The reporters on the news ran rampant. Fake theories up the wazoo, and the sad and infuriating thing was that Izuku knew people would believe what they were saying.

Toga eyed the TV as she watched Izuku sulk into the ratty cushions of the couch. There weren't many people in the room, just Kurogiri and Dabi playing cards at the bar.

"They really seem to think you're the traitor, huh?"

Izuku didn't grace the question with a response, it was rhetorical. However, he did curl further into himself, still keeping his eyes on the screen.

"They really are digging into your personal information aren't they? They're pulling up your quirk registration."

Izuku pulled his hoodie over his head so Toga couldn't see his face.

"Oh now they've really done it. They're calling you a seasoned villain. They're claiming you cheated the exam and stole your quirk."

"Doesn't matter. This channel is known to exaggerate and tell lies."

"That won't stop people from believing them and not believing you if we ever dump you." Dabi said, sliding a card off the worn counter into his hand.

Izuku picked at his compression glove. "Nothing I can do about it."

"Who told you that?" Dabi said over his shoulder. "If I were you and I knew exactly how shitty they were, I would expose them. Solves both problems."

"How would I expose them in this situation?" Izuku said, waving to his surroundings.

Dabi turned around and gave him a devilish grin. "I could get something set up....but I need something in return."

Izuku eyed him warily. "What exactly would you be wanting?"

"Someone told me you are very good quirk analyst."

"I'm not helping you improve your quirk."

"What about helping resolve a physically damaging setback?"

Izuku eyed Dabi's scars. "Those aren't external sourced?"

"Nope. Made 'em myself." Dabi leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. "You up for it?"

Izuku sighed. He had a feeling he would regret this later. "As long as you don't use the info I give you to prolong your damage."

"No worries. Won't change my damage output." Dabi got up and walked over to where Izuku was sitting. He held out his hand. "So?"

Izuku silently shook on it.

----

Nedzu was having a field day with the press. It's hard to combat these allegations when the reasons they are false happen to be a heavily secure national secret.