Winter || Bakugo

Chapter 41

"So we're back to normal classes tomorrow, right?" Jiro asked tiredly. I stretched my arms, rubbing my sore back.

"I suppose there's no rest for heroes." Yaomomo stated, sipping on her tea.

"Man, I could use a vacation." Sato stated. I nodded along, yawning. Mina giggled as she talked to Hagakure and Ojiro.

"I'll not forget this summer for the rest of my life." Tokoyami stated. I glanced down at my phone, checking the time.

"You. Meet me out front later." Bakugo grumbled. "We need to have a talk about your quirk." I raised an eyebrow as Denki laughed loudly.

"Um... okay." Midoriya said nervously. I furrowed my eyebrows, looking to see if anyone heard anything.

———

"All Might." I approached the man.

"Izumi? What are you doing here? You should be in bed." The yellow haired man crossed his arms over his chest.

"I..." I trailed off, trying to find the right words.

"Is it... girl things?" He asked nervously. What is wrong with this old man...

"What? No." I shook my head.

"Okay." He sighed in relief. I side eyed him for a second before continuing on.

"I think Bakugo and Midoriya are going to fight." I finally said. His eyes widened at my words, grabbing his coat.

"Where?" He asked.

"I'll show you." I replied. He nodded.

"Lead the way."

———

Their fight was beautiful. Their fast movements, their raw power, their will to fight, their emotions. It was almost watching a dance, a beautiful one at that. Every time I watched a fight, I thought it was boring, but this was something else. I couldn't help but clap at the end earning their attention. All Might shoved my arms down, even he couldn't help but watch the fight.

"Stop this right now. Both of you. I'm sorry, but I heard what you've said." All Might spoke up, walking over to them. I did the same.

"Izumi?" Bakugo breathed out.

"When'd you get here?" Midoriya asked.

"I didn't notice before. I should have." The older man said.

"It's too late now." Bakugo turned his head away from us as Midoriya sat up. They both looked pretty beat up.

"Why did you pick Deku?" Bakugo asked. "It started when the sludge villain came, didn't it? So why him?" My heart couldn't help but melt slightly. It felt weird seeing Bakugo even the tiniest bit vulnerable.

"He was powerless. But still more heroic than anyone else. I knew you were strong, that much was obvious. You were someone who could already fight. So, I decided that he should have the chance to stand in the ring." All Might said.

"But now you know I'm weak too. I always wanted to be like you which meant being as strong as possible. But look what I did to you. Because I'm not good enough." Bakugo said through gritted teeth. All Might walked forward, so did I. It took a lot for me not to wrap my arms around him in a suffocating hug.

"This is not your fault, young Bakugo. I was always going to lose my power. You couldn't do anything to change that. You are strong." I watched as Bakugo's lip trembled. "But I focused too much on your physical strength. And overlooked what was important. This isn't your burden."

"I apologize. Sometimes I forget that you're children." All Might hugged the ashe blonde. Bakugo pushed All Might away from him. "After being a hero for so many years, you learn a few things. Striving to be the best like you, young Bakugo. And caring deeply about people like you, young Aizawa. And rescuing this win trouble like you, young Midoriya. All of those feelings are necessary in a hero. Otherwise, they'll never truly be able to represent justice."