Chapter 35: Media Attention and Hidden Threats
The morning air was crisp as Izuku approached the entrance of U.A. The school's towering gate loomed ahead, but something was… off.
A large crowd of reporters and camera crews stood gathered outside, pressing against the barriers. Microphones, cameras, and notepads were shoved toward any student passing by, all in search of one thing All Might.
"Right. This is the day Shigaraki sneaks into U.A. to steal information."
Izuku kept his pace steady, scanning the scene carefully. He had seen this moment play out in the anime. The reporters were merely a distraction, a sign of something bigger happening behind the scenes.
"If I remember correctly, Shigaraki sneaks past the gates with the reporters and steals the class schedule. That's how they plan the USJ attack."
His mind raced through possibilities.
"Should I do something? Warn the teachers? Set a trap?"
No. Let's just sit back and relax. If he interfered too soon, it could cause unexpected ripples in the timeline. For now, he'd let things play out.
His focus shifted back to the present as he heard his name being called.
"Hey! Over there!"
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a camera crew turned in his direction. Her eyes lit up the moment she saw his U.A. uniform.
The next thing he knew, she was rushing toward him, microphone in hand.
"Excuse me! Young man!" The female reporter stopped just in front of him, her camera crew already setting up behind her.
Izuku blinked, putting on his best neutral expression. "Yes?"
The woman smiled brightly. "You're a U.A. student, correct?"
"That's right," Izuku confirmed.
She beamed, leaning forward slightly. "Would you mind answering a few questions for us? We're doing a special piece on U.A. Academy and its students!"
Izuku glanced at the camera behind her.
He could have ignored her.
He could have said no and walked into the school like nothing happened.
But then, an idea crossed his mind.
"Publicity is important for a hero's career. This is an opportunity."
A confident smile crossed his face.
"Sure," he said, nodding. "I'd be happy to answer some questions."
The reporter's face lit up. "Fantastic! Alright, let's begin!"
The cameraman gave a quick thumbs-up, signaling they were recording.
"First off, can you tell us your name and what class you're in?"
Izuku nodded. "I'm Izuku Midoriya, and I'm a student in Class 1-A."
The reporter's smile widened. "Ah, Class 1-A! That's the class rumored to have All Might as a teacher, isn't it?"
Izuku's smile didn't falter.
"I can't comment on the faculty details," he said smoothly, "but I can say that all of our teachers are incredible. U.A. hires only the best heroes to train us, so every lesson is a learning experience."
The reporter didn't look discouraged. "That's great to hear! So, how has U.A. been treating you? Are the classes difficult?"
Izuku nodded. "It's definitely a challenge. But U.A. doesn't just train us physically, they teach us how to think, strategize, and be ready for any situation. That's what makes this school special."
The woman chuckled. "That's quite the professional answer!"
She leaned in slightly. "Now, I have to ask, what's your opinion on All Might? If he were to teach at U.A., do you think he'd be a good teacher?"
Izuku didn't hesitate.
"All Might is the Symbol of Peace for a reason," he said. "If he were a teacher, I imagine he'd be the kind who inspires students to be their best."
It was the perfectly vague response, one that said everything and nothing at the same time.
The reporter's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I see! That's a wonderful perspective!"
Before she could ask another question, however
A hand grabbed Izuku's collar from behind.
"That's enough, Midoriya."
Izuku barely had time to react before he was pulled away from the interview.
Aizawa's Intervention
Izuku found himself being dragged toward the school gates by none other than Aizawa.
The tired-looking teacher didn't even glance at him. "Go to class."
Izuku, unbothered, simply grinned and gave a casual wave to the reporter.
"Thank you for the interview!" he called out.
The woman, looking slightly flustered, waved back with an awkward smile.
Once they were far enough from the reporters, Aizawa finally released Izuku's collar.
"You know better than to entertain the media, Midoriya." His tone was dry, but there was no real anger behind it.
Izuku shrugged. "I was careful with my answers."
Aizawa gave him a bored stare. "Still unnecessary."
Izuku smirked. "Publicity is important for a hero, sensei."
Aizawa sighed. "Whatever. Just get to class."
With that, he turned toward the reporters, his usual tired glare in place.
"Listen up," he announced, his voice loud enough to cut through the chatter. "All Might is not present at U.A. today. Stop bothering the students."
The reporters grumbled in disappointment but didn't argue.
Izuku chuckled to himself as he entered the school building.
"Well, that was fun."
But even as he walked toward his classroom, his thoughts drifted back to what was really important.
"Shigaraki is watching."
The real threat wasn't the reporters outside.
It was the League of Villains, waiting in the shadows.
And soon…
They would make their move.
As Izuku stepped into the classroom, the air felt… off.
The usual hum of chatter was missing, replaced by an awkward silence.
Every student in Class 1-A turned toward him, their gazes lingering a bit too long.
It wasn't hard to guess why.
His performance during All Might's class had been anything but normal. He had overwhelmed Todoroki and Momo with ruthless efficiency, knocking them both unconscious before securing victory.
And now?
It seemed no one quite knew how to act around him.
The tense silence stretched
Until, predictably, it was Bakugo who shattered it.
"OI, DEKU!"
The loud voice echoed through the classroom, making a few students jump.
Izuku blinked as Bakugo stomped toward him, arms crossed, a scowl on his face.
"I don't give a damn about what happened in that dumb training exercise!" Bakugo growled. "Next time, I'll beat the hell outta Icy-Hot and Ponytail! And after that..." He jabbed a finger at Izuku. "I'LL KICK YOUR ASS TOO!"
The class went dead silent again.
A few students exchanged looks.
Kaminari scratched his head. "Uh… did he just say he's gonna attack his classmates?"
"Yeah," Sero nodded. "Pretty sure he did."
Mina raised a hand. "I don't think that's something we're supposed to do in class."
Kirishima chuckled, elbowing Kaminari. "Dude, he sounds like a villain."
"Right?!" Kaminari snickered.
Bakugo whirled around to face them. "SHUT UP, DUNCE FACE!"
Izuku, meanwhile, simply smiled.
Without saying a word, he walked past Bakugo and toward his seat.