had showed up a couple of times, but it all felt… awful, as if they were doing the bare minimum. Then again, Inko, probably much like Izuku, had held her problems too close to her chest and rarely opened up to her parents. Perhaps they really believed that Inko and Izuku weren't having such a rough time and they weren't needed.

"I think it would be best if he knows as little of us as possible," said her father with a grimace.

"The less he knows about us, the less he'll mourn us," sighed her mother.

Inko felt terrible. Just why were her parents so fatalistic? Why were they treating the journey as if it may be their last? A horrible possibility struck her that perhaps that one of her parents had actually been diagnosed with a terminal disease and they didn't want to say anything.

"Let us no beat around the bush, bunbun," her mother said. "Why did you come to us?"

Well, it was time to get some answers.

"I-I am trying to figure something out," admitted Inko.

She noticed the way her parents exchanged worried and knowing looks. Inko wrung her hands. She didn't want to assume, but it felt like her parents were hiding something. She looked around, before biting her lip.

"It's about… well… Izuku," mumbled Inko.

"What about our grandson?" worriedly ask her mother.

"Well… how to explain this?" Inko bit her lip. "Izuku has – ehm – manifested a quirk."

Her parents gasped, shocked. A smile formed on their faces, delighted by the news.

"Thing is… it doesn't make sense," Inko carried on.

Something passed before the eyes of her parents. They glanced at each other, a knowing look flashing ever so quickly. Inko played it as if she hadn't noticed. Something about the whole thing was starting to worry her.

"In what way?" Slowly asked her father.

"Well, it is completely unrelated to anyone in the family," stated Inko. "It wouldn't be so strange if he wasn't a fourth generation quirk-user. There generally has to be someone quirkless in the bloodline for a random quirk to show up… at least in most cases."

"Oh dear," grumbled her mother.

Her father grabbed her mother's hand reassuringly.

"Could you give us some more details, bunbun?" Inko's father stated.

"Alright, Izuku can… well… he can transform into a rabbit girl."

The reaction was immediate. The two elders gasped, horrified. They immediately scowled. Inko's mother looked absolutely devastated by the news while her father gritted his teeth.

"God damn it," muttered her father. "Of course that had to happen."

Oh no, this isn't good, mentally worried Inko. Just as she had suspected Izuku's surprise quirk actually had an explanation behind it.

"Alright, bunbun, you'll want a drink or two for this," grumbled her father.

"Th-that bad, huh?" said Inko, trying to force a smile.

However, both her parents didn't look at all happy. In fact, they had an air of resignation hanging around them. They actually looked like two escapees who had been caught by the law.

Inko was not looking forward to this.

-…-

It was Monday, and thus the beginning of a new week in U.A. Students laughed and enjoyed their high school time before the first bell, all while they went towards their classrooms. Everyone looked content. To her own surprise, Izumi felt strangely full of energy and lively. She felt no pains or sore muscles, a miracle no doubt but Izumi was not about to complain. However, something strange had happened that morning.

The little rabbit girl entered the classroom next to a chirpy Ochaco. Most of their classmates were already in attendance, clustered in groups. The pair ignored most of their peers and went straight towards a seated Iida.

"Greetings Izumi, Ochaco" greeted Iida politely, only to frown at Izumi. "I do not wish to sound rude but there is something…"

"Different? Yeah, I don't know," nodded Izumi. "Ochaco said the same thing."

"I swear you look taller," Ochaco said, trying to make rough height comparisons with her hands. "I am sure I was like one head taller than you."

Iida studied Izumi who in turn shrugged. The rabbit girl, in part, was not about to tell them that she had also felt shorter when she woke up as Izuku. She had no idea what it meant, or if it meant anything at all. Perhaps it was just their imagination, or maybe there was something wrong. In any case, as long as it wasn't anything serious, Izuku wasn't worried.

From the corner of her eyes, Izumi noticed Mineta. She tried not to look too worried, but Izumi wondered if Mineta had been the source of the strange noise she had heard before the sleepover. Could he have seen her change forms?

Mineta was chatting with Kaminari and Sero. For a moment, Izumi feared that he was trying to convince them that he had seen her change forms. However, one glance from Mineta, and the petite boy sent her what he probably thought was a winning smile. Ochaco and Izumi cringed and looked away.

Apparently, if Mineta had been a peeping tom that Friday Night, he had seen little of Izumi. That was good. Izumi sighed in relief and, with a weight lifted from her shoulders, braced for the long day ahead.

Soon enough Aizawa marched in, scaring them into submission. Under a strict silence imposed by Aizawa's iron rule, he went over the roll call with his usual tired grumpiness. After a grueling time with Aizawa, their homeroom teacher left, their spirits returned and a new day at U.A. officially started.

One class afterwards, the first bell rung and the students all sprung from their seats, glad that they had one less class ahead of them. As some stretched their legs and other started chatting about this or that, a certain group of girls surrounded the resident peeping Tom of 1-A. Said boy grinned, ignoring the looming danger.

"Oh Mineta!" Ashido said with a singsong voice.

"Girls, how may I help you?" Mineta smoothly said.

"I don't know," Ashido said with a grin. "How about you answer a few questions?"

Mineta seemed to finally understand what was happening. He noticed Yaoyorozu's stoic face, Jiro's glare and Hagakure's moody demeanor. He also realized he was surrounded.

"This isn't going to go down like in my fantasies, is it?" Mineta gulped.

"No," the girls chorused.

Mineta looked to his right, then to his left. Abruptly, he shot down his desk and made a run for the door.

"You'll never catch me alive!" Exclaimed the boy.

"Quick! Grab that pervert!" Ashido ordered.

Unfortunately, the boy used his small size to run under desks and people alike. Confident on his escape, Mineta laughed at the girls who tried to capture him. Desks were pushed aside, chairs toppled and more than one student exclaimed as they were almost jumped over. Jiro reached the door first and slammed it shut, but Mineta had seen the girl beforehand and changed course to the windows. With one leap, he nearly achieved his escape.

"Goodbye, suckers!" Laughed Mineta mid-air, almost reaching freedom.

Suddenly, a tongue slapped him away from the open window. Mineta bounced against a wall, and tried to recover. Before he could move, however, he was wrapped by a lasso and secured. Yaoyorozu pulled from her end and brought the captured pervert under her heel, tying him hands and feet together like a wild pig.

"You go, cowgirl!" joked Ashido.

"Oh man, this is so hot," drooled Mineta, red-faced and steam rolling out of his nose.

The girls, as expected, recoiled with disgust.

"Is there something you aren't into?" mused Kaminari from afar.

"I have an answer for that," said Ashido. "A good old fashioned interrogation session."

"Ha, jokes on you! I'm into that too!" Mineta replied with a smirk.

"Oh yeah? We'll see how you enjoy it," cackled Ashido.

"Hey, you can't just… torture me," Mineta proclaimed, sweating.

But the girls didn't respond. Instead, they marched towards the door, their prisoner in tow.

"Hey, come on!" Mineta shouted, struggling against his bindings.

He addressed his classmates, trying to pull the most desperate face.

"Argh! No! Somebody help me!" Mineta screamed. "Hanta! Denki!"

Sero and Kaminari raised their arms in surrender, clearly unwilling to step in.

"Sorry man, but you kind of went looking for it," said a sympathetic Sero.

"Yeah, we did kind of warn you," Kaminari added with an apologetic smile.

"I will remember this!" Said Mineta, before he was finally dragged out of the classroom, his fate sealed.

The rest of the spectating 1-A shrugged and went back to whatever they were doing. Izumi and Ochaco shared a look before chuckling.

"Such reprehensible behavior," harrumphed Iida. "Perhaps they should allow the teachers to handle this matter."

"Look at it this way: maybe Mineta will learn a valuable lesson about respecting people's privacy," Izumi replied.

"I think it might take more than this," chuckled Ochaco. "Do you think they will leave a corpse behind?"

"That will depend on Mineta, I guess," sighed Izumi. "As long as he doesn't go out of his way to share his fantasies with Ashido and the others…"

The two girls looked at each other before laughing.

"Well, there goes a classmate," snickered Izumi.

When the girls and Mineta returned, the boy was but a mere shell of himself. It was unclear what they had done or how they had threatened the resident pervert, but by the way Mineta kept his hands close to his nether regions, it was safe to assume it probably involved acid dissolving certain body parts… or worse. Izumi wasn't sure how to feel about that.

At first, Izumi was afraid that Mineta had seen a bit too much about Izumi, or even Izuku, but with the way the girls didn't say anything and kept on acting as usual, Izumi found herself rather relieved. She even managed to have a good day.

The rest of the morning was uneventful, pleasant even. The classes were their usual tiresome themselves, mentally exhausting the students before each break time.

Lunch time was a bit more exciting if only because there was a loud hubbub at the cafeteria as word spread that Miruko of all people was in U.A. Scuttlebutt was running wild with theories and conspiracies. Of course, Izumi was the target of stares from other students and questions from her classmates, as if she was supposed to have known about Miruko beforehand for some reason. In the end, by the end of lunch time, the general consensus was that Miruko had fled her problems back home, which was still brewing and developing even without the rabbit woman's input. Many a Pro-Hero wanted her spot in the rankings, and many would do anything to get it.

Things calmed down for the evening and the rest of the day went by nice and easy, just like Izumi preferred it. Without having to worry about Mineta having discovered her identity, she was allowed to relax and enjoy her time with Ochaco, who had started to act a bit weird. She seemed to laugh a tad more, stare at times whenever she thought Izumi wasn't looking and, at few odd times, Ochaco seemed flustered and unsure. Izumi dismissed it as mere happenstance.

After classes, Ochaco and Izumi hit the gyms with Iida. It was rather enjoyable, especially with people to chat during down time. Iida regaled them his two female friends about the hijinks that had taken place during Friday night (all of which were "high inappropriate for such a prestigious institution as U.A.!"). On their part, while the two girls did share some bits of their weekend, certain things were kept secret.

Once they returned to the girls' dorm, however, the two girls discovered that perhaps the day had been a tad too quiet. It was not everyday Izumi and Ochaco found the residents of the dorms discussing something in the entrance hall. Even girls from class 1-B were involved.

"He's obviously lying," said Kendo.

"But what if he isn't?" Rebutted one of the girls of 1-B.

"I think he might have been telling the truth… then again, we did obtain the information under duress. He could have said anything to appease us, ribbit" Asui admitted.

Izumi gulped. Just when everyone was going just fine…

"Hey, what's going on?" Ochaco wondered.

"Oh nothing, just something Mineta spilled during our… session," Ashido giggled.

"So what did Mineta say?" Asked Ochaco.

Izumi held her breath. This was it.

"Oh, the little pervert confessed alright," scoffed Jiro. "He admitted to having tried to spy on us. Unfortunately for him, he slipped out of his dorm when we were watching the movie."

"That's good," sighed Ochaco with relief.

"Yeah, but he also said that he did manage to get a peek into one of the bedrooms," added Hagakure.

"And that's when he got weird. Mineta swears he saw a boy in one of the rooms, a boy who was actually changing as if he was part of the dorm," Yaoyorozu haughtily dismissed with a sniff. "Clearly a fabrication to dodge punishment."

Izumi felt her blood freeze.

"A-A boy?" Asked Izumi.

"Come on, Izumi, it is clearly a lie," said Ashido. "There is no way that there is a boy here. We would have known… unless we have another stalker on the prowl."

"Maybe from another course? There could be someone that has the ability to slip in unnoticed, ribbit" Asui proposed.

"That would be horrible," muttered Jiro with a shudder. "Just what we needed, another pervert."

"Oh, but what if he was helped inside?" Suggested Hagakure.

The girls looked at her, confused.

"Think about it! Maybe one of us wanted to slip a boy for… ehm… you know, reasons" Hagakure proposed.

"For a fun night?" Ashido might not have thought it possible before, but the scandalous possibilities were clearly exciting her. "Ooh, I love that possibility!"

"Unlikely," Yaoyorozu stepped in. "The acceptance rates, even for the general studies course are extremely low, and there are multiple prospective students from all over the country. Odds are against such a possibility of a couple making it in."

"But Momo, you don't need to know someone to want to sneak a boy in," chuckled Ashido. "Some people like having fun with strangers, or acquaintances."

Yaoyorozu looked outright shocked at such a notion.

"I don't know guys, sounds like a lot of trouble for just sex," Jiro bluntly said.

"But totally something any teenager would do, especially with how strict and restrictive the school is," replied an excited Ashido. "And who says it is just sex? Maybe someone wanted to invite a friend?"

Apparently, someone had liked the notion of naughty teenagers running about. The rest of the girls, however, weren't convinced. Izumi was rather concerned that Ashido had taken to the idea, even if the rest hadn't. If Izumi had learned something about the pink-skinned demonette it certainly was her drive to dive deep into the heart of a controversy… which in this case was Izuku.

Izuku felt a knot form on her gut. She knew right then and there, that with Ashido on the prowl for answers, it was only a matter of time until the truth got out. One thing was certain: she had to tell Ochaco beforehand.

If only it was so simple…

-.-

When Ochaco had told her parents she intended to become a Pro-Hero and attend U.A., she had left unsaid that she had no plans of dating. Her plans were to graduate a Pro-Hero and make as much money as possible. In her mind, dating and relationships were a roadblock to her plans. That was before Izumi, unfortunately.

As Ochaco put on her costume, she tried to push back against her traitorous thoughts. While she was still coming to terms with her apparent attraction to a certain animal girl, Ochaco had no intention of messing her career. She knew she had to focus on her goals and she couldn't do that if she was distracted by that adorable, fluffy rabbit girl with those beautiful amethyst eyes that…

Ochaco groaned, gently bumping her head against her locker in self-chastisement. She really needed to get her emotions in check.

"You alright, Ochaco?" Asui asked, finishing to put on her own costume.

"Yes, just… thinking about stuff," sighed Ochaco.

"Are you worried about something, ribbit?" Asui asked.

"Kind of? Never mind me, Asui, I am just lost in the clouds," sheepishly chuckled Ochaco.

"Call me Tsu," insisted the Frog Girl. "It looks to me that you have a lot on your mind actually, ribbit."

If only she knew, thought Ochaco.

With her own costume done, she turned around and finished adjusting her bracers. The rest of the girls were also almost finished, with the sole exception of Izumi, who was nowhere in sight. Thank goodness for that, or else Ochaco knew she would have been really distracted.

At last, they were all done and the girls marched out of the changing rooms. By that point the boy were already done and, thus, all went together to their destination: Battle Center B. They all shared the same concerns and excitement. Would they go through another Battle Trial? Or something else entirely? All Might, their teacher, was already there much like during their first class of Heroics.

"Alright, alright, gather around everyone!" All Might said.

It was rather unnecessary, actually, with everyone already moving to stand in front of their teacher.

"Alright everyone! First is first: Announcements!" Proclaimed All Might with his usual boisterousness. "I am honored to announce that from this day forth, I will not be your only teacher."

The students blinked at their teacher, dumbfounded. They had brought another Pro-Hero to teach them? Who? They all waited with abated breaths, expectant.

"Please, give a warm welcome to none other than the one and only, the rabbit hero: Miruko!" All Might said, pointing to a side.

Miruko? Ochaco repeated in her mind in utter disbelief. All around her, the others weren't handling the news much better.

All heads slowly turned to where All Might was pointing, but no Pro-Hero Miruko suddenly materialized next to All Might. The teenagers scratched their heads, confused, while other were rather amazed by the turn of events.

"I said… rabbit hero Miruko!" All Might repeated with more enthusiasm to no one in particular.

Apparently, that didn't help either.

"Urgh, young ones, always lacking a good flair for dramatics," huffed All Might. "Very well, I'm sorry to disappoint you everyone but it would appear that-"

CRASH

"Ah-HA! Here I am!"

The class stared, befuddled, as a white dash crashed into the concrete ground next to the Number One hero. A cloud of dust rose from the broken concrete, only to disperse and reveal the missing person in question. Clad in a sleeveless white leotard with dark purple trim and a golden crescent moon over her chest, Miruko looked way scarier in person. Her muscles made Ochaco's eyes bulge. That Pro-Hero was definitely a special kind of beauty.

"Sorry about the delay," grunted Miruko, who acted as if she hadn't landed like a meteor. She dusted herself off, grinning. "My secretary held me for a while…"

Ochaco got the distinct impression Miruko hadn't minded being held back by the secretary. Perhaps there were good news about Miruko's latest controversy?

"Holy crap, it is true," gasped Kaminari.

"Miruko?" Kirishima gaped in disbelief.

The rest weren't faring much better. On and on they went, whispering in amazement and confusion. Of course, more than one person was thrilled with the developments, particularly a no-longer subdued Mineta. They might have heard that Miruko had been around the school grounds, but none had imagined she would be teaching. In fact, most people assumed she was incapable of being around underage people.

"Now, now, everyone, enough of that," All Might said. "We are here to train you, so let us being!"

"Wait, can we ask Miruko a few questions, please?" Ashido begged.

"Sorry, but we are rather short of time!" All Might replied. "Let us get straight to the task at hand!"

Ashido was not the only one disappointed at the lack of information. Ochaco too had a handful of questions herself. Her fellow classmates whispered their discontent but otherwise didn't respond to their teacher.

Ochaco turned her head and was surprised to find that Izumi had been standing there all along. She didn't look that surprised to see Miruko. In fact, Ochaco noticed a flash of recognition and even dread in her eyes. Had she known beforehand? Was there perhaps credence to the claims that Miruko and Izumi were related? Maybe Miruko had decided to visit the school to be with her… sister? Niece? Cousin?

"Today's exercise shall involve the most gruesome of tasks when it comes to villains… chasing after them!" Proclaimed All Might. "You all have seen Pros running after evildoers, from the purse-snatcher to the escaping criminal. What you need to learn and practice today are the fundamentals for a successful capture. Do you know the key to that?"

Silence. Seconds passed and no one dared to speak. As expected, seeing as no one else was going to respond, Yaoyorozu and Iida raised their hands.

"Anyone else? What about you, young Bakugo?"

"Firepower," scoffed the explosive blond.

"That's… I should have expected as much," said All Might.

"Like the spirit, but nope," Miruko snickered.

Bakugo just scoffed and rolled his eyes.

"Alright, Iida!" All Might said.

"Speed!" proclaimed the mechanical boy.

"That's a negative!" All Might laughed. "Young Yaoyorozu?"

"Communication," stated the rich girl.

"Ding-ding-ding, we have a winner," All Might said. "That's correct. The key to a successful capture is the ability to communicate and coordinate with fellow Pro-Heroes. No matter how fast you are, villains can always be faster than you, and even then some can be truly sneaky. A single Pro-Hero could technically capture a villain on their own, but it is always best to get other Pros involved."

Ochaco noticed Miruko rolled her eyes and shake her head at that.

"Sometimes the difficulty is not solely on catching up to a villain but rather successfully capturing the individual. A villain on the run, after all, will put a fight if cornered. It is important to reduce the risk to public, so the faster a villain is apprehended the better. If possible, the best tactics to capture running villains involve herding the target towards the heroes with capture quirks, or strong fighting capabilities, while also moving them away from vital or more populated areas," explained All Might. "The strategy used, however, will always depend on the target and situation."

"Who comes up with a strategy, though?" Wondered Yaoyorozu.

"Excellent question. The truth is that the plan generally is discussed quickly between heroes," All Might answered. "That is not always the case, however. At times, one hero can organize the best course of action. It will always depend on the others, no doubt, and how well you can work as a team. Sometimes you may need to swallow your pride and follow a plan not your own but which you know is better, and other times you need to build your courage to offer your own plan."

And so, All Might started explaining how most Pro-Heroes communicated during chases. Some of it sounded obvious and basic, like how most Pros chose to employ either cardinal directions or street names. Other stuff might have been obvious but required saying, such as the most important descriptive features that needed to shared (recognizable clothing, quirks and threat level, etc.). By the end of it all, though, Ochaco felt a bit overwhelmed. Miruko, on the other hand, looked absolutely bored about it all.

As it so happened, it was not going to be all lecture that day.

"Alright, let us practice what we've learned so far, shall we?" All Might said. "For today's fun exercise, you'll be randomly divided into teams of five and scattered across this small city. You'll only have a basic overview of the Battle Ground and the street names and you won't know where your teammates or target is. Then, your mission will be to find and capture your target in half an hour."

"Who's going to be the…?" Started askig Ojiro the tailed boy, only to trail off as his eyes landed on Miruko.

The rabbit woman smirked.

"That's right, kiddos, I'll be your target," mused Miruko.

"What? But we'll never catch her!" Said Sato. "She's way too fast."

"And do you think that's an excuse for any hero?" All Might rebutted. "Worry not, Miruko here has promised to go easy on you. The task, however, will require good communication and coordination."

The teams were made and Ochaco was disappointed to be on a team without Izumi or Iida. Thankfully, she wasn't in a team with Bakugo. Ochaco pitied the rest of Team One, who already looked miserable about being teamed up with the explosive blond. Oddly enough, the team was made of some of the strongest classmates: Bakugo, Todoroki, Kirishima, Tokoyami and Sato.

Team Two, on the other hand, seemed made entirely of fast and mobile classmates: Asui, Sero, Mineta, Ojiro and Iida.

Team Three were the class' trackers or with the best senses or tracking abilities: Shoji, Izumi, Jiro, Koda and Yaoyorozu.

The rest landed on team four and it felt like they all were far better suited for capture or incapacitate a target than actually pursue it. Ochaco got the distinct impression that the teams had been chosen beforehand rather than at random. In fact, she could almost feel there was a purpose to the order and team distribution to it all.

That's how Ochaco found herself in the familiar observation room with her classmates, watching as Team One failed roundly to even find Miruko. They all desperately run around and failed to talk it out. Between Tokoyami's gloomy disposition, Todoroki's coldness and silence and Bakugo's yelling, it seemed they had failed before they had even started.

Miruko did not need to run too fast. In fact, at first she didn't even run. She just trotted around, looking amused, all while dodging the wandering heroes before she could even be spotted. By the way her ears perked up, it was obvious that she could tell who and in what direction was coming towards her. In that way, she moved from alleyway to alleyway, chuckling. If Miruko didn't taunt them, Ochaco knew Team One would have missed her completely.

"She's fast AND she has good hearing? This is going to be impossible! I mean, even Bakugo and Todoroki are failing to even find her," sighed Ojiro.

"That's part of the exercise," hummed a thoughtful Izumi.

Ochaco and the others paid careful attention as the rabbit girl started to explain.

"Most heroes when they join a chase need to be informed about the target's abilities and description. Team One already know about Miruko's quirk and general abilities… but they failed to take them into account for the chase," said Izumi.

"So we are not merely testing how to chase after a target; we are learning to first find it as well," Iida summarized.

"Makes sense, I guess," nodded Yaoyorozu. "When a Pro-Hero joins a chase, they are general just told the general direction and location of a target, as well as abilities and threat level."

"But what could they have done? They don't exactly have anyone that could track Miruko down," remarked Sero.

"They don't need to. Miruko is clearly going to avoid any source of sound, so having Bakugo is an advantage. He could be used to herd Miruko towards the others. Todoroki could also use his ice to cut off exits… in fact, if they guys had coordinated better, they should have tried to herd Miruko towards Tokoyami."

Ochaco stared, and much to her chagrin, her heart skipped a beat at just staring at her. Izumi was adorable and all, but that look of determination… man, Ochaco needed to do something about her god-damn crush. And the hormones. Why had a mere sleepover ruined her sanity like that?

At the same time, though, Ochaco felt ashamed. She should focus more on her career, on being a hero. She should be able to understand situation like Izumi. Ochaco couldn't rely on her friend forever, not if she wanted to succeed and achieve a well-paying spot. Izumi though, made it look so easy…

In the end, Team One managed to find Miruko and gave chase to her (she didn't run that fast even then). As expected, Bakugo's single-mindedness made it hard to coordinate and, by the end of the exercise, Todoroki and Bakugo started berating each other (one cold and stoic, the other burning with fury and loud) alongside their peers all while an amused Miruko watched from a building above them.

Differently from the Battle Trial, All Might did not outright say what they did wrong or right. Instead, he kept a knowing smile and took notes.

Team Two, having learned from Team One's failure, were not only able to coordinate and plan a strategy, but they managed to "capture" Miruko. Capturing her involved managing to lay a finger on her so as to make it easier for the students. Even so, Miruko proved to be a slippery target.

Team Three did by far the best. Then again, differently from Team Two, they had someone who took control of the situation and the rest were far more receptive to the plan. Ochaco could only stare as Izumi, the same fluffy rabbit that had fallen asleep in a cute bundle a mere couple of days before, commanded her peers to victory.

Izumi was the one who managed to "capture" Miruko, which ended with a laughing Miruko wrapping an arm on the little rabbit girl and rubbing her knuckles on Izumi's head as some kind of congratulations. They almost looked like sisters, the elder teasing the young sister. If Ochaco didn't know any better, she would have assumed that Izumi and Miruko knew each other… but that couldn't be. Ochaco believed Izumi when she said that the two rabbit people weren't related. And yet…

Again, as Ochaco watched, she felt a pang of something in her. Jealousy? No, it was something different. She felt… well… inadequate. In comparison to some of her classmates, she found herself lacking. Seeing Izumi go into action, determined and powerful, it made Ochaco realize the gap between them. Izumi had a far stronger drive… and she also clearly had some formal instruction in hero work, differently from Ochaco.

A voice in Ochaco's head wondered if her friend hadn't been tutored by a relative… perhaps other rabbit people, or rather a certain rabbit woman in particular.

Team Four struggled the most, but that was because their quirks were poorly geared towards chases. Communication with the likes of Aoyama was an uphill struggle, but they had somehow managed. Their main problem was that between the five of them (Ochaco, Hagakure, Ashido, Aoyama and Kaminari) none could take the initiative and link up their efforts.

Team Four didn't have its own Izumi who could drive the team together. Ashido might have had the spirit, but she was more of a "let's have fun" sort of leader. Kaminari was much more laid back and Hagakure was mostly excitable. Aoyama was… well… Aoyama.

Ochaco wished she could step up as a leader, and at times during the exercise she wondered what Izumi would do in a situation like that. It didn't help that thoughts of the rabbit girl were a distraction of their own.

As it so happened, Ochaco's hunch had been correct. At the end of the class, All Might admitted to the rouse and explained his reasoning: first he wanted to prove that power and individuality wasn't everything in a hero career (Miruko looked like she wanted to contest that too; as a matter of fact, she seemed to want to contest most of All Might's lessons but kept quiet about them). Then, All Might explained much of what Izumi had mentioned, how being able to assess a target at first glance could be instrumental for victory.

All in all it was a fun class without near death or bodily harm. They managed to make use of their quirks, got a blast chasing a top-ranking Pro-Hero and learned a few valuable lessons. In summary, it had been a great day.

Yet Ochaco felt bothered as she left the changing rooms. She felt rather incompetent and her current thoughts on one rabbit girl made it difficult to feel any better. She knew she should be trying to do better, to be more like Izumi. But how could she change that?

I need to get my act together, summarized Ochaco.

How could she get better? Training with Izumi was nice and all, but it was clear that with her recent discoveries and hormones going overdrive, Ochaco needed someone else, someone that could help her grow… but who? Who could teach her?

Ochaco walked out of the changing rooms and bid her farewells to Izumi, who was dragged away to spar with the other girls. Ochaco felt a rush of possessiveness about that, but she chided herself. She was a young woman who wanted to be a Pro-Hero, not some god-damn drama queen.

It was with those thoughts that Ochaco went to the teachers office. She wrung her hands, and pondered on what she planned to do.

If Ochaco needed something, it was definitely a tutor of sorts. She hadn't gone to a dojo or the kind to learn to fight, so someone with experience on that field would be useful. That and Ochaco sought someone that could help her have some more initiative. She didn't want to rely always on others to lead.

I need a teacher, Ochaco summarized in her mind and, thus, knocked on the door.

She knew this was stupid and unlikely to succeed, but if it meant growing stronger and a more capable Hero, then she would do it. Ochaco thought about her parents, about the sacrifices they had made, and Ochaco found the courage to steel her nerves and continue. She was not going to fall behind Izumi, nor would she let her feelings get on the way.

The door opened, only to reveal the one person Ochaco had wanted to see. Dressed in a black hoodie and shorts, Miruko looked ready to go back to her home, wherever that was. She also looked somewhat annoyed at Ochaco. Clearly, she had had her quota of mingling with kids.

"There's no one else here," stated Miruko, who started to close the door.

"W-Wait!" Ochaco exclaimed. "I-I wanted to talk to you."

Miruko scowled, but opened the door nonetheless.

"Alright, what do you want to talk about?" grunted the rabbit woman.

"It's just that… c-could I… could you help me grow stronger?" Asked Ochaco, feeling ready to die of shame on the spot.

Ground, please, swallow me whole, begged an embarrassed Ochaco in her mind.

The hero glanced at her but didn't appear to care.

"Sorry, but I have-" Miruko was dismissively saying only to pause mid-sentence.

Ochaco watched, confused, as Miruko scowled and, reluctantly, searched for something on her hoodie's pocket. By the looks of it, it was a yellow piece of paper, like those one uses as a memo. Ochaco frowned, bewildered, as Miruko's expression soured further.

"Urgh, alright, what is your problem exactly?" Miruko grumpily asked. She glanced at the note before trying to look friendly. Keyword: trying.

Why do I get the feeling she has a memo to remind her to try and be nice with the students? Thought Ochaco.

"You aren't about to ask me about all that crap back in my jurisdiction, are you?" Miruko asked, squinting at Ochaco.

"N-No! I just… I wanted to know if you could teach me," Ochaco said. "I… I am kind of pathetic when it comes to fighting and-and I don't think I am hero material… yet. I want to get stronger and… and I'd like you to teach me if-if it isn't too much asking."

That's it, that's how you get ridiculed by a Pro-Hero,Ochaco whined internally. No, think about your parents! You can do this! How hard can it be to convince Miruko to teach her?

Miruko blinked at her.

"You serious?" The Pro-Hero asked.

"Ehm… yes?" Tentatively replied Ochaco.

"And why should I do that?" Miruko said. "My time is really valuable, after all."

But aren't you stuck in U.A. instead of your working place?Ochaco wanted to ask.

"Oh, y-you know, to improve your image?" Ochaco tentatively tried.

"Sorry, but I don't-" Miruko once again was dismissively saying, only to pause and scowl. She once again looked at her memo, glaring at the piece of paper. "I hate it when she does that…"

Ochaco frowned. Just what was written in that memo? Better question yet, just who had the kind of pull on Miruko to follow a memo?

"Alright, come with me," Miruko harrumphed. She looked like she rather do anything else other than be around a teenager. "My secretary will know if you are worth it. First though I need to finish this stupid paperwork…" Miruko whispered a string of insults and swears "…I escape one paperwork to have this one… figures."

She walked back into the teacher's longue and went to her desk, only to angrily type on her computer. Ochaco awkwardly stood there, and waited. Minutes passed, and Ochaco was starting to reconsider her options, when finally the rabbit woman finished her paperwork. Satisfied, Miruko turned off her computer, grabbed a bag from under her desk and happily hopped out of the teacher's longue.

"I'll give you points for patience, kid," said Miruko. "Now, to meet my secretary."

Ochaco was curious about this mysterious secretary. Clearly, whoever she or he was, that person had a strong pull on Miruko. Perhaps her latest controversy had forced Miruko to paid heed to her secretary's opinion. However, since she was bewildered and did not want to ruin the opportunity, Ochaco kept quiet.

Miruko started walking away and Ochaco followed, curious. They left the main building and out a path. The sun was already setting in the distance and few students were roaming around.

"So, what's up, Bubble Girl?" teased Miruko all of a sudden, perhaps out of boredom.

"Bubble… girl?"

"Yep! Because you are bubbly and that crap," chuckled Miruko. "Nah, seriously, I just don't remember your name."

Ochaco might have felt offended about that, but given that Miruko was actually bothering to consider whether to be Ochaco's tutor, the girl thought it best to let it slide. Besides, it was her first day. Miruko counted be expected to remember every single name, right? Then again, Ochaco's performance had been less than stellar, differently from other students.

"Oh, I'm Ochaco Uraraka… or Infinity Girl if you ask Izumi," replied Ochaco. She blushed at the last part.

"Infinity Girl?" It was Miruko's turn to look confused.

"We had this test on the first day with a bunch of exercises from Middle School… and one of them was ball throw. You know… with my gravity removing quirk I kind of reached infinity score," recounted Ochaco.

"Infinity?" Miruko wondered, amused. She no longer looked so bored.

"Y-yeah, the ball went into space," Ochaco sheepishly said.

"Seriously? Huh, not bad," said Miruko. "Y'know, maybe you'll be worth training as well. Could use someone to remove assholes into the exosphere."

They approached a large building, similar to the dorms. Ochaco recognized it as the apartment structure for all guests and some heroes of U.A. Inside, Ochaco saw a couple of teachers from the Hero Department chatting. Aside from curious glances, they spared her no mind. Past a large entrance hall and up the elevator they went, only to walk out and towards one door.

"Here we are," said Miruko.

Miruko started opening the door.

"Home sweet ho– Cheese and Crackers!" Miruko was saying, only to stare at what awaited her inside.

Ochaco leaned to a side and saw what was within Miruko's apartment. Ochaco's jaw dropped and her face burst into an intense shade of crimson.

Laying on a sofa and facing the door, was a woman. She was, much as Ochaco would later admit, absolutely gorgeous. With long scarlet flowing hair and vibrant green eyes, she was a beauty. It was hard to miss the long fluffy tail swaying calmly behind her or the large fox ear protruding from her scalp. Then again, the fact she was only in her underwear and with a Hawaiian green shirt didn't go unnoticed either.

There was something else Ochaco noticed on the woman. It was briefly, and she thought she imagined it at first, but around the woman's wrist and neck there appeared to be scars. Then again, what followed happened so quickly that Ochaco didn't get a chance to confirm anything.

"Well, hello fluff how – SWEET JESUS, RUMI!" Exclaimed the fox woman, eyes landing on Ochaco.

Many things happened at once, all before a shocked Ochaco's face. Firstly, the woman appeared to shrink. The green Hawaiian shirt suddenly became oversized in comparison. Then, she jumped behind the sofa, releasing a child-sounded squeak. Finally, a pair of ears peeked from behind the couch followed by the reddened face of what looked like a child version of the previous woman.

"What the hell Rumi! Give me a warning when you are bringing someone over!" Shouted the child.

"Me? Don't go around half-naked if you advise me to bring potential internees to you!" Miruko retorted, waving her yellow memo.

"I just wanted to help you remove some stress…" pouted the child.

"Alright, go change into something decent," grumbled Miruko.

Ochaco, who hadn't moved an inch, found herself being pulled out of the apartment. A million thoughts flashed across her mind, each one worse than the next. Miruko closed the door and went to the wall opposite, only to lean against it, annoyed.

"Sorry you had to see that," muttered Miruko.

"It-It's fine," stammered Ochaco. In fact, she hadn't find the view that bad…

"No, it isn't. Should have seen it coming, though. Great, now some jackass will think I am trying to groom little girls!" groaned Miruko.

Now that really got Ochaco's face burning like a dying sun.

"You can enter!"

Ochaco blinked. Had that sounded like a man's voice? Miruko sighed and, once again, opened the door. Out of paranoia, she placed a hand over Ochaco's eyes and peeked inside first, before dragging Ochaco in.

To the brunette's surprise, there was indeed a man waiting for them. Rather than an attractive woman seated there, a red haired man, with the same vibrant green eyes, fox ears and red furred fox tails, sat on the couch. He had the same Hawaiian shirt as the woman before, only with a loose tie and (thankfully) beige pants. His face held a smirk that, alongside his sharp gaze, gave off an air of slyness. All in all, he looked like a used-car seller that could swindle you with ease.

Ochaco's eyes went to the man's neck and wrists, as if to confirm where she had seen correctly scars on the woman. Sadly, the man had covered said parts with a black wide choker and wrist-bands.

"Alright, Infinity Girl, let me introduce you to my secretary," Miruko started. "Infinity Girl, Z. Z, Infinity Girl. Now that that's over, I leave you to talk business. Give a call to Eraserhead. Last thing I want is for him to bust in here."

"Will do, Fluff," mused the man.

A smirk stretched on Z's face, looking almost predatory. Ochaco stood there, still dumbfounded.

He can change into a woman? Or is he a woman that can change into a man? Or maybe it's neither…? Ochaco wondered. Either case, it was way too weird for her. Just who had such a kind of quirk?