an ODST among Heroes.

4

Izuku stepped off the transport, the city he once called home stretching out before him in familiar yet distant shapes. Though he recognized the buildings, the bustling streets, and even a few familiar landmarks, it all felt surreal-more like a faded memory than a place he belonged to now. Years had passed, and both he and his hometown had changed.

Navigating the crowded sidewalks, he eventually reached his apartment, a modest space that was meant to be a temporary home. He took a steadying breath before opening the door.

Inside, waiting for him with arms crossed and a faint smile, was Daisy. He froze in the doorway, a rush of surprise and joy filling him. She looked as he remembered: fierce yet approachable, with that unbreakable presence that could steady even the most battle-hardened soldiers.

"Ma'am," he said, automatically standing at attention.

She chuckled, rolling her eyes in mock annoyance. "At ease, Corporal," she replied with a smirk, moving forward to pull him into a warm hug. The embrace caught him off guard, but he quickly relaxed, letting himself feel the weight of familiarity and comfort that only she could bring. For a moment, he was reminded of the countless drills, battles, and quiet moments of shared strength they'd endured together.

"I missed you," she murmured, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze, her eyes softened with genuine affection.

Izuku gave a small, grateful smile. "Missed you too, Daisy." He hadn't realized how much until now-how important she had become to him, not just as a mentor, but as someone he could rely on, someone who truly understood the path he'd chosen.

She gave him an appraising look, as though assessing how much he'd grown. "Look at you," she said, the hint of pride in her voice unmistakable. "All trained up and back here on Earth. You've come a long way, Corporal."

Izuku felt his cheeks warm slightly, rubbing the back of his neck in an old habit. "Wouldn't have made it this far without you." He glanced around the apartment, noticing the Spartan armor she'd set aside, a reminder of the world he now straddled-the soldier and the civilian, the life he'd left behind, and the one he was only beginning to understand.

Daisy nodded thoughtfully. "It's strange, isn't it?" she said, almost reading his thoughts. "Being back in a place that feels like it should be home, but isn't."

He looked at her, the faintest hint of vulnerability in his eyes. "Yeah... but it helps knowing you're here too."

She reached out, giving his shoulder a firm squeeze. "Well, we're not done yet, Corporal. You've got a new mission here, and this one? It's going to be different."

Izuku felt a surge of anticipation, knowing that whatever was ahead, he wouldn't face it alone. With Daisy's guidance and the strength he'd built through years of training, he was ready to face the unknown.

----

Izuku arrived at Aldera Middle School, blending in as a third-year student with ease. The mission was straightforward: maintain his cover, gather intel, and prepare for the U.A. entry exams in ten months. As he walked down the halls, Lawrence, the AI guiding him, fed him a list of his classmates, a few notable names catching his eye.

Around him, murmurs rose as curious students noticed the new arrival. The girls exchanged excited whispers, some wondering aloud if he was single. Izuku paid little attention, his mind focused and trained not to be distracted by idle chatter.

As he reached his classroom, he spotted a familiar face: Katsuki Bakugou. The sight of his former friend stirred something complex within him-both pity and distance. Knowing what lay beyond Earth, Izuku couldn't help but feel that Katsuki's hotheadedness would be no match for the Covenant or any real battlefield.