MHA Angst Oneshot

Chapter 21

Title: Fractured Trust

Izuku Midoriya trembled as he entered the training grounds, his heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and fear. He knew he was late again, and he dreaded the disappointment that awaited him. All Might stood at the center, his towering presence casting a shadow over Izuku's fragile confidence.

"All Might, I'm sorry," Izuku stammered, his voice barely audible. "I... I got held up."

All Might's eyes narrowed, his disappointment etched across his face. "Izuku, punctuality is crucial in the life of a hero. It's a trait you must possess. Your tardiness is inexcusable."

The weight of All Might's disapproval crushed Izuku's spirit, leaving him feeling small and insignificant. And yet, this was not an isolated incident. It seemed that every time Izuku was even slightly late for their training sessions, All Might's disappointment escalated into punishment.

Days turned into weeks, and the punishments grew increasingly severe. Each time Izuku failed to meet All Might's expectations, he was pushed beyond his limits. Exhausted and bruised, he began to question his worth as a hero.

It was during one punishing training session that Shouta Aizawa, also known as Eraserhead, witnessed Izuku's struggle firsthand. Aizawa, with his perceptive eyes and compassionate heart, noticed the toll that All Might's harsh treatment had taken on the young aspiring hero.

Aizawa's concern deepened when he witnessed Izuku collapse from exhaustion, his body giving in to the relentless demands placed upon him. Without hesitation, Aizawa rushed to Izuku's side, catching him before he hit the ground.

Shinsou, who had been training nearby, joined Aizawa, concern etched across his face. Together, they carried Izuku to a nearby bench, allowing him to rest and regain his strength.

Aizawa's voice was laced with worry as he addressed All Might. "This treatment is excessive. Pushing him to the brink will not make him a better hero. It will only break him."

All Might, caught off guard by Aizawa's intervention, paused for a moment. He looked at Izuku, sprawled weakly on the bench, and a flicker of remorse crossed his eyes. The weight of his mentorship responsibilities suddenly weighed heavily on his shoulders.

Realizing the error of his ways, All Might approached Izuku with a mixture of guilt and concern. "Izuku, I... I apologize. I've been too harsh on you, pushing you beyond your limits without considering the toll it takes. It was never my intention to break your spirit."

Izuku, his voice fragile and filled with vulnerability, whispered, "I just wanted to be the hero you believed I could be."

All Might's hardened facade softened, and he knelt down to meet Izuku's gaze. "I believe in you, Izuku. But I've been blinded by my own expectations. I see now that true heroism isn't just about physical prowess, but also about compassion, empathy, and support."

Aizawa, Shinsou, and All Might formed a united front, determined to help Izuku heal from the wounds inflicted upon him. They recognized the importance of fostering his mental and emotional well-being, providing him with the guidance and support he truly needed.

Together, they began the process of rebuilding trust. All Might adjusted his approach, focusing on nurturing Izuku's strengths rather than highlighting his flaws. Aizawa became a mentor figure, teaching Izuku the importance of balance and self-care in a hero's life. And Shinsou, with his understanding and empathy, offered a steady hand to help Izuku find solace in his darkest moments.

As the days passed, Aizawa, Shinsou, and All Might formed a support network around Izuku. They provided him with a safe space to express his fears and insecurities, assuring him that his worth was not defined by his punctuality or the harsh expectations placed upon him.

Through their combined efforts, Izuku began to heal. The touch of compassion and understanding from Aizawa's guidance, the reassurance and empathy from Shinsou's presence, and the newfound gentleness in All Might's mentorship gradually stitched together the shattered fragments of his self-esteem.

Aizawa introduced Izuku to relaxation techniques and stress management strategies, teaching him the importance of self-care and listening to his own limits. Shinsou, with his own experience of feeling misunderstood, shared stories of resilience and offered a listening ear whenever Izuku needed to vent.

All Might, humbled by his past actions, made a promise to Izuku. He vowed to be a source of unwavering support, encouraging him to embrace his unique abilities and reminding him that heroism came in many forms.

Together, they began to rebuild Izuku's shattered trust in authority figures. The scars of their past interactions remained, but they worked tirelessly to show him that not all mentors were cold and demanding.

As Izuku grew stronger, both physically and emotionally, he discovered a newfound sense of self. He realized that his worth was not solely dependent on the approval of others. He was more than the sum of his failures and the harsh expectations placed upon him.

With his support system in place, Izuku embarked on a journey of self-discovery. He pursued his dreams with a renewed passion, no longer burdened by the weight of external judgment. And as he flourished, he inspired others around him to embrace their own uniqueness and rise above the limitations set upon them.

Through the trials they faced together, Izuku, Aizawa, Shinsou, and All Might formed an unbreakable bond. They became a family of choice, where understanding and acceptance reigned supreme.

And in the end, Izuku Midoriya realized that true heroes were not defined by their physical strength alone. They were defined by their resilience, their compassion, and their ability to rise above adversity. With the support of his newfound family, Izuku would forge his own path, becoming the hero he had always aspired to be.