Chapter 24 – Prove It
The last bell marked the end of classes, and the students of Class 1A let out a sigh and began preparing to go home after thanking the professor. Everyone then set off for their homes or to follow the afternoon plans, unaware of what awaited them beyond the classroom door. Or at least, all but one.
«What… what the hell?!!!» Ochaco shouted in astonishment at the classroom door
«What happened?» asked Melissa curiously, next to Izuku
«We have numerous curious… visits» Izuku said disinterestedly.
«Huh? How do you say that?»
When asked, Izuku pointed to his ears.
As he continued to arrange the books in his backpack, his head formulated possible workout plans for Melissa, while his ears caught what was happening in front of the class.
Aside from Katsuki's typical aggression, which characterised all the students gathered in front of the class as mere extras who had come in for reconnaissance, in reality they are harmless, curious students interested in the class that had repelled a Villain raid. In particular, one of them said something interesting: despite his annoyed tone and provocative tone of voice, he compared everyone to Katsuki, which amused Izuku. This student seemed to feel some remorse towards the 40 students admitted to the Heroes Course. Ah, now there are 41, counting me.
«Did you know? Based on the results of the Sports Festival, students can be re-evaluated to be transferred to the Heroes course and vice versa.»
Izuku, chuckling softly, spoke «As agreed, wait for me at the entrance to the building. I'll quickly fix something and get there.» Melissa watched him uncertainly.
«All right, Midoriya-san.» Melissa timidly stated
Within seconds, Izuku was in front of the door to get out. His appearance caused most of the curious to swallow their breath, and the boy, with some remorse towards the Heroes Course, fell silent. A relatively tall young man with messy indigo hair that spreads into large tufts around his head. His eyes are purple, with thin, somewhat triangular white pupils and no visible eyelashes. They are half-closed, with bags under his eyes, as if he had slept little or poorly.
Everyone stared at him silently and fearfully, as if the giant could punish them even for sneezing. Izuku was used to these reactions: body language communicates more than words.
«Move.»
The tone is calm and gentle, yet cold and authoritarian. A single word and a glance, where he had to go, were enough to open a corridor through the crowd. Only the indigo-haired boy didn't move. But it was clear to Izuku: the boy hadn't moved because he wanted to be bold, but because his body didn't respond. In all likelihood, he, too, has heard of the giant that killed without hesitation.
«Do you have anything else to add?»
Izuku asked that simple question, not to threaten but to see if he actually had anything to add in his presence.
«...No.» he finally stated by moving.
Izuku moved, and as soon as he passed him, he stopped again. The words that came out of his lips were not addressed to the indigo boy in particular, but to everyone present.
«If someone wants to prove themselves worthy of entering the Heroes Course, it is not by blocking a class with the intention of insulting them and making useless declarations of war that you show it.» his tone was as reproachful as it was condescending «Make your actions speak for yourselves. Prove that you are not just words when the opportunity presents itself.»
Izuku then walked off to Nezu's office, while silence still dominated the entire crowd.
"...That was pure manliness." Kirishima stated, trembling with excitement and renewed ardour
Izuku, for a single moment, became a symbol of fear because of his reputation, but also an advocate for encouraging all present. Not only for the words Izuku quoted, but also for how, in his eyes, everyone read something they would not have expected from someone they considered an arrogant member of the Heroes Course: a healthy expectation of seeing the determination and progress of those present.
*****
Izuku knocked on the door of principal Nezu's office and, after Nezu gave his consent, entered the principal's office while he was sipping tea.
«You resolved the situation commendably, Midoriya-san.» the principal said amusedly. «Not only did you disperse the crowd, but you also urged them to do their best.»
«Compared to calming hungry, delusional crowds who believe the end of the world has come, this is a breath of fresh air.»
«Hahaha. If the opportunity arises again, I will trust you again.»
«That's the job of teachers and law enforcement, not students.» Izuku said, sighing.
«Now, I don't think you're just here to get praise from the UA principal.» Nezu began, leaning back his cup of tea. «How can I help you?»
«The Sports Festival. I have no desire to participate in it.»
«...I understand.»
Citing the festival, the principal leaned back on his chair, closed his eyes, and crossed his arms. It may all be a scene, but Izuku suspects the mouse has already anticipated his request and is awaiting a surprise-filled response. It takes more than that to surprise me.
«Express your conditions, principal.»
«Oh, dear… I was hoping for another answer.» Nezu said, disappointed «Oh, well. I agree to your request if you comply with two conditions.»
«Speak.»
«The first condition is that you will have to give the introductory speech before the games start. The second condition is that you will have to act as an auxiliary referee.»
«I thought your teachers were competent.» Izuku teased, hearing the second condition
«Oh, but they are. However, seeing how much you want to see our students' progress up close, I thought I'd put you in a place of honour. Exactly in the front row and… in good company.» Nezu said amusedly.
Even though the tone was playful, the last statement sent a shiver down Izuku's spine. Let's hope well.
«So be it. Now I'm leaving.» Izuku stated, giving his back to the principal and heading for the door.
«Oh, dear. You're such a man of few words. Straight to the point. Don't you have anything else to ask me?»
«For example?» he asked, looking at the principal out of the corner of his eye.
«For example, the reason I agreed to your request.»
«Two reasons: Since this festival serves not only to demonstrate their progress but also to encourage them to improve, my participation could destroy their self-esteem, since I would fully exploit not only my body's potential, but also two and a half millennia of experience. The second is that you understand the inherent danger of the Festival, as it is not only fertile ground for infiltration and external attacks, but above all for the collection of information. Since I'm a student of yours, I've also become a kind of secret weapon in your arsenal.» he said selflessly, holding up two fingers in succession «Did I forget anything?» he finally asked, turning completely.
«Hahaha. You don't miss anything.»" Nezu laughed amusedly «Now I almost want to play chess with you to see if you can read my mind or see the future.»
«It's called experience, principal Nezu.» Izuku sighed «To make you understand better, I've had to bargain with an alien race known as the Eldar several times. Simply put, one of their words can have five different meanings, and their plans are so labyrinthine that, by comparison, arguing with a proven master manipulator is a walk in the park.»
«Oh my.» Nezu exclaimed amusedly
«Oh my indeed.» Izuku repeated equally amusedly «Notify whoever is responsible for the agreements we just made. Now I have to take my leave. But if you really want to play chess with me, give me a shout, and I'll try to free up some time.»
«It would have been much more interesting and convenient if we did it now, but if you practically have to run… may I ask what is keeping your mind?»
«Very simple.» he said, smiling, sending a shiver running down the chimera's spine «I have a couple of things to teach the heir of someone we both know.»