While Mineta was having a week of indentured servitude, the atmosphere at U.A. High was no less stressful.
[U.A. INFIRMARY – AFTERNOON]
"I told you to be careful, you overgrown mop!" Chiyo Shuuzenji snapped, her voice thick with irritation.
"Barely a month after U.S.J and you come back with yet another broken arm from a similar creature."
She was currently standing on a stool to reach the height of Aizawa's shoulder, poking at the bandages on his arm with the tip of her cane.
"It was a combat situation, Chiyo," Aizawa replied. "Injuries are part of the job description."
"Stupidity overestimating yourself is not!" she snapped, deliverer a sharp bonk to his shin. "You're lucky that student of yours has a better quirk than you do. If he hadn't neutralized those monsters when he did, you'd be coming back in a jar instead of a cast!" Aizawa's expression didn't flinch.
"Sure. How long before my arm's healed "
"You still want to get back to work after this? You could have had permanent damage to .."
"I'm taking an internship." Recovery girl snorted. "It's no excuse to neglect your body. You just healed last week. Luckily, the hospital took care of this properly and you have me." She kissed his arm, causing a wave of exhaustion to follow.
"Muah! There you go. I recommend you take the rest of the day off and the day after. Doctors orders."
"I see."
He uttered then turned to face Yuta who stood a few paces back, leaning against a cabinet of medical supplies. "Akutami. It's unfortunate, but you'll have to wait a bit longer. I know your training's already been delayed a bit, but as you can see ..."
"It's fine, Aizawa-sensei," Yuta cut him off. "I understand. Your health comes first."
Recovery Girl nodded approvingly. "At least one of you has some sense." She hopped off her stool with surprising agility for someone her age. "Now shoo, both of you."
Aizawa ignored the jab, his attention still on Yuta. "We'll resume training once I'm cleared. Two days, maybe three at most. In the meantime..."
He paused, his expression shifting to something more serious.
"You should go home."
Yuta blinked. "Home?"
"Hinohara, isn't it?" Aizawa said. "Your mother and sister must have seen the news. After everything that's happened in the last forty-eight hours, I imagine they'd want to see you in person rather than just hear your voice over a phone."
Yuta nodded. He had considered doing the same thing. However,
"With respect, sensei, is that really the best idea? The Shie Hassaikai are still out there. If they tracked me to the Shinkansen once, what's stopping them from ..."
"From what?" Aizawa interrupted. "Launching a full-scale assault on a residential district in broad daylight? Attacking a civilian home with a child inside?"
He shook his head. "This might sound odd considering they already pulled a big stunt, but they're yakuza remnants, not suicidal maniacs. Why do you think they chose their attack on a train instead of your home?"
Yuta fell silent.
"Precisely because it was the best plan they could come up with. Isolated, controlled environment, minimal hero presence. Your home is the opposite of that. It's a well off district with rapid response times and numerous hero patrols "
"But—"
"The local precinct in Hinohara has already been notified," Aizawa continued, his tone leaving no room for argument. "There will be increased patrols in your neighborhood for the next week. Additionally, U.A. has assigned a plainclothes security detail to monitor the area. You won't see them, but they'll be there."
"Hiding at U.A. indefinitely isn't a solution, The Hassaikai will either make another move or they won't. Either way, keeping you locked down here sends the message that we're afraid of them. It also draws more attention to U.A., which is the last thing we .. and you in particular as a student in a country wide media storm, need right now. If anything, they'll be laying low due to your increased popularity."
".. I see." Yuta hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "...Understood, sensei."
"Good. Go home. Spend time with your family. Reassure them that you're fine. Then come back the day after tomorrow and we'll begin your training properly."
"Alright. I'll head out then." Yuta nodded once more, then gave a polite bow to Recovery Girl, who was already busy tidying up her workstation. "Thanks for the help, Shuuzenji-san."
"Oh please. Him actually listening to my advice would be thanks enough."
Aizawa rolled his eyes. "Go."
With that, Yuta left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Recovery Girl watched the door for a moment before turning back to Aizawa. "That boy's going to have a target on his back for the rest of his career, you know."
"I know," Aizawa replied quietly. "It's reality, unfortunately."
"Hmph. Make sure to watch that one." She turned back to her work. "He's probably even more pragmatic than you are."
"I'll keep that in mind." Aizawa moved toward the door. "Thanks, Chiyo."
"Don't thank me. Just follow my advice for once."
He didn't respond, already stepping into the hallway.
__
[HALLWAY – MOMENTS LATER]
The corridors of U.A. were quieter now. While the Hero course had gone on internships, the other course students were still in their afternoon classes or already dismissed for the day.
Aizawa turned a corner, heading towards his destination: the Principal's Office.
Nezu had sent a message earlier requesting his presence once Recovery Girl had finished with him. Given the timing and recent events, Aizawa had a fairly good idea what the meeting would be about.
He reached the ornate door at the end of the administrative wing and knocked twice.
"Come in," came Nezu's cheerful voice from within.
Aizawa pushed the door open.
The office was more crowded than he'd expected.
Principal Nezu sat behind his desk, a cup of tea steaming beside a neat stack of papers. To his left near the window was Toshinori Yagi.
Seated on the couch to the right were Present Mic and Midnight, the former looking at him with a half smile. Finally, standing near the bookshelf with folded arms was Snipe.
"Aizawa!" Present Mic was the first to speak. "Man, you look like you got hit by a truck. Oh wait ... you kinda did!"
"Very funny," Aizawa's eyes twitched.
"Glad you're still in one piece, partner," Snipe drawled from his spot by the bookshelf. "Recovery Girl work her magic?"
"She did. Said I need to rest for two days. Maybe three."
"And will you?" Nezu asked, his tone light but pointed.
"Probably not," Aizawa admitted. "But I'll take it easy."
"That's not the same thing," Toshinori said quietly, his rough voice carrying a note of concern. "You push yourself too hard, Aizawa. Even by pro hero standards."
"Coming from you, that's rich,"
Midnight snickered.
Nezu set his teacup down with a soft clink, drawing everyone's attention. "Now then. I'm sure you've already guessed why I've called you all here."
"Akutami," Aizawa said simply.
"Precisely." Nezu folded his paws. "His performance in Hosu has generated considerable attention. The media storm surrounding him shows no signs of abating."
"Indeed." Midnight uncrossed her arms. "I've been fielding calls from reporters all morning."
"I've seen the news," Aizawa replied. "The media's been dissecting every second of footage they can get their hands on. Half of them are calling him a hero, the other half are questioning why a student was in that situation to begin with."
"An unfortunate but predictable reaction," Nezu said. "The HPSC has been working overtime to control the narrative, though I suspect their efforts will only go so far. Public opinion is a fickle thing, and young Akutami has managed to capture it in a way few students ever do."
"Is that a problem?" Aizawa asked.
"Not really," Nezu replied. "Young Akutami's actions were exemplary. If anything, this situation has highlighted several positive aspects of U.A.'s training curriculum."
Midnight nodded in agreement. "The public response has been overwhelmingly positive. His approval ratings are through the roof. People are calling him the future of hero society."
"Which is precisely why we need to be careful," Nezu added in a light tone. "As good as this is, fame is a double-edged sword. It can elevate a hero to great heights, but it can also attract unwanted attention."
"You're talking about villains,"
"Among other things," Nezu confirmed. "The League of Villains has already demonstrated a willingness to target students. Young Akutami's performance in Hosu has painted an even larger target on his back. They will remember him. That's not even putting the last issue into consideration."
Everyone in the room had been briefed about the Shinkansen incident.
"Hehe. Kids these days. What a pain."
"Tell me about it."
"Speaking of which, where is he Aizawa?"
"I sent him home." Aizawa replied. "He's gone through enough. Some time with his family is best."
"Agreed," Nezu said with a small smile. "Now, speaking of young Akutami..." He reached for a tablet on his desk, tapping the screen a few times before turning it toward Aizawa. "There is one other matter we should discuss."
Nezu held up a folded newspaper. The grainy image from Hosu was front and center, but the headline had shifted from speculative to sensational: "THE BLACK PHANTOM: HOSU'S UNKNOWN GUARDIAN REVEALED AS U.A. FRESHMAN."
"The media is very efficient at doxxing when they find a good story," Nezu said with a toothy grin. "It seems the masses have decided young Akutami's hero name for him."
The name had been trending globally for the past twelve hours, with over fifteen million mentions across social media platforms.
Aizawa stared at the headline. "He already has a hero name."
"Not anymore it seems." Present Mic cackled. "I doubt he can change this. The kids been bested here."
"Kid doesn't even get to choose his own hero name. That's cold."
"It's not unheard of. Many heroes have had their names... influenced by public perception. It's part of the job."
"Still, having it happen before you even graduate? That's rough."
Nezu set the tablet down, his expression thoughtful. "Of course, young Akutami is under no obligation to accept the name. But given the circumstances and the sheer momentum behind it, I would advise him to seriously consider it. Fighting public opinion on this matter would be... difficult and potentially counterproductive."
"Well, they can't all be winners."
Aizawa sighed. "It's ultimately his choice. That's not our problem."
"Indeed." Nezu picked up his teacup again, taking a slow sip. "In the meantime, I suggest we all prepare for the next few days. They will be... eventful. Now then. Unless anyone has further concerns, I believe we've covered everything for today."
Present Mic stood, stretching his arms above his head. "Well, I'm gonna go grab some food. Anyone wanna join?"
"I'll pass," Snipe said. "Got patrol tonight."
"Same," Midnight added. "Though I'll take a rain check."
Everyone headed towards the exit.
"Mr Aizawa, a moment please."
Nezu called out just before Aizawa stood up.
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