The Immortal Hero: Phoenix

Chapter 20: Friends and Rivals

The looks on the faces of her parents almost made Izuka regret telling them about her run in with Hisashi. Her mother looked about ready to spit fire, and even scarier, Toshi's expression became cold and closed off. Both looked so different and out of character that Izuka actually took a step back from the intensity, which seemed to snap both of them out of their dark moods; neither wanted to make Izuka feel like she was at fault. "I can't believe that man would just come out of nowhere after all this time!" Inko growled.

"It does leave a bad feeling in my gut. Izuka, you were the one to actually talk to him... do you think he was genuine?" Toshi asked.

Izuka shrugged, not meeting either parent's eyes. She knew what Hisashi had done to her and her mother, the things he'd said to them and the things he'd threatened, but she had felt bad for him as he confessed his feelings (assuming he was being truthful) and now that she was with her true parents, she felt like she'd somehow betrayed them by not treating Hisashi with the destain he deserved. "I'm sorry..." she mumbled.

Inko's expression softened; "Sweetheart, you did nothing wrong. I don't know if that man was truthful or not... he's a shrewd businessman and a skilled liar, but when we were dating, he definitely seemed genuinely happy. You shouldn't feel bad for what he said."

"But I felt bad for him, even after everything he said and did." Izuka confessed.

Toshinori reached over and pulled Izuka into an embrace. They were in an empty prep room so they could have some privacy. Izuka curled into the hug, enjoying the pleasant feeling of her father, her TRUE father, caring for her. "My girl, feeling bad for him wasn't necessarily a bad thing. If he was telling the truth, then it was a fair feeling and if he was lying, he tricked you. I'd be more concerned if you didn't feel bad for him; that caring nature is an integral part of you."

"Really?" Izuka looked up, big sparkling eyes on full blast. That look always made All-Might want to wrap her in a blanket and hide her away from the world, but he knew that she was strong enough to handle anything.

"Of course. I know things have been bad between you and your blood father, but if he really is hoping to have some kind of relationship with you, I think it would be in your benefit to give him a chance. Takes things at your pace and be cautious, but follow your feelings. If he tries anything you don't like, I'll sort him out!" Toshi grinned, inflating into his hero form for emphasis.

Izuka giggled then looked toward her mother, "Mom, is this okay with you? Papa will always be my dad, but I want to give Hisashi a chance too..."

Inko sighed and petted her daughter's head; "I won't lie baby, I don't trust him. But I do trust you; if you want to try and bond with him at all, then you'll have my support."

"Thank you Mom." Izuka smiled, embracing her mother too. The Yagi-Midoriya Family ended up having a group hug until it was time for the Second Round to begin, which Izuka would be fighting in the first match of. "I better get going." she said, reluctantly leaving the warmth of her parents.

"Good luck Izuka! We'll be cheering for you!" Inko smiled.

Toshinori grinned, "As a teacher, I have to be unbiased... but as your father, go and kick young Iida's behind!"

Izuka laughed at her father's words and ran off to begin the fight while her parents slowly made their way back to the stands. As they walked, both were concerned. "Toshi, I don't like this. The timing is just too strange." Inko confessed.

"I know. I'll be watching Hisashi carefully in all his dealings with Izuka. I think we should also speak with Haru, just in case." Toshinori replied. No matter what Hisashi said or did; Izuka was HIS daughter now and Toshi would be damned if he was going to allow that fire breathing shit to worm his way back into a position that was rightfully Toshi's!