Izuku's guide on how to survive middle school

Step 1

Don't let them know you are quirkless
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In a superhuman world like ours, I stand out. Being quirkless in this age is nearly unheard of, with only 20% of the population lacking a supernatural ability. But, even from those, the majority are older people nearing their deaths. In my generation, finding someone like me is impossible. People made sure I knew how abnormal I was from a very young age...

Growing up, my only dream was to become a hero. I wanted to become someone who could help people, just like All Might. Though, to be the greatest, you need power. At least, that's what Kacchan believes. But, I don't know yet.

I always imagined myself with a big flashy quirk, soaring through the sky and fighting villains. I know, it sounds childish, but who could blame five year old me? When I learned I will never get one, I didn't know what to do. Because, I still wanted to be a hero. Hell, I still want to. But, without a quirk?

The other kids never really liked me. Though, that was something I came to realize way later. Back then, the only thing I knew was that one day, they were my friends and the next, everyone was acting mean. Maybe, the revelation of me not having a quirk acted like a catalyst for them to realize that now, they had a reason to not like me. One that they apparently could act upon without as much as an intervention from the teachers.

Most shocking change was the one of my best friend. Kacchan, the person I always admired for his strength gave up on me the moment he learn I was quirkless. Why? I wish I knew. Please tell me Kacchan. Why did you start bullying me?

I spent all my elementary school years being the laughing stock of every classmate of mine. Watching everyone throw their comments at me thinking that it's okay to mess with the green haired kid, because he can't really do anything. I remember every remark they threw at me. I don't know where all my classmates are now. But really, I'm just glad I got away.

Though, Kacchan's threat remained. And it was worst than anything I could have asked for. You see, my friend, in great contrast to me, was blessed with an all great and powerful quirk. Explosion. The perfect combination of his parents abilities making him the perfect candidate for a future hero. The brightest star in our class and every teachers favourite. He got away with basically everything because recognizing he did something wrong would mean putting a stain on his perfect record which in turn would reduce his chances of getting into the most prestigious school for future heroes. UA.

That freedom the adults gave him, made him believe he could do whatever he wanted without consequences. As long as he was the strongest and everyone knew that, he was untouchable. And that made him entitled to get more rough with me.

I remember getting beaten up. Being pushed on the ground and burned from his explosions. He gave me the nickname Deku, determining that my quirklessness defined me as useless. Making me regret every day the fact that I told him about my lack of quirk. Making me wish no one ever knew I still wanted to be a hero. Because what hero would I be if I gave up that easily on my dream. But for him, that was impossible. "Stupid Deku" could never become a hero. Because he wanted to become one. And if I became one too, then what would that mean for him?

I was stupid back then. And, don't get me wrong, I still am. Because, I never really stopped trying to be his friend. Even after all his abuse. I still try to be his friend. At this point, I have really forgotten why. Maybe it's because I believe he is a good person at heart. Because I remember that small child he used to be, innocent just like me, playing together as if nothing mattered. But that was all before. Now, maybe it's too late.

So, you lot must be wondering. What "not letting anyone know you do not have a quirk" has to do with surviving middle school. Well, it's simple really.

Back to my first year of middle school, this was my new start. My opportunity to escape everyone that mocked me and finally make friends. You know, middle school is a huge deal for everyone hoping to become a hero. And, because that's usually the majority of teens, every student who enters these halls is more steadfast and ready to pursue their future career.