Despite how weary Izuku still felt, when Kacchan mentioned wanting to "start over," he nodded his head. Honestly, it was a wish he'd had for years now. He had started to lose hope that he'd ever be close to Kacchan again, but the apology was uplifting.
Finally, he was able to flash Kacchan a bright smile. "I-I'd really like that, Kacchan," he admitted. He almost teared up again. "I've... missed you. I-I mean, I've missed being friends with you..."
So, after exchanging a few more words, the pair started off towards Kacchan's house. They chatted about some of their old "adventures" together such as the camping trips and sleepovers. He was touched that Kacchan remembered so much about those times.
Though, the pleasant mood between them didn't last long.
As soon as they crossed over a manhole, a familiar villain blew off the manhole cover and oozed onto the street.
Once Izuku heard the "clank" of the cover hitting the pavement, his eyes widened. He whirled around just in time to see the Sludge Villain charging towards them. "K-KACCHAN! LOOK OU--!"
He pushed Kacchan out of the way before he could get engulfed. Though now, Izuku had been caught. His bookbag had been strewn out on the street as he desperately clawed through the wall of sludge around him.
He was choking and tearing up. He couldn't breathe--!