Chapter 22
"As you heard earlier from Vlad, work studies are available for first years. Here to explain how these are different from your internships; are the Big Three." Aizawa explained, introducing three third years; Mirio Togata, Nijire Hado, and Tamaki Amijiki.
"Wow. They're the top of the school." Momo gawked as Kaiya noticed how all three were drastically different from each other. Amijiki came off as the most shy and unsure of himself. Something she could relate to. As the Big Three did their own versions of introductions, and Mirio offered to show them his Quirk, Kaiya couldn't help but feel a tinge of excitement for their upcoming work studies.
"Would you work with your father?" Kaiya asked Todoroki as they followed Mirio to the training ground. He pondered the question for a while before shrugging his shoulders. "I know you're bummed about the license thing, but at least you aren't on house arrest like Midoriya and Bakugou." She tried to tease him, but Todoroki didn't budge. "Shoto?" But before he could respond, Aizawa called for attention to Mirio.
"Pay attention to what I do. I have an interesting Quirk. Let's see what you all can do." He smirked, bracing himself for the first line of attackers. Kaiya stood back to analyze the attacks and Mirio's counters before attacking herself.
"He disappears...through the ground?" She thought to herself. Mirio was quick and strong, his skills were far superior to Class 1-A's, but not because he was born with his power. "He worked hard to sharpen these skills. Just like we all have to do." Kaiya said, barely dodging Mirio's blows.
"You're quick. Oh wait, you're the elemental girl aren't you? You have many tricks up your sleeve." Mirio smiled, phasing in and out around Kaiya. "But so do I."
"Quit moving!" Kaiya growled, lighting her hand on fire and lunging for Mirio. However, her flame melted into the form as Mirio kicked the girl backwards hard. "Shit that hurts." She coughed, spitting some blood out. The entire class lay scattered around as Mirio stood naked.
"Take what you have learned here today and use it when it comes time for your work studies. Hard work and dedication will make all of you great heroes." Mirio smiled, dismissing the class.
Walking back to the dorms, Kaiya clutched her rib cage in pain, surprised at how intense Mirio had punched her. "Stupid permiation Quirk." She mumbled, feeling Todoroki brush up beside her. "You didn't want to fight Mirio?" He shook his head. "What is up with you?" She asked more sternly than she wanted, but her sore rib cage was cutting her temper short.
"Nothing." He mumbled before Kaiya's grasp pulled him from the group into a nearby hallway. "Kaiya?" He started before her eyes froze him. She was angry.
"All day you've been moping. What is it?" She asked, crossing her arms over her chest. He rolled his eyes and said nothing. "Don't shut me out. Is it because you're afraid you'll fall behind?" His eyes darted up to hers as the comment left her tongue. "Ah. So that's it."
"Everyday I don't get my license is a step further from everyone. I can't afford to fall behind." He sighed, rubbing his face roughly. "There's too much riding on me for that to happen." Kaiya's eyes softened at his admittance, placing a warm hand on Todoroki's arm.
"You can tell me these concerns, you know? I'm here for you." She whispered, tracing her thumb over his forearm.
"I don't know how to...lean on someone?" He tried, unable to explain how he was feeling. "I just deal with it on my own."
"Not anymore. We help each other. Trust me, it won't be easy for me either." Kaiya smiled, seeing a small sense of relief fall over Todoroki. "We'll figure it out together." Before Todoroki could reply, Aizawa's voice sounded.
"Kaiya. With me now please." Kaiya nodded to Todoroki before joining Aizawa in his classroom. "Sit." Kaiya obeyed. "Any thoughts on your work studies?" Kaiya froze. "I thought as much."
"Well, I did my internship with Endeavor and I learned a lot. But now he's the number one hero and I doubt he has time now." Kaiya mumbled, racking her brain for another option.
"Work with me until you get an agency." Aizawa grunted, pulling up a chair next to Kaiya.
"What?" Kaiya said, wrapping her hair in her fingers nervously. Working one on one with Aizawa? Wasn't that favoritism?
"I think my practical skills and combat experience will help form you as a whole. You have a great handle on your Quirk now. You have more confidence with experimenting with it; I want to work on your practical skills now and speed." He explained.
"You can take away my Quirk." Kaiya figured out, seeing what Aizawa was planning.
Aizawa nodded. "Exactly. I don't want you relying on your Quirk all the time as it takes a massive toll on you at times. So if you could work without it, your skills as a hero would be much more desired."
"I'd be honored to work with you." Kaiya nodded, seeing a small smirk under the black mess of hair her teacher wore.
"Good. It won't be easy." He warned, rising to his feet.
"Never expected it to be." Kaiya smirked, bowing to her teacher before he dismissed her.
As per usual, Aizawa's words were law. Endeavor's training had brought Kaiya to the brink of mental and physical exhaustion; but Aizawa was on a whole other level. They had trained for over a week by this point and every fiber of Kaiya's being was aching. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Kaiya gathered her breath before lunging at Aizawa before his wrapping bound her tightly. "You're thinking too much Kaiya. You're trying to be quicker than me. Be smarter than me." Aizawa instructed, pulling his wrapping closer to him.
"Didn't think that was possible sir." Kaiya seethed, lighting her hands on fire to burn her way out. Aizawa smirked at her comment, loosening the bounds around Kaiya.
"It is. But not right now." He grunted, turning his Quirk on again, extinguishing Kaiya's fire, causing her frustration. "Think smarter." He repeated, swinging punches her way. Kaiya counter attacked physically, dodging Aizawa's punches quickly, her muscles screaming out from overuse. "I see you struggling."
"Let me concentrate." She growled, kicking into the air, barely grazing Aizawa's head before he swung and pinned Kaiya down. "Damnit."
"You're strong Kaiya. Don't take your missteps for failure." Kaiya growled as Aizawa pressed her down further into the ground. "You will learn from everything you experience. Quirk or not."
"Yes sir." Kaiya groaned, feeling Aizawa lessen his pressure. That's when she felt her opportunity, swinging her legs over Aizawa and kicking her teacher backwards.
"Nice trick. You attacked when my guard was down. Impressive." He smirked, getting to his feet. Kaiya's legs shook as she got to her feet, blinking out the sweat droplets running down her face. "That's it for the day." He sighed, before answering his phone. "Yes?" Kaiya gulped down some water as she caught her breath while Aizawa spoke. "I'll be right there. I'm bringing someone too who can help." Kaiya clued in to his change of tone and waited to be instructed. "Take a shower and meet me down here as soon as you can. We have a mission."
Arriving at the facility they were told to meet at, Kaiya noticed the array of local and major heroes scattered around the room, including her classmates. "Why are we all here?" Ochako asked curiously while Deku and Misa chatted.
"I just tagged along to help Aizawa. Not sure why though. Kirishima? Any ideas?" The red head shook his head at Kaiya while they all took their assigned seats. Sir Night Eye began explaining their mission and their concerns that the criminal, Chisaki, had in regards to illegal drug trade. A heavy tension filled the room when a theory about Chisaki's daughter being used to make these illegal super drugs was spoken.
"Is that why I'm here?" Kaiya whispered to Aizawa. "Because I've been abused?" Her voice wavered slightly at the poor girls' situation when Aizawa nodded.
"I need you to have a clear head here okay?" Kaiya nodded and listened carefully to the rest of the mission brief. This was real hero stuff. She would have to learn quickly if this was to be a success.
