My hero academia:Am I worthy?

Waking up to the sound of the alarm, Izuku opened his sleepy eyes, feeling the residual pain from the previous day's patrol all over his body. After checking his wounds, he exhaled, mentally thanking the symbiote for its healing abilities. After yesterday's exhausting patrol, there wouldn't have been a single uninjured spot left on him. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, Izuku saw Andy, who was engrossed in reading some book from his shelf. He wasn't surprised by Andy's thirst for knowledge.

Quickly getting ready, Izuku headed to the shower, washing the night's dust from his face and brushing his teeth before having breakfast. Contemplating today's patrol, he set a clear goal for himself: to meet the Shadow Broker, who would lead him to his goal of eradicating crime, especially those families actively involved in it.

After having breakfast and stretching a bit, Izuku began his morning routine, doing exercises and changing his strength approaches each time. First, he did squats without stopping, feeling his leg muscles burn from the unexpected strain. After a grueling series of squats that left his legs feeling as if they were on fire, Izuku allowed himself a couple of deep breaths to recover before moving on to the next stage of his morning routine. He dashed outside, feeling the fresh morning air — cool and invigorating.

His route took him through the quiet streets of the sleeping city. His lungs filled with oxygen, his muscles worked like a well-tuned machine, and the symbiote seemed to meld with his body, helping to optimize every movement. Izuku was not just running; he felt every particle of his being, working to synchronize his mind and body.

The first kilometer passed quickly. His feet rhythmically hit the pavement, not too fast but not too slow — the perfect pace for warming up. His mind was clear, and his thoughts were focused on the task at hand: today's patrol and the planned meeting with the Shadow Broker.

The second kilometer turned out to be more challenging. Gradually, his muscles began to complain, but Izuku continued to run, each step accompanied by a deep breath and a slow exhale. He felt his body filling with energy despite the fatigue, and the symbiote gently adjusted the load, helping him maintain his rhythm.

After his run, he stopped at a small park near his apartment. Here, a calm silence reigned, broken only by the chirping of birds and the gentle rustling of leaves.

Unrolling a small black mat that he always carried with him, Izuku assumed the mountain pose, stretching his arms upwards and slowly elongating his spine. Yoga was an important part of his morning routine — not just for his body but for his mind.

— Warrior I Pose: he made a deep lunge forward, extending his arms overhead. His breathing was steady, focused, and his body was tense yet stable.

— Downward-Facing Dog Pose: shifting his weight onto his hands, he lifted his hips, creating a characteristic triangle. This helped stretch the back of his legs and relax his back muscles after the run.

— Tree Pose: he balanced on one leg, carefully pressing the foot of the other leg against his thigh, his arms connecting overhead like an arrow.

He held each pose for 30 seconds, focusing on his breathing and listening to the world around him.

After yoga, Izuku sat on the grass, crossing his legs and closing his eyes. His hands rested on his knees, palms up, and his fingers formed a mudra.

— "Inhale through the nose… exhale through the mouth…" — he repeated to himself, releasing tension.

The world around him began to fade. He could no longer hear the birds or the rustling leaves. Only the beating of his heart and the faint, almost imperceptible movement of the symbiote inside him remained.

— We have become stronger, — Venom's voice echoed in his head. — But we need even more effort if we want to eliminate these scoundrels.

— I know, and that's why I'm taking steps for it, — Izuku said, keeping his mind focused.

He continued meditating for a few more minutes, aligning his thoughts and strengthening his resolve. When he opened his eyes, the world around him regained its colors, and inside him was calmness and readiness for the upcoming day. Finally, after completing his routine, Izuku sat at his desk and opened his phone, searching for suitable items.

— What are you planning to buy this time, Izuku? — Venom whispered, watching as he opened a sports equipment website.

His eyes darted across the rich assortment of the store in search of good deals. There were many options, from wall-mounted punching bags to heavy-duty grappling and throwing dummies. The budget was limited, and he needed to account for delivery costs, which also factored into the website's commission. Finally, they settled on a selection that met their training requirements.

1. Grappling Dummy — 38,000¥

2. Jump Rope — 3,200¥

3. Speed Punching Bag on a Loop — 17,200¥

4. Resistance Bands — 5,650¥

Spent: 64,050¥ = $410

Account: 126,670¥

Balance: 62,620¥

[Transaction successfully completed]

Thank you for your purchase.

A notification popped up, and with a racing heart, Izuku completed the payment. By evening, all the equipment should arrive at his home, and he would be waiting for it after school. Listening to his friend's dissatisfied comments about spending most of his money on equipment instead of food, Izuku reassured him that this money would last a long time.

There was still an hour and a half before classes began, and during this time, Izuku managed to complete the homework he didn't finish yesterday and wash up after his training sessions.

— Did you forget anything? — Venom asked eagerly, watching as his host dried his head from the water droplets. Still wet from his shower, Izuku approached the refrigerator, realizing what his companion was hinting at. He pondered the contents of the refrigerator, thinking about what to prepare. He knew that Fuyumi liked simple yet delicious food and wanted to make something that would brighten her challenging workday.

— She gave you a day off, and you're still thinking about her, — Venom commented, watching as Izuku pulled eggs, chicken fillet, and vegetables from the fridge.

— She deserves a little gratitude. Besides, it's not that hard, — Izuku replied, rolling up his sleeves and placing the ingredients on the table. Quickly, pieces of chicken were sliced into thin strips on the cutting board. He carefully seasoned them with salt, pepper, and a small amount of spices he found in the cupboard. Then he tackled the vegetables: broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers were chopped into small pieces for easy eating.

— Too many vegetables. Add more meat; she'll like that, — Venom grumbled, his mouth watering at the aroma of the cooking food.

— It's healthy eating, — Izuku countered, tossing the chicken onto the hot skillet. It sizzled, filling the kitchen with an appetizing aroma. While the chicken was frying, he quickly cooked rice, adding a bit of broth cube to the water for flavor. Then the sautéed vegetables went into the skillet with the chicken, and the rice was placed in a container, topped with the main dish.

— The food is ready, — Izuku said with satisfaction, sealing the container and carefully placing it in a bag. He added a small thermos of green tea to it as well.

— Are you trying to impress her? — Venom scoffed, but his tone was more teasing than sarcastic. Venom often noticed that while his host denied it to himself, he had feelings for her, and his tone made it clear that he respected her and appreciated the care she had shown at the most crucial moment.

— I'm just trying to be grateful, — Izuku replied briefly, glancing at the clock. There was little time left before he had to leave.

He checked his bag, ensuring everything was ready, and headed to the door. In his mind, he was already imagining how surprised Fuyumi would be to receive this lunch.

****

At school

Izuku's school day began just like everyone else's: the ringing bell, benches in the hallways filled with tired teenagers, and an endless stream of conversations on various topics.

In math class, he sat at his usual back desk, concentrating on solving problems. The teacher kept a strict eye on the class, occasionally calling students to the board. Izuku tried not to draw attention, quietly completing everything in his notebook.

— You could answer faster than all these guys, — Venom remarked when one of the students struggled to solve an equation at the board.

— And attract attention? No thanks, — Izuku mentally replied, not looking up from his work.

During the break, he had lunch alone, hiding in a quiet corner of the schoolyard. The container of food he had prepared for himself came in handy. The smell of home-cooked food elicited envious glances from some classmates, but no one dared to approach.

The next lesson was biology. The teacher explained the mechanisms of organism adaptation in detail, and Izuku took notes, occasionally catching himself comparing the symbiote to the studied examples.

— Do you think I'm a parasite that feeds on your life force? — Venom suddenly asked when the lecture touched on organisms that depend on hosts. Hearing this, Izuku pondered for a moment, but he realized that this was the first creature that accepted him as a person and treated him as an equal. Losing such a bond would be a grave mistake.

— No, you're more like a partner, — Izuku whispered, attracting the surprised gaze of a classmate. He merely coughed awkwardly and buried himself back in his notebook.

The physical education class, which was usually tedious for him due to teasing from some classmates, passed slowly. He quickly played the required basketball game, trying not to stand out, and spent the rest of the time stretching on the bench.

During the fifth lesson, the homeroom teacher held a small lecture on ethics, which most students listened to with bored nods. Izuku, however, listened carefully, especially when the discussion turned to moral dilemmas that made him reflect on how justified his actions were.

By the last lesson, literature, he was already feeling tired. Fuyumi asked the class to compose a short analysis of one of the chapters they had read, and to Izuku's surprise, he found himself enjoying the task. His notes were detailed, but as usual, he did not raise his hand to answer.

With the final bell, he sighed with relief and began gathering his things. He still had much to do, but the school routine had drained a significant amount of his energy. Finally, Fuyumi sat alone after the last lesson in his class, and not finding the right moment to talk, he approached her, smiling warmly.

— Fuyumi-san, I apologize for interrupting, but I would like to thank you with lunch for the day off, — Izuku slowly said, taking out the very container he had prepared that morning.

Fuyumi, observing her student, was pleased by such a gesture, but feeling awkward as she took the container from Izuku's hands, she decided to talk to him about Bakugo, whose recent revelations had saddened her. She watched as his pure, innocent face sparkled in her eyes, trying to help everyone. She smiled at the contents of the container in her hands, surprised by her hero's thoughtful gesture. It was the least she could do for him after he saved her life. Noticing Izuku's gratitude and care, Fuyumi playfully ruffled his hair, enjoying his embarrassed reaction. He took off his glasses and met the gaze of his teacher, who was smiling innocently, unaware of the weight on his heart.

— Thank you, Izuku-kun. That's very kind of you. You really did well in class today. I'm proud of you, — she said warmly, slightly warming the container with her quirk. Izuku's cheeks flushed with praise, and feeling embarrassed, he scratched the back of his head, expressing his discomfort.

— It's… it's nothing, Fuyumi-san. I'm very grateful for your invitation and for the support you've given me. I can't repay you, — Izuku bowed, prompting a puzzled look from Fuyumi at her student, who seemed tense for some reason. She was perceptive to people and compassionate, though she often hid it behind a mask of coldness. Fuyumi gently smiled at her student's reaction but was not pleased that his manners were overly exaggerated.

— Izuku… raise your head, — she said. Izuku raised his head, not understanding why his teacher had said that. Did she not like his manners?

— You don't need to bow every time to express gratitude. A simple "Thank you" is enough, — she said. Izuku frowned slightly but decided to agree with her to avoid causing her too much discomfort. A slight shadow of concern was visible in Fuyumi's eyes. She knew that despite her student's elevated mood, Midoriya was burdened with too many worries and stress from Bakugo's derogatory comments about him.

— Izuku-kun, please sit down. I have something to talk to you about, — Fuyumi said, her warm smile fading, which made Izuku feel uneasy, but he did not challenge her. Taking a chair and moving closer to the teacher's desk, Izuku sat down and observed his teacher, who looked at him with concern.

— What now? — Venom whispered angrily.

— You know, Izuku-kun, — she said cautiously, trying not to put pressure on him.

— Yesterday, I spoke with Bakugo, and you were somewhat right about him, but what surprised me even more… — Fuyumi paused, watching his reaction, which tensed at the mention of his old friend.

— You were childhood friends, and now I understand why he, to put it mildly, doesn't like you very much. — Izuku lowered his head, refusing to lift it. She had brought up one of the most unpleasant topics he avoided, but his teacher's perceptiveness cornered him like a prey trying to escape its past.

— Yes, we were, but everything changed when I was diagnosed with Quirklessness, and after that, our friendship began to deteriorate until he started using his Quirk on me. — Izuku's version for Fuyumi seemed more dramatic, but she did not choose one side of the conflict. Instead, she weighed both versions and showed concern for both, even though one of them was screaming for help.

— There is a share of my guilt in this, Izuku. I shouldn't have pressured him so much. He may seem strong, but he's still a child, just like you, equally vulnerable, — she said softly, taking Izuku's hand, causing him to flinch at the coldness of her touch.

— I… couldn't do anything about it. Even when they told me I was Quirkless, I believed in our friendship and tried to restore it. I still considered him my friend, but it was all in vain. — The friendship between Bakugo and Izuku was unusual: they had been friends since childhood and believed they could become great heroes. However, due to the opinions of others, Katsuki had become corrupted by the words that foretold him a great future and that he would become a strong hero, if not the strongest of his generation. But then came the ideology of Quirk superiority, led by Re-Destro, who influenced Bakugo's character among the friends surrounding him, who, frankly, hated him for his Quirklessness and the weakness he expressed through the tears that constantly flowed from his eyes. Fuyumi wanted to interrupt Izuku's thoughts, attempting to speak to him, but he continued.

— My childhood was without friends, but there was one who was extraordinary compared to the others. — The sadness in Izuku's voice shifted to joy and a smile, and clutching his necklace, he retrieved the very necklace with a photograph that Nejire had given him before they parted ways. Warmly smiling at the bright memories, Izuku opened the locket and lovingly looked at their childhood photo.

Fuyumi was intrigued by the sudden change in her student's mood. Slightly tilting her head, she looked at him with a gentle smile that made Izuku blush, but he still decided to share with her.

— So, you have a friend who is significant to you and is special, am I right? — Fuyumi asked, carefully studying Izuku's face, which was wide with a smile, lost in warm memories. His fingers fiddled with the necklace, and he showed her the photo where they were together, smiling. Fuyumi was shocked by the beauty of the girl, looking at the happy face of young Izuku, who effortlessly smiled despite his Quirklessness.

— Very cute, Izuku, — she said, clenching her fists and shaking them. Closing her eyes, she squealed with joy at Izuku.

— Yes… her name is Nejire. We met when we were children. She burst into my room when I was diagnosed with Quirklessness. — His smile faded briefly with those words but returned to its previous state.

— When I first saw her, she was extraordinary, and when the doctor said I was Quirkless, I cried. My mom tried to calm me down, but I cried even harder. Then Nejire burst into our room against her father's protests and started calming me down. I… I can't explain why, but it worked. Her warm hands and blue eyes were something beyond my understanding. — Izuku didn't stop and continued to speak positively about her, describing how wonderful she was.

— I assume after that meeting you became friends? — Fuyumi said, listening intently to Izuku's past.

— Yes, Fuyumi-san, after that, we became best friends. We spent all our free time together. She was kind, caring, cheerful, and energetic. — Pausing, Izuku was lost in memories, recalling how she endlessly asked him questions, which made him smile while watching her hyperactive reactions.

— Many people were put off by her overly curious nature, but I found it very charming and liked it. We became each other's first best friends. She didn't judge based on Quirks and believed that a person with a good heart could become a great hero. She believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. — Izuku's eyes began to glisten with overwhelming emotions, but he held back tears so as not to disturb Fuyumi. She noticed how his face lit up when he spoke about Nejire. She leaned a little closer, even more intrigued.

Izuku continued to tell her bright moments of his childhood with her, and Fuyumi could see that he was in love with his childhood friend, though he didn't understand the depth of his feelings at his age.

— If I understand correctly, you admire her? — Izuku hesitated, his cheeks slightly flushing at her words.

— Yes. She… she is just extraordinary. She always knew how to support me, and I also supported her when she was sad. When I feel the weight of the world pressing down on me, I think of her, and it becomes easier knowing she's out there training in Hosu to become the best duo of heroes. — At the last word, Izuku raised his fist into the air, recalling how they had walked forward with the words, "It's adventure time!" in search of new stories for their lives.

— What happened between you two? I haven't heard you mention her? — Izuku's smile turned to sadness as he recalled the day they parted ways.

— When her birthday came, I gifted her a locket with a pearl, and she gave me this locket with our first photo that her father took. We were at the beach, and I gave her a hero figurine that she had long wanted, and then she moved away, leaving me. But we promised to meet again at UA. — Fuyumi gently smiled, feeling her heart ache at Izuku's story. She saw that this boy, despite all the hardships he had endured, found the strength to keep bright memories and faith in the future.

— Izuku-kun, — she quietly said, leaning her head a bit closer to him, — I admire your determination. You not only kept your dream of becoming a hero alive but also continued to believe in people, even despite the pain they caused you. That… that speaks to your incredible willpower and resolve. — Izuku lifted his gaze, his eyes slightly glistening with restrained emotions. She was like his mother, constantly supporting him, but unlike her, she was a bit stricter, yet no less caring.

— Thank you, Fuyumi-san. That means a lot to me, — he said, giving a hesitant smile.

— Do you want to get into UA to fulfill your promise? — she cautiously asked, trying not to pressure him.

— Yes, — Izuku nodded firmly, clenching his fist in determination.

— I want to prove not only to myself but also to Nejire that I'm capable of this. I want to show that even someone like me can become a hero. — Izuku intentionally left out his new strength to avoid raising suspicions from Fuyumi, but he also understood that he needed to become stronger not only in body but also in mind to become the best hero. Fuyumi watched him closely, noting how his voice grew steadier and his gaze more resolute.

— That's a wonderful goal, Izuku-kun, — she said, gently touching his hand to capture his attention. — But remember one thing: it's not only about fulfilling a promise; it's about preserving yourself. You must remember that your worth doesn't depend on others' opinions or the presence of a Quirk. — He blinked, slightly surprised by her words, and blushed.

— I… I'll try, Fuyumi-san. Truly. — She tilted her head slightly and warmly smiled, holding his hand in hers.

— I have no doubt about that. Now listen carefully. If you ever need help, whether in studying, training, or just for support, you can always turn to me. I believe in you, Izuku-kun. — Izuku felt his heart swell with gratitude. He couldn't express his thanks for her support in words.

— Thank you… Fuyumi-san. I will definitely do my best to live up to your expectations.

— These aren't expectations, Izuku, — she gently corrected him, leaning back in her chair.

— They are faith. You're already proving that you can achieve a lot. Don't let anyone, including yourself, tell you otherwise. — Izuku nodded, his gaze filled with determination.

— I promise, I will do everything possible to get into UA. And I will meet Nejire again. — Fuyumi could see that this boy was truly ready to fight for his dreams, despite all the obstacles. And although her heart ached for him, she knew that it was precisely such people who became true heroes.

But there was something strange.

Izuku didn't know what had come over him. He felt his heart beating in his chest and his cheeks burning with heat. Fuyumi's words warmed his soul, filling it with hope and confidence. At the same time, he couldn't ignore how the warmth of her touch and the softness of her voice made him feel… strange. She sat across from him, slightly tilting her head, her kind eyes looking at him with support. Izuku swallowed hard, feeling the excitement rise within him.

— Fuyumi-san, — he whispered, standing up from his chair. His voice trembled, but he tried to remain calm.

— Yes, Izuku-kun? — she asked with a gentle smile, looking up at him.

Without saying a word, he unexpectedly leaned forward and gently brushed his lips against her cheek. It all happened so quickly that Fuyumi didn't have time to react. Her eyes widened in surprise, and a light blush appeared on her face. Realizing what he had just done, Izuku instantly recoiled, his face turning bright red as if covered in flames.

— I-I'm sorry! Please forgive me, Fuyumi-san! That was wrong! — he stammered, quickly firing off his words and gesturing nervously with his hands.

— I didn't mean to… I wanted to thank you… but… oh… I… I… — Fuyumi still sat motionless, processing what had just happened. Then her lips quivered, and she quietly laughed; her laughter was soft and light, like snow falling from the sky.

— Izuku-kun… that was unexpected, — she began, trying to hide her embarrassment behind a smile.

— I'm so sorry! Please don't think badly of me! — he continued to ramble, ready to sink through the floor. Fuyumi raised her hand to calm him, her voice remaining kind.

— It's okay, Izuku-kun. Really. I'm not angry. — He stopped, breathing heavily, and looked at her with relief, though his face still burned.

— But, — she added, narrowing her eyes and smiling a little more slyly, — next time, say you want to express your gratitude in words. Understood?

— Y-yes! Of course! — he nodded hastily, feeling the storm in his chest gradually subside. Fuyumi laughed softly again and added:

— You're so sincere, Izuku-kun. That's one of your best qualities. Don't lose it. — His heart skipped a beat again, but this time, instead of embarrassment, he felt a warm, pleasant sensation inside.

— Thank you, Fuyumi-san, — he quietly said, finally managing to hold back a smile.

Fuyumi watched him in silence, seeing how her student was growing not only as a hero but also as a person capable of giving and receiving kindness. After the incident, Izuku headed toward the door, and Venom, who had been silent the whole time, now started laughing at the situation.

Inside Izuku's head, the barely contained laughter of Venom grew louder with each second.

— You just… you just kissed her on the cheek?! Oh, baby, that was a bit too bold for you, don't you think? — the symbiote drawled sarcastically.

— Shut up, Andy, I already know that was wrong! — Izuku thought, trying to maintain a calm expression.

— Wrong? Come on, Izuku, you're burning up like a Christmas light! She clearly didn't mind, so relax. Although… you know, with your tendency to apologize, you could blush to your ears and sink through the floor to really ruin everything.

— I didn't mean to… I just wanted to thank her. She's done so much for me, — Izuku desperately tried to justify himself to himself.

— Okay, okay, I'm afraid if I keep commenting, you'll faint. Topic officially closed, — said Venom, not hiding his sly smirk. Shaking off his embarrassment to calm his nerves, Izuku walked toward the supermarket to stock up on supplies for the fridge and the black goo that had settled inside him. Izuku strolled slowly through the aisles of the supermarket, where he had gone to distract himself from his thoughts and replenish his food supplies. His gaze swept over the shelves of goods, and his cart gradually filled with necessities.

He picked up a pack of rice, several instant noodle packages, and soy sauce, estimating how long these supplies would last. He mentally counted the money, trying to stay within budget.

As he walked to the produce section, he stopped in front of the shelves with fresh vegetables. His gaze lingered on carrots, onions, and cabbage, and he carefully added a few vegetables to his cart. Then he approached the meat refrigerators, choosing the most affordable chicken fillet from the options.

Feeling a slight fatigue, Izuku sat down on a bench by the bread display to take a short break. He watched the people passing by, who seemed completely carefree, even though his own thoughts were filled with excitement and contemplation. Venom repeatedly suggested that he buy pastries that tempted not only him but also Izuku, who inhaled the aroma of vanilla, intoxicating his brain with the sweet scent until Venom's insistence broke through all mental barriers, almost yelling in his mind.

Finally, gathering his strength, he approached the checkout to pay for his purchases. As the cashier scanned the items, Izuku closely monitored the price display to ensure everything was in order. After paying the required amount, he thanked the cashier and carefully packed everything into his old gym bag.

Leaving the store, Izuku inhaled the cool evening air. He felt a little lighter, as if the simple act of grocery shopping had helped him regain balance after a busy day.

Izuku Midoriya

Balance: 34,660¥

Spent: -27,960¥

Pushing through the evening crowd, Izuku pondered today's patrol and the meeting with the shadow broker, who wouldn't be an easy target, as he was almost the king of the underground world and likely had his own personal army. But if he had gray areas from combat, it could work to his advantage. As he continued with his thoughts, Izuku's attention was drawn to a burning building, which the fire engulfed at a terrifying speed.

BOOM!

A loud sound erupted, clawing at his hearing, leaving a ringing in his ears, but his attention was diverted from the fire by a couple of villains tossing flammable liquid onto the building, while one of the accomplices stood directing streams of wind toward the building, intensifying the fire even more.

— What are you doing?! — a girl cried, kneeling and watching the unfolding fire. The roar of the fire intensified; it consumed the building as if it were a living creature, and a harsh mixture of smoke and soot filled the air. The crowd on the street stood in shock, and cries for help echoed from inside. People hesitated to come closer, frightened by the raging flames. As Izuku tried to hide in an alley, preparing to transform into Silent Phantom, his ears caught a more familiar name he had heard quite often.

Suddenly, joyful exclamations erupted from the crowd:

— ALLMIGHT! ALLMIGHT is coming! — Like a signal, a massive figure of the Symbol of Peace appeared on the horizon, approaching at an incredible speed. All Might, shining in his usual heroic pose, rushed toward the building without wasting a second. Seeing him, Izuku stopped trying to help with the fire and decided to join the crowd, watching All Might's actions as he continued to smile despite everything.

— Stay back; I'll take care of this! — he said in his deep, confident voice, instilling reassurance in those around him.

He raced through the flames like a storm, his cape billowing behind him. The flames tried to grab hold of him, but they couldn't match his speed and strength. With a forceful impact like an earthquake, he smashed through the charred doors and dashed inside.

Within moments, his figure appeared at the windows of the building, carrying two children in his arms. He carefully handed them over to the firefighters who had just arrived below and disappeared back into the blazing building. He returned several more times, rescuing women, men, and even pets, despite the intensifying fire and collapsing structures.

Each of his actions was met with jubilant cheers from the crowd, which shifted to worried silence as he disappeared again into the fiery hell.

Finally, when the building was almost completely burned down, All Might emerged, carrying an elderly man whose clothes were charred from the heat. The firefighters immediately surrounded them, providing necessary assistance.

— Everyone is fine! — he exclaimed, giving a thumbs up in his signature manner.

— No one was harmed! Why? Because I'm here!!! — he shouted, laughing in his usual style.

The crowd erupted into applause and cheers. People thanked him, awestruck by his heroism, and took pictures to remember the moment.

However, amidst the celebration, Izuku stood watching the scene from a distance. Mixed emotions were reflected in his eyes: admiration and something else—a shadow of hatred and pain that he had caused him. The idol who had humiliated his fan in front of the entire nation. While All Might proudly posed, Izuku's gaze burned into him; this look was felt by All Might, who decided to turn his head and met Izuku's gaze, which tightened around the bag of groceries. He clearly remembered the whispers of his wishes as they spoke his name in an ominous light. Their gazes crossed, and ALLMIGHT felt a stab of guilt toward the young man. He wanted to protect him from the tragedy of a lifetime before he experienced grief. But the determination to become a hero was much stronger than the caution he understood. He tried to dissuade him, but he wasn't listening, and if he tried to speak to him again, he would provoke a storm of hatred when journalists and media were standing behind the barricade.

— Maybe we should kill him? — Venom said, not hiding the anger in his voice, to which Izuku lowered his head and walked away from the scene.

— Illogical, — Izuku replied, heading toward his home. Though he was the number two hero, unlike Endeavor, he had his charisma, and losing such a hero would mean a shock to society.

Izuku continued walking through the dark streets, trying to calm the inner storm. His fingers still tightly gripped the bag of groceries, and thoughts swirled in his head. The words of All Might, spoken on that fateful day, echoed in his mind again.

"I want to say that you are unworthy of being a hero. Without a Quirk, you cannot become a hero."

These words, like a knife, had pierced his heart then and continued to torment his soul even now. His hero, his idol, had turned his face to the crowd but his back to him. He had lost faith in him but continued to live, remembering his conversations with his mother and before her. Izuku, though denying it, had accepted this, but did he truly deserve mercy when he hadn't taken a single step toward achieving his dream, constantly lamenting his Quirklessness?

— You can pretend that everything is fine, — Venom spoke again, hissing mockingly in his head.

— But we both know that's a lie. This hypocrite deserves nothing but contempt. — Izuku didn't respond, but his clenched fists and tense jaw spoke volumes.

— You're always so merciful, — Venom continued, not letting up. — Even to those who betrayed you. But why? It doesn't make you stronger, it only makes you weaker.

— Shut up, — Izuku snapped as he stopped in front of his door. His voice was cold, devoid of emotion.

Venom merely scoffed but retreated.

When Izuku entered the apartment, he placed the bag on the kitchen table and stood for a few seconds, trying to catch his breath. His gaze swept over the room until it landed on a shelf with a photograph of him with his mother. Next to it lay the amulet from Nejire. He picked up the amulet, ran his finger over its surface, and closed his eyes. Warm memories of the past momentarily pushed the pain aside.

— You're still thinking about her, — Venom quietly said, this time without mockery.

— Yes, — Izuku replied shortly.

The amulet was not just an object. It was an anchor that reminded him why he was fighting, why he continued to move forward despite the scorn and hatred of those around him. He took a deep breath and headed toward the closet. There, among his everyday clothes, hung his hero costume, which he used during nighttime operations. The long coat swayed slightly, as if anticipating that it would be worn again.

— It's time.

— Yes, — Venom replied, his voice sounding satisfied. — We have a lot to do.

Just before putting on his hero suit, the doorbell rang, distracting him.

— Right, the equipment, — Izuku remembered, closing the door to his room. Slowly approaching the door, he looked through the peephole and saw a courier worker, exhausted but still standing, looking tiredly at the peephole alongside several large boxes. With a quick motion, he opened the door; the courier tried to force a smile but managed poorly.

— Are you the young man named Midoriya Izuku? — he asked in a tired voice, extending the papers.

— Yes, that's me, — said Izuku, looking at the large and bulky packages. The courier let out a weary sigh as he looked at the young man before him, who expressed sympathy for him, as he had to carry such huge boxes to the 6th floor.

— Please sign these papers and take the receipt. — His fatigue showed in his movements, and as he handed the receipt to the young man, the latter trembled with emotions, which elicited sympathy from Izuku.

— Okay. Thank you, sir, — Izuku wanted to say cheerfully, but seeing the delivery man, he decided to drop that idea to avoid irritating him further.

— Thank you for ordering and for not forgetting that everything leading to training leads to a bright future, — the young man said, lowering his hands; he was in despair over his situation and wanted to quickly leave the place before he had more deliveries left on his account.

— I'm sorry it turned out this way, — Izuku said, giving the courier a glance.

— Hey, aren't you the guy who was branded with shame in society? — Izuku's eyes dropped down, but he felt no guilt, only nodded his head in acknowledgment. The young man tried to smile but did so with difficulty.

— You know, just move on; don't listen to those who haven't achieved anything themselves. Mainly, if you ask anyone, half the people will think about that: "Have they achieved their dreams?" — The young man tried to share his life experience, but it all came off as the ramblings of an old man.

— Did you achieve your dream? — Izuku asked, catching the young man off guard; he widened his eyes in disbelief.

— Yes, I achieved my dream of getting a higher education, but seeing how much they pay and the working conditions in my profession, I thought it's better to deliver goods to people than to toil away, wasting my nerves on a job where I'm not respected. — The young man poured out his soul to his client, managing to establish a connection with him despite his unkempt appearance; he smiled while raking his hair back.

— Have you tried to change anything in your life? — Izuku asked casually, to which the young man looked at his client wearily.

— Ah... of course, I've tried, buddy. I tried to change my life, but as a result, I rejected friends who tried to help me; due to my stubbornness, they all left, and they achieved something in their lives while I didn't. — Expressing his sympathy, Izuku attempted to pat him on the shoulder, but the young man took a couple of steps back, afraid of him. Seeing his irritation, Izuku halted. The conversation had dragged on, and God knows how much longer it would last if not for the radio on his belt asking him if everything was alright.

— Yes, yes, everything's fine; I'm coming down now, — he quickly replied, glancing at Izuku.

— We have to say goodbye, and yes, buddy, I hope my ramblings teach you something in life, — he said, calling the elevator.

— Goodbye, — replied Izuku, grabbing the huge box and bringing it back inside. Reflecting on the young man's words, Izuku placed the equipment on the floor, but it was late, and with each passing minute, he was wasting his precious time on investigations.

— I'll deal with the equipment later; we need to hurry up and get out, — Izuku slowly donned his suit, each movement filled with determination. When he stepped outside, night had fully descended upon the city, cloaking it in darkness.

The shadow he had become was ready to move toward the truth once again.

The night enveloped the city in thick darkness, with only the occasional lights of street lamps and car headlights breaking through the gloom. Izuku stood on the roof of a high-rise building; in the distance, the flickering neon signs shimmered in tune with the noise of the bustling city. His costume — a long black coat, a mask that concealed his face, and a compact hat — created the image of a shadowy detective from another world. He looked at the coordinates given by the captured leader, assuming he hadn't lied to him. His geolocation was on the outskirts of the city, in an old industrial zone where abandoned buildings had long turned into dens of the criminal world.

— Be careful with him; stay calm, — Venom hissed.

— This broker could be anyone. Why do you need this? — Venom asked enthusiastically, as he didn't understand why they were going on such a risky operation for this.

— We need information about the Miyamoto family, — Izuku replied calmly, disabling the wingsuit.

— Without information, we won't be able to change anything.

— Or we'll get killed. But alright, you've convinced me, — the symbiote replied with a sarcastic smirk.

Izuku took a deep breath, activated the wingsuit, spreading his black wings, and stepped off the roof. The air rushed against his face, but he quickly regained control. The currents of air lifted him as if he were part of the night, gliding over an endless sea of city lights.

The city beneath him resembled a living organism: the roads were its arteries, the cars were blood cells, and the people were tiny organisms scurrying everywhere. Izuku felt like a shadowy bird, free from shackles, but he understood that this freedom was merely a temporary illusion.

His thoughts returned to the mission. He recognized that the shadow broker was not one to play by the rules. This man was a legend in the underground world, known for his ruthlessness and cunning. But he had one peculiarity — he adhered to the so-called "neutral zone," a place where deals occurred without violence.

The industrial zone drew closer. The abandoned buildings, rusted structures, and sparse streetlights created an impression of a post-apocalyptic landscape. Izuku began to descend, looking for a suitable place to land.

He directed himself toward an old water tower, gripping the metal railings, and smoothly glided onto the platform. Under his feet, the old metal screeched, echoing in the night's silence.

— Great landing, — Venom commented. — But maybe next time, we shouldn't land on something that's about to collapse?

Izuku ignored the remark. His target was just a few hundred meters away, inside an old warehouse. He took a deep breath, feeling the symbiote tighten around him, preparing for a possible fight, and moved forward, melting into the shadows.

Izuku descended, and around him was darkness that combined with the night, sending chills down the spine of an ordinary resident. Ordinary people looked at him with fear as he walked through the streets, but to his surprise, it was eerily quiet here. Finding nothing of interest on the ground, Izuku jumped onto the roof of one of the buildings, searching for the shadow broker, who was surely hiding from the public eye. Jumping further, Izuku landed on one of the roofs where several people with pipes were waiting for him.

— Look who's here — the Silent Phantom himself! — they said, grinning slyly and striking their pipes against their palms. Izuku was ready for a fight but decided to ask if they knew the whereabouts of the shadow broker.

— Do you know where the Shadow Broker is? — he asked in a low voice, and the bandits straightened up, prompting Izuku to look at them strangely.

— If you're looking for him, he's southwest from here, in an old warehouse. Here's a map. — One of the villains approached him and handed him a map; Izuku sensed a trap in this gesture but took the offered paper anyway. They feared him since they worked for him, and if they scared off a potential client, it meant trouble for them.

Without responding, Izuku jumped to the neighboring building, heading toward it.

****

In a dark, musty room, surrounded only by the dim light of a lantern, he sat — the fear of the majority of the criminal world, lounging in his chair, sipping water while his henchmen tortured another unfortunate soul who had borrowed a large sum of money. The man looked pathetic and was bleeding, desperately trying to breathe calmly, but they kept dousing him with chemical solutions, causing irreversible damage to his skin. In the midst of this horrific atmosphere sat the Broker, dressed in a stylish tuxedo with his henchman standing over him, watching as they beat yet another unfortunate person who failed to keep his promise to him.

— I gave you the money, and where is it now? I won't repeat myself twice! — He replied, and from his words, it was clear how irritated he was by his client's actions.

— I… I… I couldn't, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I thought I could return the debt to you, — he pleaded; his face had turned into a bloody mess, and every word he spoke was filled with despair and regret.

— You should have thought more clearly. Get him out of my sight! — The thugs complied and dragged the man out of the office, who was begging not to be killed.

— Wait, I can be useful to you; please don't send me there!!! — he shouted down the hall until a thug knocked him out with one blow, tired of his cries.

— You should have thought about this earlier. — Taking a sip of water, his phone vibrated, distracting him, and lifting the receiver, he answered his subordinate with an irritated tone.

— Sir, another client has arrived for you. —

— If this is yet another debtor, you're not doing your job well! — Irritatedly huffing, the Broker was about to hang up when his subordinate quickly replied.

— Sir, it's Silent Phantom, and he's looking for you. — Soon, the heavy doors of the old warehouse creaked open. Inside, there was a tense silence, only the occasional echo of footsteps resonated in the large room. The appearance of Izuku in his Silent Phantom costume was almost silent, but everyone inside felt the tension in the air.

All eyes were fixed on the figure in a long black coat, a mask concealing their face, illuminated faintly by the glow of the streetlights. Izuku paid no attention to the hostile glares of the guards, who were clearly waiting for the order to attack.

Sitting at the table was the broker—a brunet with a mole under his lip. He didn't bother hiding his face because no one knew his real name. He was completely absent from police databases, and those who had tried to uncover his identity had met gruesome ends. It all tied back to his past, which was murky and far from pleasant. Whenever he recalled it, he would exhale quietly, trying to forget the nightmares he had witnessed as an ordinary child.

"Silent Phantom," the broker said with a smile, eyeing Izuku's detective-like attire. "I'm surprised you found me. Vigilantes usually avoid me. What brings someone like you to my doorstep?" He smirked, observing the calm, white lenses of his client, who stood with an air of composure.

Izuku took a couple of steps closer, locking eyes with him. Frowning, he fixed him with a predatory gaze and, stopping short, spoke in a low tone. "I need information. If the rumors are true, you can get anything—from intel to weapons."

The broker merely spread his hands, looking at him with a mocking expression, cracking his knuckles. "You're mistaken. I can get more than just weapons and information. I can acquire almost anything, provided the client is willing to pay for such a service." He leaned back in his chair, tapping his finger thoughtfully on the armrest.

"What kind of information are you looking for?" he asked, showing no sign of concern.

"I need information on the Miyamoto family and their associates. Their trade routes, connections, vulnerabilities—everything there is to know about that family," Izuku replied without a trace of fear. As he spread his hands on the table, he noticed the broker's right-hand man didn't appreciate how this vigilante was addressing his boss. Hearing the name Miyamoto, the broker's smile faded slightly but then widened, realizing he stood to make far more money than he had anticipated.

"You're treading on very thin ice. But very well, I'll give you the information—but payment upfront," the broker said. Izuku placed a briefcase on the table and opened it, revealing five gold bars of the highest purity (999.9), which were highly valued everywhere. Izuku had taken the gold from a boss he had interrogated, and it had come in handy.

[297,425 USD, based on 2025 prices.]

"Good, this is more than enough to provide you with the information you need," the broker said with a sly smile, pausing to observe Phantom's reaction. Izuku clenched his fists, internally weighing all possible risks. Venom, inside Izuku, expressed concern about the broker but didn't interfere in the negotiations to avoid breaking his host's concentration.

"But no matter how generously you pay me, I'll use your not-so-clean reputation for one more thing," the broker added. Izuku frowned at his words and decided to voice his displeasure.

"I'm not your mercenary, and don't drag me into your affairs," Izuku snapped.

"If you disagree, you can take your money and leave," the broker said, tapping his fingers on the table.

"What's the job?" Izuku asked. The broker clapped his hands approvingly, smiling.

"Don't worry, you'll just have to kill a villain who's been destroying my potential clients and has no morals—he kills even innocent people. His nickname, 'Bone Man,' isn't just for show. His entire body is made of extremely durable bones that heal when damaged, and where he's injured, even stronger bones grow. Essentially, he's impossible to kill."

The broker leaned back leisurely in his chair, his eyes gleaming with predatory interest as he began describing his target.

"His name is Bone Man," he said with a hint of disgust in his voice. "His real name is unknown, even to me. All that's known about him is his ruthlessness and complete lack of morals." He paused, reaching for a glass of water to take a sip before continuing. "This scum appeared a few years ago, immediately catching the attention of the police and… well, people like you. He's already responsible for sixty-eight confirmed kills, and those are just the ones linked to him. The rest… remain a mystery," he smirked, shaking his head.

Izuku stood motionless, his gaze, hidden behind the mask, piercing.

"His quirk," the broker continued, leaning slightly closer, "is bone regeneration. He can grow bones at an incredible speed and use them as weapons. Blades, spears, spikes… This psycho literally turns himself into a weapon. And the worst part? He can seal any wounds inflicted by his opponents. If you injure him, the bone will instantly cover it. The only thing that hasn't been confirmed is how long he can maintain this level of regeneration."

"So, he's invincible," Izuku said coldly. The broker laughed—a cynical, mocking laugh.

"No one's invincible, Phantom. Not even him. Every quirk has its limits, even if they're buried deep. That's why I'm turning to you. This bastard is killing not only my clients but also innocent people, just for fun. I've seen what you do to people like him. You don't leave them any chances."

"Where can I find him?" Izuku asked dryly. The broker nodded, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.

"He has a hideout on the outskirts of the city, in the old industrial district. Abandoned warehouses, buildings on the verge of collapse. That's where he hides when he's not out hunting. My people will give you the exact location." Izuku didn't respond, simply turning to leave.

"Oh, and one more thing," the broker added before Silent Phantom left the room. "Be careful. This psycho isn't just strong. He's cunning and ruthless. He knows how to trap people like you. And if you get caught…" he trailed off, smirking, "no one will know where to look for you."

"I won't get caught," Izuku shot back, but he couldn't help but wonder why, with all his connections, the broker hadn't dealt with Bone Man himself.

"Strange. With connections like yours, you haven't eliminated him yet," Izuku said with a hint of disdain, glancing over his shoulder.

"I've tried to kill him several times, but he's even taken out my best mercenaries. I realized that killing him is a waste of money and resources. But if you kill him, I'll give you information on the Miyamoto family that I've never shared with anyone else," the broker said with a sly smile, his piercing gaze fixed on Izuku's lenses.

"Start your vendetta tomorrow, Phantom." As Izuku left, the broker looked down at the briefcase of gold bars, his face lighting up with a greedy smile. "This promises to be interesting."

Blending into the shadows of the night city, Izuku soared between buildings, resisting the wind with his speed. The faint whistle of the wind and the rustle of his wingsuit accompanied his flight. There was no pursuit, but he reveled in the euphoria of flying and the sensation of the wind. Speed was exhilarating, but he didn't lose focus, analyzing Bone Man's quirk and all possible ways to eliminate him. His mind raced with thoughts, each detail meticulously analyzed.

"So, Bone Man," Izuku muttered. The opponent was strong, and trying to wear him down was a foolish idea. His stamina was high, so Izuku would have to work quickly, evading his attacks.

"His regeneration is the main obstacle. Continuous healing of wounds and bones means physical attacks won't work in most cases," Izuku mumbled rapidly, each second of flight and the cold air helping his brain cool down, allowing him to think clearly.

"His habitat is a warehouse and abandoned buildings, which works in my favor. If he operates openly, there's a chance to outsmart him, using his base against him. I'll need a diversion and frequent repositioning. If he relies on direct attacks, that plays into my hands." Gliding along the walls of office buildings, Izuku pushed off, accelerating even more. He tried to grab onto a building with a tendril but missed, instead deploying his wingsuit and continuing to glide over the city.

"His strength is regeneration, and his limits are unknown. Can he regrow limbs if they're torn off? If physical attacks are ineffective, energy-based ones might work… Dabi," Izuku concluded.

"Dabi is a perfect counter to him. It's unclear if the broker's mercenaries used fire against him, but Dabi would be extremely effective in distracting him," Venom chimed in, interrupting Izuku's thoughts, which were running at full speed, devising every possible strategy for victory.

"Then we need to find a way to take him down with one precise strike. Or…" He paused for a moment. "Force him to overuse his quirk. Sooner or later, his body will give out."

"Hmm… Interesting. If we exhaust him, he'll grow weaker. And if that's not enough, I'll gladly tear him apart with my claws," Venom said.

Silent Phantom leapt off the roof, deploying his wingsuit and gliding downward. His movements were precise, like a predator stalking its prey.

"Wait! If we use his regeneration against him…" An idea struck Izuku, one that could work if executed properly.

"What are you thinking?" Venom asked with interest.

"All regeneration quirks are tied to the brain. And what does the brain need? Oxygen. If we can drown him, his lungs will work against him. The brain can't function without oxygen, and even strong regeneration won't save his brain—it might even kill him due to the bone growths," Izuku analyzed. There was no perfect scenario for defeating Bone Man, but all means were fair in this fight. Izuku had many "ifs," and he couldn't predict which scenario would be the best, but he would use everything at his disposal to win.

"So, we have three scenarios for defeating him:

1. A one-on-one physical confrontation.

2. Dabi.

3. Drowning."

Venom summarized, but he had a fourth option he kept hidden from his host, saving it as a trump card.

"If I'm correct, there's a beach called Dagobah about two kilometers from his hideout. We'll position Dabi there if the first scenario fails, and the third plan can be executed if the second doesn't work. We'll use his ferocity against him," Izuku said. Landing on the roof of a residential complex, he watched a couple of cars pass below, breaking the dead silence of the streets. Pulling out his phone and hesitating for a moment, he dialed Dabi, who was supposed to be on medical leave and was due to return tomorrow. After a few rings, Dabi's tired but curious voice answered.

"Oh, Silent Phantom, good evening," Dabi said, smiling at the call from his nighttime partner.

"We have a target. Have you heard of Bone Man?" Izuku asked with a hint of curiosity.

"I've only heard rumors, but there's no official information from heroes or the police. What's going on?" Dabi asked, pressing the phone closer to his ear. After a five-second pause, Izuku continued.

"This mission could boost your hero ranking, and I have my own plans. What do you think?" Izuku asked, his tone suggesting a proposal. Dabi's eyes widened, realizing the operation was extremely risky but potentially rewarding.

"Go on," he replied, expressing his interest.

"There's a villain called Bone Man. He's responsible for sixty-eight murders, including innocent civilians. I recently tracked down his base; it's near Dagobah Beach," Izuku lied to Dabi about the broker, not wanting to drag him into such dirty dealings. He took the sins upon himself, knowing there was a chance Dabi might refuse if he knew the full story. So, filtering his words, he omitted some crucial details.

"If the media picks this up, your name will be all over the country," Izuku said, luring Dabi into the operation with the promise of fame, assuming he was like most heroes.

"You should work in PR, not as a hero," Dabi chuckled at Izuku's offer.

"I'm not doing this for fame but for society, to cleanse it of scum like him. But since this villain is dangerous, I'm with you," Dabi said.

"I'm glad you agreed," Izuku replied calmly, smiling at his partner's words.

"Then I have a plan to take him down."

"I'm all ears," Dabi said with interest, igniting his hand with blue flames.

After explaining the detailed plan, Dabi smirked, meticulously studying Phantom. The plan showcased Izuku's strategic mind, with many well-thought-out elements that Dabi liked, though much of the operation rested on his shoulders. Could he turn Bone Man's bone mass to ash? Finishing the conversation, Izuku looked into the distance, realizing that tomorrow would be a challenging day, if not the most difficult. But one thing was certain:

He wouldn't hold back against Bone Man.

Next chapter

Bones can also burn

[5 month until finish the school]