Izuku scratched the back of his head nervously as he heard Principal Nedzu describe what was expected of him for the U.A Sports Tournament. He had never expected to attend the festival, hell he wasn't even sure if he was going to watch it, but here he was in front of Nedzu and Aizawa as himself and the Pussycats listened to the two.

The ninth holder of One For All was a special case among his fellow students, even beyond holding the quirk of the Symbol of Peace. All Might himself had said that a normal education simply wouldn't do for him, surprising the boy as he continued to clean up the trash from Dagobah Beach. The All-American hero had said that, and Izuku remembered this quite well. "Your full power would destroy the school Midoriya my boy! If you were to truly clench your buttocks and yell 'SMASH!', nobody would survive!"

With that haunting image Izuku was sent away to learn under the Pussycats in a remote location, who collaborated with U.A on him. Technically Izuku was one of their students, but Mandalay, Pixie-bob and the others were his tutors. At first he was heartbroken to hear that he wouldn't be attending his goal of a school which had lasted him throughout his years, but consoled himself with the promise from All Might that he would be in good hands. After promising to his mother that he would write home, Izuku was slapped on a bus and sent on his way as the first day of U.A's year began.

After arriving at the resort and having dinner and being orientated Izuku was whisked away by Tora into the forest, where he began to... well to be frank, beat the shit out of him. Izuku understood his reasoning, albeit begrudgingly, and after a few months of the training he was beginning to see the result. The spars the two shared had become something of a meditation practice, eventually becoming more of a choreographed dance, and Izuku was subconsciously able to reduce One For All into a state he could use through sheer force of getting used to it. Tora had nodded satisfied at the result the first time Izuku didn't break his arm and began to crank up the heat.

Martial Arts, torturous exercises, hours spent punching trees to pulp with weights affixed to his body as his knuckles were stripped of its skin. His muscles were stretched and torn, growing back stronger and more resilient each time as Tora always claimed. Mandalay took each moment for it's most, forcing the academic areas of Heroism down his throat. Pixie-bob and Ragdoll had taken any of his free moments to go on patrols, allowing Izuku to gain an even better understanding of what it meant to be a hero at the expense of him getting the minimum of sleep they could realistically provide. But the grateful thanks from the people he had helped save, the smiles of approval from Pixie-bob and Ragdoll as they watched him carry injured people back to the resort, it made everything seem worth it.

Granted, his social skills hadn't improved outside of talking to the Pussycats. The close-knit group had welcomed him with open arms, but when he met Kota for the first time it was a testament to how deep Bakugo had bullied him. Eventually it had gotten to a point where Izuku was avoiding meals to avoid the baleful gaze of the young boy, causing Mandalay to have a stern talk with her new charge. The first night it happened Tora went after Izuku and saw the boy breaking the soft rock with only his fists in the area, making his knuckles bloody and bruised.

After sparring with the boy until both of them were panting, Tora asked him what made him this nervous. The two didn't notice Pixie-bob, Mandalay, Ragdoll or Kota hiding in the bush line as Izuku poured his heart out to the man. Pixie-bob had tears in her eyes as she heard the boy she had come to accept as her own little kitten cry and confess everything from his desire to become a hero, to losing his friends because he didn't have a quirk. Eventually he finished, and Tora began to detail his own story, from how he never felt comfortable in his own skin, to eventually taking matters into his own hands and getting the transition. The fears, triumphs and dreams of the two were laid out to bear, but neither could claim they regretted it.

Eventually the night had progressed to midnight and the two began to spar again, not speaking or even grunting. The moonlight showered the two as Izuku and Tora ,student and teacher, fought each other in a new light. By the end they were both exhausted, and Mandalay chastised the two as they went into the showers and got cleaned up. After that fateful day the two had such a greater understanding of the other, and it showed in their fighting. Soon however, the peaceful reverie of training was about to be broken when Mandalay announced that they would be getting a visit from U.A.

That was what lead Izuku to be sat in front of Principal Nedzu and Aizawa Shota. Nedzu finished sipping his tea and said. "Yes, I'm sorry that you're not happy about it but it's a tradition. If it's any consolation, you will be able to meet your classmates?"

Izuku cringed as Mandalay laid a hand on his shoulder and shook her head to Nedzu, who was looking rather shocked at his reaction. "I apologise Mr Nedzu, but Izuku isn't the best around other people. He will be attending, make no mistake, but please be wary of this before you make any promises to people."

The little mouse nodded sadly and said. "It's no issue, but I don't believe that is the full truth. If you would be so kind Mr Midoriya?"

Izuku blinked before sighing, hanging his head. "Kaccha… Katsuki Bakugo, he's in Class 1-A right? He and I… don't get along…"

Aizawa nodded from his place on the sofa, speaking for the first time. "I can see how someone in his company can be nervous of him, especially if they grew up with him. I assure you, I will curb any behaviour before it becomes an issue. Do not tar the rest of your class with the same brush however, you may be surprised."

Mandalay smiled at him thankfully, which caused him to blush and turn his head. Nedzu smiled and jumped off his seat, shaking Izuku's hand. "Well, it has been a pleasure meeting you Mr Midoriya. I look forward to seeing you at the Sports Festival next week."

After their various goodbyes Izuku was dragged away by Tora for a few sparring matches, much to the exasperation of the girls. Arriving at their favourite waterfall he got into fighting stance and ran at Izuku, who instinctively countered. The fight continued like that for a few hours, the two trading blows until Izuku was able to counter and throw Tora into the river. Panicking the young hero ran up to pull Tora out before seeing that the man was laughing deeply, pulling himself out of the river. "You see Izuku? You're able to take down a pro, you can handle a few students!"

Izuku shook his head in exasperation as he said. "No way Tora, that was only martial arts. I've never fought an Emitter like Endeavour before, so I'm not used to fighting them."

Tora took a swing at Izuku, who ducked and countered. Their conversation continued along with the fight. "No, but I've taught you how to fight them haven't I? Take it as a learning experience, got it?"

Izuku nodded and finished the fight, getting pinned by Tora on the ground. Getting up the two-journeyed back to the compound, laughing all the way to the showers. As Izuku stepped out into his room he saw Mandalay leaning against the wall in her swimsuit, something he had come to become used to over the months. "Come on Izuku, I've decided to call off lessons for tonight. You have the male hot spring to yourself, Kota's decided to just head to sleep."

The mention of the young boy made Izuku feel bad as he nodded. "Okay, thanks Manda."

The woman smiled at him, ruffling his still wet hair before waving as she left his room. Izuku sighed as he, instead of getting into his swimwear, got into his patrol uniform while looking at his trunks with longing eyes. He had opted for a more practical approach with his costume which had made the Pussycats despair, consisting of a green full body jumpsuit and two long hairs which Ragdoll had instantly dubbed as rabbits ears . Writing a quick note in case they went searching for him Izuku left the compound, activated One For All and jumped away, intent on keeping an eye out for anybody in need. While he was loath to miss out on using the hot-spring, the allure of heroics was too much for him to ignore.

As the night progressed Izuku saw the horizon begin to fill with stars, painting the image of a beautiful night sky. Smiling at the sight he dropped into a tree branch and let his mind wander, still looking at the sky as he began to think about what his life was like before meeting the cats. All Might hadn't visited in ages on account of his lessons, his mother always just asked about his well being and never responded to anything he asked about her and there was no way he was going to ask Kacchan what U.A was like.

The night was pierced by a terrified scream which Izuku immediately went to attention at. Ragdoll and Pixie-bob had taught him exactly what to do in a situation, and immediately pinpointed the origin of the scream. Leaping into action Izuku began to fly across the forest until he found the source, a girl about 7 years old being cornered by 4 burly looking wolves. Jumping down Izuku slammed his hand into the ground in front of them, creating an impressive display of power as he glared down at the wolves. It was so much easier to intimidate something that couldn't attack you psychologically it turned out.

One by one they turned and ran away with their tails between their legs, leaving only Izuku and the girl in the clearing. Sighing Izuku went into hero mode and turned to the girl, asking. "Are you alright? Was anybody else with you?"

It was then that Izuku noticed that she seemed rather pretty, with waist length white hair and a beautiful complexion only marred by tears. "N-No, I-I came alone…"

Izuku sighed and went forward to her, holding his hands out comfortingly. "Hey, come on now, you're safe. I'm with the Pussycats, their base is really close to here, so we can go and get you cleaned up. My name's Midoriya Izuku, what's yours?"

This was all standard procedure for a traumatised victim, give them as much reason not to hurt you as possible. The girl rubbed her hands on her clothes and Izuku realised that she was wearing what was essentially rags that would have seen more use in the middle ages. She tentatively walked forward and Izuku offered her his back. "Don't worry, I'm just going to use my quirk to get us back home quickly. Climb aboard."

She clambered up and onto his back and, once he was sure she was secure jumped towards the base. The girl held onto his back terrified as they arrived at the base, Izuku jokingly saying. "This is our final stop; all passengers please leave your luggage aboard."

That seemed to do the trick as she began to giggle at him. Smiling at her Izuku heard a voice in his head say. "Izuku, did you hear the scream earlier?"

Izuku had gotten used to Mandalay's telepathy and said back. "Young girl, maybe 7 or 8 years old. She was being attacked by wolves while I was on patrol."

Walking the girl inside, holding her hand, Izuku saw Mandalay, Ragdoll and Pixie-bob running towards them. The girl instinctively hid behind Izuku's leg shyly as Izuku said. "Found her out in the woods. Judging from her clothing, she's been enslaved for a while. Can you tell us your name, pretty please?"

She seemed to stutter for a moment before saying almost imperceivable. "Natalia…"

Glad that he was making progress Izuku lifted her up and carried her to the living room, nodding to the Pussycats who began to get everything they would need ready. "Well Natalia-Chan, do you mind if I ask what you're doing out in the woods? It's scary out there."

Natalia shrunk into him as she muttered. "Bad man… he hit me…"

Izuku immediately tensed at that little detail as he stroked her hair. "Well, you don't have to worry about them anymore because I'm not letting them take you. How about we get some food in that belly?"

She giggled as Izuku poked her stomach, while Mandalay walked in with a nice mild curry. Natalie's face lit up at the food and immediately began to dig in, not sparing too much thought for manners as she ate like a starved woman, which she most likely was. Mandalay shared a concerned look with Izuku as Pixie-bob came in with a small set of clothes from the store-room and some legal sheets which they were required to fill out.

Eventually the girl had finished eating and was dosing away in Izuku's lap, only seeming comfortable with her saviour. Mandalay and Pixie-bob were questioning him about where he found her, his use of his quirk in an emergency situation, and the situation he found her in. Eventually they had everything they needed as Tora, Ragdoll and Mandalay sat down while Pixie-bob went to inform the police. A sombre tone had fallen over the room as Ragdoll said. "It's about time Izukitty knew what was going on."

The two pros looked at her in shock as Izuku's eyes narrowed. "Knew what Ragdoll?"

They all flinched at the intimidating presence sent off by the boy. They knew that holding secrets from him would make for problems later, but to break his trust when he had nobody else to call a friend was something he couldn't handle emotionally. Tora sighed and lent down, his hand covering his face. "Izuku, you know that we've had an in proportionate number of sightings in the area right? Villains and victims alike?"

He nodded, wondering what he was about to be told. "Well we've been talking with U.A, and some other agencies, and we believe something sinister is going on up here. A group calling themselves the 'League of Villains' has taken root, and we think there might be a base up here."

Izuku gasped as Mandalay took up the plate, looking more serious even by her standards. "Their mission statement is clear, 'Kill the Symbol of Peace.' All Might is already past his prime, so we need to take action now. If Natalia is connected to them, then it could mean that others could be holed up in this base. We need to take action."

Izuku felt his world crash around him as he heard that statement. Kill All Might? It… It shouldn't be possible… But he was weakened… That was when he saw the despair in their eyes, they were scared. All the time he had spent with him, and never once had Izuku seen his friends look this scared. At that moment, Izuku remembered something from long ago. A resolve he had within him.

'I want to save people with a smile, fearlessly going into battle for them!'

His grip began to tighten as he looked down at the sleeping Natalie. Her shoulders were riddled with scars which no child should ever have to bear. Looking up at the three who were still in the throes of despair Izuku said. "T-Then it's time to help them."

They all looked up in shock as Mandalay said incredulously. "Izuku, you're not a licenced hero and we all specialise in rescue. There's no way I'm letting you go to fight this early."

Izuku shook his head as he looked at Natalie. "Not like that, I'll going to escort injured back here during the operation. You and the other Pro's in the area can handle the villains, but I want to help."

The sheer determination flowing off the boy was enough for them to reluctantly nod. Eventually Mandalay stood up and said. "Okay Izuku, we'll treat this as one of those patrols you go on with Pixie and Rag. We scheduled for deployment in two days, we'll wake you up for it. And remember, no fighting villains."

Something in his gut told Izuku that wasn't going to happen, and not by his own choice.

Timeskip: Night of the operation

Izuku held back as the Pussycats, along with a host of other pros walked into a cave carefully hidden with dense camouflage. The pro's had at first protested his presence, but the Pussycats had assured them he was only there for extraction and as a learning experience. The greenette had stayed quiet through the affair, watching as the pros began to tap out their path.

Leaning up against a tree outside the compound Izuku brought out a notepad and pen, recording everything Mandalay was relaying through to him through an ear clip phone. The muttered voice was hard to keep track of, but Izuku persevered, dutifully recording the operation. Eventually something had caught his attention. The other side had gone quiet, and just as Izuku was about to ask what was happening Mandalay said. "Alert level 4. Izuku, no matter what happens, we lo.- y-BZZZTT…."

Izuku panickily tried to contact her but the other phone had completely died. Angrily pulling off his headphone and crushing it in his grip Izuku hurriedly jotted down Mandalay's last words before writing one final, chilling message.

"In-Training Hero Midoriya enters AO, end of logging."

With that Izuku let his instinct carry him forward and into the facility. Walls of cold grey steel greeted him along with red lights, bathing the area in a stereotypical bad light. He didn't pay much attention to details, only running with the power of One for All coursing through his legs as he sprinted down the corridor. He scarcely noticed the security cameras now trying desperately to follow his moves, not the doors to the sides of the corridor. The run eventually took him to a massive, hollowed out part of the cave. There appeared to be cylinders containing what looked like people, and in the centre there was a massive tank. What appeared to be some kind of stitched together human was floating inside of it, but what drew his eyes was the tied-up heroes surrounding it.

Mandalay, Pixiebob, Ragdoll and Tora were set apart from the group, struggling to get out of their binds when they noticed Izuku's presence. Mandalay's eyes went wide as she looked at Izuku with horrified eyes, and when Izuku took a step closer to her he felt an overwhelming presence overcome him. It almost felt like something was trying to take control of his mind as he saw someone come out from behind the tank. His face was shrouded in a kind of joker's mask, only leaving two horrendously bloodshot eyes. The rest of his body was dressed in a stereotypical doctor's uniform, complete with stethoscope that appeared to have spikes on the microphone. The figure clapped its hands in abject glee as it announced. "Oh ho ho! It appears your final member has decided to join us, isn't that nice my dear Pussycats!?"

The Pussycats began to wave their heads in the direction of the exit, but Izuku couldn't move if he wanted. The joker walked forward and began to caress his face, sharp nails dragging lines over his face as they welled up with blood. "Ah, no matter then. Now, what possessed you to come in here boy? Was it for your precious friends, perhaps a sense of duty?"

He obviously didn't wait for a response as Izuku tried, and failed to shake off the mind control quirk the man obviously had. "It doesn't matter in the long run however though does it young Midoriya? Oh no it doesn't, for I have won! You see, it didn't take long for me to handle all of these silly 'professionals' when they just walked straight in with no sense of alarm. But I must say, I expected much more of these idiots considering their history. They will all make good fodder in the end for my experiments though, especially that telepathic cat over there. I may even let my precious Monus toy with her for a bit, she is rather delicious don't you think?"

Izuku froze at that, he wouldn't… He would. That fucking bastard was going to allow Mandalay, his teacher and near-sister, to be tortured by a fucking monster! A small rage built up inside Izuku, coursing through his veins. One for All began to make his arteries bulge as he choked out a small sentence. "What… Did… You… Say…?"

The joker looked at him in shock as he said. "Oh? I didn't know you could escape my little trick here."

Izuku paid him no mind as he gradually stood up, seeing black and misty figures surrounding his feet. "I said, what are you going to do to Mandalay?"

The joker simply smiled as he danced his fingers across a small console, fingering a button. "Oh, the telepathic kitty over there? Well, I had planned on making some little beauties for a certain benefactor I have you see. They can get a bit wily however, too much human emotion or whatnot, so I usually feed them a nice beautiful girl to keep them happy. There was a little girl I was planning on using, a really pretty one which I'm afraid managed to get away, but no problem."

That was what caused Izuku to snap, and jolt forward. The Joker only had a second to pull up his fists to defend against the strike but didn't manage to stop the onslaught of punches which came after it. Izuku watched as shadowy figures clasped around his fists, guiding each and every movement as his fists pummelled the Joker's face. The cave was silent, sans the sound of Izuku's fists pummelling into the man's entire body as he knelt over him. Each punch almost seemed mechanical, continuing until he felt a pair of arms around his waist pull him back.

Looking up with dead eyes at the face of the horrified Mandalay Izuku noticed that the pros had managed to get out of their control and were setting about freeing their comrades. He just let himself be pulled away from the unconscious body of the joker as Mandalay wrapped her arms around him, crying into his hair. The other Pussycats came forward and wrapped their arms around the two, with Pixie-bob and Ragdoll crying heavily into them as Tora stood with a stoic face.

Eventually a hero dressed head to toe in armour walked up to the 5 and coughed, obviously uncomfortable with breaking up the obviously emotional scene. "Sorry you 5, we need to get out of here and alert the police. I'm sorry young man, but you'll probably be levied with punishment for your actions here."

Mandalay growled at the man as the others stepped away from the two, Mandalay still holding onto Izuku. "How fucking dare they! All of you!"

The entire cave looked over at them as Mandalay shouted out. "Midoriya never helped, he only came in when we said it was clear. Tora kicked Joker's ass, okay!"

The killing intent which came off Mandalay at that moment was enough for them to nod in terror, especially when Tora was stood behind her with his arms crossed. Izuku didn't respond however, now feeling the dull ache in his fists being to rise into a massive jolt of pain. Looking down he winced slightly at the sight of his fingers being bent in odd and unnatural ways. Mandalay noticed his discomfort and gasped at the sight. "We need a medic here!"

The same hero who came up to them raised his hand. "Ingenium here, I'm trained in first aid."

Izuku noticed that the hero did look a lot like his sketches of the man from his old notebooks. Extending his hands to him the speed hero winced and began to inspect it. "You've really done a number on these things you know. It'd be best if we just bandaged them up and got you to a hospital."

Bringing out a roll of bandaged Ingenium began to delicately move Izuku's fingers into a somewhat normal position as he said. "So you're in my little brother's class eh? What's the deal with you not being at U.A?"

Izuku winced at the sensation and said. "My quirk didn't… manifest, until I was 14. It's a bit too loosely destructive for me to train around the students, so I got sent on an extended trip to the Pussycats."

Ingenium nodded as he finished wrapping up his fingers, fishing out some painkillers from his pocket. "Sounds about right. Tenya's been kinda antsy about the whole ordeal, he's a bit of a stickler for rules but you'll get along with him well enough. Anyways, take these and we'll move you to the closest hospital before they set."

Izuku swallowed them and allowed himself to be ferried off with the other injured heroes out of the compound, and into a sort of bus / ambulance. Mandalay had tried to go with him but she and the other Pussycats were held back by the police for statements. The trip was naught but silent, only permeated by the sound of the occasional conversation or gasp of pain as an injury acted up. Eventually Izuku was taken to an operating room in a suburban hospital, put under anaesthetics and had his hands reassembled. Two hours of waiting later and he heard the door to his room open, and a voice he hadn't heard in months shout. "Izuku!"

Turning his head he saw his mother standing there with a police officer. Running over to his bed she fussed over him for a moment before Izuku calmed her down and asked. "Mom? What are you…"

She nodded and said. "I got called by the police the moment they heard what was going on. What were you thinking! How did you even get hurt, I thought it was safe!"

Izuku checked to make sure the police officer was gone before saying hushed. "I don't regret what I did, but a villain wasn't tied up and went for Mandalay even though we thought he was unconscious."

Inko nodded tearedly and said. "She's the one who teaches you right? I'm… I'm just happy you're all right…"

The pair were left together, with Izuku trying to reassure his mother while she cried in despair at not being able to dissuade her child from his path. After about half an hour they heard another knock on the door, showing Ragdoll now without a police escort. "Hey Izukitten! Thought I'd come in and give you an update!"

Izuku smiled at the cheerful woman as she sat down next to the two, giving a soft smile to his mother. "Mom, this is Ragdoll. She teaches me rescue and law."

Inko nodded and let Ragdoll continue. "The police are being told the story, so you'll be getting off the hook Kitten. Everybody in the compound was rescued, and we managed to figure out what that Monu thing was, all hush hush though. You're being discharged… Now, so we can get you back home and into bed. By the way, do you mind having a chat with Natalia-Chan? She keeps on fussing about not being able to stay with you. Some social workers came by to pick her up and she broke one of their noses."

Izuku dipped his chin and laughed, trying to think of a solution. Natalia couldn't stay with the Pussycats, not now that they've just attacked a big criminal alliance and she would be in massive danger. She wouldn't want to go into the foster or adoption system without him… "I could take her in."

The two turned to the smiling Inko in shock as she laid a hand on her handbag. "It's been quite lonely at home, so I could try my hand at fostering. How about it Izuku?"

The idea was actually quite sound in Izuku's opinion. Natalia had always been really close to him after his rescue, and was also interested in Heroics in a way that reminded him of himself when he was younger. Nodding happily at his mom Izuku said. "Sounds good! I've always wanted a little sister."

Inko teared up once more before giving him one last hug. "O-Okay, I'll see you in three days okay? Love you."

Izuku returned the hug before watching his mother get up and leave the hospital with a new spring in her step. Ragdoll leaned over and hugged him as well, a small habit that she seemed to have whenever she was happy. "I'm really sorry you had to get hurt Izukitty. We're supposed to be pros, but we got caught out by something so stupid…"

The hero in training turned to her and hugged her back, feeling more comfortable with her then he did his mother. "It's no problem Rag, you know I don't regret it for a minute. I'd shut up anybody who said they were going to hurt Mandalay, you or the others with force if I have to."

Ragdoll teared up once more and rubbed her eyes, smiling at the boy and ruffling his hair affectionately. Standing up she regained her usual perky demeanour. "Well, I'm going to get you out of here! Two seconds Izukitty!"

She bounced out of the room as Izuku smiled at her. Lying back in the bed he noticed that he was still in his hero uniform and winced at the damage on it, before hearing a booming voice in the doorway announce. "Midoriya my boy, I am HERE!"

Turning in shock Izuku saw All Might standing there with a massive grin on his face, before he deflated while coughing up some blood. Hurriedly sobering up Izuku asked. "A-All Might!? What are you doing here?"

He simply laughed and went over to him, pulling him up and off the bed. "Well, I thought I'd come and see my bedridden successor of course! I've heard the story from Tora, and it is mighty impressive indeed!"

Izuku chuckled nervously as he slipped his feet into his shoes. "So how's being a teacher working for you?"

All Might shrugged and said. "Eh, not that interesting, that Bakugo is certainly a character however. However, I must ask how you are faring with the news of the Sports Festival?"

The two continued to talk like that for a few more minutes before Ragdoll came bounding back into the room with a sheet of paper. "You're free! Come on Izu… Oh hi All Might!"

The Symbol of Peace smiled down at her with a smile, only having time to beef up quickly before saying. "Hello to you too Ragdoll. Well Midoriya, I'll take my leave for now."

Izuku was sad to see his original mentor, and it showed on his face before All Might said knowingly. "Do not be disheartened! We shall have ample time to converse at the Sports Festival."

Perking up once more Izuku tried to take a step, wobbling slightly on his feet before Ragdoll went over and stabilised him. "I'll try and get in condition to fight before then All Might. See you then!"

They all walked out of the hospital together, a doctor handing Izuku a few bottles and a piece of paper with instructions at the exit. All Might gave them one final wave before hurrying into a limousine, which promptly sped off into the city. Ragdoll lead him off and towards a small entourage of police who were talking to a few heroes. A plain looking man turned his head, noticing the two coming towards him and smiled. "Ah, you must be In-Training Hero Midoriya if I'm correct? My name is Detective Tsukauchi. It's quite interesting you know, the pros never make mistakes like that and with how experienced they are, no traps able to destroy your hands should have been there."

Izuku winced as Ragdoll gripped his shoulder harder then before. Tsukauchi's face had twisted into a serious expression as he turned fully towards them. "I've been a detective for far too long for a story like that to pass. There is no possible circumstance in which Tora would have been exempt from the mind controlling quirk while the other pros, who could have arguably been more suited against it, were affected. While I'm certainly not going to condone your actions today, as it would be misplaced of me to do so, I personally feel like you are without blame in this situation and undeserving of punishment."

Ragdoll and Izuku had frozen in place as Izuku asked. "W-What d-do you mean S-Sir?"

The detective flashed a smile at him and took his tan hat off. "While the public would undoubtedly want to see you punished for your actions if this is released, I do not. Quite simply, you will be given immunity from this offence and all of the praise will be placed on Tora. Realise that you will never be able to speak of this, and that this will most certainly go unsung until you die."

There wasn't much deliberation on Izuku's part before he said. "Do it, all that matters is that the villain is captured right?"

Tsukauchi smiled at him as Ragdoll cheered, drawing the attention of most of the police force who looked at her strangely. Clapping his hands once the detective said conclusively. "Well that solves that, you had better get back to the Pussycats HQ and get some rest. I look forward to your performance at the Sports Festival."

Shaking his hand quickly Izuku allowed himself to be dragged by Ragdoll towards their Hummer. Loading in Ragdoll got into the driver's seat and waited for Izuku to buckle in his seat. The boy just deadpanned at her until she realised that his hands were covered in casts. Grinning abashedly, she quickly strapped him in, before turning back to the wheel and starting the car. The trip was mostly in silence until they reached the compound and Ragdoll said. "Try to be quiet when we get in, alright Kitten? Manda was worried sick and she's tired herself out."

Izuku nodded and managed to open his buckle while Ragdoll opened the door for him. As they walked through the halls Izuku heard a small voice ask. "Midoriya-San?"

Turning around Izuku was surprised to see Kota looking at him with something that could be constipation or a headache, either would fit. Ragdoll began to hurry him back into his room before Izuku asked. "W-What's up Kota?"

The boy growled for a moment before sighing and saying. "I still don't understand why the hell you'd ever want to be a hero, but… I know what you did, Tora told me about it. I just wanna say… Thanks."

Izuku's eyes went wide at the admission, but didn't have time to respond as Kota walked back into his room without another word. Ragdoll just blinked before laughing hysterically at the situation. "Hahaha! I can't believe this is what gets him to like you!"

He quickly hushed her before running into his own room, sighing as he shut and locked the door. Looking back on the day he really had no idea that this kind of action would happen, but was scarily aware that he could have killed that joker character if Mandalay hadn't pulled him back. Sighing and resolving himself to knowing that he wouldn't be getting much sleep Izuku shrugged off his clothes with some difficulty and fell into bed, lying awake for a couple of hours before eventually falling asleep, the idea of the Sports Festival being the furthest thing from his mind.

AN: Well I'm back, so that's a thing. Exam season is over so I should have more time on my hands to write. As usual I don't own any recognisable properties.