Timeloop Trouble

Chapter 9 - Trigger Talks

"Thanks for seeing us on such short notice, All Might."

"Oh, uh, of course! Anything for you, my boy," Toshinori smiled, taken aback by Izuku's sudden mood change. Normally he was never this formal with him, not anymore at least. "Please don't hesitate to tell me when you come across any new developments."

Izuku nodded, looking away again as he tugged his boyfriend along to the door. Aizawa wordlessly moved aside, not wanting to cause any unnecessary scenes. He closed the door behind him once the two students had left.

"Young Midoriya is making progress," Toshinori noted. "I'm glad."

"Why did they want to talk to you?" Shouta asked as he made his way over to the couch.

"Midoriya had an odd quirk dream," All Might explained without really explaining anything at all. He was sure Shouta understood, though. "It doesn't really matter now. How are the preparations? Is everything ready?"

"Nezu is going full out on this, so what do you think?" Aizawa asked, making the blonde snort. Once Nezu set his mind to something, it was impossible to stop him. He didn't earn the nickname rat god for nothing, you know? That man could pretty much bring any plan into fruition. "I'm more worried about you. Are you going to be okay?"

"I haven't used One For All yet today, so I should be fine," Toshinori assured him. He still had his three hours and that should be more than enough to deal with one Nomu and some low life criminals on top of that.

"That's not what I'm asking and you know it," Shouta frowned. The fact his colleague was avoiding the question was more than enough information, though. "...You don't have to be there, you know. We can handle this much on our own."

"No, it's fine, I... I want to be a part of this," All Might stated, getting up from his chair. "Young Midoriya isn't the only one who needs to confront his fears."

Yeah, what kind of mentor would he be if he didn't show his students that he, too, was doing the best he could? That he was facing his inner demons, just like they were? He couldn't cower behind his colleagues forever, not now that the number one hero title was still bound to his name. No, he needed to stand tall, be strong, be the pillar this society needed him to be.

//\\
\\//

Izuku stumbled back with a groan as he was hit in the chest. Katsuki quickly covered for him, though, punching Neito away before he had a chance to attack again. They were supposed to have practical hero classes this afternoon, but since most of the hero teachers went to the USJ, the hero course students were left to practice quirkless combat on their own. Class 1-B decided sparring in duos would be a good exercise, since there were enough people involved to give them a challenge but not enough to make things chaotic and unpredictable. It was a good exercise to do unsupervised, although Izuku wasn't having a great time.

He couldn't focus on his opponents, couldn't seem to get his head in the game, not when he knew the ambush was in full swing. When he knew that the League was attacking the USJ, using a Nomu, a person turned monster, in order to defeat All Might. That and Kurogiri... Izuku didn't want to know what Erserhead was going through, knowing Shirakomu was still in there, that he was still somewhat conscious of everything that was happening. Kacchan was having more luck on that front, happy with the distraction that this training provided even if he wasn't allowed to use his quirk.

"Aw come on! Where's that fire huh? You two used to be the heart of class A!" Neito exclaimed. Izuku didn't know if it was whining, complaining or mocking, but knowing Monoma, it could be all of the above.

"Everyone's got their off days, copycat," Katsuki hissed, going in for a right hook, only to be blocked by Kendo. Right, their opponent wasn't alone, either. "Oi Deku! Get your ass in here!"