Nine Months Until the Start of UA
A month had slipped by, and the changes in Katsuki Bakugou were starting to show. Standing over a sink scrubbing pots in the mess kitchen with Albert, his friend and mentor, the young blonde had noticeably bulked up, and his usually fiery attitude had simmered to a focused determination. While Katsuki and Albert worked side-by-side, Katsuki couldn’t help but feel a strange satisfaction—a calm he hadn’t experienced back home. The structured life with the Marines was changing him in ways he hadn't anticipated.
Albert had become a close companion, and even though Bakugou wouldn’t admit it out loud, he valued the camaraderie. Mydoria, however, had been busier with Captain Burke in Quirk Analysis, earning him the nickname “Journal” for his knack for detail. Recently, Burke had taken a personal interest in training Midoriya, preparing him for work in the MCIA as a potential field operative. Though this specialized path took Izuku away from the more physically demanding parts of boot camp, it suited him perfectly, sharpening his mind and tactical abilities.
Bakugou was even starting to enjoy his time with the Marines. Amy, the "Old Ghost" herself, had noticed his progress during their occasional talks, offering him subtle nods of approval for his growing discipline. It wasn’t something he needed—validation from anyone else—but her words meant something, even if he tried to shrug it off.
Finishing up with the kitchen duties, Katsuki and Albert carried their trays over to a corner of the mess hall to eat. They’d just settled in when Amy and Lopez strolled into the room. The two senior Marines scanned the room and quickly locked eyes on Bakugou and Albert.
“Ah, Sparkler,” Lopez said, giving a half-smirk. “I take it you and Psychic have finished your scullery duty?”
“Yes, sir,” Katsuki replied, his voice steady and respectful, a sign of the discipline he'd been picking up.
Lopez nodded, clearly satisfied. “Good. Since I’m dismissing both of you for the day, care to join Old Ghost and me? We’re heading to visit her old man.”
Amy’s expression softened slightly as she glanced at Katsuki and Albert. “He’s been asking about the recruits, wanting to meet the ones he’s heard so much about.”
Albert raised an eyebrow, glancing at Bakugou, then back at Amy. “I’d be honored, ma’am. And if Sparkler here’s game, we’re all in.”
Bakugou shrugged, but there was a glint of curiosity in his eyes. “Yeah, sure. Why not?”
---------------
The trio arrived at the nursing home, where the air was filled with a sense of warmth and familiarity. Waiting for them was a gruff, elderly man with a kind smile that softened the wrinkles etched across his face. As soon as he spotted Amy, his eyes lit up with joy.
“Charlieeee!” Amy called out, her voice brimming with excitement. She rushed toward him, throwing herself into his embrace. The two spun around in a joyful reunion, laughter mingling with the soft sounds of the nursing home.
“Amy!” Charlie replied, his voice a rich baritone filled with affection. “It’s so good to see you!” He set her down gently and glanced over, his gaze landing on Katsuki, who stood a few steps back, observing the heartwarming scene with a mix of admiration and curiosity.
“Say, who’s this young man?” Charlie inquired, stepping forward with an inviting demeanor.
“Cadet Katsuki Bakugou, U.S. Marine Corps,” Katsuki introduced himself, extending his hand with a firm grip. There was a hint of nervousness in his voice, but he was determined to make a good impression.
“Captain Charlie Laidlaw, U.S. Marine Corps, retired,” Charlie responded, shaking Katsuki's hand with a steady grip that spoke volumes of his military background. “I’m glad to see a promising young man like you choosing the path of a leatherneck. It’s pretty rare these days, with all these kids dreaming of becoming heroes. They don’t realize it’s us who take on the real villains.” A glint of pride shone in his eyes as he spoke, a reflection of the camaraderie he cherished from his own time in service.
Katsuki felt a swell of pride at the old man's words, a reassurance that he was on the right path. “Thank you, sir. I’m committed to making a difference,” he replied earnestly, his determination clear.
“Good to hear!” Charlie exclaimed, a grin spreading across his face. “Come, let’s find a seat. I want to hear all about your journey and what Amy’s told you.” He gestured toward a cozy seating area filled with soft chairs and sunlight streaming through the windows, creating an inviting atmosphere.
-----------------
“Journal,” Captain Burke said, his tone shifting to one of anticipation, “there’s someone I want you to meet. She’ll be your partner for field training during your remaining nine months with us.”
As they walked through the base, the sounds of gunshots echoed in the distance, growing louder as they approached the firing range. Izuku’s heart raced, both from the anticipation and the sound of gunfire. When they arrived, he spotted an older teen girl with salmon-pink hair, expertly handling an MK-12 SPR.
Izuku felt a rush of warmth flood his cheeks at the sight of her athletic build. Burke chuckled softly, clearly amused by Izuku's reaction. “This here is Sergeant Hana Hatsume, call sign ‘Eagle.’ You’ll be paired with her for the next nine months. And remember, keep it in your pants, Journal. You’re still underage, and laws apply to all of us.”
“Yes… sir,” Izuku stammered, his face bright red as he tried to compose himself.
Hana set her rifle down and walked over, her eyes scanning Izuku with a mix of curiosity and amusement. With a warm smile, she said, “You’re younger than I expected! Though I guess orders are orders. You look about the same age as my sister, Mei.”
“Y-yes, ma’am,” Izuku replied, struggling to maintain his composure under her assessing gaze.
“Cute, too,” Hana added, her smile widening. “I think we’re going to have a very good nine months together, Mydoria. And don’t worry about what Burke said; you’re not my type, so you have nothing to worry about.”
Izuku felt a wave of relief wash over him, even as he struggled to process her words. Hana’s confidence and easy demeanor were refreshing, and he found himself drawn to her, despite his embarrassment.
“Come on,” she continued, gesturing for him to follow. “I’ll buy you something to eat. I want to learn more about my new intelligence field specialist. This way, Journal.”
As they walked side by side, Hana chatted about her own experiences in the Marines, sharing anecdotes and laughter that eased Izuku’s nerves. He couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie forming between them, a bond that would likely strengthen over the months ahead. With each step, the weight of his previous anxiety began to lift, replaced by a burgeoning excitement for the challenges and adventures that lay ahead.
YOU ARE READING
Immortal BNHA
FanfictionUA has a new teacher. Enter Amy Laidlaw. A Marine in the Anti Quirk Combat Containment Unit 107th Tactical division. During an op gone wrong on a raid on a human trafficking ring, Amy in the Hospital is hand picked by principal Nezu to join their st...
