Chapter 23: The Sleek & The Sexy

The soft golden light of early morning slipped through the cracks of the curtains in Izuku’s dorm room, brushing across the tangled green and ash-blonde mess of limbs under the All Might comforter.

Izuku stirred first, blinking groggily before registering the warmth of another body snuggled against him. His gaze softened immediately. Katsumi lay beside him, sound asleep and breathing deeply, her blonde hair tousled wildly over the pillow. Her arms were loosely draped around his torso in a possessive tangle, and a faint flush still lingered on her cheeks from the night before.

A soft wave of affection surged through Izuku. Carefully, he leaned down and placed a feather-light kiss on her temple. She shifted slightly at the touch, letting out a low, sleepy murmur while nuzzling into his neck, but not stirring fully.

A small, amused smile tugged at Izuku’s lips. ‘Last night was pretty wild.’

Slowly and methodically, Izuku began the delicate process of extracting himself from Katsumi’s grip. He slid her arm from his chest and gently wiggled free from her grasp, taking care not to rouse the famously cranky morning version of his first girlfriend, especially after the “vigorous activities” of the night prior. He learned very early on in his relationship with Katsumi that it was for the best to let the tomboy rise on her own.

After finally escaping Katsumi’s possessive grasp, Izuku stretched his back with a quiet sigh and reached for his phone resting on the nightstand. The lock screen lit up to reveal no new notifications from his mom. His smile faltered slightly. ‘I did text her pretty late…’ he thought. ‘I’ll check in on her again later once she’s awake.’

Shaking off the thought, he glanced at the time. The Start of the Year Festival wouldn’t be kicking off until midday, which left him with an entire morning free. Should he explore the campus a bit or perhaps lounge around his dorm? There were dozens of ways he could spend his morning, though finding an answer wasn’t as simple.

After pondering for a few moments, a stray memory of his morning routine with his mother came to mind. Running and jogging were staples in his life, and just because he moved away doesn’t mean he needs to change that. As such, Izuku decided to jog around campus. It was the perfect way to get some light exercise and explore his new home further.

Izuku dressed quietly in a fitted green workout tee, black athletic shorts, and his favorite pair of comfortable running shoes. He paused for a final second to look back at Katsumi, curled up peacefully under the covers, one leg haphazardly sticking out from the blanket. He smiled warmly. ‘Either she’ll be mad I woke her up or that I left her behind again,’ he mused. ‘Next time, Kacchan.’

Izuku froze for a moment as he reached the front door, glancing toward Eiko’s room. He briefly debated whether to knock and invite her for the run, but the sound of snoring through the redhead's door sealed his decision.

“Another time,” he whispered to himself.

Resolved to go solo, Izuku stepped out of the suite, softly pulling the door shut behind him. The elevator ride to the ground floor was calm and still, the quiet hum of the machinery the only sound accompanying him. As the doors opened into the empty lobby, Izuku stepped into the warm glow of the morning sun filtering through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows.

The door to Heights Alliance eased shut behind Izuku with a quiet click as he stepped out into the crisp spring morning. The air was cool but comfortable, the kind that carried the soft scent of budding trees and freshly trimmed grass. He paused for a moment at the edge of the building, breathing it in, letting it center him.

His eyes wandered across the campus. Despite the early hour, he wasn’t alone. Students dotted the open walkways, some jogging, some stretching, and a few cycling along the main path. Off in the distance near the central quad, large festival booths were taking shape beneath rows of rising flagpoles and half-assembled awnings. Even from afar, Izuku could hear the faint clatter of tools and the low hum of generators.

A thrill ran through him. The Start of the Year Festival. His first real event as a UA student. He could hardly wait to see what surprises the faculty and the upperclassmen had in store for them.

Just as Izuku was about to take his first step onto the path, a familiar voice called out behind him.

“Well, if it isn’t Midoriya!”

He turned at the sound, eyebrows lifting in pleasant surprise as he recognized the tall, straight-backed figure emerging from the dormitory doors, orange juice packet in hand. With his ever-neat blue tracksuit, firm posture, and glasses gleaming in the morning sun, it could only be the same person he worked alongside during his entrance exam.

“Iida!” Izuku’s face lit up with a grin. “It’s good to see you again!”

The bespectacled boy returned the greeting with an outstretched hand and a proud smile. “Likewise, my friend. If my assumption is correct, I am pleased to discover that you too have been accepted into the Hero Course. Though I suspected as much, it is still a relief to confirm it!”

Izuku chuckled as he extended his hand for a firm handshake. “Same here! You were incredible during the entrance exam.”

Iida adjusted his glasses modestly. “You flatter me, Midoriya. But I must say, your performance during the practical was… exemplary. Truly inspiring! It’s an honor to be working alongside someone who embodies the spirit of heroism so completely.”

Izuku rubbed the back of his neck, a little flustered. “Hehe… thanks, Iida.”

Iida smiled kindly, then gestured toward the open path behind Izuku. “Up early, I see. May I ask what your morning plans entail?”

“Oh, I was just about to go for a jog,” Izuku said. “Figured I’d get in a little cardio while checking out more of the campus.”

Iida beamed, clapping his hands together. “A most excellent decision! It seems we’re of like mind. I, too, was planning an early circuit around campus. It’s important to familiarize oneself with the layout of the school. We never know when swift movement across the grounds may be required in an emergency.”

Izuku beamed. “Do you wanna join me, then?”

“With pleasure!” Iida said, sounding genuinely thrilled. “It would be an honor to train alongside a fellow classmate, particularly one so clearly dedicated to growth.”

As they settled into their warm-up stretches, Izuku’s curiosity bubbled to the surface. He couldn’t help but glance at his companion's calves and the engines built into them. He bit the bullet and decided to ask about Iida's quirk. "So… Iida, can you tell me about your quirk?"

Iida perked up immediately. If there was one thing he enjoyed more than a disciplined routine, it was explaining things in exhaustive detail.

"Certainly, Midoriya!” Iida's face lit up with enthusiasm. “My quirk is called Engine. It has been in my family in one form or another for many generations. For me, it manifests as a propulsion system embedded within my calves, complete with actual mufflers. When I ingest specific fuels, with my preference being orange juice,” Iida gestured to the container he had set beside him. “It creates a reaction not unlike an internal combustion engine. Allowing me to turn that power into a propellant ****. Which I can use to enhance my kicks or to reach exceptional speeds. Though I still fall short of what my Brother can reach.”

Izuku's eyes widened with excitement as he geeked out over Iida's quirk. "That's amazing! How fast can you run? So, do you really need to refuel like an actual engine? What kind of maintenance do you need to keep your engines in top shape?"

Iida dutifully answered each of Izuku's questions with precision and pride. "I can currently reach speeds of up to 60 kilometers per hour in short bursts. The liquid I intake for fuel affects my performance, with orange juice being my most ideal. Carbonated drinks, on the other hand, cause them to stall out. Therefore, I stay clear of bubbly beverages. Regarding maintenance, I regularly clean and lubricate the engines to ensure optimal performance. Overheating can be an issue, so I have to be mindful of not overexerting myself."

Izuku blinked. “That’s… awesome.”

“Would you like a demonstration?” Iida asked, already adjusting his stance.

Before Izuku could answer, Iida crouched slightly, his arms tucked to his sides like an Olympic sprinter, and ignited his engines with a powerful VRRRMMM of muffler exhaust. With a blast of **** and a blur of movement, he shot down the paved path that circled the campus, disappearing in the direction of the next dorm block.

Izuku’s eyes widened. “Whoa.”

A grin crept across his face. Izuku crouched down himself, let One for All flow through his legs at a safe 8%, and launched forward with a sharp burst of power. Wind whipped through his hair as the scenery blurred past him, footfalls thundering with practiced control. The track curved as he ran, and within a few moments, he caught up to where his partner waited for him in front of the 1-B Dorms.

Iida smiled as he watched, impressed. “Ah! Midoriya! Your speed has markedly improved since the entrance exam!”

“Thanks!” Izuku called through a breath. “But I’m still only using about 8%! Anything more and… well… it gets messy.”

Iida nodded and crossed his arms. “Indeed, speed is a double-edged sword. Mastering rapid motion requires discipline, strength, and above all, control. As I mentioned earlier, overheating is a common problem I encounter. Should I overuse my engines for too long or too harshly, I may stall out and find myself in a less-than-amicable situation. Unfortunately, without an external radiator, there are no simple ways to cool myself other than waiting for the time to pass. As such, I must always maintain control. Something that I’ve adopted as a way of life.”

“I see…” Taking a quick breather from using his current “top” speed, Izuku glanced sideways. “So how’d you get so good at it? Learning to move like that must take a ton of practice.”

Iida’s face softened with pride. “Much of my progress is thanks to my family. I was fortunate to have my older brother guide me. His teachings gave me a foundation I could build upon.

A realization dawned on Izuku. Digging through his vast mental encyclopedia, a particular heroic figure stood out. "Wait a minute, if engine-related quirks run in your family… Are… Do you happen to be related to the Turbo Hero, Ingenium?"

Iida beamed with pride. "Yes, that's correct! Ingenium is my older brother! He's a fantastic hero, and I aspire to be just like him. My goal is to become an incredible hero who upholds justice and protects the innocent, just like him."

"That's amazing, Iida.” Izuku admired Iida's determination and sense of purpose. “I’ve heard your brother is a great hero, and I'm sure you'll become an incredible hero too."

Iida smiled, feeling the genuine support from his new friend. "Thank you, Midoriya. I appreciate your encouragement. Together, we'll strive to be the best heroes we can be."

Finding it only fair, Izuku decided to share his own story. "As for me, my quirk is called Stockpile. It grants me immense strength and agility using an energy source I’ve been building up my whole life, but I’m still learning to control it. I’ve always wanted to be a hero because I idolize All Might. He’s my inspiration, and I want to follow in his footsteps to help people and make them feel safe."

Iida listened intently, nodding along. "All Might is indeed a remarkable hero. Your determination and spirit are admirable, Midoriya. I believe you have what it takes to become a great hero. I will support you as you work towards your dream, just as you support me."

As they talked, Izuku felt his connection deepen with his blue-haired companion. So deep that a certain inkling of a sensation was beginning to make itself known. Panicking, Izuku pushed it back down. Now was not the time, and if Retcon wanted to pop out, it would be on his terms and only after he had fully thought it through. No more Kirishima incidents!

While Izuku wrestled back control over his second quirk, a whistle rang out through the morning air. Both young men turned to see the source of the catcall and Izuku’s eyes went wide.

“Well, well, well. Ain't this quite the sight to see in the morning? Two hunky heroes-in-training, waiting for little ol’ me.” The one and only Setsuna Tokage chuckled as she exited her dorm building. She was dressed in a pair of snug athletic shorts and a fitted tank top that showed off her toned, athletic build. Lastly, her green hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, completing the sporty, sexy look she was rocking.

Izuku, trying very hard not to stare at the athletic girl's very exposed frame, headed over to her with Iida following closely. "Morning, Tokage!"

Setsuna flashed a playful grin, immediately launching into flirtation. “Good morning, Greenie. Bit early to be picking me up for a date, ain’t it? A two for one at that, damn.”

Izuku chuckled, somehow already used to his new friends' teasing. Iida, on the other hand, was completely oblivious to her flirtatious tone and greeted her enthusiastically. "Good morning! I'm Tenya Iida from Class 1-A. It's a pleasure to meet you."

“Setsuna Tokage, Mr. Calves.” Setsuna chuckled at Iida's earnestness. It was the type of earnest that she knew exactly how to mess with. As such, she extended a hand toward him, mimicking a similar tone as Iida’s. “How exciting to meet such a proper and disciplined aspiring hero!”

Reaching out and gripping her hand for a handshake, Iida considered the girl and nodded. “Ah, a kindred spirit! How exceptional to find some-”

Just as their hands met in a shake, Setsuna’s grin widened. With a shlup, her hand popped off at the wrist, still clasped in Iida’s now-rigid grip. “Holy shit! My hand!? What did you do!?”

“AH!” Iida cried, eyes wide in shock. “Your hand! It's detached! Quick Emergency medical assistance-!” Iida, careful not to drop the hand he was holding, desperately tried to reach for his phone with his other hand. However, it was clear from how he was struggling to get into the pocket that it would not be quick.

From the side, Izuku let out a long, knowing sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. “You really like that prank, don’t you?”

Setsuna burst into laughter, her severed hand wiggling in Iida's grasp. "You know it! Sorry, I couldn’t help it! The look on people’s faces is killer.”

Tenya dropped the “severed” hand and watched as it flew up to bop Iida on the nose. “Boop.”

“I-I- You-! That’s not a responsible use of your Quirk!” Iida blustered, pushing up his glasses as he chastised his new companion. “I take back what I said, we are not alike!”

“Relax, engine boy. It’s called 'having fun.' You should try it sometime,” she winked, her hand flying back to reattach seamlessly. As Iida huffed and adjusted his glasses, Setsuna folded her arms behind her head and leaned slightly toward Izuku. “So what’s up, Greenie? Here for your personal singer?”

“Singer? Oh, you mean Kyoka.” Izuku shook his head. “Not at the moment, just out for a morning jog. We were showing each other how our quirks work. Iida’s is super fast. It was really cool.”

“Fast, you say…” Setuna made a show of raking her eyes up and down Iida’s frame. “I could see it. Though I prefer a man who takes his time. Right I~zu~ku~?”

Izuku blushed at the insinuation. “Not sure what you mean, Tokage…”

“Setsuna. I did give you my number already…” The carnivore’s teeth gleamed from the smirk she flashed her fellow verdette. The smoldering gaze she held leveled toward Izuku elicited a gulp. But as quickly as she came onto him, her face morphed into a silly grin. “Just kidding! Though you really need to just dick Jirou down already so she gets off my case for trying to ‘skip the line.’”

Tenya sputtered at the out-of-nowhere comment. “T-Tokage! How inappropriate.”

The girl stuck out her tongue and teased the straight-laced man. “That’s my middle name, babe. Anywho, a morning jog, huh? Sounds like my kinda fun.” Her tone dipped with mischief. “Think there’s room for one more?”

“I don’t see why not,” Izuku replied after getting his heart back under control.

Iida let out a quiet huff. “I would suggest against distracting ourselves from purposeful training-”

“Shhh, robot man,” Setsuna said, already looping an arm around Izuku’s neck with exaggerated closeness. “Thanks for the invite, Greenie~ I promise not to slow you down. Much.”

Internally, she smirked to herself. ‘Sorry, Kyoka. Hope you don’t mind me cutting in line~’

The trio took off at a steady pace as they jogged through UA’s sprawling campus, the early morning light painting long shadows along the sidewalks. Izuku led at a comfortable clip, while Iida maintained perfect posture at his side. Setsuna, jogging just a little closer to Izuku than necessary, offered the occasional cheeky comment, usually aimed at either of her running partners.

“-And over there is one of the major workshops for the support kids,” Setsuna commented, pointing off towards a building off in the distance, several garage bays clearly open and full of various tech. “They always have some crazy shit being cooked up in there.”

“So,” Izuku began, glancing over at Setsuna between breaths, “you talk about this place like you’ve been here before. Been here often?”

“Technically, yeah,” she replied, casually flipping her ponytail over her shoulder. “But I’ve been here a few times with my parents on business.”

Iida tilted his head. “Business? What kind of business brings civilians to a hero university?”

Setsuna gave a sly grin. “Well… It’s a little hard to explain without sounding like a prissy bitch, but… my family’s company is kind of a big deal in support tech.”

That made Izuku slow down a bit, curiosity immediately overriding his jogger’s focus. “Support tech? Like costumes and gear?”

She nodded, her breath still perfectly steady despite the pace. “Yup. Specifically, we specialize in bio-engineered fabrics. Stuff that’s designed to work with a person’s quirk. Like, self-healing suits, adaptive materials, stuff that moves, stretches, contracts… You get the idea.”

Izuku’s eyes widened in amazement. “That’s incredible! I’ve read about adaptive materials, but it’s still a relatively new field! Does your family’s company work directly with hero agencies? Or more through public sector contracts?”

“Little bit of both,” she answered with a smirk. “We make prototypes for a lot of big names. Pro hero teams, agency-specific costumes, and even some stuff for government-sponsored rescue units. Though we’re really selective. Can’t let just anyone wear our tech, y’know?”

Setsuna grinned and stopped walking just long enough to point toward her ankle. “Actually. Here. Check this out.”

She extended her leg, showcasing what looked like a regular sock until her foot detached cleanly at the ankle, the sock splitting into two perfect halves.

“Wha-?!” Izuku yelped, immediately dropping to a crouch for a better look.

Setsuna chuckled as she reattached her foot. The sock seamlessly merged back together, not a single seam or tear in sight.

“This little number’s made from a protein lattice derived from my own cells,” she explained proudly. “My mom’s team built it specifically to match my quirk. I can split apart, and the fabric splits with me. When I reattach, so does it. Handy, ain’t it?”

“That’s amazing!” Izuku jumped up before practically bouncing in place. “I’ve never seen this in person before. Do you have more samples? Could I see a stress test? Is it resistant to friction and chemical abrasion? How does it handle **** temperatures? Does the fabric retain memory or is it purely reactive?!”

Setsuna laughed, her cheeks flushing with pride. “Easy there, Greenie. Ask a girl out first if you’re going to lay into her like this. I could answer all that, or I could just show you sometime. We’ve got a lab in Tokyo. Maybe I’ll give you two a tour.”

Izuku blushed at the innuendo but practically glowed at the opportunity she presented. “That would be incredible!”

Even Iida was impressed. “Truly impressive. To think such cutting-edge technology is being made locally, and by your family no less. Still…” He adjusted his glasses. “It’s… surprising that someone with your pedigree would be so… irreverent.”

Setsuna stuck her tongue out and winked. “Not all of us enjoy sticks up our butts. Might just be a you thing.”

He shook his head and sighed but said nothing more.

As they came back into view of the campus’s central quad, the trio naturally slowed to a walk, captivated by the organized chaos unfolding in preparation for the Start of the Year Festival. Vibrant banners fluttered from lamp posts, half-assembled stages rose from the ground, and student volunteers zipped around, helping vendors set up everything from food stalls to gadget exhibitions.

Izuku marveled openly, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “This is going to be amazing… Look! That looks like an obstacle run! And… is that a mini robot combat arena?!”

Iida nodded, a glimmer of excitement breaking through his usual stoic exterior. “UA is truly pulling out all the stops to welcome its new classes. This is… exhilarating.”

Just then, the low rumble of an expensive engine drew their attention to a limo pulling up at the edge of the festival grounds. The sleek, obsidian vehicle practically glowed with polish as multiple suited men filed out and quickly ushered a sharply dressed, ginger-haired man toward the gathering.

“Whoa,” Izuku murmured. “Who’s that?”

“Pretty sure that’s a CEO of a tech company,” Setsuna said offhandedly. “My folks mentioned he’d be here. Never met him, though. Gramps never liked the guy. But corporate types love to make appearances at these kinds of events.”

Izuku’s brows raised. “Your family really is well-connected.”

“You could say that.” Setsuna glanced back toward the now-empty limo. “But honestly, a limo? Could he be any more cliché? Whenever I had to go to meetings with my Gramps, we always used something sleek, fast, and sexy. Not much of a car gal, but there’s something about zooming down the highway looking like a total badass bitch.”

“Sleek, fast, and sexy?” Izuku asked, amused.

“Oh, absolutely,” Setsuna laughed before raking her eyes over Iida again. “Now that I think about it… Calves here could be two of those things.”

Izuku sputtered into laughter while Iida’s glasses slid down the bridge of his nose as he froze mid-stride, face burning with a blush. “Do not compare me to a vehicle!”

Before they could take another step on their jog, Setsuna suddenly slowed, her sharp eyes catching movement near a newly built concrete structure. "Oh hey, it's Cementoss!" she chirped, pointing toward the large, blocky form of the Pro Hero standing with his arms crossed as he supervised the construction of a reinforced stall pavilion.

Without missing a beat, Setsuna turned and waved the boys forward. “C’mon! Let’s say hi!”

Iida blinked. “W-We can approach a faculty member like that? Unscheduled?”

“Oh please, he won’t mind,” Setsuna grinned and marched toward the man with no hesitation.

Izuku, curious and just slightly nervous, followed alongside Iida, who was already beginning to rehearse a proper greeting under his breath.

“Yo, Cementoss-sensei!” Setsuna called out, making the stoic Pro Hero glance up from his inspection. “Still pouring yourself into work, I see.”

“Miss Tokage,” he rumbled, a small smile cracking through the concrete of his jaw. “Not causing trouble, I hope.”

“Only the good kind,” she teased, then nudged a thumb toward her companions. “Wanted to say hey and introduce my handsome jogging buddies.”

Cementoss nodded respectfully to the boys. “I see. Good morning, Midoriya. Iida.”

Iida straightened up. “Sir! It’s an honor to meet you properly.”

Izuku could barely stop himself from vibrating in excitement. "Wow, he even knows our names!" He somehow managed a polite bow before popping up with his notebook in hand. "Can I get your autograph, Cementoss-sensei!"

The three were a bit baffled as they couldn't tell where the notebook had come from.

Cementoss chuckled as he took the notebook. Seeing it opened to a page with a detailed picture of himself. "I proctored your written exam, remember?" He handed Izuku his notebook, with a fresh signature adorning the page, before reaching out with his other hand to pat the excitable hero nerd on the head. “It’s difficult, but I do try to memorize the names of the Hero students. There’s more than cement up here.”

“He proctored my exam, too!” Setsuna grinned as she turned back toward her companions. “My Recommendation Exam, I might add. Your girl’s kind of a big deal.”

Iida’s brows shot up. “You received a recommendation?!”

Setsuna smirked. “What, shocked?”

“I… well, yes,” Iida admitted, glancing between her and Cementoss. “I had assumed the recommendation slots were only awarded to students with exemplary academic and field credentials.”

“Aw, you wound me, Calves,” she mock-gasped, clutching her chest. “I’m totally exemplary in academic shit. Don’t tell me you think I coasted in because of Gramps’ company.”

Iida looked flustered. “I implied no such-!”

“Better not have.” Setsuna’s voice turned serious for once, eyes sharp. “For the record, my family didn’t buy me anything. I earned my spot with grit, creativity, and more than a few bruises.”

Cementoss, who’d been listening patiently, let out a gravelly chuckle. “It’s true. Her performance was one of the most innovative I’ve ever seen. She ranked near the top and rightfully earned her place here. All of you did.”

Setsuna started to gloat, puffing out her more than modest chest. "See, Calves? I'm more than just a sexy piece of ass."

Before she could get too carried away, Cementoss added, "And Midoriya here was the top scorer on the standard practical exam."

Both Setsuna and Iida turned to Izuku, surprise evident on their faces.

Setsuna's eyes gleamed with newfound interest. "Well, well, well, Greenie. Looks like you're full of surprises. Maybe we should test each other's skills sometime," she said with a flirtatious grin.

Before Izuku could react to the carnivore’s suggestive comment, Iida clapped a firm hand on his shoulder, beaming. “Incredible! Your passion and resolve truly set a standard for all of us!”

Izuku rubbed the back of his head, blushing slightly. "Thanks, Iida. I just did my best. And it’s not like I did it alone. I couldn’t have done it without you, too, you know."

Iida truly appreciated that, and Izuku could tell by the feeling from Retcon deep in his chest. That inkling he felt earlier only felt stronger. The hairs on Izuku’s arms rose as the now-recognizable tingle of his quirk flared to life, vibrating softly in his bones. His smile fell. This was the same feeling he got just before his accidental alteration of Kirishima.

His eyes widened, and a silent curse flew through his mind. ‘Crap. I’m not risking another distracted Retcon!’

He clenched his fists, breathing shallow as the pressure started to grow in his chest like a balloon about to burst. He needed privacy. Now.

“Sorry!” he blurted suddenly, startling both Iida and Setsuna. “I-I just remembered something I have to do! Super quick!”

Without waiting for a response, Izuku spun on his heel and sprinted toward the nearest public restroom. He slipped into a stall and slammed the door behind him, locking it tight. His heart thundered in his chest as he slumped against the cool metal, exhaling in sharp gasps.

'Okay, okay. You’ve been here before. Just breathe… Don’t let this go wild.' He slid to the floor, back against the stall door, and pressed his forehead to his knees. Slowly, the pressure began to crystallize in his mind. The signs were clear. Retcon was giving him an option.

That could only mean his bond with Iida had reached the threshold. 'This must’ve been triggered because I’m starting to really understand him. All that talk about family, responsibility, legacy... I could really relate to him.'

He closed his eyes, running back through every interaction with Tenya Iida since arriving at UA. His powerful gallop. The way he’d raced ahead during the entrance exam. The structured, admirable posture. The pride in his family and the reverence he felt when speaking of his older brother. And most importantly, the way he spoke of how his quirk faltered with overuse, overheating to the point of locking him down mid-run.

‘He said he has to manually cool down or wait… It’s a major limiter on mobility. If I’m going to Retcon anything, it should be that.’ Izuku frowned. ‘But what’s the right change? Something that feels natural, not too drastic…’

His thoughts flickered back to the way Setsuna had jokingly described Iida as “sleek, fast, and sexy like a sports car.” He couldn’t help but laugh softly. ‘Sleek. Fast. Sexy...’ The words clicked in his mind like puzzle pieces sliding into place.

He took that image of Iida not just as a runner, but as a high-performance machine, and began to build upon it. He visualized steam vents along the arms, a natural redirection of excess heat through controlled outlets. Perhaps utilizing his pores? And not random exhaust, but a purposeful channeling of pressure; coolant lines for a biological engine. Each blast of steam would reduce core heat, providing even greater control over prolonged use.

“Like a pressure-release system on a high-performance car engine…” Izuku murmured.

‘Sleek, fast, and sexy.’ The words repeated in his mind like a mantra as he mentally locked onto the idea he visualized, steam release and all. He embraced the pull of Retcon and willingly pushed the alteration through his consciousness. There was no electric shock, no sudden jolt, just a warm pulse in his chest and a deep exhale that felt like he’d emptied an overfilled teacup.

It was done.

Izuku stood still for a moment longer, breathing heavily, waiting to see if anything felt off. But everything seemed normal.

He smiled. 'That… went way better than last time. No distractions.'

Still giddy with relief and adrenaline, Izuku flushed the toilet for good measure, exited the stall, and splashed cool water on his face at the sink..

“I wonder if she’ll notice…” he murmured to himself before stepping out of the restroom and heading back toward his companions.

Izuku stopped cold in his tracks.

He’d just rounded the corner back into the sunlight, smiling with pride over a clean and successful Retcon, when the sight before him shattered his entire sense of reality.

Cementoss and Setsuna were still where he had left them, chatting about something amicable. But where the stalwart Iida had been standing was now…

‘A girl!?’

An athletic girl. Tall, broad-shouldered but graceful, her every movement poised like a sprinter in mid-launch. Her short, cropped hair was a deep, sleek blue, bouncing just past her jawline with every tilt of her head. Sharp blue eyes peeked out behind slightly larger glasses than he remembered, set on a face that radiated warmth and intensity. A familiar intensity.

Her outfit was different, too. A pink compression sports bra and a matching pair of skin-tight athletic pants hugged her sleek and sexy form. The pants ended just below the knee, revealing the gleaming metal of her signature calf mufflers protruding cleanly from her legs, unchanged and unmistakably Engine.

Izuku stared.

He blinked once. Twice. Then it hit him.

Tenka Iida frowned slightly, stepping toward him. “Midoriya? Are you alright?”

No. No, he wasn’t. He did it again.

**********

AN: Howdy Howdy! First things first... Yeah, that happened. People wanted Fem Iida and that's what they got. And I'm all for it! The specifics of Tenka Iida's exact retcon will be fleshed out further in the next chapter, but if you have any questions, feel free to ask! As for the rest of the chapter, we get the return of our favorite dinosaur-loving gal, Setsuna, now with a super upgraded background! This isn't "canon" per se, but I wanted to give her something that would make sense and would fit her background as a recommendation student. All those Quirk-Adaptive suits had to come from somewhere! Why not give it to a lizard girl who literally regenerates her body on the fly! I think it's a cool addition, and let me know if you approve! We still have a couple of other recommended students to consider, so please let me know if you have any ideas for them as well. We also got a sneak peek at the upcoming festival and perhaps a special someone who may make a very early appearance...

Next time, we see the aftermath of this totally planned and perfectly executed retcon as well as the start of the long-awaited festival! Plenty of shenanigans to be had!

As always, thank you all for reading, and be sure to check us out on my Discord for behind-the-scenes looks at all my writing. Lastly, a special thanks to Zephyr0F8 and Lizzy for beta-ing this chapter!