Shinso

I fell to the ground due to an accurate blow to my throat, turning the little air that my lungs held into a dry cough.

– That is why you must cover your throat in combat, you should go to the support department for advice – my tutor commented mockingly while he was on his knees, regaining strength

– Did you have to be this rough?! – I questioned angrily, with difficulty

– If you plan to depend so much on your quirk – Taking me by the neck of my sweater – You should make sure it is as sheltered as possible. – Letting go again. – I barely touched your throat, but in a situation of greater danger, it could have been a razor that reached your vocal cords, if not that it ends up being slit. – He pronounced reaching with his capture weapon a couple of bottles of water. I knew he was doing it with the intention of training me not just for the exam, but in general, but did he have to be so crude?

– Whatever you say – audibly annoyed, only to have him spank me over the head with the pair of the capture weapon that went around his neck

– Aren't you taking me seriously? – Approaching me – At your age, during my internship, do you know what my tutor did? – pausing, I imagine to create suspense – He sprayed pepper spray in my eyes! – Looking at the deranged smile that he now had, I understood why his methods were so extreme. – Yes, just that expression was what I should have done while I was like you on the ground, rubbing my eyes to get rid of the burning.

– And that's why you repeat his satirical methods with me?

– Nobody said that being a professional hero would be easy, although you can give up if you think it is too hard for you.

– Of course not! – I would not allow him to underestimate me. I hadn't spent the last three months training and studying like crazy only to be dismissed. – What's next now? – My voice was still broken, but I was not going to give up. He showed me that mischievous smile that I got used to every time I trained.

– Now let's continue with the capture weapon – he asked as I went to take it.

The rest of the afternoon, I kept practicing shooting down targets and catching them with the tapes, although this was easier in theory than in practice, confirming that the six years it took him to perfect this combat technique were not exaggerated.

– Why did you decide to be a teacher? – after being spanked on the head after failing again in my attempt to knock over an empty soda can.

– Well, frequently, I also wonder – knocking down all the cans without the slightest difficulty. Smug. – Enough for today – and with that said, I dropped down on the grass, exhausted. – Go to rest. Today was your last training before the exam, take advantage of the day to review the theory and we will see if in two days you have enough to join the Heroes' Course – getting away from me

– You'll see – I said quietly, my mind full of ideas, strategies and a plan in place.

As he said, after finishing classes that day, I went to my room and only went out to eat. That day I was reviewing the theory, and the strategy that I would use the next day.

– The die is cast – closing the textbook on my desk, finally sleeping. Although despite my fatigue, I could not fall asleep immediately. I was anxious; the results for which I was training so long would be decided in the theoretical exam and physical test this weekend. Everything may or may not radically change for me, and both results were overwhelming.

That morning, on my way to the classroom ready to take the theory exam, I was surprised to see one of the other familiar faces, including that of Ibara Shiozaki.

– What a surprise to see you here, Shinso – the kind girl approached me – I didn't think you would also apply to be in the hero course

– Yes, I don't lose anything by trying – I replied

– Good luck – smiling before settling into her seat

– Same – settling into the seat behind her.

The exam was extensive, but the vast majority of questions were on Modern Hero Art History and Heroic Ethics. While I wasn't entirely sure of some answers, I think overall I performed pretty well. However, my biggest concern was directly related to physical performance, which is why I ended up in general studies class.

Late in the afternoon, we were summoned to be informed about those who passed the first test, showing our qualification on a screen.

– It turned out better than I expected – I commented seeing a score of 90/100

– Congratulations Shinso – the girl commented upon my exit, who had gotten five points more than me.

– It wasn't bad for you

– No, but the physical proof still remains – taking some vines from her hair, she looked worried

– Whatever the result, let's make it worthwhile – I animated, relaxing the expression on her face.

The next morning, of the 10 who applied for the Heroes' Course, only 3 had passed. While my prototype hero suit was not finished yet, I added a special mount to the capture weapon that I have been becoming familiar with for the past four months.

Once in the combat area, which pretended to be an urban area, we would be evaluated not only by members of the heroes' commission, but also by the academy teachers. Yet something about this whole affair was strange to me.

– You have very good reflexes! – The woman with the suggestive outfit said, after having redirected her whip that I could skillfully dodge. – A surprise attack? Why it doesn't surprise me?

– You're not wasting time, Midnight – the Modern Literature teacher was also present, creating rock walls that, had it not been for having practiced in rocky areas, it would have been impossible for me to climb

– How good you arrived, I was beginning to feel alone

– We didn't want to make you wait – What?! Didn't my quirk have an effect? But if she responded to my statement that means that... I leaned on my capture weapon to rise as high as possible, above the walls just to confirm that a figure in a dark suit was occupying the place where I was a few seconds before, directing a pair of eyes of bright crimson at me

– Sorry for the delay – casually commented who had been my coach, outlining a smile. An adrenaline rush went through my entire body as I watched them from that distance

– Wow, three against one! – I was elated – I guess it's the only way you can compensate for the differences in power. – Letting out an audible laugh, which, more than presumption, was an anxious nervousness. This was the dreadful exam that was rumored in the hallways, impossible to pass. Now so much hellish training made sense.

– Look who turned out to be quite a cocky – redirecting her whip again towards me, this time getting rid of some cement blocks in her wake raising columns of dust, making me manage to sneak into the rubble. I had to find a way to undo myself with control of at least one of them.

– Are you just thinking of running away? – although he couldn't see it, Eraser Head's voice was heard close enough

– You are very confident, don't you think? – trying to track down any of the three. – You are not usually so talkative

– Says the smug who thinks we compensate his power – jumping as far as I could, I managed to cancel his attack using my combat weapon at the same time as him. I managed to dodge it, but I was feeling overwhelmed. So far, I hadn't made any attacks and I felt the weight of time on my shoulders. The time limit for the exam was barely one hour, if I couldn't submit them in that time, I'd fail.

– Don't get distracted! – This time the whip managed to reach my arm, causing me to lose my balance. And immediately afterwards, a cement column tried to encapsulate me in a kind of dome. I managed to barely escape, but I was getting sick of dodging them. I hid behind one of the props that resembled a Takoyaki stall.

– I guess it's time – I adjusted the mask that now covered part of my face, and it was just in time as a sweet fragrance began to make me dizzy. The heroine had already started using her special ability, which means she was far enough away from the other two to be able to use it. I changed my position, to put my plan in motion.

– Looks like he's not here, Midnight

– I thought ... – It worked! The mask I had asked Hatsume Mei replicated with great certainty the pitch and frequency modulation of my voice, just as I had asked. While my tutor's voice imitation was the one, I had tried the most to use, I must admit I didn't think it was convincing. Only two remain.

Now whoever was my opponent was under my control which means that while I was here, I was not within the control range of the most troublesome hero of the three.

– You will be my shield and cover me from their attacks. – I ordered. We both ran along several streets, which told me that the other pair had already figured out my plan.

– How useful is that accessory you have there! – As a professional trainer, Midnight managed to ward off Eraser Head's attack

– I just followed my tutor's suggestions – I replied, and moments later, the floor rose on uneven concrete blocks. I knew that at some point he must blink, but if I didn't make either of the two heroes speak, I couldn't control them. At this point, I didn't know how much time had passed, but I had to have at least thirty minutes and I wasn't anywhere near winning. I had to hurry.

– Take us to the tallest building – I ordered the professional under my control, and she did so, not before hitting Eraser Head, causing him to hit a wall; I should seize this opportunity. We were at a considerable height, and while my plan was very risky, if I wasn't going to go for it all, I wouldn't be able to use my full potential. – Jump – I ordered and she was free falling straight to the concrete. – Bye! – I warned the professor, simulating my withdrawal.

– Midnight! – and once I heard his voice, I had to act quickly

– Create a concrete slide that stops her fall! – I yelled and, as I had calculated, he followed my orders. I already had two heroes under my power; now only one remains.

Descending the same rigid structure that kept the heroine unharmed, it was essential to mobilize and change our location.

– Cementoss, you'll be defense. Midnight, you will be attack. – I ordered. We advanced until we found ourselves in an area that pretended to be a park. While it would be a disadvantage for me as well, I needed to be in a clear enough place so as not to lose sight of the remaining professional.

– Look how the roles have been reversed – I jumped away from the hostages that Eraser Head now had held between his capture weapon. I was beginning to feel exhausted, which meant that I was reaching the limit of my quirk and had at most ten minutes left before the test ended. Both professionals, neutralized, lay unconscious at the foot of the surrounding trees.

– It seems that now it will be just you and me. – I commented at a safe distance

– It's a shame it's for such a short time. – Redirecting his capture weapon towards me, reaching one of my arms, knocking me to the ground. I felt like my ribs creaked as they hit the pavement while the air was scarce. If I didn't move fast, I was lost.

I looked around and redirected one of my ropes to some rocks next to me, redirecting them towards my target. While I didn't take the number of shells I wanted, they were enough to pull me out of his grip. Which allowed me to redirect my ropes to his feet pretending to subdue him, without success.

– You'll have to do better than that – presumptuous

– So? – I took part of the rocks that I had thrown at him earlier and made them start to fall from above and, although I could also be injured, I managed to get him to move far enough.

– There are five minutes – was heard from one of the speakers. And to top it all, the two heroes began to gain knowledge, free from my mind control.

– I shouldn't have underestimated you – a strong whip hit me against some benches, causing me to exhale pressure into my lungs.

– I didn't think you were so vindictive – Sitting up

– You risked his life! – a succession of walls of different sizes surrounded me almost immediately; I barely managed to move to avoid them, but a sharp stab in one of my arms hampered my movements, leaving me on the ground a few seconds later. My shoulder was dislocated. And not only that, my head was about to explode due to the extensive parameter that was covering my mind control. One more blow, and all the training would have been in vain.

I managed to lean on one of the trees to have a panoramic view of the terrain that, to my surprise, was clear. I propelled myself towards a fountain with my capture weapon only to hit a wall that came out of nowhere and was subsequently whipped by Midnight.

– You should have been more cautious – I could barely move, and the headache was getting more intense

– You're right where I want you – I had stored enough debris dust from previous attacks to create a thick smoke screen around us. I knew that giving them the false assurance that I was defenseless, would make them approach to attack me. – Get as far away from here as you can! I yelled, blocking the remaining hero's attempts to stop them in their retreat, being instead dragged across the ground by him.

– That won't be enough! – Eraser Head's capture weapon had me subdued on the ground, while his eyes were on me. In all the time I had been with him, only once had I managed to use my mind control on him and I regretted it enough to never even think about repeating it, but this time it was different. – It was a good idea that you adapted a voice modulator, however, it's not enough – tightening the strips around me, making the air in my lungs even more scarce.

The arduous training, the sleepless nights studying and reviewing theory, along with my duties as a student and during my internship for my provisional license, it would all have been for naught if I did not deal with the biggest challenge I have ever faced.

I knew that increasing the frequency and intensity of my mind control in the state I was in would further accelerate its wear and tear in no time, but I had no choice.

– One–minute left – the speakers sentenced. It was now or never.

– Brain Wash! – it was the special technique that I had been improving alone

– Is that the best you have? – tightening the strings even more

– Only better for last – in a low voice as I sneakily adjusted the mask

– Better try next time – he replied pedantically.

– Did you think that when you saw me die?

– What…? – I did it! Just for my head to send warning signals to the rest of my body. I modulated my voice to match that of the late hero Mr. Nighteye, with whom he was a companion during the last mission in which he was involved.

Although it took at least five seconds to take effect, the technique consisted of allowing me to control my targets no matter how minimal the sound they produced, increasing the frequency of reach and power of my quirk for less time, but with greater intensity.

– Let go! I ordered, inhaling with difficulty. – Come here. – I said in a low voice referring to the most remote heroes, while I felt that my head was going to explode shortly, but I had to get up, otherwise, I would not pass the test.

By this point, my vision was blurry and my body felt feverish, bringing to mind a memory of my childhood during the time I was in the orphanage. The image of three villains who had entered the place to hold the rest of the children and me as hostages, came clearly to my memory; I had used my quirk on the three for a long time, being the first time that I reached my limit, and as a result of deja vu, the image of that event was much clearer now; just before I vanished, I had been held by the warm hands of a dark figure that was now familiar to me.

– It was you ... – I uttered in a low voice, looking at the hero who was motionless behind me, under my control. I felt the urge to get up with all my remaining strength, to face the three of them as the remaining pair approached me.

I remember now; I thought you were my father, but it was you who held me. My example to follow in my aspirations, which I always admired and which saved me on more than one occasion; who was my motivation to be better, to become a hero. If I had to defeat you to show you that I am a worthy ward, I would.

The headache was overwhelming me, but I would not give up. I took all three of them with my capture weapon wishing that what seemed like a mere minute, was now a second.

The strident sound of a siren announced the end of the time limit.

I fell to my knees, stunned. My surroundings kept spinning and my head was as heavy as an anvil.

– You did very well – were his hands. Again, he was holding me like that time, except that now, I was not afraid, I was happy; infinitely happy that he was with me because I no longer felt alone, now I had him.

...

I woke up in the infirmary with a pounding heartbeat, and bandages covering part of my back and shoulders. I was sleepy, but aware of my surroundings.

– You will spend the night here, to make sure you have no long–term damage. – Recovery Girl's voice was comforting. – But remember that reaching your limit causes these side effects. However, with rest you will be like new. – Putting on an oxygen mask, going back to sleep.

The clarity coming from the window forced me to open my eyes, making me doubt that the fight against Eraser Head, Midnight and Cementoss had been real. If it hadn't been for the note citing "Good performance" from Hizashi, accompanied by a bowl of fruit next to my bedside table, I'd think I would have dreamed it all.

– At last you wake up – the voice of my tutor surprised me. He was holding a book.

– Good morning to you too – sitting up in bed

– You fainted shortly after the match, which took away points. – The black–haired man continued. – Among many other execution errors. As I told you, if you were not aware of your surroundings after an encounter, you were going to end up unprotected. – He asserted. Just what I needed after being unconscious. – However, your overall performance was remarkable. – Taking his hand to my hair to caress it – Well done – I think I saw him outline a shy smile. – Now it only remains to wait for the deliberation of the commission of heroes.

– I'm exhausted – I exhaled dropping on the back of the bed

– You can ask to stay another night here if you wish – he suggested.

– No. I want to go to my room, being here is causing me anxiety – although in reality it was the idea of waiting for the results that would decide or not a drastic turn in my plans to become a hero.

– Fine – Getting up from his seat. – I'll sign the permission for you to retire. – Leaving the place.

It was at least two in the afternoon when I was back in the dorms. The image of them had become habitual to me in a very short time, and yet I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed in front of them.

– The results will be announced during the week. – At the foot of the stairs – And I also know that tomorrow you must attend classes, but you are still in time to ask for a permit and rest for the day tomorrow – he repeated a few steps from the entrance

– It's okay. I don't want to be left back. – I wanted to withdraw, but he stopped me by the shoulder

– You don't have to try so hard – he rarely showed so much attention to me. It was unusual to see him this concerned.

– I'll be fine. I will take my medications and follow Recovery Girl's directions. – I assured, while he nodded heavily.

– By the way. – This time he sounded more animated. – The use of the mask to modify your voice was very ingenious. – Rewarded, however, his comment only reminded me of the hurtful strategy I used as a last resort.

– I'm so…

– You don't have to apologize. You gave your best at all times, and I expected no less. – He brought his hand behind his neck, just like I usually do when I'm tense. – You are getting more and more cunning. – now showing me a smile even wider than the previous one

– I learned from the best – I replied, returning the gesture before leaving.

I flopped onto my bed, as if years had passed since I was last in the room. I felt my heartbeat crash into my chest, but far from being convinced that it was a product of fatigue, I knew that it was the uncertainty about the results that kept me in this ambiguous state. Although I was sure that I did my best, that was not a guarantee that it would be enough.

– But regardless of the results, I'm satisfied. – Settling into my bed – And I want to share it with you, Kaminari. – falling asleep thinking about him.

The week was almost over and I still hadn't received any response regarding my results, so I assumed the worst.

– Why are you so crestfallen? – Hizashi passed in front of the dormitory when I returned from class

– I'm just tired – I lied.

– I thought at this time you would be more animated. – Placing his hand on my shoulder. – I came to help you pack. – The muscles of my whole body tensed at his words

– What do you mean? – incredulous of having understood

– Apparently our breakfast in the morning was not the only thing you forgot, Shota. – Appearing disapproving – In that case. – Hugging me, without warning. – Congratulations! – I still didn't understand anything, feeling my heart beat hard. – You passed the exam for the heroes' course. You are now part of class 1A, Hitoshi.


I don't think I'm that good at describing fights or things like that, but I hope I could have done well. This was one of the most difficult chapters to write.

Fact # 54

I liked writing about Shinso's training process, as it was something gradual but constant. I hope they manage to reflect the same in the anime.

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