Rising Tides (Izuku Midoriya x F!Reader)

Chapter 049

CHAPTER 49: A New Beginning

After All Might left the Mizushima household, you felt a heavy but comforting silence settle over the room. You sat there with your parents, the echoes of your father’s words lingering in the air. For the first time in what felt like forever, there was an unspoken understanding between you all—a shared burden that no longer felt like yours alone. Your father’s reluctant nod to All Might's dormitory proposal felt like a tentative bridge, as if he was giving you a chance to pursue your path, even though his worries remained. With a soft sigh, your mother squeezed your hand gently, her eyes still filled with concern but also a glimmer of pride.

The following day, your belongings were packed, and soon you were standing outside U.A., bags in hand. Students were milling around, a mixture of excitement and trepidation in the air as they prepared to move into the new dormitory system. You spotted some familiar faces from Class 1-A, each person immersed in their own reunion with family or internal struggle about this next step. You felt the pull of nerves, but a quiet resolve settled in your chest. This was a new beginning.

Just then, Midoriya arrived, his usual green curls in a wild mess and cheeks flushed. You exchanged a small nod, a shared look of understanding between you two. His mom’s presence lingered on him like a shadow, and you could tell he was still processing their conversation from the previous night. It wasn’t easy for any of you to step into this new chapter.

When the dorm orientation began, Aizawa-sensei’s strict, no-nonsense tone quickly brought everyone into focus. He explained the rules, regulations, and general expectations with a stern look that brooked no arguments. You could feel his gaze sweep across the class, evaluating each of you, ensuring you understood that U.A. was offering protection, but it wasn’t a shield from the responsibilities you bore as future heroes.

After the orientation, everyone was allowed time to settle into their rooms. You stepped into yours, taking in the plain walls, a single bed, and a small desk. It was simple, a blank canvas that felt oddly comforting. As you unpacked, you caught yourself glancing at the family photo you’d brought with you, the one from before everything changed. For a moment, you considered putting it away, out of sight. But instead, you placed it on your desk, a reminder of what had driven you this far.

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Later that evening, the common area was buzzing with life. Kirishima had somehow started an impromptu room tour contest, and everyone was eager to show off their personal touches. Some rooms were filled with flashy colors and personal trophies, while others showcased cozy, homey decor. You lingered on the outskirts, watching as your classmates' personalities shone through in their spaces.

Midoriya’s room was next, and the reaction was immediate. Everyone burst into laughter, stunned by the sheer number of All Might collectibles adorning every corner. You found yourself laughing, too, the sound surprising you. It was as though, for the first time since everything that had happened, you felt a hint of normalcy.

After the laughter died down, Midoriya caught your eye. You gave him a soft smile, a small, silent way of saying you were glad he was here. He returned it, the corner of his mouth quirking up with a shyness that matched your own. You didn’t need to say much—the quiet understanding you shared was enough.

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As night fell, Aizawa gathered the class one last time in the common area. His face was serious, casting a somber air over the group as he addressed the elephant in the room.

“With All Might’s retirement, things are going to change,” he began, his tone heavy with implication. “The world outside is growing more dangerous, and people are losing faith in heroes. This isn’t a safe time to be in training.”

His words struck a chord in you, and you could feel the weight of your parents’ concerns settle in your mind again. But alongside it was the steady beat of your resolve—a quiet reminder of why you’d chosen this path, why you couldn’t walk away.

“But,” Aizawa continued, his gaze softening slightly, “if you’re here, it’s because you’ve proven you’re committed. U.A. is committed, too. We’re in this together.”

Everyone exchanged determined looks, the gravity of the situation binding you all in a silent pact. You glanced over at Midoriya, his face etched with the same determination you felt. Your paths were uncertain, and the risks were immense, but together, you could face them.

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The next day, classes resumed, but there was an unspoken shift in the atmosphere. The teachers were more intense, pushing you all harder. Every training session was a reminder that you couldn’t afford to hold back—not with villains lurking and the stakes higher than ever.

In the afternoon, the class gathered outside for combat training. This time, Aizawa paired you with Midoriya, a decision that made your heart skip a beat. You hadn’t sparred with him before, and you could feel the weight of your unspoken bond, the shared understanding of your roles as heroes and the challenges ahead.

The two of you stepped into the sparring ring, a quiet tension settling over you. Midoriya smiled, but there was a new intensity in his eyes, a spark of the drive that had been steadily growing since All Might’s retirement. “Let’s give it everything we’ve got,” he said, his voice filled with quiet determination.

You nodded, summoning your quirk, feeling the familiar, cooling presence of water gather around your fingertips. “Agreed. No holding back.”

As you began the match, Midoriya’s movements were swift, calculated, each strike backed by a confidence that had grown stronger with every battle. You found yourself focusing, letting the water flow around you, twisting and bending as you met each of his moves with fluid precision. It was like a dance—a push and pull, the two of you testing each other’s limits, pushing beyond them.

With each passing minute, you realized how much you’d grown, how much both of you had changed. This wasn’t just practice; it was a testament to everything you’d fought for, the sacrifices you’d made to be here.

In the end, Midoriya managed to land a final blow, knocking you to the ground. You lay there, breathing heavily, looking up at the sky as the realization washed over you. You were stronger, more resilient than you’d ever been, but there was still more to learn, more to overcome. Midoriya offered you a hand, pulling you to your feet with a grin.

“You’re amazing,” he said softly, his admiration evident. “I’m glad… I’m glad we’re both here.”

You felt your cheeks heat, but you held his gaze, a smile of your own spreading. “Me too. We’ll keep pushing forward—together.”

As you stood side by side, a quiet determination settled in your heart. No matter what challenges lay ahead, you’d face them head-on, with the strength of your friends, the memories of your family, and the drive to make a difference in a world that needed it more than ever.

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A/N: Word Count: ~1282, I wanted to emphasize Mizushima’s emotional return to U.A. and how the dorm setup affects her family and her sense of responsibility. Including her in the dormitory arc alongside canon events allows for more development of her bonds with Class 1-A and gives her a chance to stand by Midoriya as they both strive toward their goals. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as Mizushima’s journey is only just beginning!

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