Powerless - A My Hero Academia/ DC Crossover

Chapter 33: Final Exams

All Might sank onto the couch in his home, exhausted from the day's work. Being a teacher was more tiring than he could have imagined. Gran Torino made it look so easy when he was his homeroom teacher. All Might couldn't help but find it a little amusing, considering he was able to bring peace to an entire society but was a complete novice at teaching. He sipped from his freshly-brewed tea and turned on the television set, ready to relax for the night.

The television sprang to life onto a well-dressed anchor on a news program. "Our top story tonight," the anchor said. "The creature that the media has dubbed "the elusive sludge villain", who was responsible for the deaths and disappearances of several people across several cities, has finally been brought to justice."

All Might spit his tea out in surprise, coughing violently.

"The villain had eluded capture for over a year," continued the anchor. "Before finally being apprehended by police due to an anonymous tip received by Police. When the police arrived, the creature was encased in a thick layer of ice, but has refused to cooperate with police, so there is no indication of who took down this villain. The only lead we have is this strange device found at the site." The image on the television cut to a small, broken metal shard, which looked oddly like --

A bat.

He didn't recognize it at first, but after a moment, All Might was sure of it. It was a broken batarang. "They did it," said All Might, laughing. "They really did it!"

"Among various crates of drugs and assorted contraband, the bodies of several missing persons were discovered as well," said the anchor. "No more information has been put forth on the discoveries of the missing persons, and their families were not available for comment. However, we were able to get in touch with Masaru and Mitsuki Bakugou, the first victim of the villain who was killed over a year ago, sparking the start of this manhunt."

The program then began presenting information on the Bakugou family, showing various pictures of the young man who was murdered. All Might remembered that day vividly, and continued to relive it since it happened. It had been a source of great shame to him, representing a failure he had not felt since he had watched his master, Nana Shimura, die at the hands of All For One. Since that day, he vowed he would never fail to save someone in need.

And until that day, he had kept that promise.

The report cut to an interview with the parents. "We are relieved and happy to hear that our son's murderer has finally been brought to justice," Said Mitsuki Bakugou, the boy's mother. She looked to All Might like a strong, powerful woman. Tears began to well in her eyes, something that he was sure was completely foreign to her. She turned away from the reporter and towards the camera. "For the hero who brought down this monster, I understand your desire to remain anonymous. But from the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Thank you so much."

All Might turned off the television, leaning back on his couch. "Well done, Young Midoriya," he said quietly. "And wherever you are in this universe, Young Bakugou, I hope you realize what a great friend you have."

Izuku's life had returned to normal (relatively speaking) after the events with the Sludge Villain. He had dreamed about bringing this creature to justice for over a year, and now that it has happened, he felt as if his steps were lighter now, like a heavy weight was removed from his shoulders. He had seen the news report with Kacchan's family, and couldn't express the feeling in his heart when Mrs. Bakugou expressed her thanks. He felt now, his friend could finally rest in peace.