Follow TV Tropes

Following

Fanfic / I am not Done (MHA)

Go To

Izuku Midoriya has had a hard life. He's quirkless, for one, which already makes him a second-class citizen (if even that). His father, the only family member who cared about him, died years ago; his mother can't be bothered to acknowledge his existence beyond making sure the empty house he goes home to every day has electricity. School isn't much better, with teachers and students alike demeaning him at every turn, to say nothing of random people on the street quickly turning sour once they realize what he is. So naturally, after years of abuse, one day he gets a little bit too angry and finally talks back to one of his bullies.

It doesn't end well.

I am not Done is a My Hero Academia Dark Fic penned by JayDeeKay, wherein Izuku, rendered an amputee by a vengeful Bakugo, makes it his mission in life to fight against every last piece of abuse hurled at him to prove that you don't need a quirk to be worth something. And while Izuku may find that the world hasn't yet begun trying to tear him down, he also discovers that, for the first time in a long time, he may just have a few people willing to back him up.

Official Summary

"I learned a long time ago, that not all men are created equal..."

"...But who said that we had to stay that way?"

Izuku Midoriya has been beaten down, abused, and bent to his limit, and after a traumatic injury almost breaks him, Izuku finds the resolve he needs to challenge the world that tried to destroy him. Using his knowledge of invention passed down to him from his father, Izuku decides to force the world to see his worth. To show them that you don't need a quirk to be worth it in this world.Unfortunately, when you challenge the world, the world tends to fight back...


The following work present generally the following tropes:

  • Abandonment-Induced Animosity: Izuku. Being alone, and abused destroys his capability to trust other people. Sadly, this is enforced and justified to some point. Averted with Powerloader and Hatsume, as they are the first people who give the protagonist a hand.
  • Adaptational Intelligence: Izuku, though in canon not Book Dumb, here he is brilliant enough to keep up with complex engineering projects left by his father.
  • Against the Grain: Izuku. He. Won't. Let. The. World. Step. Over. Him. Also referred indirectly by Cementoss in Chapter 7 after seeing Izuku's armor.
  • All the Other Reindeer: It doesn't matter what the protagonist does, he will always be belittled because of his status both as quirkless and crippled.
  • The Aloner:
    • Izuku, in chapter 6 is seen as arrogance. However lately, it is discovered that it is from fear.
    • Bakugo is a straight example out of jerkassery.
  • A Master Makes Their Own Tools: Izuku's deal. Most of the equipment he uses, he made it himself.
  • Apathetic Citizens: Only a handful of characters are in any way horrified by Bakugo's behavior during the 1v1 matches, and are baffled that they have to explain why to their peers, who shrug off their concerns as overreacting. Then the final match occurs.
    Sero: If that girl really was hurt, she would have just given up.
    Uraraka: The girl was crawling for her life, Sero!
  • A Scar to Remember: Izuku's amputation by the end of chapter 1 and the start of chapter 2. Sadly, after chapter 20, his loss by Bakugo.
  • Asleep for Days:
    • Three days of Coma, after the brutality suffered in chapter 2.
    • Chapter 34, subverted. As Izuku is asleep because of physical exhaustion.
  • Association Fallacy: Bakugo's problem with Izuku extends to any partner. Played for horror by chapter 13, as it is the reason of the brutal treatment of Hatsume during the fights during chapter 15 and 16.
  • Attention Whore: Basically Bakugo. Summed with Sadist.
  • Awesomeness by Analysis: Part of his Child Prodigy set. Izuku in chapter 2, while being attacked by the villain, coolly analyzed him and determined his weakness to electricity. Also, the Sports Festival.
  • Badass Teacher: Every teacher in UA, as they are heroes… Or are they?
  • Batman Gambit: Toned down, though played perfectly with Bakugo. Every move Izuku did. Both preparing for and during the Sport Festival, was meticulously planned.
    Nedzu: In truth, I believe we should be praising his tactical wit, not trying to have him disqualified.
  • Boring, but Practical: Izuku's modus operandi. Need space? Use a Concussion Grenade. Against rock skin? Use a Pile Bunker.
  • Break the Cutie: Goodness, have to say it?
  • Brilliant, but Lazy: Subverted in chapter 17, as Hatsume is brilliant and diligent; yet, Izuku finds this out as Hatsume easily completes his exposition lines.
    • In Chapter 29, this is pointed out by Nedzu concerning people. People are lazy, but not stupid; which will be a problem for the HPSC.
  • Bystander Syndrome: One of the central problems shown in this work universe. NO ONE will ever do something against the brutality and cruelty that people like the protagonist live through each day. Mentioned in the first chapter, as well as the Sports Festival each time Bakugo fights.
  • Catapult Nightmare:
    • In chapter 10, being under Shinso's control brought one to Bakugo in the form of the Slime Villain, freeing him from it. Still, it didn't stop Izuku's team from robbing him all their points.
    • By Chapter 21, Izuku is woken up by the memory of his match against Bakugo.
  • Change the Uncomfortable Subject:
    • Played partially in chapter 20, and subverted. Nemuri asks Majima if he wants to talk about the whole disaster with his student. He immediately points out that in his short life, Izuku has had to cope with more than most Pros.
    • In chapter 23, the HPSC uses this to silence a heckler reporter who kept pressing the inconsistencies between the HPSC statements and the reality of the match.
  • Combat Pragmatist: The other side of his skill set. He knows he is at a serious disadvantage against many others, so he levels the game by using the others' weaknesses.
  • Crazy-Prepared: Again, Izuku. Anticipating many scenarios, and creating equipment/plans for each of them. Though avoiding Single-mindedness.
  • Curious as a Monkey: Izuku inquires his father about his job and why he is busy most of the time. In chapter 5, Mei who was more focused on how slim the holoprojector was.
  • Cyborg: Forced onto Izuku. The only thing he did was to replace his arm after his maiming. Though that might change, as seen in the aftermath of chapter 19.
  • Death Glare: Izuku's manifestation of his cold fury, as Todoroki witnessed.
    • By chapter 22, Kirishima's gesture towards Bakugo.
      Todoroki: Where Todoroki was used to quick bursts of spontaneous anger from his father and siblings, the green-haired boy’s eyes reflect a fire that seems to have been burning for years…a fire that is now swarming out of control.
  • Defiant to the End: Chapter 17, Mina. No plan, and scared… yet she fights on.
    • Chapter 33, mentioned by Stain to Iida, as he remains standing after his beatdown.
  • Deliberate Under-Performance: Seeing in the first chapters, it is shown by the fifth chapter how brilliant truly is Izuku. To the point that he was the third-best grade in the admittance exam.
  • Determinator: Izuku, thanks to his father. In the beginning, it was to rise to the standard; by the time of the story, mostly to spite the world.
  • Disappointed in You: Chapter 22, Nedzu's thought of Aizawa's reaction to him caving to the HPSC demands. Subverted, as Aizawa is more confused than disappointed.
    • In chapter 23, tacitly implied by Nedzu towards Sekijiro Kahn when he explains why he hired him.
  • Don't You Dare Pity Me!: By the second Arc, this could be summed for Izuku's personality; starting to hate the pity in the eyes of others, as he associates with both condescension and how they stood to his suffering.
  • "Eureka!" Moment:
    • Chapter 1 and 2, both for his test of the ArcBlue Reactor, And the 32nd test of his prosthetic arm.
    • Chapter 32, the moment Izuku finds out that Stain's quirk has a time limit and depends on the blood type.
      Narrator: He raises his arms to the air and begins to celebrate, elation taking over his being…
  • Exact Eavesdropping:
    • How chapter 17 ends, Kan hears Midoriya and Recovery Girl speaking; with the former mentioning that as long as he has suit he can fight. Giving him an idea of how to neutralize him.
    • Chapter 24, Hikaru hearing the whole discussion between Hastume and Majima sensei of how to develop and graft the prosthetic Hatsume is developing.
  • Fantastic Ableism/Fantastic Racism: Sadly, the world of BNHA is filled with this towards certain groups. Like the quirkless, much like the protagonist, or those with different quirk like Shinso or Sekijirou Kan.
  • Fatal Flaw: Many to consider.
    • Nedzu's is his inability to connect with other people.
    • The HPSC's president is her arrogance, which is exploited by Nedzu.
    • Bakugo's is his wrath and self-righteousness.
  • Feel No Pain: A lifetime of abuse had left Izuku somewhat numb to pain. Save for the most intense, like his maiming.
  • Fear Is the Appropriate Response: Chapter 16. Straight after Mineta mentions that Mina will be fighting Bakugo, she feels the dread of knowing that Bakugo will be given free rein to attack her with all his strength and malice. After being spotted by Bakugo, Mina feels other thing. Rage.
    • Chapter 30, Invoked and in some extent enforced by Gran Torino. The mission changed from a simple patrol to a warzone, and the fear Kirishima is feeling will be his biggest asset.
      Gran Torino: ...It’s not a bad thing to be afraid… Tonight boy? Tonight…fear will keep you alive.
  • Fixing the Game: What most of the world seems bent to do against Izuku. In Chapter 5, also referred for the Hero Course in the Sport Festival.
  • The Fundamentalist: The HPSC President. She wants to keep everything as it is, so anything that might disturb that peaceful state must be eliminated.
    The President: Frankly, Vlad King I couldn’t give less of a shit about what Nezu loves…what I care about is the Hero Commission… my Hero Commission, and from what we have been gathering, at this moment, there is a growing sentiment in the public questioning the necessity of heroes.
    • In chapter 21, we can see that Stain is another perfect example. Bordering on the religious territory, as he sees the "True" heroes as gods among mortals.
  • Green-Eyed Monster: One of the arguments the "efficient" pair tries to use against Izuku in chapter 2. By Chapter 11, this is played straight with Monoma, as he can't stand that all the attention goes to class 1-A.
  • Had to Be Sharp: Most of Midoriya's character. If the world wishes to stomp him over, it is fine… First, he will give it hell, be it with his creations or his sheer willpower.
    • By Chapter 17, this is appreciated by Mina. Stating the notorious of both his contraption and fight style, and wondering what could he do if he tried to impress people?
  • Hair-Trigger Temper: Bakugo. Easily irritated and infuriated by any little problem. Examples of that are the first chapter, the school festival, etc.
  • Hates Being Touched: Izuku. Any form of contact triggers a panic attack. This is appreciated when the ringleader of the bullies in Chapter 6 touches his shoulder, and it is worsened by Chapter 22 as stated by Majima-sensei.
    Power Loader: It wouldn't take much. A simple grasp of the other hand, a touch to the shoulder, even something as minor as feeling his forehead for fever. As soon as someone made contact, he would reel back, like their hands were covered in acid, curling in on himself, as his eye flew wildly around the room.
  • Hypocrite:
    • Again, Bakugo. Before beating to an inch of his life, he claims to Izuku that it is against school regulations to run in the halls.
    • By Chapter 8, All Might is shown as one.
      All Might: Honestly, I think having a quirkless boy in this event is dangerous for the boy. This is not simply a game, there are points in the competition where he could be seriously injured, and he clearly doesn’t consider his own safety as much as he should be. I think for Young Midoriya’s wellbeing, he should be forced to withdraw from the tournament.
  • I Got You Covered: Used for support by Kirishima to a terrified Mina, before her match.
    • Again by Kirishima by chapter 22, this time for Iida.
  • Implementing the Incomplete: Izuku suffers from this. Mostly in the form of constant dissatisfaction with his own work (see his prosthesis).
  • In Love with Your Carnage: Averted with Izuku's team by chapter 10. They can't help but be stunned at his power move to the other teams. Straight with Bakugo for his own handwork (read Brutal beatdown) during chapter 13.
  • Insufferable Genius:
    • Aoi Ikki is an extremely subverted example, as he is lacking the genius part, but has the ego to shout against a teacher.
    • Hisashi, on the other hand, is one that can back his claims of being absolutely in the right of most things.Played for some laughs.
    Hisashi: If I'm right about this…and I usually am, this should make the compensator’s effective force dilution triple.
  • In the Back: The root of Izuku's paranoia, as the people who were supposed to protect him only abused him, which left him with the belief that everyone might feign interest in order to do this. In chapter 9, this is one of the reasons why he didn't team up with Hatsume and Kirishima.
  • Internalized Categorism: Inverted. Izuku fights hard against the belief that he, as a quirkless person, is less than the rest of the world. On the other hand, many consider him it. Cassandra Truth for many chapters concerning his skills. Played straight with both All Might and Vlad King, with the latter working the HPSC President.
  • I Shall Taunt You: Both Izuku and Hitoshi's strategy. Izuku, in order to infuriate and goad his opponents. Hitoshi, for his quirk.
    • Chapter 32, used against Stain for his absolute obsession with All Might.
      Izuku: Oh please! Don’t you dare compare Kirishima to that fraud All Might!
  • It's All About Me: Played with. In order to de-escalate things, Izuku simply decides to play on Katsuki's ego.
    • By Chapter 16, we can read that Endeavor is another example. Stating that Shoto is making a fool out of himself… and him as his father.
  • It's All My Fault: Partially in Chapter 2. The protagonist knows that the reason why the Slime Villain got free was that he latched onto All Might's leg.
    • Chapter 20. How Midnight feels this whole situation is, as she could have stopped Bakugo and disqualify him for excessive force; but couldn't as the malice he exhibited terrified her.
    • Chapter 27, also mentioned tacitly by Ectoplasm towards the loss of the student.
  • Just Smile and Nod: Izuku's act every time someone points his quirkless status.
  • Last-Second Villain Recovery: Arc I has Bakugo accomplish this during his fight with Izuku. Not only does Izuku lose the match, but Bakugo goes as far as latching onto his face and vaporizing his right eye. The only reason he doesn't go any further is because the teachers restrain him immediately after.
  • Lack of Empathy: Subverted, partially. In Chapter 1, Bakugo's lackeys mention how what he is about to do it is a tad extreme. To no avail.
    • Todoroki is called out of this by Izuku by Chapter 13, as he knows nothing about lacking power.
    • By Chapter 17, we see that Izuku defies the trope, as he considers that for Hatsume to heal from the attack, she needs not comfort but empathy.
  • Life Isn't Fair: Another central theme in the story.
    Izuku: No man is born equal.
  • Minor Injury Overreaction: Chapter 14, played straight by Vlad King towards Kirishima's wounds. Absolutely averted with Hikaru Kubo, after being frozen over.
    • In Chapter 27, absolutely defied with Mina. Her match against Bakugo left her psychologically scarred, as she now tends to freeze with fear every time she is fighting. Kirishima immediately reassures her it is ok to feel scared.
  • Moral Myopia: Is anyone holding a Bingo for Bakugo? He is so assured of his righteousness, that the moment someone fights him with the same brutality he is horrified.
  • Muggles Do It Better: Izuku. Anything his quirked classmates make pales in comparison with his work. Sadly, this is played for drama, as it brings the ire of the ruling people, like the HSPC.
  • My Greatest Second Chance: Chapter 15, Kan's greatest first chance by a woman called Hanako Aiiuchi; used by the President to manipulate him.
    • The real second chance comes from Nedzu in chapter 23, by asking how the HPSC operates. Hoping that this could help right a wrong to someone who could empathize with Sekijiro.
  • Never My Fault: Bakugo. Again. Shown mostly in the School Festival after losing against Izuku and his team. Nevertheless, it is also shown as part of his complex.
  • Obstructive Bureaucrat: The HPSC. At the worst moment, as they WON'T stop the match for the safety of the other combatant. In chapter 20, for the benefit of Bakugo, as they pull a Big Damn Villains before Nedzu can make official his expulsion.
  • Outside-the-Box Tactic: Part of his strategy in life is to think this way. In chapter 8, Izuku himself mentions it towards to tunnel conundrum in the race; as well in chapters relating to the cavalry.
  • Paralysis by Analysis: One of Izuku's defects. He can't adapt easily to situations, like the exam in chapter 4 or during the race in chapter 8.
  • Pathetically Weak: One of the many insults to the protagonist, mentioning how weak the quirkless are compared to the quirked individuals.
  • The Poorly Chosen One: The main problem with Bakugo, as many adults and sycophantic peers call how he is destined for greatness. To the point of twisting his worldview.
  • Properly Paranoid: Justified, though bordering with Improperly Paranoid. Being abused so many times has left Izuku with such severe trust issues that he takes other people as THREATS. Seen in chapter 4, and so long the creation of his Mech Suit when planning to go against class I-A.
  • Psychopathic Manchild: Again, Bakugo. After the maiming of Izuku, he mentions that he needs to be back for his 9 hours of sleep. Also shown after the Sports Festival in chapter 22 to 23, as he delusionally mentions that he won, even though most of JAPAN saw him brutally attack another person.
  • Red Herring: Mentioned two times in the story by Izuku. The first is in Chapter 4, for the entrance exam; and the second is when teaching Shinso to misdirect the attention.
  • The Resenter: Izuku. Justified to some extent.
  • This Cannot Be!: Played for drama, as Izuku is unable to immediately deal with the new reality of lacking his right arm. Played straight for many times Kan tries to take Izuku out of the competition after witnessing his technological prowess.
  • Sadist Teacher:
    • Aldera in a nutshell. Though could be said to some extent to UA.
    • Gran Torino during his introduction in chapter 24, and each time he is training Kirishima.
  • The Scrappy: Bakugo in the story. While strong and scary, many hate him for his childish attitude. Mentioned by Uraraka by chapter 13.
  • Secret Test of Character: In chapter 4, the Practical Exam for the Support department.
    Izuku: This isn't a test of our technical expertise at all. That's a red herring... that is what we show with the projects we brought from home!
    • In chapter 24, All Might wants to test Kirishima for the inheritance of his quirk, using the opportunity that the internships give.
    • In Chapter 26, the whole match between Gran Torino and Kirishima.
  • Shellshocked Veteran: A rare civilian example with Izuku, as explosions can trigger a panic attack. Seen in chapter 8, but referred to in previous chapters.
  • So Proud of You: Downplayed in Chapter 1, as Hisashi is trying to explain to his son that he is NOT defective. Played straight with Izuku, as he steps into his father's role as an inventor, continuing his projects like "ArcBlue".
    • And by chapter 7, Power Loader seems to have adopted this mindset when speaking to Midoriya.
  • Sour Outside, Sad Inside: By the 4th chapter, we can see a standoffish Izuku; but it is also shown that it is a form of dealing with his horrid reality. Izuku, after his first encounter with Hatsume, takes her as an interested person.
    Izuku: Besides, this way it will hurt less when they find out the truth.
  • Spotting the Thread:
    • Chapter 18, found out by the third ex-cronie, Haruki Tanaka, as he finds it suspicious that Vlad contacted them privately. His ex-friends mock him for that, to no avail.
    • Chapter 23, the truth behind the proctor of the last match. Eventually inverted, as it strengthens the interview for the President.
      Heckler Reporter: You say that, Ma’am, but, was it not a Commission agent acting as referee during the finale of the festival?
    • In the same chapter, Nedzu spots the truth behind Vlad King, pointing his past as Blood King Khan.
    • Chapter 30, Gran Torino spots the lies of the train trio, two of them repeating almost synchronized the need to go to the bathroom.
  • Targeted to Hurt the Hero: Bakugo goes after Hatsume when he learns that she and Izuku are friends. While this does affect Izuku (albeit only serving to make him more pissed), it also ends up affecting Mina. Mina, as while Mina doesn't know Mei at all, since the cruel beatdown occurred immediately after she claimed he was a Paper Tiger, she's left all bark, leaving her with the horrified belief that Bakugo beat a fellow student half-to-death just to send a message to her.
  • Taught by Experience:
    • Chapter 1, referred by Izuku, while (unsuccessfully) escaping the brutes of his school.
    • Chapter 30, Gran Torino's intention for bringing Kirishima with him. He knows that his patrols alongside Roundhouse are just training, and needs to experience real life. Not what you'll expect from a terrorist attack.
  • Tempting Fate:
    • Chapter 13, questioned by Kaminari to Sero, who was dissing Izuku as weak.
    • Chapter 27, done by Gran Torino by mentioning that Hosu is a peaceful place
  • Title Drop:
    • Chapter 19, nigh the end.
      Izuku: You can’t hurt me anymore, Bakugo! Not like you used to! I have a goal…something I need to prove…and I am not going to let you stop me now! Not anymore! I still have to show the world…that I am not done!
    • Chapter 30, repeated as Izuku manages to crawl out of his cynicism and pessimism. Proclaiming that he is NOT done to Stain.
  • Unfinished Untested Used Anyways: Averted with many of Izuku's creations, as he takes the time to stress test them in order to avoid terrible accidents. By Chapter 2, it was the first argument by the pair of Bad Cop Incompetent Cops for gaslighting Izuku.
  • Walking Armory: Izuku's mech suit.
  • Weeding Out Imperfections: The modern society of Japan, in both canon and in the story, seems bent onto this way of thinking. Exaggerated with Aldera, and the Hero Safety Commission.
  • We Can Rule Together:
  • We Only Have One Chance: Another recurring theme of the story. Izuku sees most of his challenges as an All or Nothing gamble, with the trope being mentioned in verbatim in chapter 4.
  • When All You Have Is a Hammer…: Chapter 16 ends with Todoroki starting the match like the previous ones… With a humongous glacier.
    • Chapter 30, a necessity for Kirishima. As the train is too tight to try any manoeuvres, he is forced to go and tank the enemy.
  • Workaholic: Chapter 1. Poor Hisashi, most of the time working, to the chagrin of his family.
    • Chapter 27, inverted with Bakugo. As he doesn't want to be with Aizawa, but has to do everything ordered by his homeroom teacher. Including be worked to the bone in tedious tasks.

Top