He allows himself to cry for a little longerâ he has plenty to get off his chest. How much he missed his mom, his friends, All Might, his school, his crushed dreams⌠Even if he left the League, he wasnât sure if he could bring himself to return to U.A⌠Did he have any right to, after what heâd done?Â
   Izuku managed to reign himself in when itâs his time to respond, though. It feels like two sides of him are at war, the one that wanted to listen to her and run away from all the pain and suffering heâd endured, and the other that still felt unsure that it was the right thing to do. It was a big risk, but maybe⌠MaybeâŚ
   âI donât knowâŚâ He mumbles at first, lifting his head to look up at the sky. âI donât know if thereâs anyone still strong enough to defeat All For One, and I donât know how many people he has under his thumb⌠How many people he might send after my family. ButâŚâ He purses his lips in thought. It almost felt blasphemous to even think it, going against everything that had been so firmly drilled into his head during all those months â but with One for All, there was some hope left. Maybe, just maybeâŚ
   âIf I get stronger, maybe together weâd stand a chance⌠We should be smart about it, right? Once I learn how to use my quirk properly at the very least. Me, you, and whatever All Might still has left in him, if anythingâŚâÂ
   Her smile was practically beaming with joy. Thatâs her boy! Struggling against the odds, facing even the most uncertain future with hope and optimism. The woman has no memories of Izukuâs life before he was given One for All, but she can recall feelings. Izukuâs life was hard as a kid, but he never gave up. He hasnât given up still.
   âAbsolutely.â She smiled, raising a hand to wipe away her own tears. âRemember, Izuku, you are not alone.â She takes his hand once more, her grasp gentle, but firm. âYou have your classmates, your friends, your teachers, and also...â Thereâs a moment of pause. One hand moves over her chest, feeling the beating heart under her skin.
           â...You have everyone who came before you... They all believe in you. And when the time comes...you will not be facing that evil alone.â