Chapter 128: Full Cowl
Author: Geraint
With their internships concluded, Class 1-A returns to U.A. High and talks to one another about their experiences. Denki notes that the people who improved the most are Izuku, Tenya, and Shoto because of their encounter with the Hero Killer. Most of the class approaches them and asks what happened, but Shoto says that Endeavor saved them from the Hero Killer instead of the truth.
Denki comments that Stain is kind of cool despite being a villain. Izuku scolds Denki for this, prompting the latter to apologize. Tenya, however, says it's fine because he understands if people find the Hero Killer "cool" due to his convictions. However, Tenya also says that does not justify his criminal acts. Inspired to walk the heroic path once again, Tenya returns to his old form and loudly asks the class to take their seats. Everyone is annoyed by Tenya's loud antics, but Izuku thinks he's cool for returning to the path of heroism.
Izuku remembers Ichika and their conversation about her internship with Gran Torino, where she learned to control One for All better.
"I see... then that's good..."
Ichika seems disappointed and turns away with a dazed look, which makes Izuku feel dejected, thinking Ichika isn't happy with her improvement.
"I'm sorry..."
When Ichika hears Izuku apologizing with a sad tone, he immediately responds to clear up the misunderstanding.
"Wait! I mean... You're already doing great! It's just that I'm thinking of something else."
"Huh? Did something happen, Ichika-kun?"
"Well, I had this great expectation for this guy who seemed to be very strong, and then he suddenly lost to someone I've beaten a hundred times. What do you think about that, Deku-chan?"
"Eh? Uhmm... Well... that's unfortunate." Izuku awkwardly smiles.
Ichika sighs and glances outside the window.
"I want to fight someone strong. It really feels lonely on top." He yawns, laying his head on the desk.
The class feels a chill in his words.
Afterward, Class 1-A attends their next class: Foundational Hero Studies with All Might. All Might says that the lesson will be a rescue training race through Playing Ground Gamma, a construction site with many densely packed lanes, which makes it look like a labyrinth. The class must race through the construction site to the area in the middle to meet up with All Might.
Class 1-A is split into four groups of five for the training lesson. Izuku, along with Ojiro, Tenya, Mina, and Hanta, is the first group to partake in the rescue training race. The class comments on who will win. Momo and Kyoka note that Izuku is at a disadvantage due to his Quirk, with Katsuki saying that Izuku will lose. Others think that Tenya, Ojiro, Sero, and Mina all have an equal chance at winning.
Before the race starts, Ichika says a few words to Izuku.
"Watch where you step, Deku-chan!"
"Huh?"
Izuku turns toward him in surprise.
"Yes!"
The race begins, with Sero leading the way before Izuku activates One For All Full Cowl 5% and begins maneuvering through the construction site with ease. He uses his enhanced speed and agility to jump and move through the maze-like environment, outpacing his classmates. All Might, Shoto, and Ochaco take note of his extraordinary movements while the rest of the class is surprised by Izuku's improved skills and better control of his Quirk, as they had previously counted him out. Katsuki is shocked that Izuku's movements in combat have become similar to his own, and he's angry that Izuku has improved so much.
"Slack off more, Kacchan... or Deku-chan will overtake you."
Ichika teases Katsuki.
"Shut up! I'll never let that happen!"
While moving toward the area, Izuku accidentally slips, causing him to fall. He remembers Ichika's words and refuses to disappoint him. He quickly grabs a pipe with his hand, pulls himself up, and continues to race, overtaking Hanta and taking first place.
After the race ends, All Might commends the group for improving their Quirks since entering U.A. He tells them to prepare for the end-of-term test. All Might then approaches Izuku, telling him that he is impressed with his improvement and gives him a thumbs-up. All Might also tells Izuku that after the lesson, he wants to talk to him about the story of One For All.
Izuku happily runs toward Ichika.
"Ichika-kun, I did it! I got first place!"
Ichika suddenly grabs her wrist and feels up her arm until she reacts.
"Ouch! Ouch!"
"I told you to watch your step! I'm happy that you're able to take first place, but you got hurt in exchange. That's not good!"
Ichika massages her arm, making cracking noises as he stretches it and presses something on her wrist.
Crack!
Mmmmh!
Izuku moans softly, causing the boys in the class to turn red, watching them.
"There! Be careful next time."
"...Thank you, Ichika-kun."
Izuku moves her arm and feels great.
"Amazing!"
"Deku!"
Katsuki approaches her while yelling.
"Kacchan, hurry up! The teacher is calling you to start the race!"
Ichika sounds cold, which surprises Katsuki when he looks at him. Ichika looks impatient, and Katsuki realizes he should be working hard to surpass Ichika instead of competing with Izuku. He remembers Ichika's words about waiting at the top, with no one being able to compete with him. This frustrates Katsuki as he walks away to his starting point.
"Damn it!"
After class, Ichika goes back home with his daughter. Suddenly, his phone rings from his pocket, and he answers it.
Uhmm... Hello, is this Ichika-kun?
Hearing the familiar voice, he immediately recognizes it, remembering the daughter of his dad's best friend.
"Melissa? Yeah, it's me."
Ichika-kun, I would like to invite you and Uncle Might to this island again. Papa wants you to see his new patents and asks for some advice on improvements.
"Sure! Is it okay to bring my friends with me?"
No problem. Please send me a message when you arrive here.
"Okay!"
(To be continued.)
A/N: I'll fix my mistakes later.