Dad For One

Episode 3 - Dr. Garaki

At the end of the following day, Midoriya was once again, the last to pack up. Aizawa stopped him before he left the classroom.

"Problem child. I hate to ask this of you, especially considering how awful I know that man is. Due to your previous interactions with him, we'd appreciate it if you could speak to Dr. Garaki."

Midoriya was surprised by this. He had only met Dr. Garaki a few times as a young child, and that was many, many years ago.

"I'd love to help any way I can, but I'm not sure if he'll care who I am, or even remember me," Midoriya responded.

Aizawa nodded.

"Yes, I understand. To be perfectly honest with you, Midoriya, we've had little luck in interrogating Dr. Garaki. It may be a long shot, but I'm willing to try anything to get that bastard to speak."

Midoriya wasn't sure what else to do, so he accepted. He wasn't certain if he'd be able to get any answers out of Dr. Garaki, but if he could help in any way... and that was a very big IF.

"I do appreciate this, problem child. Are you busy this afternoon?"

He shook his head in response.

———

He couldn't lie, he was terrified. He didn't know what to expect. Mr Aizawa was unsettled by Dr. Garaki. So if someone as amazing his teacher was rattled by this man, how could he not be?

The detective Tsukauchi told Midoriya exactly what to do, so that made it slightly easier, but it didn't change the fact that shortly he'd be looking into the eyes of the man who had helped AFO, created the nomu, and experimented on people.

Midoriya sort of wished he hadn't agreed to this now. Although Dr. Garaki would be behind a thick wall of glass, handcuffed, and there would be heroes in the room, he didn't feel entirely safe.

Midoriya entered the interrogation room, and two heroes followed.

It was interesting to actually see one in person. It had one of those one-way windows that looked like a mirror from the outside. The glass shield was very thick too. These things comforted Midoriya slightly. But on the other side sat Dr. Garaki himself.

He hadn't changed a bit from how he remembered him. Midoriya didn't know much about him, and he wondered if it was his quirk. Either way, he put on a brave face and sat opposite the man.

"Oh, I see they've resorted to asking just about anyone to come and talk to me."

Midoriya wasn't sure what to say to this. He'd been given a few questions to ask him about, but otherwise, he was allowed to have an ordinary conversation with him. If you could call it that.

Midoriya steeled himself and spoke, "hello."

Dr. Garaki narrowed his eyes. It was kind of difficult to tell, though, considering he was still wearing those distinct goggles.

"What's your name?" he asked. He was aware he was the 9th user of OFA, although he was also quite aware the boy was now quirkless.

Midoriya wondered if he should just give him his actual name, so he settled for his hero name.

"Deku."

"Your real name," the doctor said.

Was it a good idea to tell him his real name? Midoriya supposed he was locked up, so it would make no difference. Maybe it could also help them to get along better if he was somewhat cooperative.

"Izuku Midoriya," he replied.

A small, eerie grin spread across his face.

"Oh. I know you, don't I?"