My Hero Academia: Izuku Reloaded

Stretches languidly in my worn office chair, adjusting my messy bun as I smile at my readers

Hey everyone! Your favorite sleep-deprived author here, looking surprisingly put together for once. Can you believe it? No ink stains! Wiggles freshly manicured fingers with a proud grin Purple and silver, because some habits never change.

I've got to say, this whole "not frantically writing bonus chapters" thing has been... different. Good different! Like, I actually managed to do a proper deep clean of my apartment. Found three pens I thought I'd lost forever and – get this – my floor is actually visible now! Who knew there was hardwood under all those notebooks?

Tugs at the oversized basketball shorts that definitely belonged to my boyfriend before I claimed them

The gym's been amazing too. Usually, I'm hunched over my laptop like some caffeine-powered gremlin, but these past few days? Chef's kiss. Though I'm pretty sure the regulars were shocked to see me there past my usual "sprint in, panic about plot points on the treadmill, sprint out" routine.

Adjusts sports bra strap, looking slightly sheepish

And yes, I may have used some of that free time to rewatch Jujutsu Kaisen. Again. For the fourth time. But hey, it's research! Those fight scenes aren't going to choreograph themselves, you know? Plus, Gojo's domain expansion never gets old. Sighs dreamily before snapping back to attention

But seriously, thank you all for the 1500 powerstones! Your support means everything, and not just because it lets me occasionally pretend to be a functional human being. Every comment, every theory, every keysmash reaction – they make all the late nights worth it.

Leans forward, grinning mischievously

Just remember – next chapter drops Friday as usual, unless... Winks Well, you know how this works. The powerstone goals are there if you want more chaos sooner. No pressure though! I'll be here either way, probably covered in ink stains again because let's be real, this clean manicure isn't surviving the week.

Settles back, cracking knuckles

Ready to see what trouble our heroes get into this time? Let's go! 

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Toshinori Yagi strode through UA's bustling cafeteria, acutely aware of hundreds of eyes tracking his every movement. His trademark smile remained fixed in place despite the nervous energy thrumming through his muscular form. The massive bento box - hastily prepared that morning after several failed attempts - felt heavy in his hands.

Get it together, he chided himself. You've faced down countless villains. This is just lunch with a student.

But it wasn't just any student. Young Midoriya's actions at USJ had confirmed what Toshinori had suspected since the sludge villain incident. The boy's raw determination, his willingness to risk everything to protect others, his ability to inspire those around him - these were the qualities of a true hero. The qualities of a worthy successor.

If only Toshinori hadn't royally screwed up their first meeting.

The memory of that rooftop conversation still haunted him. He'd crushed the dreams of a quirkless child who'd looked up to him, who'd needed hope more than anything. The fact that Midoriya had gone on to prove him spectacularly wrong only twisted the knife deeper.

Nana would have known exactly what to say. The thought of his mentor brought a fresh wave of nostalgia. She'd always had a way of cutting through tension with that infectious laugh of hers. Even during their most serious training sessions, she'd find ways to lighten the mood.

Like that time at the hot springs, when she'd caught him practicing his "hero smile" in the mixed bath. Instead of teasing him mercilessly (which she absolutely could have), she'd spent an hour helping him perfect it. "A true hero's smile," she'd said, "comes from believing in yourself as much as others believe in you."

Right now, Toshinori didn't feel very believable. His hands shook slightly as he set the bento down on an empty table in his office. Midoriya stood near the door, posture relaxed but eyes sharp - analyzing, always analyzing. The boy had grown since the entrance exam, both physically and in presence. 

"Please, sit." Toshinori gestured to the chair across from him. "I hope you like takoyaki. The recipe's an old family secret." 

A complete lie. He'd found it on a cooking blog at 3 AM.

Midoriya settled into the chair. "Thank you for the invitation, All Might. Though I admit I'm curious about the timing."

Direct. Perceptive. Yet another quality Midoriya that reminded Toshinori of Nana.

"Ah, well..." He busied himself unwrapping the bento, buying precious seconds. "I wanted to discuss your performance at USJ. And the upcoming Sports Festival, of course."

"Of course." Midoriya's tone revealed nothing, but his eyes never left Toshinori's face.

Stop stalling, Toshinori berated himself. You're the Symbol of Peace, not a nervous teenager.

"The footage was quite impressive," he continued, dividing portions. "Your combat abilities far exceed what we typically see in first-year students."

"Training pays off." Midoriya accepted the offered chopsticks with a slight nod. "Though I had an excellent teacher."

"Ah yes, Mr.Bang." Toshinori tried not to sound too interested. "His Water Stream technique is... unique."

"Strong Style," Midoriya corrected mildly. "I've adapted his teachings into something more suited to my abilities."

They ate in silence for a moment. The takoyaki had turned out decent, at least. Probably. Toshinori's reduced stomach capacity made it hard to judge.

"Young Midoriya." He set down his chopsticks. "I owe you an apology."

The boy's eyebrows rose slightly.

"Our meeting on the roof last year - I was wrong. Completely, utterly wrong. You've proven that heroism transcends quirks, that true strength comes from within." Toshinori bowed his head. "I failed you as both a hero and a mentor that day."

When he looked up, Midoriya's expression had softened almost imperceptibly. "You were being realistic, given your experience. I didn't exactly inspire confidence back then."

"Nevertheless." Toshinori straightened. "Your actions at USJ demonstrated everything a true hero should be. You protected your classmates, fought beyond your limits, and never wavered in the face of overwhelming odds."

"I got my ass kicked." But there was no bitterness in Midoriya's voice. "The Nomu was designed to counter you. I never stood a chance."

"Yet you bought precious time for backup. That's what being a hero means - doing what's right, even when victory seems impossible."

Midoriya studied him for a long moment. "You didn't invite me here just to apologize."

Sharp as ever. Toshinori took a deep breath. "No. I have a proposition for you. One that could change everything."

"…I'm listening."

"My quirk..." Toshinori paused, choosing his words carefully. "It's called One For All. Unlike other quirks, it can be passed down from person to person, growing stronger with each transfer."

Midoriya's eyes narrowed slightly. "Passed down?"

"Through DNA transfer - typically a hair strand consumed by the chosen successor." Toshinori managed not to grimace at the memory of his own experience. "The current wielder must also will the transfer for it to work."

"And you're telling me this because...?"

This is it. The moment of truth.

"I want you to be my successor, Young Midoriya." Toshinori met the boy's gaze squarely. "To inherit One For All and become the next Symbol of Peace."

The silence stretched between them, heavy with possibility. Midoriya's expression remained carefully neutral, but his fingers had stilled on his chopsticks.

"Why me?" He finally asked. "Especially after telling me I couldn't be a hero without a quirk?"

Damn, this kids words hit hard. "Because I was wrong then, and I see that now. You've proven yourself worthy through your actions, your determination, and most importantly, your heart."

"There are plenty of students with those qualities. Plus actual quirks to build on."

"But none with your particular... perspective." Toshinori leaned forward. "You understand what it means to be powerless, to fight against overwhelming odds. That's invaluable in a Symbol of Peace."

Midoriya set down his chopsticks with deliberate care. "And if I refuse?"

"Then nothing changes." Toshinori spread his hands. "You've already shown you can become a hero through your own power. I'll still see you as my successor metaphorically. This isn't an ultimatum, Young Midoriya. It's an offer - one you're free to decline."

"What about the Sports Festival?"

"Ah." Toshinori scratched his cheek. "The timing is... not ideal. The transfer process takes several hours for the body to adapt. Even then, control requires extensive training. More thank three weeks."

"So I'd be competing with an unfamiliar power I barely understand." Midoriya's lips quirked. "Not exactly setting me up for success."

"The festival would be more challenging, yes. But afterward, we could focus entirely on mastering One For All."

Midoriya stood. "I appreciate the offer, All Might. And the apology." He glanced at the half-eaten lunch. "The takoyaki was excellent, by the way. Though next time, maybe less ginger?"

Toshinori blinked. "Next time?"

"I need time to think about this. I'll have an answer after the festival." Midoriya headed for the door. "It's not a decision to make lightly."

"Of course! Take all the time you need." Toshinori rose hastily. 

Midoriya paused in the doorway. "One question - why did you become a teacher here?"

The non sequitur caught Toshinori off guard. "To find a worthy successor, initially. But now..." He thought of his students' faces during the USJ incident, their courage and determination. "Now I want to help shape the next generation of heroes. To pass on more than just power."

Something flickered in Midoriya's eyes - approval? Amusement? "Good answer." He gave a slight bow. "Thank you for lunch, All Might."

The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Toshinori alone with his thoughts and half-eaten takoyaki.

Well, that could have gone worse, he mused. At least the boy hadn't outright rejected the offer. Though his measured responses and careful questions revealed a maturity far beyond his years.

Toshinori sank back into his chair, finally letting his muscular form deflate into his true appearance. Steam hissed from his diminished frame as he rubbed his hollow temples.

"What would you think of him, Nana?" He murmured to the empty office. "This quirkless boy who fights like a pro and thinks like a veteran?"

No answer came, of course. But he could almost hear her laugh, see the sparkle in her eyes as she'd tell him to stop overthinking everything.

The lunch bell rang, jolting him from his reverie. He had a class to teach - heroics training with 1-B this afternoon. Time to put back on the smile, to be the Symbol of Peace they all needed.

But his thoughts kept drifting back to Midoriya's parting words. Good answer.

Perhaps they both had something to learn from each other.

[With Izuku]

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

The words echoed through my mind as I walked back to class, legs moving on autopilot while my thoughts spiraled. One For All. A quirk that could be passed down, growing stronger with each generation. All Might's quirk. And he wanted to give it to me.

The logical part of my brain kicked in, analyzing the implications. A power that accumulated strength over time explained All Might's seemingly limitless strength. No natural quirk could output that level of raw force. But a quirk refined through multiple users, building upon itself with each transfer...

My fingers tapped against my thigh, unconsciously matching the rhythm of my footsteps. 

But.

But.

All Might, the Symbol of Peace himself, had chosen me as his successor. The same man who'd told me to give up now saw me as worthy of inheriting his legacy. The irony tasted sweet.

Did I even want it though? I'd worked my ass off to get where I was. Every callus, every scar, every aching muscle represented hours of sweat and determination. Strong Style wasn't just a fighting technique - it was proof that a quirkless nobody could stand among the elite through pure effort.

Taking One For All felt almost like... cheating.

"Izu!"

Camie's voice snapped me from my thoughts. She stood outside our classroom, head tilted in that way that meant she'd caught something off in my expression.

"You good? All Might didn't lecture you too hard about USJ, did he?"

"Nah." I forced my features into something resembling normalcy. "Just discussing the Sports Festival."

Her eyes narrowed slightly. She knew me too well to buy that completely, but the warning bell saved me from further questioning.

"Details later," she declared, hooking her arm through mine. "Can't have our class prez being late."

As we settled into our seats, my mind drifted back to the offer. All Might's words played on repeat: You understand what it means to be powerless.

Did I though? The memories of middle school felt distant now, they did happen to someone else. That weak, quirkless kid who'd let Bakugo walk all over him... he wasn't me. 

Taking One For All would mean starting over. Learning to control an entirely new power source. Probably breaking a few bones in the process, if All Might's comments about training were any indication.

But think of the possibilities, a treacherous voice whispered. Strong Style enhanced by One For All's raw power. My tactical mind combined with literally generations of accumulated strength. I could be more than just another hero.

I could be the absolute strongest.

"Midoriya." Aizawa's voice cut through my spiraling thoughts. "The board, if you please."

Right. Hero law. Focus.

I pushed the decision aside for now. Three weeks until the Sports Festival. Time enough to consider All Might's offer properly. To weigh pride against practicality. To decide if I wanted to remain quirkless and prove everyone wrong...

Or accept the power to become something truly extraordinary.

When the final bell rang, I gathered my things slowly. Part of me wanted to rush straight to the beach, to lose myself in training until my mind stopped spinning. Another part wanted to find All Might and demand more answers.

Instead, I waited for Camie.

"Finally!" She bounced over to my desk. "Ready to spill about that weird lunch meeting?"

I glanced around the emptying classroom. Several students still lingered, discussing Sports Festival strategies. "Not here."

She studied my face for a long moment before nodding. "Your place or mine?"

"Yours." My mother would take one look at me and know something was up. "Need to clear my head first though."

"Beach run?"

Wow. She really did know me too well.

The familiar path to the beach helped settle my thoughts. Camie kept pace beside me, respecting my silence while maintaining a protective presence. 

The sun hung low over the water when we finally reached the spot where I'd spent so many hours training. Where I'd transformed myself from that weak middle school kid into someone worthy of UA. Someone worthy of...

"Okay." Camie crossed her arms. "Spill."

I sank into the sand, staring out at the waves. How much could I tell her? All Might's power needed discretion, but Camie wasn't just my girlfriend. She was my partner. My confidante.

"If you had the chance to get a quirk," I began slowly, "would you take it?"

Her eyebrows shot up. "That's... oddly specific. Did someone offer you a sketchy quirk-granting drug or something? Because I will throw hands if-"

"Nothing illegal." I cut her off with a small smile. "Just... hypothetically. If you could trade your illusions for a different power. Something much stronger. Would you?"

She settled beside me, close enough that our shoulders touched. "Nah. My quirk's part of who I am, you know? Plus I'm way too good at trolling people with it."

"But what if-" I stopped, reconsidering. "Never mind. Just thinking out loud."

"Izu." She turned to face me fully. "What's really going on? Did All Might say something about you being quirkless?"

I met her concerned gaze. Those sharp eyes that saw through every defense, every deflection. She deserved the truth. Or at least, as much of it as I could share without betraying All Might's trust.

"He apologized," I said finally. "For telling me I couldn't be a hero without a quirk. Said he was wrong."

"Damn right he was." Her hand found mine in the sand. "Though I'm sensing there's more to this lunch meeting than just an apology."

I squeezed her fingers gently. "He... made an offer. One that could change everything. But I can't talk about the details yet."

She studied me for a long moment. "Something big enough to have you this twisted up inside. Something that's making you question everything you've worked for."

Sometimes her perceptiveness was truly frightening.

"Yeah." I watched a seagull dive for fish in the distance. "I have time to decide. But either way..."

"Either way, you're still you." She leaned her head against my shoulder. "Still the guy who cleaned this whole beach by hand. Still the badass who fought a Nomu. Still my Izu."

Warmth bloomed in my chest, pushing back against the chaos of my thoughts. Whatever I decided about One For All, I had this. Had her. Had the strength I'd built through my own efforts.

"Thanks." I pressed a kiss to her cheek.

"Always." She poked my ribs. "Now come on. You're buying me boba to make up for abandoning me at lunch."

I let her pull me to my feet, brushing sand from my uniform. The sun had nearly set, painting the waves in shades of orange and gold. Somewhere in the city, All Might was probably grading papers, waiting for my answer.

He'd have to wait a little longer. I had three weeks until the Sports Festival. Three weeks to prove myself - with or without a quirk. Three weeks to decide if I wanted to remain the quirkless hero who defied expectations...

Or become something else entirely.

"Race you to the shop?" Camie's eyes sparkled with challenge.

I grinned, dropping into a ready stance. "Loser buys extra toppings?"

"You're on!"