Chapter 3: Chapter 3: The Path to Mastery
With his quirk officially registered as "Herculean Strength," Izuku felt a renewed sense of purpose. He had the power, but he knew that power alone wasn't enough. If he wanted to become a hero, he needed to learn how to use his quirk effectively. That meant understanding his body, training his muscles, and finding a fighting style that could fully utilize his strength. And so, Izuku turned to the one place he knew could help him: the library.
The Musutafu Public Library was a quiet, sprawling building filled with rows upon rows of books. Izuku had always loved coming here, even before his quirk manifested. But now, he had a specific goal in mind. He needed to learn everything he could about muscle enhancement, physical training, and martial arts.
Inko smiled as they walked through the doors. "Where should we start, Izuku?"
Izuku thought for a moment. "I need books on how muscles work. And maybe some on martial arts too. I want to find a style that can help me use my strength in the best way possible."
Inko nodded, clearly impressed by his determination. "Alright, let's split up. I'll look for books on anatomy and muscle development. You check the martial arts section."
Izuku agreed and made his way to the martial arts section. The shelves were filled with books on various fighting styles—karate, judo, boxing, taekwondo, and more. But Izuku wasn't looking for just any martial art. He needed something that could maximize his strength, something that could turn his raw power into precision and efficiency.
As he browsed the shelves, one book caught his eye: The Science of Combat: Maximizing Strength in Martial Arts. He pulled it off the shelf and flipped through the pages. The book discussed how different martial arts utilized muscle strength in unique ways, and it highlighted a few styles that were particularly effective for people with enhanced physical abilities.
One section stood out to him: Combat Sambo. The book described it as a Russian martial art that combined striking, grappling, and submission techniques. It was designed to be adaptable and efficient, making full use of an individual's strength and agility. Izuku's eyes lit up as he read. This was exactly what he was looking for.
He also found a book on Krav Maga, an Israeli martial art known for its focus on real-world combat and practical techniques. It emphasized using an opponent's strength against them, which Izuku thought could be useful if he ever faced someone stronger than him.
Finally, he picked up a book on Boxing, not just for its punching techniques but for its emphasis on footwork and body mechanics. Izuku knew that his strength was only part of the equation—he needed to learn how to move efficiently and protect himself in a fight.
Meanwhile, Inko had gathered a stack of books on anatomy, physiology, and muscle development. She met up with Izuku at one of the library tables, setting the books down with a soft thud.
"I think these will help," she said, smiling. "There's a lot here about how muscles grow and how to train them safely. You'll need to be careful, Izuku. Pushing yourself too hard could lead to injuries."
Izuku nodded, already flipping through one of the books. He was fascinated by the diagrams and explanations of how muscles worked—how they contracted, how they recovered, and how they could be trained to become stronger and more efficient. He learned about the importance of proper nutrition, rest, and recovery, and how overtraining could hinder his progress.
One book, The Science of Muscle Enhancement, had a section specifically on quirks that affected physical strength. It discussed how individuals with strength-based quirks could optimize their training to avoid damaging their bodies. Izuku took careful notes, determined to create a training plan that would help him grow stronger without risking injury.
By the time they left the library, Izuku's head was buzzing with ideas. He had a stack of books under his arm and a notebook filled with scribbled notes. He knew what he needed to do: he had to start training his body systematically, combining strength exercises with martial arts techniques to maximize his potential.
"Mom," he said as they walked home, "I think I want to start learning Combat Sambo. It's a martial art that uses a lot of strength and grappling, and it's adaptable. I also want to study Krav Maga and boxing to improve my striking and footwork."
Inko looked down at him, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "That sounds like a lot, Izuku. Are you sure you can handle all of that?"
Izuku nodded firmly. "I have to, Mom. If I want to be a hero, I need to be the best I can be. And this is how I'll do it."
Inko smiled and ruffled his hair. "Alright, sweetie. But promise me you'll take it slow and listen to your body. I don't want you getting hurt."
"I promise," Izuku said, his determination shining in his eyes.
The First Training Session
That evening, Izuku began his training. He started with basic strength exercises, using the techniques he had read about to ensure he was training safely and effectively. He focused on bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, and pull-ups, paying close attention to his form.
After his workout, he practiced some of the basic techniques he had read about in the Combat Sambo book. He didn't have a partner to spar with, but he practiced his footwork and striking on a makeshift punching bag he had fashioned out of an old pillow.
As he trained, he could feel his quirk humming beneath his skin, his muscles responding with precision and power. It was like his body was finally coming alive, and he knew he was on the right path.