The Class That Cried Werewolf

(S1) 1 - Where We Started

-Tatsuya's POV (7 Years Later) -

I have frequently heard people say that life is unpredictable, and never was this sentiment more apparent to me than when I discovered the surprising truth about my adoption. To learn that the woman who had shown me such kindness before was also the mother of Izuku came as an immense shock.

Adopted under the name Tatsuya Midoriya, I harbored a deep desire to preserve the memory of my birth parents as I pursued my path to becoming a hero. Fortunately, I was able to persuade Inko to allow me to revert to my original surname, Akiba. While I am grateful for all that she has done for me, I couldn't shake the feeling that I didn't need another mother.

Living with the Midoriyas had undoubtedly enriched my life, but the bond with my late mother remained unshakable. There is no way I could ever feel more thankful for them. Life still has its ups and downs, that's for sure, but I feel like with Izuku and Inko, I'm unstoppable.

There were moments when I couldn't help but worry about Izuku, especially in the face of relentless criticism and doubt from others who believed his dream of becoming the greatest hero was unattainable due to him being Quirkless. While I remained steadfast in my belief in him, I couldn't shake the fear that my support alone might not be enough.

Nevertheless, I resolved to stand by his side, offering whatever assistance and encouragement I could muster. Little did I know, the challenges we would face together would test the limits of our resolve in ways I had never imagined.

It seemed like just another ordinary day as we made our way to school, the routine of our lives unfolding predictably. However, our mundane journey took an unexpected turn when a thunderous roar echoed from the direction of the Tatooin Station. Knowing that heroes would be there, Izuku ran ahead to watch the action. I followed him to ensure he didn't get killed, but I can also use this to train my perception. I guess I developed this habit after seeing how Izuku takes note of practically every other Quirk at every chance he got over the years.

Our arrival revealed a scene of commotion as the police attempted to apprehend a novice criminal who had found himself cornered after a failed pickpocketing endeavor. Desperate to evade capture, the criminal used his Quirk in a last-ditch effort to escape.

Towering over the crowd, the villain possessed a menacing presence, his rough exterior resembling that of a fierce predator, with a head vaguely reminiscent of a shark's. His broad, muscular physique was a testament to the power bestowed upon him by his Quirk. With long, dreadlocked hair cascading around his shoulders and a scruffy beard adorning his jaw, he exuded an aura of danger. Clad in a tattered black shirt and denim jeans, his appearance was as rugged as his demeanor.

Pushing through the throng of spectators, we found ourselves at the forefront of the audience just in time to witness a steel stand hurtling towards the ground. Before it could crash to the earth, however, a mysterious figure intervened, halting its descent with seemingly effortless ease.

The individual in question was clad in a distinctive ensemble—a cyan-colored cardigan that left his chest exposed, secured in place by small metal nuts on either side. His dark blue pants, adorned with a white stripe down each leg, hung loosely on his frame, while plain black shoes completed the ensemble. A conspicuous headband featuring a striking yellow and black caution pattern adorned his brow, matching the thick wrist guards and belt cinched around his waist. A square buckle embellished with a triangular decoration served as the focal point of the belt, adding an element of intrigue to his appearance.

"While I've heard that Death Arms' Quirk doesn't require any sort of activation, he always bumps his fist before using it," I noted to Izuku, keeping my analytical gaze on the person.