A Different Kind of Pro

Ch 3: First Steps Towards Becoming a Pro

One day a couple of months later Izuku finally revisited the gym

"Oh, hey kid, you here to return the USB?" asked Hokusu as he walked in,

"No sir, I wanted to know if Mr. Nokawa was available right now, there is a question I was itching to ask,"

"Yeah, up one floor and down the corridor,"

"Thank you Hokusu!" said Izuku running up the stairs

"Weird... I don't recall telling him my name?" pondered the big man before shrugging and continuing to jump rope

Izuku reached the office and knocked on the door "Come in!" was heard loud and clear from inside, Izuku turned the nob and walked in, the coach recognized him immediately "Oh, the gentle giant we found a couple of weeks ago, how's it going kid?"

"It's going good sir, I need to ask you something,"

"If it's about boxing ask away, I'm not very sharp anywhere else."

"Can you turn me into a pro?" asked Izuku, stunning the coach

"Can I TURN YOU INTO A PRO?" he shouts as he stands up and knocks over his chair, but Izuku doesn't flinch he stands his grown, "Son I can turn anyone into a Pro! The true question is if you got the attitude that takes to step into the ring!"

"I do!"

"That's not for you to decide, that's for me! Prove to me by continuously coming to this gym starting tomorrow until your first day of high school, then, and only then I'll give you a chance for a pro exam!"

"Sir yes sir!"

And so our main character begins his journey! As the sun rose, painting the city streets in warm hues, Izuku Midoriya, a determined student with dreams of becoming a professional boxer, readied himself for another demanding day.

"Mom, I'll be back late today. Got a lot to do," Izuku called out, his voice tinged with determination, as he tied his worn-out red sneakers.

His mother smiled warmly. "Izuku, I love you. Just remember to take care of yourself."

"Yes, Mom I will!"

Early mornings became Izuku's sanctuary for roadwork. Before the school day began, he'd jog through the neighborhood, challenging himself to go a little farther each day. His thoughts raced along with his footsteps, planning how to make the most of his limited time.

In class, Izuku's focus was dispersed. While he diligently took notes and completed his assignments with determination. It wasn't untrue that from time to time he would look out the window and start dreaming about boxing, or begin drawing different boxing combinationsDuring lunch breaks, he found solace in his textbooks, studying boxing techniques and strategies, eager to learn and grow.

After the final bell, Izuku hurried to the local boxing gym dashing away before Bakugo could even compute that Izuku was there in the first place. Coach Nokawa, understanding the demands of his student life, tailored training sessions to fit Izuku's schedule. Together, they maximized every moment in the gym, working on strength, speed, and technique.

"Coach, how can I improve my footwork?" Izuku asked, wiping the sweat from his brow.

Coach Nokawa offered a nod of approval. "Izuku, focus on light, quick steps. Move like you're dancing, constantly shifting your weight. It'll help you evade and strike with precision. You're an out boxer after all"

Balancing his studies and training wasn't easy, but Izuku's determination never wavered. Late evenings saw him studying textbooks and reviewing class material, determined to maintain his grades.