⬐ U.A. High School is known for producing Japan’s greatest heroes. With legends like All Might and Endeavor paving the way, Class 1-A is expected to uphold that legacy. They train, they fight, they grow stronger every day. And then there’s (Y/N). No one really talks about (Y/N). Not because they’re weak—oh, no. If anything, they might be the strongest in the class. But there’s just… something off about them. The way they tilt their head just a little too far. The way they appear in places they shouldn’t be. The way they say things that don’t make sense—until they do.
⬐ anothers note : full story is here on my quotev page, A Totally Normal Student
⬐ fandom : MHA x Duolingo Reader ᓀ ᵥ ᓂ
masterlist
chapter 1
In the past…
The playground buzzed with the sound of children playing, their laughter ringing through the air. The warm scent of freshly cut grass mixed with the faint burn of rubber from the swings. A perfect afternoon—if not for the scene unfolding beneath the jungle gym.
A young Izuku Midoriya stood trembling, his tiny fists clenched at his sides.
Across from him, Katsuki Bakugo sneered, tiny explosions crackling at his palms. Behind Izuku, a smaller boy sniffled, rubbing at his eyes, too afraid to run.
“You seriously think you can play hero, Deku?” Katsuki scoffed. “You don’t even have a Quirk.”
Izuku’s breath hitched. His throat felt tight. But still, he stood firm, swallowing back his fear.
“I-I don’t have to have a Quirk t-to help others—”
His own voice betrayed him, stumbling over the words, his fear making them weak.
Katsuki’s smirk widened. “Pathetic.” He stepped forward;
Snap.
A branch broke.
The sound wasn’t close.
The kids froze. The crack had come from the treeline just beyond the playground, where the trees grew thick and dark.
Shadows pooled unnaturally between the trunks, too deep for the time of day.
Katsuki barely spared it a glance before turning back to Izuku. “Tch. Whatever.” He shoved past him, motioning for his friends to follow.
Izuku exhaled shakily, watching them leave. Then, as he turned to check on the boy behind him—
He felt it.
That prickling sensation creeping up his neck. The kind that told him—he wasn’t alone.
His gaze drifted back to the trees.
And there, perched among the twisted branches—something watched him.
It wasn’t an animal. Wasn’t a person. It was both—and neither.
The air around it rippled, warped, twisted—as if reality itself bent to accommodate its presence.
One massive, unblinking eye stared at him from the shadows.
Izuku’s breath caught.
Then it multiplied.
One became two.
Two became four.
Each set of eyes stacked atop the others—a grotesque, staring tower of sight.
Izuku staggered back, his little hands gripping his sleeves. He wanted to run. Wanted to scream. But his voice—his legs—wouldn’t work.
The eyes blinked.
And just like that—they were gone.
A rustle of leaves. A shift of wind.
Nothing more.
Izuku gasped, his tiny heart hammering against his ribs. He blinked, rubbed his eyes—
Had he imagined it?
“Zuku?”
His mother’s voice, soft and distant. Calling him from the park entrance.
Izuku swallowed, forcing himself to turn. “C-Coming, Mom!”
Still shaking, he ran toward her—never looking back.
Because deep in the trees, hidden where no sunlight reached—something was still watching.
And it would never stop.
In the present…
A news broadcast played somewhere in the background, the familiar report echoing through the streets.
“It all started in Qing Qing City, China—when a newborn baby was born aglow with a radiant light. The phenomenon spread across the world, and soon, the majority of the population developed supernatural abilities. These powers, known as ‘Quirks,’ shaped society as we know it. With power came conflict, but also—heroes.”
The city buzzed with excitement as a massive villain rampaged through the streets, his towering form knocking over lampposts and crushing pavement beneath his weight.
“Stay back!” a Pro Hero shouted, holding civilians at bay.
Izuku Midoriya, now a third-year junior high student, pushed his way through the crowd, notebook in hand, eyes wide with anticipation.
“No way—it’s Kamui Woods!”
The sleek Pro Hero leaped into action, twisting through the air as he extended wooden tendrils from his arms.
“The villain has used his Quirk for illegal activity!” Kamui Woods announced, his voice sharp and commanding. “I’ll put an end to this quickly!”
With a flick of his wrist, he launched Lacquered Chain Prison, binding the massive villain in place.
Izuku’s grip on his notebook tightened, scribbling furiously. First appearance of Lacquered Chain Prison—restraint-based Quirk, likely strong against brute force opponents!
A thunderous crash echoed across the block.
“CANYON CANNON!”
A blur of red and white streaked across the scene. In an instant, the giant villain was sent crashing to the pavement, knocked out cold.
From the dust emerged a tall, curvaceous woman, hands on her hips, a confident smirk gracing her face.
“Cameras ready, boys? I’m taking over from here!” Mt. Lady declared, flashing a grin at the reporters.
The crowd erupted in cheers. Photographers rushed forward, snapping shots of the new heroine’s grand debut.
Izuku barely noticed. He was still writing, absorbing, analyzing. His eyes darted between heroes, his mind racing.
“Are you aiming to be a hero, kid?” A bystander chuckled beside him.
Izuku looked up, startled, before laughing nervously. “Ah—w-well, yeah! I mean—I’ll do my best!”
His fingers clenched around the pen.
“Even if I don’t have a Quirk, I—”
His thoughts trailed off.
Somewhere in the back of the crowd—someone was watching.
Not cheering. Not taking pictures. Not reacting.
Just watching.
A figure, dressed in the same junior high uniform as Izuku, lingered near the edge of the scene. Their posture was relaxed, yet their head tilted ever so slightly—like an owl tracking its prey.
Their gaze, dark and unreadable, flickered in the sunlight.
And then—they were gone.
Izuku never noticed.
But had he turned—had he looked just a second longer—he might’ve recognized them.
Might’ve remembered their name.
But he didn’t.
Because nobody ever did.
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 16
authors note : this was a Christmas special that I wrote over the course of 3 days, I know Christmas passed but I’ve been busy and having fun :)
masterlist
The warm glow of a fireplace flickered through the kitchen as the lively chatter of friends and family filled the air, blending with the heavenly aroma of baking cookies and simmering hot cocoa. Snow gently fell outside, blanketing the world in pristine white, but inside the Tokitō household, the atmosphere was a blend of warmth, cheer, and just a hint of chaos.
“Don’t forget to sift the flour, Muichiro!” (Y/N) instructed, carefully pouring brown sugar into a mixing bowl. His movements were calm and deliberate, in stark contrast to his younger brother, whose attention seemed to drift as he stared out the window, mesmerized by the falling snow.
“I know, I know,” Muichiro replied absentmindedly, though his hands mechanically sifted the flour into the bowl. He was quiet as always, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips.
(Y/N) shook his head, amused. “If you zone out and mix this wrong, we’ll have rocks instead of cookies.”
From across the kitchen, Tanjiro Kamado chuckled as he stirred a pot of steaming hot cocoa on the stove. “You two make a good team. Nezuko, don’t forget the marshmallows!”
Nezuko, her pink ribbon tied neatly in her hair, grinned brightly as she placed a jar of marshmallows on the counter. Though she didn’t speak, her expression radiated holiday cheer as she handed the jar to Tanjiro.
“Wow, you’re really on top of things, Nezuko,” complimented Suma, one of Tengen Uzui’s wives. Her cheerful voice cut through the bustling kitchen, where she stood alongside Makio and Hinatsuru. “Unlike Tengen, who somehow managed to burn toast this morning!”
“Hey, hey, don’t ruin my reputation in front of the kids!” Tengen retorted dramatically, crossing his arms and leaning casually against the counter. “Besides, I’m just here to supervise all this ‘flamboyant’ holiday spirit.”
Makio rolled her eyes, wiping her hands on her apron. “Sure you are.”
“Can you all focus? These cookies won’t bake themselves,” (Y/N) said with a hint of exasperation, though his tone remained light. He passed Muichiro a whisk before moving to grab the chocolate chips.
Muichiro blinked, his gaze following his older brother. “What’s Christmas even about again?”
(Y/N) paused mid-step, turning to his brother with a rare softness in his gaze. “It’s about spending time with the people you care about and creating memories together. Like this.”
Muichiro tilted his head, pondering his brother’s words, while Tanjiro beamed. “Exactly! It’s about giving, kindness, and sharing joy.”
The door to the kitchen swung open suddenly, letting in a burst of cold air and raucous laughter. In walked Izuku Midoriya, his cheeks flushed from the cold, followed by Eijiro Kirishima and Katsuki Bakugo.
“Man, it smells amazing in here!” Kirishima exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. He immediately gravitated toward the tray of cookies waiting to go into the oven. “What are you guys making?”
“Cookies,” Muichiro said plainly, stirring the batter in the bowl.
“Hot cocoa too,” Tanjiro added with a warm smile, motioning to the pot.
“Hands off the tray, Kirishima,” (Y/N) said without looking up, his tone firm but not unkind. “They’re not done yet.”
“Aw, come on, man! You’re making it impossible not to sneak one.”
“Focus on not breaking the tray with your manly enthusiasm,” (Y/N) retorted dryly, earning a laugh from Tengen.
“Oi, quit fooling around!” Bakugo barked, scowling at the scene. “If we’re eating, we’re eating now. I didn’t come here to stand around!”
“Bakugo!” Izuku scolded, his hands flailing nervously. “Don’t be rude!”
“You guys just got here,” (Y/N) said coolly, leveling Bakugo with a sharp look. “You’ll wait like everyone else.”
The tension between the two boys was palpable until Muichiro suddenly held out a spoon covered in cookie dough to Bakugo. “Want some?”
Caught off guard, Bakugo blinked at the offering before grumbling and snatching the spoon. “Tch. Fine.”
As the laughter and chatter resumed, the kitchen once again filled with the comforting sounds of holiday preparation. Tengen clapped his hands together, his voice booming over the noise. “Alright, let’s wrap this up, people! We’ve got a feast to prepare, and it better be as flamboyant as it gets!”
(Y/N) rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. For now, all was peaceful, and the warmth of the season brought everyone together, even if only for a little while.
The camaraderie in the kitchen spread like wildfire, spilling into the adjoining rooms where the rest of the guests had gathered. Snow continued to fall outside, but inside, the festive energy was unmatched. The gentle clinking of plates, the hum of cheerful conversation, and the occasional burst of laughter created an ambiance that was both comforting and nostalgic.
As (Y/N) slid a tray of freshly prepared cookies into the oven, he turned to find Nezuko holding a small tray of marshmallows toward him. She gestured to the pot of hot cocoa, her eyes wide with excitement.
“Fine, fine,” (Y/N) said, relenting to her silent request. He carefully picked up a handful of marshmallows and dropped them into the mugs Tanjiro was filling. “Happy now?”
Nezuko nodded enthusiastically before scurrying back to Tanjiro’s side.
“Man, she’s adorable,” Kirishima said, leaning against the counter. “This whole scene feels like one of those picture-perfect holiday movies. Makes me want to do this every year.”
“Speak for yourself,” Bakugo muttered, though he was still munching on the cookie dough Muichiro had handed him earlier.
Just then, a crash echoed from the living room, followed by Zenitsu’s panicked voice. “I-I swear I didn’t mean to do it!”
“Zenitsu!” Inosuke’s boisterous yell followed. “You broke the star, you idiot!”
(Y/N) pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling heavily. “What did they do now?”
Tanjiro sighed but smiled apologetically. “I’ll go check.”
Before he could take a step, Tengen raised a hand. “Let me handle it. I’ve got three wives; I’m used to cleaning up chaos.” He winked, and his wives all rolled their eyes in unison.
As Tengen strode out of the kitchen to handle the mess, Muichiro turned to (Y/N), his expression as calm as ever. “Do you think they’ll actually fix it, or should we just expect more noise?”
“More noise,” (Y/N) replied without hesitation.
Meanwhile, Izuku stood awkwardly by the counter, observing the cheerful scene with a soft smile. “It’s amazing how close you all are. It’s like… you’ve always been a family.”
(Y/N) glanced at him, his expression neutral but not unkind. “That’s what happens when you fight to protect one another. Bonds are forged through fire.”
Izuku nodded thoughtfully, taking those words to heart.
“Alright, enough standing around!” Tengen’s voice boomed as he returned, dragging Zenitsu and Inosuke behind him. “The star’s fixed, and the tree looks flamboyant! Now let’s eat!”
Cheers erupted as the cookies were finally placed on a large platter, the hot cocoa poured into mugs, and everyone gathered around the table. The room was filled with a harmonious mix of voices from different walks of life—Hashira, students, and heroes alike.
As they all sat together, Tanjiro raised his mug. “To family, friends, and the bonds we share. Merry Christmas, everyone!”
A chorus of “Merry Christmas!” followed, and for that moment, all worries and struggles were forgotten.
From the corner of the room, (Y/N) quietly sipped his cocoa, a rare smile tugging at his lips. Muichiro sat beside him, leaning against his older brother, his expression peaceful.
For once, everything felt right… or maybe not.
The peace didn’t last long.
It started innocently enough—a stray spark from the fireplace, unnoticed amidst the laughter and clinking mugs. But then Inosuke, in his boundless enthusiasm, decided to show off his “decorating skills” by trying to climb the Christmas tree to hang an extra ornament at the very top.
“Get down from there, you idiot!” Zenitsu screeched, flailing his arms.
“You’re just jealous of my superior skills!” Inosuke roared back, one foot kicking wildly against the garland.
Before anyone could intervene, his reckless movement knocked over a lit candle from the nearby mantle. Time seemed to slow as the flame met the tree, the dry pine needles catching in an instant.
“FIRE!” Kaminari shouted, pointing dramatically.
The room descended into chaos. Nezuko jumped up, Tanjiro desperately fanned the flames with his hands, and Tengen shouted, “Grab the extinguisher!” But it was too late—the tree was engulfed, and the smoke alarm blared overhead.
“Everyone out!” Aizawa’s voice cut through the panic. His scarf whipped out, pulling Kaminari and Zenitsu by the backs of their shirts and dragging them toward the door.
Outside in the snow, everyone shivered as they watched the tree collapse into a smoldering heap.
“Well,” Tengen said, clapping his hands together. “There goes Christmas.”
“Not on my watch!” Kirishima said, his voice brimming with determination. “We can save this! We just need a new tree, more decorations, and maybe some extra food.”
“I’ll drive,” Tengen declared confidently, pulling out his keys.
“No, you’ll just make it worse,” Aizawa deadpanned. “We’ll split into teams. Divide and conquer.”
“Great idea!” Tanjiro agreed. “We can each take a different car and get what we need.”
The group quickly organized into teams:
• Team 1 (Tree Squad): Tanjiro, Inosuke, Bakugo, and Tengen. Their mission? Find the biggest and most flamboyant tree available.
• Team 2 (Decor Squad): Momo, Nezuko, Kirishima, and Present Mic. They were in charge of ornaments, garlands, and lights.
• Team 3 (Food Squad): (Y/N), Muichiro, Aizawa, and Zenitsu. Their task was to restock on snacks, hot cocoa, and anything else that had been ruined in the chaos.
The teams piled into separate cars, the adults taking the driver’s seats.
“Let’s make this the manliest Christmas ever!” Kirishima shouted, fist-pumping from the passenger seat of Present Mic’s van.
“I’LL FIND THE BEST TREE!” Inosuke bellowed from the back of Tengen’s flashy SUV.
“I don’t trust any of you,” Aizawa muttered, rubbing his temple as he turned the key in the ignition. (Y/N) sat silently beside him, arms crossed, while Muichiro leaned against the window, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos.
As the cars sped off in different directions, the snow fell heavier, and the countdown to saving Christmas officially began.
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 11
masterlist
The memory came like a fleeting shadow sweeping across (Y/N)’s mind as he stood on the UA training grounds. It wasn’t often that his thoughts wandered—his focus tended to remain in the here and now—but this time, the sensation of blinding speed brought him back to a particular moment, years before he ever set foot in this world.
• 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 •
The training field was alive with the sounds of movement—quick, sharp, and rhythmic. The clang of steel echoed through the air, mingling with the light chatter and occasional scolding of Tengen Uzui’s wives in the background. Tengen himself stood at the center of the chaos, the sun gleaming off his twin blades and his elaborate headpiece as he crossed his arms, smirking at the younger boy standing a few feet away.
(Y/N), younger but no less stoic, stood poised with a wooden training sword in hand, his breaths steady but shallow, a light sheen of sweat gleaming on his forehead. His usually calm demeanor was disrupted by exhaustion that tugged at his limbs.
“Again,” Tengen commanded, his deep voice cutting through the soundscape like a drumbeat. “You’re fast, kid, no doubt about it. But if you’re going to make it flashy enough to keep up with me, you’ll need more than just speed. Show me precision. Show me style!”
(Y/N) didn’t respond, at least not verbally. His blank expression barely shifted as he tightened his grip on the sword, his legs shifting slightly in preparation. He was tired—bone-tired—but he wasn’t about to stop now. Not while Uzui was watching.
In a blur of motion, Tengen vanished, his speed so great that even the sound of his sandals hitting the ground was delayed. (Y/N) barely caught the movement in his peripheral vision, his instincts screaming at him to react. He ducked low, narrowly avoiding the edge of Tengen’s blade, and sprang backward, his body moving purely on muscle memory.
“Not bad,” Tengen said, his voice surprisingly close, though his form was now perched on a nearby rock. “But not good enough!” He lunged again, this time faster, his movements a chaotic symphony of speed and power.
(Y/N) darted to the side, his wooden sword coming up to deflect the strike. The impact rattled through his arms, and he staggered slightly, but he managed to stay upright. The world around him was a blur—each of Tengen’s movements was a challenge to track, let alone counter.
From the sidelines, Tengen’s wives watched with varying degrees of concern and encouragement.
“Hina, look at him! He’s going to fall over any second!” Suma whined, clutching her hands to her chest. “We should stop this!”
Makio, far less sympathetic, crossed her arms with a huff. “Stop babying him, Suma. He’s fine. Right, Hina?”
Hina, ever the composed one, placed a calming hand on Suma’s shoulder. “He’ll be fine. Lord Tengen wouldn’t push him if he couldn’t handle it. Trust him.”
“No babying him my lovely wives!” Tengen called out without breaking stride, his voice as commanding as ever yet still respectful— because yes, tengen drinks his respect woman juice daily…especially from the breast of his wives.
“He doesn’t need your pity. What he needs is determination. Isn’t that right, young (L/N)?”
(Y/N) didn’t answer, but his actions spoke for him. He took a deep breath, his form lowering slightly as he focused. This time, his movements were sharper, quicker, and more deliberate. He surged forward, his wooden sword slicing through the air in a strike aimed at Tengen’s midsection.
The Sound Hashira blocked it easily, though there was a glint of approval in his eyes. “Not bad, kid! But you’re still too slow if you want to match this!”
Tengen moved again, faster than before, his form a blur of color and sound. (Y/N) clenched his jaw, his breathing steadying as he switched tactics. His legs propelled him forward in a burst of speed that left even Tengen momentarily caught off guard. He pivoted at the last second, his sword slashing upward in a motion so fluid and quick that the air itself seemed to ripple.
For a brief moment, (Y/N) moved as if he were sound—his body a whisper of motion, too fast for the untrained eye to follow.
He landed several feet away, his sword lowered, his breaths heavy but even. The faintest hint of satisfaction flickered across his usually indifferent face.
Tengen, now standing a few paces away, let out a loud, boisterous laugh. “That’s more like it! I knew you had it in you, young (L/N)! You might even be able to keep up with me one day!”
Before the moment could sink in, the memory fractured, fading away like mist in the wind.
(Y/N)’s gaze refocused, the present coming back into sharp relief. His breathing was as steady as ever, but for the briefest moment, there was the faintest trace of a smile tugging at his lips. It was gone before anyone could notice.
• 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙚𝙣𝙙 •
“0.43 seconds,” Aizawa repeated from across the training grounds, his tone as indifferent as ever but his eyes sharp with intrigue.
And for a moment, as Bakugo’s furious sputtering filled the air, (Y/N) thought back to Uzui’s voice—“I knew you could do it.”
As the rest of the class stared at the board displaying (Y/N)’s impossible 0.43-second time, he casually walked over to stand beside Izuku, whose expression betrayed a mix of awe and nervousness. Izuku’s green eyes darted toward Bakugo, whose smug confidence had turned into a scowl, his fists clenching and crackling with small explosions.
“It’s your turn,” (Y/N) said simply, glancing at Izuku. His tone wasn’t harsh, but there was an edge of expectation in his voice.
Izuku swallowed hard, taking a shaky breath. “Right. My turn…” He stepped forward as Aizawa called his name, his hands trembling slightly.
“You’ll be fine,” (Y/N) added, not looking directly at him. “Ignore the brat.” His gaze flickered briefly toward Bakugo, who froze mid-sneer, his teeth grinding audibly.
Izuku glanced at (Y/N), a flicker of gratitude crossing his face, though it quickly faded as the next test began.
Izuku nodded hesitantly, the words giving him a small but noticeable boost of confidence. He stepped up to the starting line, but as the whistle blew and his legs carried him forward, it was clear he wasn’t anywhere near the speeds his classmates had achieved. His movements were clumsy, lacking the precision and strength needed to keep up with the others.
By the time he crossed the finish line, panting and red-faced, the results were as underwhelming as he’d feared. Bakugo’s barking laughter cut through the silence.
“Hah! You call that running, Deku? Even the extras here could beat that!” Bakugo sneered, his voice dripping with disdain.
Izuku’s shoulders sagged slightly, his confidence wavering, but before Bakugo could press further, (Y/N)’s calm voice broke through.
“Focus on yourself,” (Y/N) said coldly, his disinterest cutting deeper than any insult could. “You’re wasting energy trying to prove something to people who don’t care.”
“Who are you calling a brat, huh?! I’ll—” Bakugo started, but (Y/N) cut him off with a flat look.
“I said focus on yourself brat.”
Bakugo flinched at the cold look thrown his way, his glare sharpening, but he doesn’t say anything else.
The tests that followed were grueling, with the students pushed to their limits in various physical and quirk-based activities. Bakugo, true to his fiery nature, remained loud and aggressive, barking out challenges to the rest of the class. “Come on, you extras! I know you can do better than that—oh wait, you can’t!”
(Y/N), however, was unfazed. Every time Bakugo tried to outdo the rest of the class, (Y/N) would step in silently and match or surpass his score, his actions speaking louder than words. Whether it was the standing long jump, grip strength test, or sidesteps, (Y/N) completed them with an effortless precision that left Bakugo’s boasts hanging in the air.
Izuku, on the other hand, struggled with each test. His lack of control over One For All, coupled with his already limited physical capabilities, left him at the bottom of nearly every ranking. And yet, through it all, (Y/N) stayed close by, watching Izuku’s efforts with an analytical gaze.
“You’re relying too much on instinct,” (Y/N) said during one test, his voice low so only Izuku could hear. “You’ll never get better if you don’t train your body and mind to handle the strain. I’ll change up your training regimen next time. No more excuses.”
Izuku shivered at the thought, memories of their last training session flashing through his mind. (Y/N) had left him gasping for air, bruised but somehow inspired, and it seemed he was about to go through it all again.
“Y-Yes, sir!” Izuku stammered, more nervous than ever.
“Good.” (Y/N)’s faint smirk was the only sign he was pleased.
By the time the pitching test—the final event—rolled around, Izuku was already dreading the outcome. As expected, Bakugo was the first to land an impressive throw, his explosion-boosted pitch soaring far into the distance.
“Beat that, extras!” he shouted, grinning wickedly as the rest of the class took their turns.
When it was Izuku’s turn, the murmurs of doubt began almost immediately. “He’s going to fail again,” someone whispered.
Izuku held the ball nervously, his heart hammering in his chest. The weight of everyone’s expectations—or lack thereof—felt heavier than the ball itself.
“You’re useless, Deku!” Bakugo shouted from the sidelines, his voice sharp and cutting. “What’re you even doing here? Just throw it and get it over with!”
Izuku hesitated, the familiar sting of Bakugo’s words settling deep in his chest. But then, out of the corner of his eye, he caught (Y/N)’s gaze.
“You know what to do,” (Y/N) said calmly, his arms crossed as he stood watching.
Taking a deep breath, Izuku channeled the small amount of One For All he had access to into his arm, careful not to let the power spread too far. His grip tightened on the ball as he raised it. This is it.
With a determined shout, Izuku threw the ball, the sheer force of One For All sending it flying further than anyone expected. The class went silent as the ball finally landed, the distance displayed on the screen.
Even Bakugo’s usual commentary was replaced by stunned silence, though it didn’t last long.
“WHAT THE HELL, DEKU?!” Bakugo roared, his explosions crackling violently in his palms. “You’ve been lying this whole time?! You’ve got a Quirk?!”
Izuku barely had time to stammer out a response before Bakugo lunged at him, explosions lighting up his path. Before he could reach Izuku, Aizawa’s scarf shot out, wrapping around Bakugo and pinning him in place.
“Enough,” Aizawa said flatly, his Quirk already erasing Bakugo’s. “Control yourself, or you’ll be expelled before the day’s over.”
Bakugo growled in frustration, but he stopped struggling, his glare never leaving Izuku.
Meanwhile, (Y/N) stepped up beside Izuku, placing a firm hand on his shoulder. “Come on,” he said simply. “Let’s go.”
Izuku nodded quickly, allowing (Y/N) to guide him back toward the rest of the class. His heart was still pounding, but for the first time, it wasn’t entirely out of fear.
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 8
masterlist
The massive monitor in UA’s observation room displayed a dozen live feeds of the ongoing entrance exam. The room buzzed with low murmurs as teachers and pro heroes, some already instructors and others soon to join, watched the performance of the candidates. Each teacher kept an eye out for promising students who displayed potential and ingenuity.
“Hmm, that boy there,” Principal Nezu’s cheerful voice broke through the chatter as he gestured toward a feed displaying Izuku Midoriya. “The green-haired one. He’s quite… interesting, wouldn’t you agree?”
All Might, standing to the side with arms crossed, stiffened slightly but kept his expression neutral. The other teachers turned their attention to the feed.
“Hm, seems his quirk is causing him some harm,” Snipe observed, noting how Izuku’s body looked strained after a few impacts.
Ectoplasm nodded. “Yes, a raw power quirk, but at what cost? His arm looks to be on the verge of breaking. He won’t last long in a real fight unless he gains better control.”
Principal Nezu hummed thoughtfully, pulling out a folder. “Ah, Midoriya, Izuku. Let’s see…” He scanned the file. “An interesting note here: it seems this boy was registered as quirkless up until just over a week ago. Then he was retested, and now he has this quirk though it seems his body isn’t quite use to it yet and due to that it seems him using his quirk causes harm to him after each use . Very peculiar.”
The room fell silent for a moment, then the whispers began.
“Quirkless until a week ago?” Midnight raised an eyebrow. “That’s not impossible, but that also shouldn’t really be possible. I’m not saying it can’t happen but … it’s rare, especially at his age.”
Vlad King folded his arms. “Doesn’t seem natural. Late bloomers usually show signs before adolescence. Could he have undergone some… unconventional methods?”
All Might quickly stepped forward, a smile masking his rising unease. “Well, late-developing quirks aren’t unheard of!” he said, his voice booming in an attempt to redirect their focus. “But look—over there! That young boy.” He gestured toward another monitor.
All eyes shifted to the screen showing (Y/N), who was weaving through the streets with precision, his sword flashing as he slashed through villain bots. Unlike the other students, (Y/N) wasn’t focused on scoring points. Instead, he lingered near Izuku, always keeping the green-haired boy within sight.
Midnight tilted her head, scrutinizing the image. “Young boy? Are we sure? Look at the outfit.” She leaned closer to the screen, smirking. “That’s a maid outfit. Are we sure he’s not a girl?”
Nezu chuckled, unbothered. “No, no, that is indeed a young male. His file confirms it.”
He flipped open a sparse folder labeled Tokitō (Y/N). The teachers leaned in, curious about the boy who moved with such agility. However, their expressions turned puzzled when they saw the file’s contents—or lack thereof.
“Blank?” Cementoss frowned.
Nezu nodded. “Yes, very little is known about this boy. His age is listed down as 14, making him the youngest first year this school year, well if he gets accepted. And here…” He pointed to a specific section. “Where his quirk should be listed, it’s blank, stamped with quirkless.”
The room erupted into an uproar.
“Quirkless?!” Snipe exclaimed. “How’s that possible? Look at him! No quirkless kid could move like that!”
“Is this some kind of error?” Vlad King demanded. “He’s clearly doing things no ordinary person could.”
Recovery Girl, who had been quietly watching another monitor, finally spoke up. “Calm down, everyone. Watch the screen.” She gestured toward her monitor, which showed (Y/N) in action.
The teachers turned their attention back to the boy.
The zero-pointer had just appeared, causing chaos in its wake. Students scattered in fear, many too injured or paralyzed with terror to escape. Izuku had made his move, launching himself toward the towering robot to save a trapped girl. His punch connected with explosive force, destroying the robot’s head.
But as the zero-pointer began to collapse, its massive debris threatened to crush those still in its shadow.
That’s when (Y/N) sprang into action.
With a speed that defied belief, (Y/N) darted through the chaos, his sword flashing as he slashed at the falling chunks of metal. Each precise strike broke the debris into smaller, less dangerous pieces that scattered harmlessly to the ground.
“Look at that precision…” Ectoplasm murmured, his eyes wide.
“You can’t tell me that’s not a quirk,” Midnight said, astonished.
As the dust settled, (Y/N) didn’t stop. He seemed to vanish and reappear in a blur, carrying injured students to safety. His movements were fluid, almost inhuman, as he avoided obstacles and kept calm under pressure.
Finally, he reached Izuku, who was lying on the ground, his arm shattered from the force of his punch. There beside him was a young female - the one who saved him. Without hesitation, (Y/N) hoisted the green-haired boy onto his back and picked the female up bridal style startling her and causing her to yelp.
The female wrapped her arms tightly around the young males shoulders and neck as he dashed to where he had gathered the other injured students, setting the female down first then working towards setting Izuku down gently before standing guard over the group.
The room was silent, the teachers staring at the screen in disbelief.
“How…” Snipe began, but he couldn’t finish the sentence.
“That’s not possible,” Vlad King said, his voice low. “Not for someone quirkless.”
Principal Nezu, however, was smiling. “It seems we have two very interesting candidates this year,” he said, his tone light but thoughtful.
Recovery Girl nodded. “Quirkless or not, that boy has the heart of a hero. Look at what he’s accomplished—saving others, keeping calm under pressure, and doing it all without a quirk. We shouldn’t underestimate him.”
All Might, watching quietly from the corner, couldn’t help but smile. “Indeed,” he said softly.
On the screen, (Y/N) stood amid the chaos, his expression calm and unreadable as always. He adjusted the strap of his sword, glancing at the injured students to ensure they were safe before turning his attention back to the rest of the battlefield.
For the first time in years, UA had encountered a student they couldn’t quite explain.
⬐ U.A. High School is known for producing Japan’s greatest heroes. With legends like All Might and Endeavor paving the way, Class 1-A is expected to uphold that legacy. They train, they fight, they grow stronger every day. And then there’s (Y/N). No one really talks about (Y/N). Not because they’re weak—oh, no. If anything, they might be the strongest in the class. But there’s just… something off about them. The way they tilt their head just a little too far. The way they appear in places they shouldn’t be. The way they say things that don’t make sense—until they do.
⬐ anothers note : full story is here on my quotev page, A Totally Normal Student
⬐ fandom : MHA x Duolingo Reader ᓀ ᵥ ᓂ
masterlist
chapter 3
The city was alive with the hum of distant traffic, the glow of streetlights flickering to life as the sun dipped below the horizon. Shadows stretched long against the pavement, and the air held a crispness that signaled the transition from evening to night.
Izuku Midoriya walked home, his mind swirling with thoughts, emotions tangled like frayed wires. The day had been relentless. His chest still felt tight from the weight of Katsuki’s words, the sting of burnt pages lingering in his hands like ghostly remnants.
He barely noticed the shift in the air—how it grew heavier, how the streetlights flickered unnaturally.
Not until it was too late.
A gurgling, wet sound slithered into his ears.
Then—
A thick, putrid mass exploded from the shadows, lunging at him with a sickening squelch.
The world tilted.
He barely had time to react before something thick, suffocating, and vile wrapped around his body, sliding over his limbs like living tar. The smell was unbearable—rotting sewage mixed with something acrid and unnatural. His arms flailed, but his hands found no purchase, slipping uselessly through the gelatinous substance.
His lungs seized.
It was inside his mouth. His throat.
He tried to scream, but only a muffled, strangled sound escaped.
“A small fry like you will make a good cover,” the creature’s voice gurgled, words distorted as though spoken through bubbling liquid. “Just stop squirming, and this will be over soon…”
The edges of his vision blurred. His heart pounded against his ribs in rapid, panicked beats.
No—No, I can’t—!
Just as darkness began creeping at the corners of his mind—
A gust of wind exploded through the alley.
A deafening BOOM followed, like the very air had been torn apart. The pressure knocked the slime villain back, ripping it from Izuku’s body in one violent motion.
He hit the ground hard, gasping, his lungs finally dragging in air—burning, painful, glorious air.
His ears rang, his vision spun.
And then—
A figure loomed before him, silhouetted by the city lights.
“Fear not, young man!”
A voice boomed, powerful, unwavering—familiar.
Izuku’s breath hitched.
The world seemed to snap into place as his vision cleared, revealing the unmistakable figure standing tall before him.
“Because I am here!”
All Might.
A legend.
A living symbol.
He had seen this moment play out in his dreams a thousand times—All Might, standing before him, saving the day like he always did. But now? Now it was real.
His idol had just saved his life.
His vision blurred again—not from dizziness, but from the sheer weight of the moment. His body trembled with unprocessed adrenaline as he tried to push himself up, but before he could find his footing, darkness overtook him.
He fainted.
The next time his eyes opened, the world was still unsteady.
And yet—there he was.
All Might.
Standing mere feet away, larger than life, his bright grin as dazzling as ever.
Izuku scrambled to his knees, his breath catching in his throat. “A-Ah! I—!”
He reached for his notebook, fumbling for a pen, desperate—he needed an autograph, something, anything—
But when he flipped open the scorched pages—
It was already there.
All Might’s signature, scrawled across the page in bold strokes.
Izuku choked on his own breath, tears stinging at the edges of his vision.
“You’re safe now, young man,” All Might assured him, giving a thumbs-up.
And then, just like that, he turned to leave, dragging the villain’s remains with him.
No—Wait!
Panic surged in Izuku’s chest, desperation overtaking logic.
He couldn’t just let this moment end.
Before he could think, before he could stop himself—
He grabbed onto All Might’s leg.
The next thing he knew—
The ground disappeared.
Wind roared in his ears, his stomach lurched as he realized—
He was flying.
“Let go, young man!” All Might’s voice boomed, alarmed.
“I—I’ll die if I do!” Izuku clung tighter.
All Might’s face twitched, his grin straining, and then—blood.
A thick spurt of red leaked from his mouth.
Izuku’s eyes widened in horror.
Before he could react, All Might twisted in midair, scanning the cityscape before making a sharp descent.
They landed—hard—on an empty rooftop.
Izuku tumbled, rolling onto his back, gasping for breath.
All Might stood over him, looking…off.
Strange.
His body trembled slightly, his posture rigid.
And then—
He deflated.
Note : fucking balloons I tell ya. — Duolingo
Gone was the towering figure of muscle and might.
Before Izuku now stood a gaunt, sickly man, steam rising from his frail frame.
Izuku’s world cracked.
All Might sighed, wiping blood from his chin. “You had to ask something, didn’t you?”
Izuku swallowed, his voice barely above a whisper.
“Can… someone without a Quirk… be a hero like you?”
Elsewhere…
Back at the streets, the night deepened.
Katsuki Bakugo stood with his “friends,” though the term was loose at best.
“You might’ve gone too far, man.”
One of them spoke cautiously.
Katsuki scoffed, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “Tch. It’s his own damn fault.”
The others exchanged glances.
They had seen Izuku take a lot over the years, but today? Today was—different.
Katsuki didn’t care.
At least, that’s what he told himself.
What he didn’t notice, though—
Was the pair of eyes watching from the shadows.
Waiting.
Hunting.
“Heh. Get lost, kid. I already found me a meat suit!”
The slime villain gurgled, tightening its grip around Katsuki’s struggling form.
From the edge of the alley, a figure stepped into view.
Unbothered.
Unhurried.
(Y/N).
“Spanish or vanish.”
The villain paused.
For a moment, silence hung between them.
Then, to its credit—
“Hola?”
(Y/N) smirked.
Katsuki, however, wasn’t so lucky.
It’s not like he’s drowning in slime or anything.
Oh wait.
He is.
Imagine—lungs filled, oxygen cut off. The slow, excruciating realization that no matter how hard you struggle, no matter how much you claw, there’s no air left.
Imagine the sheer, burning agony of suffocation—not just from lack of breath, but from inside out. His skin tingles, his nerves alight with an eerie numbness as the sludge seeps into every crevice, clogging his throat, squeezing his chest, crawling behind his eyes—
He is dying.
And no one is there to save him.
Particles.
Bit by bit, Katsuki’s body began to disintegrate.
The slime villain froze.
Then—
There was nothing.
Just empty air where Katsuki once was.
The villain recoiled in confusion.
(Y/N), however—
Simply grinned.
“All in a day’s work.”
Spoken to no one in particular.
Just a statement.
A fact.
A predator’s satisfaction.
And where does that leave our lovable pomegranate dog? Gone? Vanished ? Perhaps he now resides elsewhere? Elsewhere like…
El Bosque de la Lengua Perdida.
(The Forest of the Lost Tongue.)
its a question i can't find you in quotev 😔💔
Awesomesauce, so thank you for asking such question, I’ll be happy to answer— so this is my profile right here
Link wise seedofdoubt
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 3
masterlist
It had been a few days since (Y/N) started working at the Midoriya household. The routine had become familiar—waking up early to clean the house, prepare meals, and help Inko with whatever she needed. The tasks were simple enough, and the house had a warm, cozy feel to it. Izuku still found it strange to have a maid, but he quickly grew used to the idea. What he didn’t know, however, was that there was more to (Y/N) than just the quiet, graceful maid who served him tea and washed the dishes.
One afternoon, after coming home from school, Izuku walked through the front door with a sigh of relief. It had been a long day filled with quirk training and lessons, and he was looking forward to some peace and quiet. As he kicked off his shoes by the door, he noticed something that struck him as odd: the house was unusually silent.
He called out, “Mom?” but received no answer.
Inko was usually downstairs, bustling around, or doing something around the house. Izuku figured she must have been napping upstairs. But where was (Y/N)? He hadn’t seen them all day, and that wasn’t normal.
Izuku wandered through the house, searching for (Y/N). It wasn’t like him to be out of sight for so long.
He finally headed towards the backdoor, the sound of something strange drifting to his ears—a whooshing sound, followed by the scrape of something heavy hitting the ground. Curiosity got the better of him as he pushed the door open, and what he saw immediately stopped him in his tracks.
In the backyard, (Y/N) was swinging a broomstick around, moving fluidly as he spun and twirled. His movements were precise, as if he were wielding a real sword. Izuku’s eyes widened. The way (Y/N) moved was almost mesmerizing. Every swing of the broomstick looked so calculated, so skilled—it was like something out of a martial arts movie.
Izuku watched in awe, unable to look away, even as (Y/N) performed a series of complex movements that seemed to flow perfectly one after the other. His feet didn’t falter, his posture was perfect, and the broomstick sliced through the air as if it were an extension of his body.
Then, with a swift swing, (Y/N) broke the broomstick in half. The wooden handle cracked with a sharp snap and fell to the ground.
Izuku blinked, speechless. His brain was trying to process what he had just witnessed.
“Wait… what was that?!” Izuku whispered to himself. His mind raced as he stared at (Y/N), who was now casually placing the broken broomstick aside, as if nothing had happened.
Before Izuku could even react, he rushed toward (Y/N), his excitement getting the better of him. “That was amazing!” he exclaimed, his voice high with excitement. “What did you just do?!”
(Y/N) turned to him, a calm and collected look on his face as usual, though he couldn’t help but feel a small smile tug at his lips. Izuku was always so animated, so easily impressed. It was almost funny how easily he could be swept up in a moment.
“Well, it’s just something I learned a while ago,” (Y/N) said, choosing his words carefully. “A family friend taught me some basic moves for self-defense. I didn’t really have a quirk, so I had to find other ways to defend myself.” He avoided mentioning the specific training he’d undergone—he didn’t want to reveal too much.
Izuku nodded enthusiastically, eyes still wide with admiration. “Self-defense?! That’s awesome! But… what about that last move? I saw something—I don’t know, it looked like—like slashes or something? It was like… a mist appeared out of nowhere even though it’s a perfectly sunny day or something!”
(Y/N) blinked, surprised by the mention of mist but quickly masked his reaction. He needed to stay calm, not give anything away. He had to be careful not to reveal too much.
“Huh?” (Y/N) said, his expression thoughtful as if trying to understand what Izuku was talking about. “Must? I’m not sure what you mean.” He gave a light shrug, his calm demeanor not changing. “You probably just imagined it. You know, the wind can play tricks on your eyes sometimes, especially when you’re excited.”
Izuku blinked, his brows furrowing in confusion. “But it really looked like something… like the mist rolled in from no where and everywhere at once! I swear it was—”
(Y/N) smiled softly, cutting him off with a gentle laugh. “Izuku, you’re probably just seeing things. You know how your mind can play tricks on you when you’re so focused on something? You’re probably just a little too excited. No big deal.”
Izuku hesitated, his excitement quickly fading as he processed (Y/N)’s words. He felt a little embarrassed for making such a big deal out of it. “Oh… yeah, I guess you’re right,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “Maybe I did just imagine it. It looked so real, though…”
(Y/N) gave him an assuring smile, his voice smooth as ever. “It happens to the best of us. No harm in it.”
Izuku’s frown softened, and he nodded, still feeling a bit sheepish but ultimately convinced. “Yeah, you’re right. Thanks, (Y/N).”
“No problem,” (Y/N) replied, his expression unchanged. He quickly picked up the broken broomstick and gave Izuku a small nod before heading toward the house.
Izuku stood there for a moment, scratching his head, still not fully sure about what he’d seen, but trusting (Y/N)’s explanation. For now, he was just happy to have witnessed something so impressive.
As always, (Y/N) had managed to keep his secrets intact, and Izuku was none the wiser.
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 9
masterlist
Izuku couldn’t stop fidgeting. His nervous energy filled the air of the small apartment, his knees bouncing furiously as he sat on the couch. In his hands, he held a crumpled piece of paper, the last set of practice notes he’d scribbled down before the UA entrance exam.
Across from him, (Y/N) sat with one leg crossed over the other, sipping tea. His ever-present maid outfit was as spotless as always, an odd contrast to the chaotic whirlwind of thoughts Izuku seemed to be drowning in.
“You’re going to vibrate right through the floor if you keep that up,” (Y/N) commented, not bothering to look up from his tea.
Izuku froze, forcing his legs still. “S-Sorry! I’m just—what if I didn’t pass? What if I messed up? What if—”
(Y/N) cut him off with a deadpan stare. “You’ve already asked me this five times since we got back from the exam. My answer hasn’t changed.”
Izuku sighed, slumping back against the couch. He stared up at the ceiling. “It’s just… UA. It’s everything I’ve ever dreamed of. If I didn’t pass, I don’t know what I’d do.”
“Cry, eat some grilled salmon, and move on,” (Y/N) said, his tone completely unfazed. “Besides, you probably did fine. You’re too stubborn to fail at something you actually care about.”
Izuku blinked, his cheeks heating up. “You really think so?”
(Y/N) glanced at him, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. “I wouldn’t be sitting here wasting my time with you if I thought otherwise.”
“HEY!”
(Y/n) snickers quietly to himself before taking a sip of his tea.
”Y-you can’t just say something like that and go about your day!”
”Do you hear that —“ (y/n) says staring out into the spacious room, looking around he turns his attention back to his drink.
“H-huh?!”
”Mhmm… must’ve been my imagination…” he sips his tea once more. “Could’ve sworn I heard a crybaby try and scold me.”
”HEY!”
A few days passed, the tension growing thicker with each moment the letter didn’t arrive. Izuku was doing his best to stay positive, but his nerves were clearly getting the better of him.
“Hey, (Y/N),” Izuku began one afternoon, standing awkwardly in the living room.
“Hmm?” (Y/N) was lounging on the floor, sharpening his sword with deliberate care. The sound of metal scraping against stone filled the room, oddly soothing.
“I was thinking… maybe we could train? You’re really strong, and I… I think I need to get stronger if I’m going to be a hero.”
(Y/N) paused, his hand stilling on the blade. Slowly, he looked up at Izuku, his expression unreadable.
“Train? With me?”
Izuku nodded eagerly. “Y-Yeah! I mean, you’re so fast and strong, even without a quirk. I think I could learn a lot from you!”
(Y/N) tilted his head. “You realize what you’re asking, right?”
Izuku nodded again, his determination clear. “I can handle it! Whatever you throw at me, I’ll—”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” (Y/N) interrupted, rising to his feet. He sheathed his sword and stretched lazily. “Alright, kid. Let’s see what you’ve got.”
”But you’re the one who’s younger than me…” Izuku mumbles to himself.
The training session had been something Izuku was looking forward too. It had been decided by (Y/N) that the two would began training in the closet location of a forest, away from prying eyes. Izuku had expected sparring matches or maybe some running drills. What he got was… far worse.
“Dodge,” (Y/N) said simply, his tone almost bored.
“Dodge wha—”
The words barely left Izuku’s mouth before a pebble the size of a fist came hurtling toward his face. He barely managed to duck in time, stumbling over a tree root and landing flat on his back.
“Too slow,” (Y/N) said, already tossing another pebble.
“Wait! I wasn’t—ow!” Izuku yelped as the second pebble struck his shoulder.
“Heroes don’t get warm-up rounds,” (Y/N) said, his voice calm as he picked up a third pebble. “Now, get up.”
Izuku scrambled to his feet, his heart racing. He tried to focus, his eyes darting to (Y/N)’s hand as another pebble was launched his way. This time, he managed to sidestep it—only for a second pebble to hit his shin.
“How did you—”
“Focus,” (Y/N) said, cutting him off. “If you can’t handle this, how are you going to handle villains?”
The training escalated quickly. Pebbles turned into wooden sticks, then into hand-to-hand sparring. (Y/N) moved with the precision of a predator, his strikes calculated but never harsh enough to cause serious injury.
By the end of the first hour, Izuku was drenched in sweat, his muscles screaming in protest.
“Break?” he panted, doubling over.
(Y/N) raised an eyebrow. “You’re the one who asked for this. Don’t tell me you’re giving up already.”
“N-No! I just—need a minute,” Izuku stammered.
(Y/N) sighed, leaning against a tree. “Fine. Three minutes. Then we’re running laps.”
Izuku groaned, collapsing onto the grass.
Yet despite the grueling pace, Izuku couldn’t help but feel grateful. (Y/N) pushed him harder than anyone ever had, but there was a strange kind of camaraderie in it.
“Why do you even train so much?” Izuku asked one day, nursing a bruise on his arm. “I know you probably didn’t want to be a hero or at least I don’t think you do…. I never did ask you what your dreams for the future were, I just went ahead and assumed…”
(Y/N) shrugged, tossing a stick into the fire they’d built for the evening. “Strength is useful, no matter what you want to do. Besides, I don’t trust anyone else to protect me.”
Izuku frowned. “But you’re so strong already. Don’t you think—”
“I think strength isn’t just about how much you can lift or how fast you can move,” (Y/N) interrupted. “It’s about being prepared. For anything.”
Izuku fell silent, watching the fire crackle. He hadn’t thought about it like that before.
A few weeks after the exam, the envelope finally arrived. Izuku sat on the couch, staring at it like it might bite him.
“You’ve been through worse in the last few days,” (Y/N) said, sipping his tea. “Just open it.”
Izuku took a deep breath and tore it open. The hologram of All Might appeared, smiling broadly.
“YOU DID IT, YOUNG MIDORIYA!” All Might boomed.
Izuku’s jaw dropped, tears spilling down his cheeks as All Might explained his scores. No villain points sure but he got by with enough points for rescue, surprisingly.
By the time the message ended, he was sobbing openly, clutching the letter to his chest.
(Y/N) watched him quietly, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he raised his tea in a mock toast. “Congrats, hero.”
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 17
masterlist
The snow crunched underfoot as Team 1—now dubbed the Tree Squad—stepped into the bustling Christmas tree lot. Twinkling string lights illuminated rows of firs dusted with fresh snow, and the crisp scent of pine hung in the air. For most people, picking out a tree was a joyous occasion. For this group, it was a mission.
“Alright, we’re here to get the biggest and flashiest tree this place has to offer,” Tengen declared, his voice booming with his usual flamboyance. He adjusted his fur-lined coat, standing tall and ready to conquer the holiday season.
“It has to be one that screams Merry Christmas!” Tanjiro added, holding a carefully curated list of tree requirements. His warm smile contrasted with the chaos brewing behind him.
“Who cares about screaming? Let’s get the one that looks the toughest!” Inosuke yelled, his wild demeanor drawing a few curious looks from passersby.
Bakugo, walking slightly behind the group, scowled. “This whole thing is stupid. Just grab one and let’s get out of here.”
Despite their wildly different approaches, the group’s eyes locked on the tree almost simultaneously. It was a towering, perfectly symmetrical spruce with thick, lush branches and a snowy coating that shimmered under the lights. It was the tree of all trees.
“That’s it,” Tengen said, his voice reverent. “That’s our tree.”
The squad began making their way toward it when another group—a family of four armed with determined holiday cheer—stepped in from the other side.
“Oh no, no, no,” the mother of the family said, eyeing the tree. “We saw this one first.”
Tanjiro hesitated, a polite smile on his face. “Oh, um, actually, I think we—”
The father stepped forward, cutting him off. “This tree’s perfect for us. It’s just the right size for our living room.”
Inosuke growled, stomping forward. “What do you mean it’s yours?! I claimed it first!”
“You didn’t even see it until two seconds ago!” one of the kids shot back.
“Kid, don’t test me!” Inosuke yelled, crouching slightly like he was about to charge.
Tanjiro quickly stepped between them, waving his hands. “Wait, wait, wait! There’s no need to fight. I’m sure we can come to an agreement—”
“There’s no agreement,” the mom said, her hands on her hips. “This tree is ours.”
“That’s not happening,” Bakugo growled, his hands starting to spark. “Back off before I make you.”
“Bakugo, no!” Tanjiro said, his eyes wide.
Tengen let out a dramatic sigh, stepping forward to take control of the situation. “Alright, enough of this squabbling. This is a matter that requires finesse.” He glanced at Tanjiro, who looked hopeful, then at Inosuke, who was itching for a fight, and finally at Bakugo, who looked moments away from blowing something up.
“Bakugo,” Tengen said with a sly smile. “Handle it.”
Bakugo’s grin was immediate and sinister. “Gladly.”
Before anyone could react, Bakugo stomped toward the family, hands sparking dangerously as he glared at them. “You’ve got ten seconds to walk away, or I’m lighting this whole tree lot up!”
The family gasped, immediately backing away in a panic.
“Okay, okay! Take it! Just don’t blow anything up!” the mom yelled as they quickly retreated, dragging their kids along.
Bakugo stood triumphantly next to the tree, arms crossed and a smug look on his face. “That’s how you get stuff done.”
Tanjiro buried his face in his hands. “That wasn’t very Christmas-like…”
“Maybe not,” Tengen said, already lifting the tree over his shoulder. “But it was flamboyant. Excellent work, Bakugo.”
“Damn right it was,” Bakugo said, still grinning.
The drive back home was quieter than expected, the massive tree tied securely to the roof of the car. Tanjiro sat in the passenger seat, his list crumpled in his hands as he replayed the events of the tree lot.
• 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙥 •
The Decor Squad—Momo, Nezuko, Kirishima, and Present Mic—pulled into the parking lot of their fifth store, frustration thick in the air. Nezuko quietly nibbled on a candy cane she had picked up at the first store, while Present Mic drummed his fingers on the steering wheel to a beat no one else could hear. Momo sat in the backseat, meticulously organizing a list of decorations they were supposed to pick up: ornaments, garlands, and lights. Kirishima, sitting beside her, looked out the window, trying to stay optimistic.
“I’m sure this one will have what we need!” he said with a grin, though even his unbreakable positivity was beginning to falter.
“It better,” Momo muttered under her breath, peeking at her phone’s map to confirm they hadn’t strayed too far from the previous store. “We’ve already wasted so much time.”
“Wasted time? Nah! It’s all part of the holiday adventure, baby!” Present Mic exclaimed from the driver’s seat, throwing the car into park. He turned to the group, his signature sunglasses reflecting the store’s neon sign. “C’mon, let’s make this the one!”
They climbed out of the car, Nezuko trailing behind them, clutching her candy cane. As they walked into the store, a wave of despair washed over the group.
The shelves were bare.
“Are you kidding me?!” Momo exclaimed, staring at the nearly empty aisle where garlands should have been. A single, tattered strand of silver tinsel dangled from a hook as if mocking them.
“This is worse than the last store,” Kirishima said, scratching the back of his head. He picked up a cracked bauble from the ornament section and frowned. “I mean, we can’t put this on the tree. It’d look so… unmanly.”
Nezuko tugged on Momo’s sleeve, pointing at a section of lights, only to reveal that they were all mismatched and half the boxes were open.
“I don’t think any of those will even work,” Momo sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose.
“Alright! On to the next one!” Present Mic shouted, his energy unwavering. He spun on his heel and marched back toward the car, his long scarf trailing behind him like a banner of hope.
The group piled back into the car, exhaustion starting to set in. Nezuko, now curled up with her knees against her chest, peeked at the others as if wondering how long this would go on.
By the time they hit their eighth store, the mood in the car had shifted from frustration to quiet defeat. Kirishima slouched in his seat, staring out the window. Present Mic hummed softly to himself, trying to keep morale up, while Momo furiously scribbled notes in her notebook, trying to strategize their next move.
Finally, Kirishima sat up abruptly, his eyes wide as if a light bulb had gone off in his head. He turned to Momo, staring at her with a mix of disbelief and dawning realization.
“Momo,” he said slowly, “why didn’t you just make ornaments with your quirk?”
The car fell silent.
Momo blinked, her pencil hovering over her notebook. “…What?”
“You can literally create stuff,” Kirishima continued, gesturing wildly. “Like, you can make a cannon, but you can’t make a Christmas ornament? Why are we even driving around when you’ve got the solution inside you?”
Momo stared at him, her expression blank at first. Then, the weight of his words hit her like a freight train. “Oh my god,” she whispered. “You’re right.”
Present Mic slammed the brakes (even though they were already parked). “Wait, wait, wait. You mean to tell me we’ve been running all over town for no reason?!”
Nezuko, ever the quiet observer, tilted her head in mild confusion, as if to say, You’re just realizing this now?
“I—I didn’t even think about it,” Momo stammered, her cheeks flushing red. “I was so focused on the list and making sure we got everything we needed that I—”
“—forgot you’re basically a walking Christmas factory,” Kirishima finished, leaning back in his seat with an exasperated laugh.
Present Mic threw his hands in the air. “Alright, problem solved! Back to HQ we go!”
On the drive back, Momo sat quietly, her embarrassment still evident. She had already started sketching designs for ornaments, garlands, and even a star for the top of the tree in her notebook.
Kirishima, now fully back to his cheerful self, leaned over to peek at her drawings. “Those look awesome! See? We didn’t need those stores anyway.”
Present Mic turned up the radio, a Christmas song blaring through the car as he drove. “Let’s just pretend this was the plan all along, yeah? No one has to know!”
Nezuko, now munching on a fresh candy cane she had somehow acquired, nodded sagely in agreement.
As they pulled up to the house, Kirishima grinned at Momo. “Hey, at least we got to bond, right? And now you’re gonna make the most manly decorations ever.”
Momo couldn’t help but smile, despite herself. “Thanks, Kirishima. Next time, I’ll try to think things through a bit more.”
“Next time,” Present Mic chimed in, “let’s just stay home and skip the wild goose chase altogether!”
The group laughed as they grabbed their things and headed inside, ready to make up for lost time and finish decorating.
• 𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨𝙠𝙞𝙥 •
Team 3—(Y/N), Muichiro, Aizawa, and Zenitsu—piled into the car with their mission clear: replenish the snacks, restock the hot cocoa, and salvage the holiday cheer. As the car rumbled down the snowy road, the atmosphere was a mix of determination and quiet dread, mostly fueled by Zenitsu’s near-constant rambling.
“Why me? Why do I have to go? Hot cocoa isn’t even my thing! What if we get attacked by a demon on the way? Or worse, we run into a Karen in the grocery store?” Zenitsu wailed from the backseat, clutching the headrest in front of him like it was a lifeline.
Aizawa, in the driver’s seat, groaned. His scarf was lazily wrapped around his neck, and he was already regretting agreeing to this task. “Zenitsu, there are no demons here. Only stressed-out shoppers.”
“And that’s even worse!” Zenitsu shot back. “Have you seen people at the store during the holidays? It’s a madhouse!”
Muichiro, sitting beside him, stared out the window, his expression calm as ever. “If we’re attacked, (Y/N) can handle it. They’ve got Bakugo-level chaos energy when needed.”
(Y/N), sitting in the passenger seat, smirked and glanced back at their brother. “Thanks for the vote of confidence, Muichiro. But let’s try not to start any fights. We just need snacks, not a showdown in the frozen food aisle.”
“Yeah, try telling that to Zenitsu,” Muichiro muttered under his breath, earning a dramatic gasp from Zenitsu.
The first grocery store was exactly as chaotic as Zenitsu had feared. People swarmed the aisles like vultures, snatching up the last of the holiday goodies. The shelves looked as though a tornado had passed through, with half-empty boxes of candy canes and torn-open hot cocoa packets scattered everywhere.
“Great,” (Y/N) muttered, surveying the wreckage. “This is worse than I expected.”
“I told you!” Zenitsu whispered urgently, sticking close to Aizawa like a nervous child. “This is a nightmare! We’ll never find what we need here!”
Muichiro wandered ahead, his expression unreadable as he scanned the shelves. He picked up a lone bag of marshmallows and held it up for inspection. “At least we’ve got these,” he said.
(Y/N) shook their head. “We’re going to need more than just marshmallows, Muichiro.”
By the time they reached the third store, tensions were high. Zenitsu was on edge, clutching a shopping basket like it was a weapon. Muichiro had taken it upon himself to grab anything that looked remotely useful, including an industrial-sized canister of whipped cream that no one asked for. Aizawa trailed behind them, looking like he was seconds away from curling up in the pet food aisle and taking a nap.
“Okay,” (Y/N) said, clapping their hands together. “We’re dividing and conquering. Zenitsu, you grab the hot cocoa mix. Muichiro, find the snacks. I’ll get the drinks. Aizawa… supervise.”
Aizawa gave a half-hearted nod, his scarf twitching slightly as if to say, Fine.
Zenitsu darted off, weaving through the crowd like his life depended on it. He reappeared minutes later, clutching not one, but four boxes of hot cocoa mix. “Just in case!” he said defensively when (Y/N) raised an eyebrow.
Meanwhile, Muichiro’s “snack collection” turned out to be both impressive and baffling. He returned with chips, cookies, and what appeared to be an entire section of Japanese candy. “I thought it would be fun to mix things up,” he said when Aizawa gave him a tired look.
The chaos truly began at the checkout line. Zenitsu, jittery as ever, managed to drop one of the boxes of cocoa mix, sending packets skidding across the floor. (Y/N) sighed, kneeling to gather them up, only to be cut off by a harried shopper trying to push their cart through.
“Excuse me!” the shopper snapped, glaring down at (Y/N).
Zenitsu’s eyes went wide, and he backed up, muttering, “Oh no, oh no, it’s happening. It’s happening!”
Muichiro stepped in, his calm demeanor masking the slight edge to his tone. “You could at least wait a moment. We’ll be out of your way soon enough.”
The shopper scoffed. “Kids these days have no respect.”
(Y/N) rose to their feet, cocoa packets in hand, and offered a tight-lipped smile. “We’re just trying to finish our shopping like everyone else. How about a little holiday spirit, huh?”
The shopper opened their mouth to retort, but Aizawa appeared behind (Y/N), his towering presence and perpetually tired expression enough to make anyone think twice. “Let’s keep moving,” he said, his voice low and firm.
The shopper huffed and pushed their cart away, leaving Zenitsu to collapse against a nearby shelf in relief. “I thought we were done for,” he whispered dramatically.
(Y/N) rolled their eyes. “It’s hot cocoa, Zenitsu, not the apocalypse.”
By the time they made it back to the car, the group was weighed down with bags of snacks, drinks, and more whipped cream than anyone could reasonably use. As Aizawa started the engine, (Y/N) glanced back at their brother.
“You know, Muichiro,” they said, holding up the massive canister of whipped cream, “this is a bit overkill.”
Muichiro shrugged. “It’s festive.”
Zenitsu, now munching on a candy bar he had snagged during checkout, nodded in agreement. “Honestly, it’s the most useful thing we got. What’s hot cocoa without whipped cream?”
Aizawa sighed deeply as he pulled out of the parking lot. “Remind me never to agree to this again.”
“Aw, c’mon, Aizawa-sensei,” (Y/N) said with a grin. “We crushed it. Snacks secured. Cocoa stocked. Mission accomplished.”
Zenitsu leaned forward, pointing at the road ahead. “Yeah, and we didn’t even have to fight anyone! Well, not really.”
Aizawa groaned. “I need coffee.”
The group chuckled as they drove back home, their bags full and their spirits — well mostly intact. The Food Squad had succeeded, chaos and all.
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 5
masterlist
It had been a normal morning for (Y/N), that is, until he received the call from Inko. She was frantic, her voice a mixture of concern and embarrassment. Izuku had forgotten his lunch again, and with his schedule already packed, there was no way he could go home to get it. Inko, naturally, was worried that her son would be hungry for the rest of the day.
(Y/N) sighed, already knowing what was expected of him. It wasn’t like he had any personal attachment to the boy yet—he was just doing what Inko had asked. After all, it wasn’t much trouble, and the thought of Izuku going without lunch felt like a small, easily fixed problem.
But when Inko had asked him to run to the school, he hadn’t anticipated how dramatic it would turn out to be.
A few minutes later, (Y/N) was darting from rooftop to rooftop, the lunchbox in hand. The day was clear, and as he reached the school, his well-timed leap landed him smoothly on the window ledge of Izuku’s classroom. The students inside gasped, watching the maid-like figure—or rather, the feminine-looking male—gracefully land on the ledge like it was the most normal thing in the world.
Inside, the class was in session, and the teacher was in the middle of explaining something when the window suddenly creaked open. The teacher’s gaze shifted from the chalkboard to the window, where (Y/N) stood, almost casually. He knocked lightly on the glass.
With wide eyes, the teacher, still in shock, opened the window.
“Um… can I help you?” the teacher asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
(Y/N) smiled politely, his voice calm. “I’ve brought Izuku his lunch. He left it at home.”
Izuku, sitting at his desk, turned to see (Y/N) standing in the window. His eyes widened in surprise as (Y/N) passed the lunchbox to him.
“Thanks, (Y/N),” Izuku said, a bit embarrassed by the attention, but grateful.
The moment the lunchbox was handed over, the murmurs from the class began. Whispers of curiosity and judgment flooded the air, but it was one voice that cut through the noise—the unmistakable, aggressive voice of Bakugou Katsuki.
“What the hell is this?” Bakugou’s harsh tone made everyone pause. “What kind of weirdo is this?”
Katsuki’s gaze shifted between (Y/N) and Izuku, his sharp eyes narrowing at the seemingly delicate figure standing in the window. He couldn’t quite place the strange vibe about (Y/N)—there was something off, something that didn’t sit well with him. Despite the feminine features, there was a hidden strength in the way (Y/N) held himself, and it bothered Bakugou. The other students were whispering, clearly fascinated by the unusual sight of a maid-like male in their classroom, and Bakugou didn’t like it. Not one bit.
“Oi, you’re a guy, right?” Bakugou demanded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Why the hell do you look like that? You some kind of freak?”
(Y/N) didn’t flinch, his gaze steady and unamused as he locked eyes with Bakugou. “Not everyone fits your idea of what ‘normal’ is,” he said coolly.
That’s when the murmurs turned into full-blown mutters of jealousy, curiosity, and mockery from the other students. Some of them laughed under their breath, while others whispered about how (Y/N) must be doing something for Izuku. Bakugou’s stare was burning, his frustration growing. The teacher, still in shock, hesitated, unsure of what to say or do.
Finally, Bakugou’s patience snapped.
“After school. You and me. Fight me,” Bakugou snarled, pointing a finger at (Y/N), his hands clenched into fists. His tone was commanding, daring (Y/N) to refuse.
(Y/N) remained silent for a moment, considering the offer. He didn’t care about Bakugou’s attitude, nor did he particularly care about showing off. But something about the kid’s anger—his constant need to assert dominance—felt almost laughable. Still, (Y/N) knew it was best to teach him a lesson.
• timeskip •
When school let out, Bakugou was already waiting by the gates, looking agitated and eager to prove himself. The other students had gathered around, eager to see the fight. They expected Bakugou to wipe the floor with (Y/N), who was still dressed in his usual maid-like uniform, his expression calm, almost uninterested in the spectacle he was about to partake in.
(Y/N) strolled over to the designated area, his steps relaxed and measured. Bakugou’s eyes burned with frustration, his hands sparking with his explosive quirk as he prepared for the fight.
“Ready to get your ass handed to you, weirdo?” Bakugou yelled, his voice grating with annoyance.
(Y/N) didn’t answer, merely taking a step back and picking up a small, toothpick-sized stick that had been lying around on the ground. The crowd’s chatter grew louder, some of them snickering, thinking this was going to be a quick show of dominance from Bakugou. After all, who would take a fight seriously when their opponent was using such a puny weapon?
Bakugou sneered, readying his hands to explode. “You think you can beat me with that?” he mocked, already feeling the fire in his hands ignite. “Pathetic!”
Without warning, Bakugou lunged at (Y/N), his quirk flaring up. He threw an explosive punch, intending to blow the smaller figure away. But (Y/N), unfazed, side-stepped with ease, the toothpick-sized stick in his hand never faltering.
Before Bakugou could even process his failed strike, (Y/N) reached out, tapping the side of his face with the stick. It wasn’t hard, but the effect was immediate. Bakugou froze in shock, his body temporarily paralyzed by the sheer speed and precision of the tap.
“Is this really all you’ve got?” (Y/N) said, his voice low and almost bored. “You’re all bark and no bite.”
Bakugou’s face flushed with rage, his fists clenched tighter as he powered up for another strike. But this time, (Y/N) didn’t move. Instead, he stood there, his posture unbothered.
With a swift movement, (Y/N) pressed the stick against Bakugou’s chest, using just the slightest amount of pressure to send the blonde boy stumbling back, his body pushed off balance by the touch. The crowd went silent, surprised by how easily (Y/N) had dominated the fight.
Bakugou, now visibly fuming and humiliated, gritted his teeth. “You… you bastard…” he spat, struggling to regain his posture.
(Y/N) simply lowered the stick, a faint smirk on his face as he stepped back. “I don’t fight for entertainment, Bakugou. You’re not worth the time or energy.” His eyes narrowed. “Next time, don’t waste my time.”
With that, (Y/N) turned and walked away, leaving a stunned Bakugou, who stood in the middle of the crowd, seething. The other students stared at (Y/N), unsure whether they should be impressed or terrified by how easily he had subdued the explosive teen.
Izuku, watching from the side, felt a small sense of relief and admiration. He never expected someone like (Y/N) to not only stick around, but to also protect him—both in and out of school.
Bakugou was left to stew in his embarrassment, but deep down, he knew better than to challenge (Y/N) again. He had just met his match—and it was a match he never saw coming.
⬐ After losing his job and with nowhere else to go, (Y/N) ends up working as a maid for the Midoriya family. His soft features and quiet nature make everyone assume he’s a girl, and honestly, he doesn’t bother correcting them—it’s just easier that way. Everything seems fine until Izuku comes home and meets their new “maid,” and things get awkward fast. What starts as a simple job quickly turns into a tangle of misunderstandings that neither of them saw coming.
chapter 12
masterlist
Aizawa glanced down at his clipboard, his tired eyes scanning the names. “Alright, Tokitō, you’re up next.”
(Y/N) shifted from where he had been standing beside Izuku, his expression as unreadable as ever. Without a word, he walked toward the throwing circle, his movements fluid and effortless, almost as if he were gliding. The murmurs of his classmates began to rise again, though none of them dared to speak loud enough for him to hear.
“He’s gonna do something weird again,” Katsuki muttered, glaring daggers at (Y/N)’s back.
“Quiet, brat,” (Y/N) said without even looking his way, his voice calm yet dismissive, as though Katsuki’s very presence was unworthy of his attention.
Katsuki’s hands sparked, his teeth grinding together in frustration, but Aizawa’s sharp glance kept him in check.
Reaching the circle, (Y/N) crouched slightly, picking up the ball. He turned it over in his hand, his gaze distant as if calculating something far beyond the comprehension of those watching. The class fell into a tense silence, the air seeming to shift as he straightened.
He closed his eyes for a moment, the ball resting lightly in his fingers. Then, barely audible over the stillness, (Y/N) whispered:
“Mist Breathing… Fourth Form…”
And just like that, the world seemed to hold its breath.
• 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 •
The air was thick with the scent of stone and earth as a younger (Y/N) stood before the towering figure of Gyomei Himejima, the Stone Hashira. Despite his imposing size and the intimidating presence he radiated, Gyomei’s calm demeanor put (Y/N) at ease, even as he stood in a ready stance, waiting for the first move.
Gyomei’s blind eyes were fixed on him, though (Y/N) knew that he could see through his senses, every inch of the training ground. The ground trembled slightly as Gyomei shifted his weight, his massive stone axe resting against the dirt. The weight of the weapon was nothing to him, but the sheer size of it was enough to make (Y/N) hesitate.
“You ready, kid?” Gyomei’s voice was low, warm, but there was an edge of challenge in it.
(Y/N) nodded, though the pit in his stomach said otherwise. Despite his training, there was a nagging fear that he wasn’t prepared for this. Gyomei wasn’t just strong — he was a monster, an immovable force. And here (Y/N) was, just a young swordsman trying to prove he was worthy of being one of the Hashira.
Gyomei didn’t wait for him to speak. Without a word, he swung the axe down toward (Y/N) in a fluid, controlled motion. The sound of the weapon cutting through the air was deafening.
(Y/N) barely managed to dodge, leaping to the side as the axe slammed into the earth with a force that made the ground shake. His heart was racing, his breath quickening as he regained his balance. It was just the first move, but already, his body was begging him to slow down, to take a breath.
“Come on, boy, don’t let your mind wander,” Gyomei rumbled, stepping forward. “Focus. You’re stronger than you think.”
(Y/N)’s eyes narrowed— sure he had trained with the other Hashira’s before, but none were like this.
None definitely like Gyomei, who could make a single strike feel like an entire battlefield— that man muscles even has muscles.
2 words : Fucking scary!
He focused, his hand tightening around his sword’s hilt. Gyomei was moving again, the axe coming toward him, faster than before. This time, (Y/N) didn’t dodge… he probably should’ve though.
He moved in closer, avoiding the deadly arc of the weapon and closing the distance. He aimed for a strike at Gyomei’s side, but the Stone Hashira’s reaction was instantaneous. His huge arm shot out, grabbing (Y/N)’s wrist before the sword could land.
“You’re too eager,” Gyomei said softly, his grip firm but not painful. “You have strength, but you’re wasting it by rushing.”
(Y/N) bit back a growl of frustration. He didn’t want to hear that. In short— in young Tokitō‘s mind he done heard “SIKE, get recked bitch.”
He wanted to prove he was capable, wanted to show he could fight like the Hashira. But Gyomei wasn’t just teaching him how to fight at the moment, no—
He was teaching him how to think mid battle…
How to be strategic mid battle… because in some cases— the enemy won’t even give you the time of day to come up with your next move.
Gyomei released him and took a step back, giving (Y/N) a moment to breathe. “Strength comes from patience. From endurance. You won’t outlast me by charging in without a plan.”
The young swordsman tried to steady his breathing, wiping the sweat that was growing from his brow. His body was sore, aching from just the first few minutes of sparring. But Gyomei wasn’t done. No, he wasn’t going to let him stop.
The next attack came without warning. Gyomei swung the axe with a terrifying speed, but this time, (Y/N) was ready. He danced to the side, using the movement Gyomei had taught him in earlier training — shifting his weight just enough to evade the strike, but not too much to lose his footing.
Gyomei watched him carefully, like a hawk observing its prey. “Better,” he rumbled, stepping forward again. “But still not enough. You need more than speed.”
(Y/N) exhaled sharply, stepping back, sweat dripping down his face. His muscles screamed for rest, but he knew this was just the beginning. There was no stopping here. Not when Gyomei was still pushing him, still making him face the overwhelming force of the Stone Hashira’s strength.
Gyomei’s voice softened a little, though there was still a challenge in it. “You have potential, Tokitō. But don’t mistake potential for strength. Strength comes when you can push past your limits, when you can keep going even when you think you can’t anymore.”
For a moment, (Y/N) stood there, processing his words. He had always thought strength was just about power, about being fast and strong.
But Gyomei was telling him something different no— showing him something different.
Without a word, Gyomei moved again, this time slower, more deliberate. (Y/N) mirrored his movements, his body flowing with the rhythm of the battle, a dance of dodges and strikes. With every move, he could feel the exhaustion creeping in. His muscles burned, but Gyomei didn’t stop, didn’t give him a moment of rest.
Then, Gyomei swung again, and this time, (Y/N) didn’t just dodge. He parried the blow, pushing against the sheer weight of the axe. It wasn’t perfect, but it was enough to deflect it. For the first time, (Y/N) felt like he was taking control of the match.
Gyomei stepped back, his lips curling into a rare smile. “Not bad, kid,” he said, his voice softer now. “Not bad at all. You’ve got the basics down, but there’s still a long way to go.”
(Y/N) stood tall, chest heaving, sweat soaking through his clothes, but a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. This was what he wanted.
To grow stronger.
To learn from the best.
Gyomei’s voice echoed in his mind as he caught his breath. “Remember this, Tokitō: Strength isn’t about winning the fight. It’s about never stopping, no matter how tough it gets. Because the fight never ends.”
To protect those like him and his twin should’ve been protected.
• 𝙛𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙝𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙚𝙣𝙙 •