an ODST among Heroes.

S2-1

Admiral Margaret Parangosky sat with poise at an intricately decorated table in one of Tokyo's most exclusive high-class restaurants. The soft, ambient lighting glinted off the medals on her pristine uniform, a testament to decades of strategic brilliance and ruthless decision-making. Across from her sat Nezu, U.A. High’s enigmatic principal, sipping tea with a serene yet calculating smile. This was their first meeting, an encounter that had been anticipated with equal parts curiosity and dread. To ensure the safety of this covert meeting, Parangosky had ordered the Marines accompanying her to discreetly secure all entry points of the establishment, forming an unseen barrier around their conversation.

“I believe this Project Wraith shall be quite fruitful, Nezu,” Parangosky stated, her voice a calm blade of authority slicing through the room’s quiet hum. She regarded the intelligent creature with a mixture of admiration and analysis; he was, after all, more than just a principal—he was a strategist worthy of sitting across from ONI’s chief.

The U.A. teachers who were present as observers sat at a nearby table, their expressions oscillating between awe and unease. Aizawa, still wrapped in bandages from his harrowing encounter with Pluton, narrowed his eyes. The tension in the room was palpable, like a storm waiting to break.

“I’m starting to think this was a mistake,” whispered Present Mic, his usual exuberance replaced by a rare solemnity.

Katherine Halsey, watching from her own seat, allowed herself a faint, knowing smirk. She alone felt comfortable, though even she recognized that this meeting represented a confluence of two minds capable of untold ambition. Parangosky, a woman feared across UNSC for her unmatched cunning, and Nezu, a creature whose strategic intellect was legendary even among the most brilliant human minds. It was a sight that made the room feel smaller, as though these two alone controlled the pulse of whatever came next.

Nezu set down his teacup and folded his paws together, eyes twinkling with a sharp, almost playful light. “Indeed, Admiral. With the quirked individuals integrated into our initiatives, we could accelerate more than just Project Wraith. Operation Red Flag, for instance, could begin ahead of schedule.”

Parangosky’s lips curved into a subtle smile, the first hint of genuine satisfaction. “I’m pleased to hear we are in alignment,” she said, lifting her glass.

Aizawa, watching the display, muttered under his breath, “Now there’s two of them.”

“You have no idea,” Halsey replied, her tone tinged with an almost imperceptible note of pity, as Parangosky and Nezu clinked their glasses with an unmistakable air of foreboding.

In that moment, the teachers knew: this alliance would change everything.

-----

“We’re going to get dorms?” Mina squealed with excitement, eyes sparkling as she pointed at the construction site on U.A.’s campus. A chorus of students echoed her enthusiasm, their chatter filling the air. But Izuku’s gaze was fixed, his expression unreadable as he watched the workers clad in military uniforms moving purposefully among prefabricated structures. The emblem of the UNSC was stamped on the panels they carried—a symbol unmistakable to anyone who had fought under its banner.

“That’s not a dorm,” Izuku muttered, more to himself than anyone else. His words were drowned out by the excitement around him, but the weight in his tone hinted at something far more serious. He knew these were barracks, not simple student dormitories. The type designed for efficiency and rapid deployment, not comfort.

What Keyes had said weeks ago came back to him in a rush: “The war is not going well. If these heroes can give us a fighting chance, we’ll take it.” The implications sent a shiver down his spine. Admiral Margaret Parangosky, the formidable leader of ONI and one of his mentors, was orchestrating UNSC operations on this version of Earth. Her presence alone was enough to signal that drastic measures were being taken.

As he looked out over the construction, Izuku felt a wave of realization wash over him. This was not just about student housing or increased security. This was preparation. U.A.’s campus was being fortified, and the students who thought they were training to be heroes would soon find themselves in the dual role of soldiers.

“Why the serious face, Midoriya?” Kirishima’s voice cut through his thoughts, friendly and oblivious to the storm brewing behind Izuku’s eyes.

Izuku forced a smile. “Just... thinking about how much things are going to change.”

As the clang of metal and the hum of machinery filled the air, Izuku knew one thing for certain: they were about to face an enemy that would push them far beyond the bounds of hero training.