Chapter 8 - Month passed

As the days turned into weeks and eventually a full month passed since they began their training, everyone showed significant progress and growth.

Momo embraced Izuku's suggestions, gradually integrating them into her quirk utilization. Her creativity and strategic thinking combined with Izuku's advice resulted in a noticeable improvement in her abilities.

Jiro dedicated herself to learning hand-to-hand combat techniques under the guidance of Itsuka. With each session, she honed her skills, becoming more confident in her ability to defend herself in close combat situations.

Himiko and Camie, on the other hand, engaged in friendly sparring sessions with the others. Camie focused on refining her Glamour quirk, extending the duration of her illusions and expanding their reach. With each practice session, her control and mastery over her quirk grew stronger.

Meanwhile, Himiko concentrated on enhancing her defensive techniques and takedown maneuvers. Understanding that her quirk lent itself more to espionage and infiltration, she sought to improve her ability to evade attacks and incapacitate opponents swiftly and efficiently.

Himiko also grew because of Izuku's blood, which seemed to grant her temporary enhancements in strength and physical prowess. While she knew she couldn't match Izuku's level of power, she reveled in the sensation of being superhuman, even if only for a brief moment.

"I didn't expect the others to be busy today." Izuku thought while walking around the city with Mizuna accompanying him.

"Wellzm, at least we were able to spend time together, Izuku." Mizuna said.

"That's true." He went through a tunnel passing a sewage hole then his instinct kicked in easily evading tendrils.

"Stand back, Mizuna." She immediately used her wings to move away watching Izuku evade all the tendrils.

"Damn brat, hold still!!"

Izuku finds himself face to face with a slime quirk who tries to ensnare him using its tendrils but is unable to catch him due to his speed.

This made the villain increasingly frustrated that he kept slipping away. He analyzed his opponent trying to figure out its weakness.

"Its body is malleable and can't be touched normally. Hmm, the only thing I could find was hitting its eyes and teeth.' He dodge the tendrils every time it tried to grab him. Izuku wasn't going to burn him and accidentally kill him.

"Stop moving already and let me enter your body!" The sludged quirk user angrily said.

"Bleh! That sounds gay dude….but anyway, it should be fine." Izuku playfully said and Mizuna snickers at this joke.

"Finally caught you!"

Izuku stops for a moment letting the slime leap forward to wrap its body around him only to find him vanished in thin air. He was confused about where the dragon slayer was only to sense him behind him.

Everything slowed down into a crawl as Izuku's body generated flames from his hands before taking a stance taking deep breaths.

[ Fire dragon Iron fist! ]

Before the slime had time to process everything had its body obliterated as Izuku did a precise strikes that combust enough to scatter the slimy body for the villain..

This causes the slime to be slammed into the wall creating a spider web crack across the wall knocking the person down.

[ "Great work." ] Igneel praised him and Izuku nodded.

"HAVE NO FEAR-"

Izuku heard a voice that he knew far too well turned to see a tall muscular man with blonde hair that had a V antenna hair strand wearing a white shirt and army-colored pants carrying a plastic hand while having a wide smile that makes you feel safe.

"I AM HERE!"

He spoke his iconic words before pausing seeing a young man standing close to the villain that he was chasing knockout.

"It appears a good citizen did my job for me, I feel ashamed!" The muscular man roared in laughter while getting closer to check up on Izuku who was stunned seeing him.

"Are you two alright!?" All Might said

"Y-Yes! Holy crap you're All Might!" Izuku was flabbergasted seeing his idol before him.

[ "It kind makes me sad you're forgetting about me, Young one." ] Igneel said.

'Don't be like that, Igneel-tou-san.' Izuku said to him while chuckling.

"Calm down, Izuku. I know it's your idol but can you calm down?" Mizuna said.

"Hahaha it's nice to see a fan of mine!" He placed his hand on his shoulder, slightly impressed seeing the firm muscle that the young man had.

"Well, normally I would've reprimanded you about illegal use of your Quirk in public, but I will let this one go because it's self-defense."

All Might said before taking out a water bottle from the plastic bag he was carrying. He emptied the content and was about to place the villain inside of it.

"Wait, let me help you,, Sir Allmight!"

"Hahaha, well thank you, young man!"

Once the two finished cleaning up, Allmight prepared to leave.

"No problem but can I take a picture with you?"

"Sure thing, young man!" Izuku took out his phone to snap a photo of his hero having the same smile that he always saw when he was a child and not when he came face to face with his idol.

"Well, I'll be off!"

While the dragon slayer was excited looking at the picture saw Allmight about to leap into the sky recalling something that he wanted to ask his idol.

"Wait, Allmight!"

However, he was already midair when he was able to take a hold of Allmight pants and was dangling in the sky several meters above the grounds.

"Young man, what are you doing!? I do love my fans but you should know about personal space!"

"If I let go I'll die!"

[ "No you won't." ] Igneel knows Izuku durability and can easily tank powerful attacks unfazed.

'I know but the damages or people might get hurt if I crash into them.'

"Oh right, good point!" Allmight looked for a place to land while the bottle of slime fell from his pocket as his mouth started to bleed. They landed at the top of a building dropping Izuku off followed by Mizuna.

"Well, then I think you can get down from here." Allmight said.

"Don't go, I want to ask you….what does one need to be considered a hero!?"

The number one hero was about to leave when his step halted and felt something that this day will be the start of a new beginning.

"Can someone quirkless be a hero?" He had wondered if even he had a quirk and wanted to know what would happen if he hadn't gained a quirk.

"I admired heroes for their work in saving everyone, especially you who always put a smile on your face and wanted to be a hero at that moment. But up and until recently, I was labeled quirkless and my dream had been ridiculed."

'Shit I'm running out of time!' AllMight's body began to steam as he listened to the young speedster's life story.

"Yet I did not let it get to me and train myself, dreaming to be a hero without quirk. That's why I want to know….what is it that one needs to become a hero!"

Izuku shouted his heart out hearing everyone else having the same opinion from people. He looked at Allmight then blinked several times then to Mizuna who looked at him as if asking if he can see what seeing then back to Allmight.

"Who the heck are you!" Izuku and Mizuna said at the same time.

"I am all-blaaah."

The young dragon slayer and exceed saw was not Allmight from before but a man that had a frail body and sunken eyes the contrast of the powerful number one hero. Izuku could not hope but be astonished that the man before him was the same.

"...*sigh* don't tell anyone about this…" Allmight showed a large wound on his chest explaining the reason for his sickly body that shocked Izuku that someone capable of harming him to this degree.

"As for your question…." All Might hesitated for a moment, pondering the complexities of a quirkless individual aspiring to be a hero. The path of a hero was perilous, fraught with dangers that demanded extraordinary abilities and resilience. Without a quirk, the likelihood of survival in the face of such dangers seemed slim, often leading to grim outcomes.

Yet, standing before him was a young man who defied these odds. Through sheer determination and relentless effort, he had forged his body into a powerful instrument, one that rivaled those gifted with quirks. Though he wasn't aware that he had a quirk and simply assumed he didn't.

This transformation was a showcase to his unwavering dedication and extraordinary willpower, qualities that were rare even among the most gifted heroes. All Might couldn't help but be impressed by the young man's tenacity and resolve, qualities that made him question the very essence of what it truly meant to be a hero.

"Though I do think having a quirk is important, it is not what a hero truly needs…." All Might mused. His thoughts wandered to a particular individual who, despite lacking a flashy quirk, had proven their worth through unparalleled combat skills. This hero had demonstrated that with rigorous training and indomitable spirit, one could achieve greatness.

Their example showed that heroism was not solely defined by innate powers but by the dedication, courage, and hard work that went into mastering one's abilities. This reflection reaffirmed All Might's belief that true heroism came from within, and anyone with the right mindset and effort could rise to the occasion.

"It is the heart that makes a hero," All Might continued, his voice filled with conviction.

"A hero is someone who will save others without a moment of hesitation and never expect anything in return. A hero is a person who inspires others through their actions and unwavering spirit." As he spoke, Izuku's eyes shimmered with renewed hope.

All Might's words seemed to lift the heavy doubt that had been gnawing at his heart for so long. In that moment, Izuku felt a profound sense of clarity and purpose, realizing that his worth as a hero was not determined by his quirk but by his resolve and the strength of his character. All Might's encouragement reignited Izuku's determination, assuring him that he, too, could become a beacon of hope and inspiration.

"In other words, I believe that even a quirkless person such yourself in the past could be a hero if you're willing to work hard and grow stronger."

"...Thank you, Allmight."

He felt the burden in his heart disappear. Izuku always wants to know if he hadn't met Igneel then where would he be then?

Yet All Might's perspective would have been vastly different if he hadn't witnessed the blazing determination that mirrored his own youthful ambition when he embarked on his hero journey. The same fire that now burned within Izuku's heart was undeniable, reminiscent of the unwavering resolve that had driven All Might himself.

There was a lingering possibility that he might have dismissed the idea of a quirkless individual becoming a hero if he had encountered someone with a scrawny physique and lacking in self-confidence. After all, in All Might's eyes, the path of a hero demanded rigorous training and unwavering commitment.

Merely dreaming of heroism without the will to hone oneself physically and mentally seemed futile and potentially perilous. All Might held a deep sense of responsibility, unwilling to impart false hope or send a young aspirant to face certain danger unprepared.

He believed firmly that achieving one's dreams required relentless effort and personal growth. His concern stemmed not from discouraging potential heroes, but from ensuring they understood the gravity and challenges of the path they chose to pursue. All Might's resolve to protect and guide those who sought to follow in his footsteps was as unwavering as his commitment to justice and heroism.

"Then I'll be going. Make sure to not tell anyone about me."

"I promise not to tell anyone." Allmight nodded, then checked his pocket only to frantically try to find something that made Izuku curious.

"What's wrong Allmight?"

"Shit! I lost the bottle and I don't know where it is!"

"Whaaat! Oh no!" It was them both who heard a loud explosion instantly thought about the villain that escaped, which made Allmight frustrated that he let it escape while Izuku ashamed since it was his fault for grabbing his idol and letting the villain escape.

"I need to go and check it out!"

"Here let me help you two." Mizuna summoned her wings surprising Allmight before she carried the two towards the commotion. Everyone was too preoccupied to even notice them.