Chapter 45 – Heroes’ Names I
The rest days were over, and UA students had to resume classes.
It was raining. The rain poured down on the umbrella fabric as Izuku headed to the school entrance with Melissa.
After what happened at the festival, Izuku asked Toshinori for permission to keep an eye on Melissa until she fully recovered, thereby helping Recovery Girl with her care. Inko didn't object, but accepted the chance to host Melissa with a strange, smug smile.
Melissa no longer had the cast; it had been replaced by a bandage. The side effects of the Conservai disappeared in the short term, but her perception of space, balance, and the force required to grasp everyday objects was completely off. Izuku therefore had to support her as much as he could to make up for his negligence. When they weren't in enclosed spaces, he would pick her up and carry her wherever she wanted, as he did this time on their way to school.
«I-I'm sorry for the inconvenience.» Melissa apologised, blushing with embarrassment.
«You have nothing to forgive yourself for.» Izuku replied calmly «After all, we couldn't have predicted such side effects.»
The sound of someone running caught their attention, and when Izuku turned around, they both noticed Tenya running in the rain in boots and a long raincoat.
«It's late!!» Tenya exclaimed, passing them «Good morning, Shield-san! Midoriya-san!!»
«Late?» Melissa asked, surprised «But we're 5 minutes early…»
«We can't call ourselves UA’s students unless we're at least 10 minutes early!!» he replied, running.
Izuku's expression was a mix of complexity and amusement until he remembered what had happened during the festival.
Once inside and reaching the shoe locker, Izuku let Melissa, still red with embarrassment, down while Tenya stood in front of his locker, busy changing.
«Ida-san.» he called him as he closed the umbrella «Do you have any news on your brother?»
During the UA’s sports festival, Tenya's brother had been attacked and left near death. Izuku doesn't know the details of how it happened or who the attacker was, but receiving such news is certainly not something you can easily deal with.
Tenya froze for a moment, then began changing again.
«My brother is recovering. He is conscious. Thank you for your concern, Midoriya-san.» he replied with a tense smile.
Your brother is recovering... but you're not well at all, huh? Izuku thought, looking at Tenya.
*****
In class, everyone was talking about the festival's aftermath, during which many class members had been recognised by spectators. Everyone was excited and, at the same time, worried about the attention they were not used to. Hearing them, Izuku chuckled. A tired and incredibly bitter laugh. For Izuku, receiving attention is neither something to rejoice in nor something to be embarrassed about. It means heavy expectations from civilians desperately seeking salvation. It means that his workload becomes heavier. It means preparing for new sacrifices. It means doing what is necessary to protect the Emperor and what He loves more than anything else: humanity.
Being young has its advantages.
Not long after, everyone was sitting silently in their seats, and Professor Aizawa entered the classroom with his usual tired, disinterested manner.
«Morning.»
«««««Good morning, sensei!»»»»» the whole class replied
«Aizawa-sensei.» Tsuyu called «You finally got to take off your bandages. Ribbit!»
Tsuyu's observation did not go unnoticed, as Shota, once a scruffy mummy, had returned to being a scruffily dressed person.
«Yes, but it doesn't matter at the moment.» Shota replied selflessly «There's something special in store for you today.»
The professor's statement changed the atmosphere among the students. Izuku noticed that many classmates feared a boring lesson or a surprise test. Given the professor's way of presenting himself, it wouldn't even have been strange to think so.
«It's time to decide on your nicknames. Your Hero names.»
The class cheered enthusiastically at the news. Everyone was ready to decide what they would be called by the civilians whom they would protect and rescue throughout their careers. Izuku's reaction was lukewarm: he simply remained indifferent and bored.
«Keep in mind that the nicknames you've decided on this year will have nothing but something in common with your future “interests”» Shota explained, slightly annoyed «In other words, as time goes on, the experience you'll have on the various stages and the refinement of your fighting style could change your nickname.»
«Damn adults, playing with our emotions!» Minoru cursed under his breath
«So, the name we decide on is nothing more than a goal for the future?» Toru asked
«That’s right.» Shota confirmed. «Now here is the list of professionals who have expressed interest in taking you under their tutelage for the duration of the internship.»
The names of the class members appeared on the blackboard behind the professor, along with a number and a line indicating how many professionals were interested in welcoming them as interns. Two names in particular stood out, flanked by a four-digit number.
Todoroki-san and Katsuki-kun particularly caught the attention of professionals, huh? Well, it's not even that surprising. Izuku thought.
As Izuku was absorbed in his thoughts, he noticed that a good portion of his classmates weren't exactly happy with the results, but at the same time they were a little expecting it. Shoto, on the other hand, again placed the blame on his father for the large number of Heroes interested in taking him on as an intern.
Obviously, some names didn't even appear, but Izuku’s was there, and honestly, he was surprised. After all, throughout the festival he had acted as referee alongside Midnight-sensei, deliberately missing the opportunity to fully showcase his skills. Not that Izuku didn't give a taste, as he repeatedly showed off his superhuman agility and speed. But proving you're fast means nothing. Yet someone is intent on having him as an intern.
I have a half-suspicion about who it might be...
«Even though many of you have not been named…» Shota began, calming the students «I will ensure that all of you can gain field experience under the tutelage of a professional. You've already had your 'practical experience,' but I still remain of the opinion that there's no better training than field experience.»
He's referring to the assault on the USJ when I got back, huh? He thought, amused, as he remembered the massacre he had perpetrated. Well, it certainly was a nice wake-up call for these children, but for me it wasn't even a warm-up. I didn't even get invested in that fight.
«So that's why we need nicknames, isn't it?» asked euphoric Rikido
«It's certainly not to be thrown away, but make sure it's something appropriate for you-»
«Otherwise you will taste hell!» a woman exclaimed in a high tone of voice, interrupting Professor Aizawa «The name by which you will be recognised throughout the world!! The name you choose today, in many cases, will become the official one once you become professionals!!»
«««««Midnight-sensei!!»»»»»
With extreme calm and sensual movements, Midnight approached the cathedra, while Shota pulled a yellow sleeping bag from under it.
As Midnight approached the chair, their eyes met, and perhaps to greet him, Midnight winked at him, while Izuku responded by nodding his head.
«Well, that's the gist.» Shota said, starting to put on his yellow sleeping bag «Midnight-sensei will evaluate your nicknames, since I'm terrible at these things. But remember: “names and personalities often coincide.”»
«Well, that said, take each of you to a whiteboard and start thinking about your nicknames,» Midnight announced, handing over the aforementioned whiteboards «You have 15 minutes to think about it.»
I have to decide on another name... huh? Izuku thought, tired but amused by the situation.