After the announcement of the school festival's arrival, classes began as scheduled. They haven't been particularly new, as he's already studied many of the topics covered and is even at more advanced levels in several of them, but that doesn't mean he knows them all.
For example, Cementos-sensei's lecture on modern literature was a breath of fresh air, as it is a completely new subject.
Once the modern literature lesson, which is equivalent to the fourth period, was over, it was time for lunch break. At the same time this began, most of his classmates were filled with tension and excitement; everyone was eager to compete.
Sigh. Better if I ask Nezu to exclude me from the festival, though Izuku as he moved out of class.
«Um, Midoriya-san.»
He turned and saw a young woman with fair skin, probably a little taller than the other girls and a slightly rounded face. She has wavy blonde hair that reaches mid-back, two shorter strands that fall over her shoulders, aqua-blue eyes, thin, round-framed glasses, and long eyelashes. The girl was slightly intimidated by Izuku's presence and size, but despite this, she did not hesitate to talk.
«My name is Melissa Shield, nice to meet you.» she said, extending her hand.
«The pleasure is mine, Shield-san.» He gently squeezed her hand «What can I do for you?»
«You were going to lunch, right?» she asked, smiling as she held a lunchbox. «I wanted to ask you if you wanted to join us.»
In addition to her, four other girls came forward. The first, a tall girl with a mature physique, wears long black hair tied in a pointed ponytail. A large strand protrudes on the right side of her face. The eyes, onyx-colored, are large but sharp.
Next up is a petite girl with a slim build. She has black triangular eyes and short eyebrows, while her dark purple, chin-length hair sports asymmetrical bangs. On both sides, two reflected sound waves animate the hair. However, what sets it apart are the flexible, plug-like jacks that hang from each earlobe.
The Third was a teenager with a slender yet curvy figure, fair skin, auburn hair, and eyes of the same colour. The cheeks consistently showed a pink flush. He had large, round eyes with thick upper eyelashes. The hair reached behind the shoulders, gathered in a bob from which two long strands framed the face.
The last one was Tsuyu Asui, who looked at him with a slight smile.
«Nice to meet you, I'm Momo Yaoyorozu and class vice representative.»
«Kyoka Jiro»
«Very pleased, I am Ochaco Uraraka» the brown girl finally introduced herself, making a formal bow.
Hm, first day and I'm already blessed among women? He thought, amused. He noticed Mineta looking at him with resentment in his eyes. He paid no attention to the murderous barbs of the self-propelled bunch of grapes. He found them refreshing in their innocence… if you can call them that.
«The pleasure is mine.» Izuku opened the door with a smile «It will be a pleasure to share lunch with you.»
Melissa, in particular, seemed to be brightened by his affirmative response and, along with the girls, left the class, intent on going to the school cafeteria for lunch. Izuku, on the other hand, did not necessarily need to eat, as his body could function optimally for years on end without feeding. At first, he intended to go to Nezu's office, and later to the Development Studio, to check the condition of his armour and weapons and to take his desk. But since he was invited to lunch, he couldn't refuse, as it would have been rude and, above all, could have prevented him from socialising with the class.
Their discussion was nothing special, except perhaps Ochaco's motivation to become a heroine, which she claims is for money, since her family struggles financially despite owning a construction company.
Despite her friends' moral support, Ochaco was still embarrassed. Izuku, surprised by the girl's good heart, understood what she meant. Unlike when he lived at the Imperial Palace, he is now guaranteed nothing and supports himself only with his parents' earnings. Izuku has worried them for ten years, especially his mother, because depending on them is like swallowing a bitter bite every time he thinks about it. Oh, now that I think about it, I still have to call Dad to thank him… Hm?
The sound of running steps caught Izuku's attention. He immediately prepared to intervene, even though he did not perceive any violent intent.
«Ah, that's where you were, Midoriya-san and… Shield, my girl!» Yagi exclaimed in his All-Might form, surprising the girls «Would you care to… eat your lunch with me?» he asked shyly, holding out a lunchbox.
««You look like a teenage girl!!» Ribbit!» Tsuyu and Ochaco responded dryly, chuckling at the actions of the enormous Hero.
Even though the request was sudden, it is still from a professor and could therefore be interpreted as an order. But why Melissa Shield too… Ah, maybe I understand.
*****
All-Might took them to a classroom dedicated to teachers' recess, a place away from prying eyes and ears. Why is only the Class 1A door tall enough for me to pass through? Izuku wondered, struggling to get in through the door.
Once closed, All-Might released his form and reverted to his human identity, Toshinori Yagi. A gesture that, when faced with someone who presumably doesn't know his true identity, means a lot. Izuku found out quietly, but Melissa Shield was the real unknown. Seeing the worry in the girl's eyes, Izuku realised that she knew it too.
«So she's your heir, huh?» he asked without many preambles.
«Yes.» Yagi said, sitting down «I guess you've already introduced yourself, but she is Melissa Shield. She is the daughter of a dear friend of mine and, for me, it's as if she were my niece… I couldn't think of a better person.»
At the affirmation, Melissa blushed with happiness. She sat down, smiling, and began to open the lunchbox. But she certainly didn't notice the slight tone of hesitation at the end of Yagi's statement. The ideal candidate, but at the same time, he would have wanted to keep her out of the world of Heroes and its dangers, huh?
«Oh, and counting you, three people know that: Recovery Girl, Principal Nezu, and you.»
Uh? Why all this secrecy for an ideological heir or a substitute? There's one piece missing here.
«Ah, Midoriya-san.» Melissa called «We came here right away, but you had no way to buy lunch. If you want, I can give you some of mine.» She offered him an onigiri.
«Thanks for the offer, Shield-san.» Izuku replied «But I can survive without eating for a few days.»
«Hmm… okay, I understand.» she replied, uncertainly and above all dejected.
«But...» he began by taking the onigiri «Since you offered it to me so carefully, I gladly accept it.» Izuku ate the small ball of rice, tiny compared to his hand.
«…...Is your statement because of your… body?» Yagi hesitated, torn between punching Izuku and worrying about how little human his physical form was.
«Delightful, Shield-san.» Izuku ignored Yagi for the moment, noticing that the girl had smiled again. «As for the question, yes. My body can go without eating or sleeping for at least 15 days, during intense fighting.» He finally replied.
The answer had come naturally to him, as if he were talking about time. The naturalness and, above all, the response surprised Melissa. Yagi had mixed feelings: admiration and concern.
«...We read your report.» Yagi said hesitantly. «And also the results of the analyses you did with Recovery Girl-»
«The old woman destroyed everything, didn't she?» he asked, interrupting him.
«Yes. There is no trace left of your analyses or your samples. Only I, Recovery Girl, Nezu, Midnight, Vlad King, Snipe and Tsukakuchi know the results. We are the only ones aware of the consequences if your condition... is known.»
Izuku nodded, his eyes filled with respect and gratitude for the understanding. After all, he is well aware of his genetic situation. A Custodian may seem like a perfect warrior in the eyes of the ignorant, but every single Custodian knows he is not a soldier, since the Adeptus Custodes's primary role was originally that of personal advisors and craftsmen for the Emperor of Mankind, the first hint of what the human species might have been. Being his bodyguards was secondary; for this reason, they were also taught the art of war and combat.
However, regardless of the role, his body poses a danger even in death. Anyone who begins to study it is at great risk, as it contains genetic secrets capable of changing the course of evolution, medicine, and war.
Precisely for this reason, entering UA when he appeared in the USJ had become the first contingent plan for the immediate future, to ensure a certain level of protection and stability for himself and his mother.
«Wise choice.»
«Not that you look like you've had one, given your actual age.» Yagi said resignedly «I don't know what you saw or faced in those two and a half millennia. So I won't judge you for how you handled the situation that arose at the USJ. But even so, I still owe you my thanks.» he ended by lowering his head
«…Toshinori Yagi-san.» he called, noticing how Yagi's body became slightly tense «Is there anything specific you want to tell or ask me?»
Izuku's serious tone made Yagi shudder and hesitate, for some reason. Melissa's body also suddenly froze; her gaze immediately turned toward Izuku, frightened by the tension the situation had taken on. I have a feeling I'll be dealing with sensitive information as soon as he decides to speak.
«Be honest, Yagi-san. Why did you ask me to come here with your… heir?»
«...Izuku Midoriya Valorian-san. Is your offer of help still valid?» asked Yagi, staring Izuku in the eyes.