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The car ride to Shinobu's house had been a silent one, the two pro-hero's/colleagues not having much to say to each other.

After the Kamino incident, U.A decided it was the best decision to keep their students on campus in dorms for their safety. So far it had been a simple task, the students and their parents eager for some extra precautions to be put in place for peace of mind.

As they arrived closer to Shinobu's home, though, Aizawa had a feeling it wouldn't be as simple.

Just from simple observation, you could tell Roppongi was not the safest place. It had an infamous reputation for its high crime rates, and there seemed to be new villains coming out of the place everyday; the thought that one of U.A's students lived in such a dangerous area didn't sit right with the two teachers.

"Are you sure this is the right address, Aizawa-san?" The retired hero asked, a somewhat sceptical look on his face as they pulled up to a two-story building with a series of cramped apartments. They'd been getting dirty looks since they'd entered the area, but the people surrounding this place seemed even more hostile.

"Yes. That's what's listed in her student records." The raven haired male replied curtly.

They pulled up to the parking area in front of the complex, trying to ignore all the stares they were receiving from the locals loitering out front.

All Might was completely unrecognizable since his fight with All for One, something he was almost thankful for because he was certain his presence wouldn't be welcomed in a place like this. He didn't want to cause more of a scene than they already had.

Walking up the rickety stairs to apartment 2-C, Toshinori knocked on the door, waiting a few seconds before knocking again when there was no answer.

A couple seconds later, the door creaked the slightest bit open, the bolt still keeping it from opening fully. Looking down, they noticed the short stature and piercing eyes of a child.

"What the hell do you want?" The kid growled, obviously skeptical as to what two grown men were doing in front of his home.

This took the two men aback slightly, not expecting such a reaction from such a small kid. Wanting to put the kid at ease, Toshinori smiled and tried to sound as non-threatening as possible; "Is Shinobu-san here? Or your parents? We're her teachers at U.A and need to talk to her about something important."

The door was promptly slammed shut, and Aizawa sighed. He was about to knock again but the door opened to reveal the child looking up at them with a glare.

"You guys are heroes?" He asked, one eyebrow raised in disbelief.

"Yes." Aizawa answered, not elaborating further. That seemed to appease the boy, who now opened the door fully.

"Just come in. Onee-san is at work but she'll be back in a couple minutes. I don't want our neighbours seeing you two around here." The boy said, ushering them in quickly.

Aizawa looked around the apartment, a feeling close to pity welling up in his stomach. This place was clearly not suited for children, especially not as young as the boy in front of him. Beer bottles littered the countertops, the floors; stains on the carpet. The couch they were invited to sit on was old and obviously worn out, various cracks and stains on it. There were holes in the wall, clearly from burns and punches. The whole place smelled like stale food and cigarettes, and nothing even vaguely "homey" decorated the space.

"Do you guys want something to drink?" The kid asked, padding to the kitchen and looking at the mostly empty fridge. "We have water...I can't give you beer since it's my dad's but we have a couple cans of Coke if you want."

Toshinori nervously swatted his hand, smiling, "No thank you, kid; we're good for now. What's your name anyways?"

"Hiro." He stated, already walking back to the living room and staring at them with his arms crossed. Did this kid really not trust them that much?

"Well, young Hiro, how old are you? Definitely not old enough for your parents to leave you home alone!"

Hiro scoffed, an angry look not too far off from his sisters on his face. "What the hell's that supposed to mean?! I can take care of myself just fine! I'm 8 years old; that's definitely old enough for you to mind your own business, you creep!"

Aizawa almost laughed at the little kid's outburst, his unfounded aggression so similar to a certain student of his. "He didn't mean anything by it. Just making sure you're not having a hard time is all, kid."

The dirty blond child huffed, crossing his arms and turning his head away from the duo. "Whatever. Just sit here and wait for my sister to come back. I'm going to my room."

This left the pro heroes to their own devices for a couple minutes, no words exchanged. Not even 5 minutes later, the girl in question could be heard unlocking the door.

"Hiro, I'm home! What the hell was that car outsid-" her voice pierced through the silence, only stopped when she noticed her two teachers sitting on the couch beside her.

"Um, sensei? What are you guys doing here?" Kou asked, hesitance in her voice.

Kou's mind was spinning. Were they about to lecture her for going against school orders and trying to save Bakugou? Would she be suspended...expelled?!

"You're not in trouble, Shinobu." Aizawa reassures, seeing the panic on her face. "We're here to talk to you about some changes we're making to ensure our students' safety at U.A."

"Oh." She lets out a breath she didn't know she was holding in, "You guys couldn't call or something? You shouldn't be here; they don't take kindly to heroes in Roppongi."

"We'll be fine, Young Shinobu!" Toshinori said, hero voice on.

"Anyways," Aizawa diverted the subject back to what they came here for, "we're asking all students in the hero course to move on campus and live in student dorms for the foreseeable future to ensure student safety and allow teachers to easily take care of everyone in a controlled environment."

"Wait, so we're moving into these dorms...to live in permanently? Like everyday of the week? During the school year?"

"Yes."

"When would we be moving in?"

"Preferably within the next week."

There's silence for a couple seconds, the teachers observing the concentrated look on Kou's face.

Moving out? That's all Kou had ever wanted since she was a kid. This town was a hellhole, this apartment seemingly the centre of it. She hated being here, hated everyone here except Hiro and Machi. That was her plan anyways; once she graduated highschool and became a full time hero she'd pack her bags and take her two siblings and live somewhere far away.

But now? In a couple days? It was way too soon. She couldn't leave Hiro and Machi alone; she had a job here, she had obligations. Who was going to do the groceries? Who was going to take care of them? Who was going to protect them from Katsuro?

"It would probably be best if your parents were here though." Aizawa added in at the last minute. That almost made Kou laugh.

"They're not going to be home until later tonight. I don't think they'd want me to move into the dorms either." She didn't think mentioning the fact that they didn't even know she was at U.A in the first place would help her case.

"It's for your safety, young Shinobu! We don't know when the league of villains will strike next, and with you in class 1-A you're most at risk!" The fallen hero tried reasoning, and Kou couldn't help the anger that bubbled in her.

She'd been given a way out, a free pass to a better life. She could say yes, and forge her mom's signature, and never look back. It would be better than living in this shithole for sure. She wouldn't have to barricade the bedroom door at night, or worry about a drunk step dad deciding to take his anger out, or his pervert friends trying to cop a feel; she could focus on becoming a hero, becoming stronger and better.

But what did that mean for her siblings? What the hell did her safety matter if it meant abandoning the only people she cared about?

"What would you guys know?" She bitterly asked, unable (or not wanting) to hold her tongue. "This place is as unsafe as it gets and I'm fine, aren't I? I can take care of myself."

"But-"

"I can't leave. I work here. I have to take care of my siblings. There's nothing for me at the dorms. I'll be fine." She said firmly, fist clenching.

"Then I'm afraid we can't let you continue in the hero course." Her home room teacher stated, looking her in the eye. "We can't have you live out here and put yourself in danger while studying at U.A."

"What?" Kou was incredulous. They couldn't be serious, could they? "How the hell does that work? I won't follow your stupid rules, so you kick me out? How does that help anything?"

"Young Shin-"

"No! What the fuck? I didn't come to this school, I didn't work my ass off just to be kicked out because I won't live in a shitty dorm with you guys!" She snarled, the anger she felt rising more, "I said I would be fine! What the hell else do you want? I have responsibilities here. I'm sorry I can't drop everything and leave like my other lazy ass classmates."

Okay, she was getting a little defensive, but could you blame her? This was a delicate situation, and she didn't know what the hell to do.

"Shinobu, calm down." Aizawa deadpanned, rubbing his temples in frustration. "We just want what's best for you. Don't you think you being here, a clear target, would be putting your family in danger too?"

Kou went silent at that. She hadn't considered that possibility at all. Taking a seat on a chair across from them, she contemplated her options for a second. Her hands were clasped together and eyebrows scrunched up in frustration.

"Young Shinobu, what you did at Kamino was incredibly stupid, but incredibly brave." All Might said quietly, not wanting to aggravate the girl further. "It's something a true hero in the making would do. That's why we need you to continue your journey at U.A; we can't have you in danger, or leaving because you feel obligated to stay here. Just talk to your parents, okay?"

Kou deflated, feeling hopeless and pissed off all at the same time. "We'll take our leave now, but just show these papers to your parents, okay? If they agree you can move in as soon as possible. Take care, young Shinobu."

The duo stood up and bowed slightly, making their way to the door.

"All Might."

"Uh, yes?" The retired hero looked back curiously.

"Do you remember those dating rumours between you and Ryukyu a few years back?"

The older male was taken aback by her question and its randomness. Before he could answer, she continued.

"There was some dumb news special on the two of you. They were talking about all of your sightings together or something, I don't know- it was stupid," she chuckled darkly, but she didn't look like she found it funny. "You know what else happened that day?"

Kou was staring up at the former Symbol of Peace, tears welling up in the corner of her eyes. "My brother died. He was shot in the head while we were walking down the street. They shot him in broad daylight.

"I remember asking for help from the pro heroes that were patrolling, the police- anyone. It took forever for anyone to arrive at the scene; ambulances don't like coming around here. By the time they got here it was too late.

"The police told me later he'd been shot by people he pissed off before going to prison. He didn't even deserve it; he'd already paid for his crimes."

Toshinori didn't know what to say. He could see the anger shaking through the small girl, her fists clenched to her side. He just stayed silent.

"You know, I really thought that maybe there'd be some sort of justice for my brother. Something, anything, to make his death matter. I was such an idiot. I thought maybe they'd arrest his murderers, or at least try finding them. They gave up after two weeks.

But you know what hurt the most? They couldn't even be bothered to report it. You know what I saw when I turned on the TV? A fucking 30 minute special on your love life."

The atmosphere in the room was dark and heavy, both pro heroes unable to retort or defend themselves in any way. "How is that fair? Why does your life matter more than my brother's death? Because he wasn't a hero like you? Because he was a criminal?

He always looked up to people like you," she smiled bitterly, "He wanted to be a hero too. I don't know why; the only side we'd ever seen to heroes was the darkness they liked to hide behind their fake smiles and hypocritical speeches. I hated heroes; I hated what they stood for. I hated you , All Might. And I know it's unfair and I know I'm probably going to get in trouble for saying this, but it's true. I hated you guys because you only save those you deem worth saving."

At this point Kou knew she was ranting, but she couldn't help it. She wanted them to understand; the years of resentment, the frustration at her past and current situation, the impossibility of achieving her dream looming over her.

"People don't care unless you're strong. They don't look at you unless you're powerful. That's why I want to become a hero." Kou said darkly, a determined look on her face, " I'm going to become a hero you can't ignore ; I'm going to become stronger, and prove to everyone that I'm not a fucking loser! I may not be a good hero yet, but I will be. As long as I'm alive, I'm going to keep on fighting. So don't try stopping me because you don't understand what my life is like here!"

All Might felt the pure determination in her words, eyes blazing and fists clenched and trembling. He felt stuck in place, unable to move with the girl's blazing glare on him. He knew his student was strong, that she held more conviction than almost anyone else he'd met; he didn't know how deep her reasons went however. A newfound respect for the girl in front of him washed over the fallen hero. "Young Kou."

Kou seemed to snap out of her angry daze at that, jumping slightly at the use of her first name. "Y-yes?"

Fuck, she'd really cursed out the former number one hero, only days after he'd almost died trying to save one of her classmates? If she wasn't going to get kicked out before, she definitely was now.

To her utter surprise, the Symbol of Peace bowed down to her, looking back up and smiling slightly, "I'm sorry. I know it doesn't mean much, especially now, but I'm truly sorry. I...never realized what the other side was like. I never- I never thought maybe people were suffering because of me. I'm sorry, to you and your brother. I'm sorry that we heroes failed you and your community.

You...don't have to live in the dorms if you don't want to. You're right. We trust you to take care of yourself. Just consider it." Toshinori patted her shoulder softly.

Her two teachers smiled, saying their final goodbyes as they exited the apartment, leaving her to close the door and reflect on what just happened. Why the hell did she say all that?

Meanwhile, as the two pro heroes walked back to their car, Aizawa looked at the blond.

"Are you okay? Shinobu definitely didn't hold back on you." He didn't sound all too sympathetic, but slight concern could be detected in his tone.

The two men still felt chills at the girl's speech. They'd spent their lives thinking there was a clear divide between heroes and villains; that it was 'us vs. them'. It was clear that no one held any empathy for villains; they even taught that to their own students. But maybe they were wrong. Maybe there wasn't so much of a difference- maybe they were part of the problem.

"That girl..." Toshinori looked back up at the apartment they'd just left, "She's going to be a great hero one day."

__

"GODDAMN IT!" Kou screamed, wanting to rip her hair out and smash her face into the wall at her outburst. At this point, her aura was out of control, a white cloud buzzing around her body and threatening to implode at any moment.

"Good job, idiot. If you didn't sound like a villain before you definitely do now." Hiro deadpanned, leaning against the bedroom door behind her, with his arms crossed.

"FUCK!" She growled, not even bothering to talk back because she knew he was right, "I couldn't help it! They talked about leaving here like it was nothing- they don't know what it's like, okay? They're probably used to-"

"So why don't you leave?" The young boy asked, eyebrow raised in question. "I mean they did say it was for your safety and ours as well."

"But..." Kou was incredulous, he couldn't be serious. "Who's going to take care of you and Machi? What about the chores? I have a job here, what about-"

"We'll be fine here." Hiro rolled his eyes, coming to sit on the couch her teachers had been on not even ten minutes ago. "Like I said before, I'm not a kid anymore. I can take care of myself now. I can take care of Machi. And you can visit on weekends right? If you're that desperate to do chores you can do that then." He snootily added in, causing the brunette to tackle him and ruffle his hair in annoyance.

"You're a little shit, you know that?" She smiled fondly, bad mood forgotten.

"I'm being serious though." Hiro looked her in the eyes, "You should go live in the dorms. If that's what you need to do to become the best hero you can, why not? Worry about yourself for once, onee-san."

"What about your dad?" She asked quietly, anxiety creeping up about the danger he presented.

Hiro tensed up slightly at that, "We'll be fine. I know how to avoid him. And he's rarely here anyways. I can handle it."

"Hiro..."

"No. Onee-san, let me talk." He interrupted, suddenly seeming a lot older than 8, "you said you'd become a hero, you promised you'd get us out of here. That's less than 3 years away; we can wait for you. I believe in you, okay? Don't hold back because you think you need to protect us. You're securing our future- your future."

"You sound like a fucking old man sometimes, you know that?" She laughed, the words he said easing her worries a bit.

He chuckled at that, shaking his head slightly. "Well we need someone to be the grown up in this household, don't we?"

"Shut up! I'm plenty mature!"

"Yeah, that's why you cursed out your teachers in the middle of the living room just now."

β€”

A/N: I actually wrote this chapter when I first started the book and it's one of my favourites-I think it really put me in the right mindset for what I wanted in this story. DW there won't be anymore of Kou's family drama or anything for a while lol.

IDK if y'all even care about the OC like this is supposed to be a romance 😳 trust me a lot more is coming up from now on πŸ˜πŸ†πŸ’¦

Anyways thanks for reading; leave a comment and like and check out my other works if you want! ❀️

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