The Analytical Hero: Ace

Chapter 3

I have been going to the gym for about 2 months now, along with my other hobbies of course, but I think I'm reaching a stalemate. There aren't many more moves for me to learn and I can take down just about every person that joins classes, even Kenta on occasion. After only a couple of weeks Kenta decided I was ready to join combat courses rather than just self-defense. It was all really exciting until it became too easy.

I know I'm a fast learner, but that's because I have to be. In a world I'm already 10 steps behind without a quirk I have to work harder than others. I can easily visualize fights even after they've taken place and dissect them to understand why they end the way that they do. It really helps with my hero analysis! I've seen heroes and villains alike using their quirks in such creative ways, but the ones who don't rely solely on that power tend to come out on top. That's why I know I have a chance!

Every morning I jog to the gym before school starts. I have to wake up incredibly early, but Kenta is normally still there from his later shift. Today was no different, however it seemed as though he was waiting for me. The second I walked in the door I heard his surprisingly energetic voice, "Izuku! Just the boy I wanted to see!"

"Oh? Did I do something wrong? I haven't missed any payments this month and I don't believe I broke any-"

"Kid. You aren't in trouble, quite the contrary! I can tell you are a skilled fighter, clearly excelling in class and it seems you are too advanced for them." Oh. "Well I have an offer for you, but I need to test you first. Today I want you to come in a little later, after class. I want to fight you one-on-one."

"B-but surely you would beat me! I sometimes get you in class, but I can tell you hold back..." I don't understand though, I go to almost all the classes he offers... I don't think there are any more advanced ones. Maybe there are more privatized lessons for select students at a later time than I'm normally there. Unless maybe he wants to teach me himself? But that's probably too much of an inconvenience surely not-

"Hey, you're mumbling again. Teaching you is no inconvenience, though that isn't exactly my plan. Just come by tonight." And with that he gave me a thumbs up and left, to wherever he disappears to in this place. I seriously don't understand how he hides. There are 4 rooms in this place! And I've never noticed stairs, though I guess I've never been behind the desk. Oh well, that's unimportant. Right now I need to do a quick workout so I can get home and shower before school.

School went by painfully slowly, Kacchan decided to be even harsher today than normal, actually leaving a visible mark on my arm and singing the left sleeve of my shirt. Of course the teachers didn't point it out or even acknowledge the damage, but my mom would definitely be upset.

I tried waiting behind a bit so I wouldn't cross paths with Kacchan again, but he just had to wait for me. "Oi Deku! You don't have friends, what's got you taking so long huh? Or were you just being a creep watching people like you always do?"

"N-no I just had to um- use the bathroom is all. Why are you still here?" And I have made a fatal error.

"None of your business you stupid nerd! You don't get to question me." He raised a fist and I immediately braced myself for the impact. But he never threw the punch, he just grabbed me by the collar.

"So pathetic. You never even try to fight back. You really are useless huh?" I don't know what kind of stupidity took over me but I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth before I could even think.

"Yeah I get it. I'm useless. I'm weak. Just a worthless Deku right? You remind me everyday, but why do you spend so much of your time on me then?" My face remained blank, but Kacchan seemed surprised for a moment. Though his face quickly morphed into anger.