You go back and forth between encouraging Rae to take Julius up on his offer, but at the end of the day, you decide it would be better for Rae not to rely on her mysterious potential benefactor. "I think you should take the time off to go on a spiritual journey, Rae," you advise.

"But…."

"But nothing," you reassure her. "Exploring the world alone might be scary, but it could do you much good. You could learn many things about yourself that you never knew before. And I'm sure the spirit of adventure will also help you gain perspective on your quirk."

"Are you sure?"

"Absolutely," you declare. "And if it doesn't work out, you can always take that job at the library or ask Julius for a job after returning to the States. Worst case, you had an unproductive vacation."

Rae nods. "Thanks, Kazuha. I appreciate the advice."

"Just promise you'll come visit Japan at some point. Himiko and I would love to show you around our home."

"I'll think about it."

Rae gets up from your bed, heading to the door. "I'm gonna… get something to eat."

"We'll talk later," you promise.

"Sure," Rae says, a small smile on her face, as she leaves the room.

You would be behind her… if it wasn't for Gary knocking on the door.

"Hey again, Kaz," he greets. "We got interrupted last time, but when I saw Rae leave, I figured we might be able to finish what we were talking about before Jason showed up."

"Right," you smirk. "Honestly, I was also about to look for you to finish the whole relationship talk."

"Huh," Gary blinks. "Well, great minds think alike?"

"That is not how that phrase is supposed to be used."

"No, that's precisely how to use it. You just don't like being compared to people you view as less intelligent than you."

"Do you really think I'm that vain?"

"Let's just say I wouldn't put it past you," Gary shrugs.

"Well, I can't say you're wrong," you relent, exasperated. "But if you're asking me for an opinion, I'd say screw what Ember thinks. You should date Ava."

"That joke again?" Gary bemoans. "It wasn't funny the first time."

"Who said I was joking?"

"Excuse me?"

"Look, what I'm about to say stays between us, okay. You didn't hear it from me."

Gary nods with clear bafflement on his face.

"Remember Pony's birthday party the weekend before the I-Island incident?"

"Oh yeah. The first time I was ever here, actually. Melissa had never invited us before."

Gary's face lights up in realization.

"Ava was here, too, right? Ember had invited her without asking you, Melissa, or Pony. Sorry about that. Yeah, that was a bitch move."

"Uh, no?" you correct. "I mean, yeah, Ember totally did that, but that's not why I brought it up."

"Then…."

"Well, Ava and Ember got into a catfight in the kitchen."

"Is that why we left early?" Gary questions. "I thought Ava had a ride home."

"She didn't. Luckily, Pony and Rae were already planning on staying the night. Making a girls' sleepover out of it, along with Marianne from the junior class once the boys left."

"So you are friends with Ava? Why does that matter?"

"Because during that sleepover, we played Truth or Dare. And during that game of Truth or Dare, Ava let it slip that she has a crush on you."

Gary's jaw drops. "Seriously?"

"You think I'd lie to you about this?"

"No, but… really?"

"But what about her friendship with Ember?"

"Ember left you, not the other way around. If she didn't want Ava snatching you up for herself, she should've begged you to take her back. And if Ember is going to complain about you moving on and take it out on Ava, then neither of you needs Ember in your life in any capacity."

"I guess," Gary accepts. "I'll think about it. I'm not quite ready to jump back into another relationship, but if something happens with Ava and me… well, I'll keep my mind open."

"And your heart," you tease.

"Sure."

You and Gary chuckle.

"I don't think I've said this yet, but happy graduation day," you congratulate.

"I know we haven't known each other very long, Kazuha. But I think I can say this on behalf of the entire friend group: thank you for coming to America."

"You're welcome."

One week later, you've repacked your suitcase, all ready to head off to Central Park Hero Camp with Himiko. You were hoping to see Rae off at the airport, but unfortunately, Melissa made it very clear before leaving for I-Island that missing the opening ceremony was non-negotiable.

Akia brings you and Himiko to Central Park Hero Camp. The place is just as run down as expected; it's basically a giant monument full of ruins outside a few scattered buildings renovated for the camp's sake. It's a national park that has been treasured; some of the ruins even have greenery.

As you are dropped off and say goodbye to Akia and Violet, the rest of the morning is a blur until the opening ceremony.

You, Himiko, and Pony stand near the front of the stage, and the crowd gathers around you. The camp counselors tower above you on the platform, all of whom are respected in the hero community.

In the center of it all is Cow-Lady, Pony's mother. A pro hero since before All Might debuted, Ms. Tsunotori became famous in the United States for her exceptional beauty, strength, and tenacity. While the centaur, now in her late fifties, is not quite the symbol of so many perverted fantasies as she was in her youth, the pro hero has transitioned into a mentorship role for her daughter and other upcoming heroes like yourself.

"Welcome, everyone, to Central Park Hero Camp!" Cow Lady announces. "All of you have gathered here today for one reason: presumably to become future heroes. Over the last several years, we have worked tirelessly to provide the best possible training for up-and-comers like yourselves. Some of you will go on to enroll in programs to become licensed professionals and sidekicks. Others will seek to develop support gear and improve our system from the comfort of their office. And more still will enroll in the police, military, or other branches of our armed forces. Maybe this program will allow you to consider if public service is your career path. Regardless of your ambition, you have been accepted because of your potential to do good in the world, no matter what form that takes. You've come from all over the country; some are even visiting from places worldwide, like Europe or Japan. And I know all of you are ready to prove yourselves, to train and learn in these hollowed grounds, which should remind us that we will not allow a travesty like the one that occurred here during the dark ages to happen again."

As Cow-Lady concludes her opening remarks, she is followed up by another well-respected hero: Elecplant. His quirk, electricity generation, is one of the most iconic among active pro heroes; its power allowed Elecplant to establish himself in the United States and England, among other stations. And yet, it was a quirk that very few dream of having, for its most horrifying drawbacks.

"There are multiple different aspects to the hero industry, as my esteemed colleague has just highlighted. Not every hero uses support gear, while some, like myself, rely entirely on such technology to keep themselves alive due to their quirk's unstable nature. As living, sentient electricity, I would have ceased to exist long ago without my suit as a conduit. I needed to learn to perform maintenance on my own gear, such equipment vital to my survival. For such reasons, my course revolves around the history of support items, the industry that has developed around it, and even a deep dive into the development with hands-on experience. Additionally, those with long-ranged quirks may be interested in joining my program to learn how to cultivate such extraordinary abilities. Our camp is about providing you with options to become the person you want to be."

Another hero takes center stage: Clair Voyance. Much like Elecplant, Clair Voyance has made a name for herself internationally, including a limited presence in Otheon. She established partnerships with big hero agencies, including Endeavor's Agency, effectively leasing herself as a professional sidekick for significant missions.

"I'll be blunt: not all quirks are created alike. You will not be Omnipotent, Star & Stripe, or All Might; you can only be the best version of yourself. My quirk is not strong on its own. In a straight-up fight, I've lost to the quirkless. How, then, did I become a professional hero? Through three essential traits: tenacity to succeed, understanding my strengths and weaknesses, and keeping my expectations in check. My quirk gives me X-ray vision; my body is built for infiltration and stealth. I had to cover my weaknesses while forcing myself into an archetype to succeed. I needed to be dexterous and agile to be better at stealth. I needed to be persuasive. I needed to be proficient with weapons and targeting weak points in my opponent's biology. And most importantly, I needed to find scenarios where I could support allies requiring my skillsets."

Clair Voyant takes a deep breath. "My class is most catered to help the people like myself, whose quirks are complicated, that aren't flashy. For those who can look themselves in the mirror and recognize that their quirks situate them better as a sidekick or as part of a team, I can help you reach your maximum potential. The same goes for those whose quirks don't inherently have combat capabilities or those who believe their strength will come from how they use their words. That is all."

Quickly bowing, the final member of the primary staff steps forward: Cathleen Bate, a woman you are surprised to find looks somewhat familiar to you… not that you can actually piece it together quite yet.

"I understand there might be some confusion between my offerings and Cow Lady's. I will take that opportunity to rectify that. Cow Lady's course is relatively simple to understand: as a hero from the Bronze Age, Cow Lady has experienced much in her life; she fought crime before my birth. Her quirk is also interesting, being a transformation quirk but similar to many mutation quirks. Cow Lady is here to teach you the history of quirks and heroes. Additionally, she will show you how to use your body's unique biology to your advantage. Of all our programs, hers is the easiest to comprehend and the one I expect most of you to join."

From the corner of your eye, you see Pony look incredibly proud on behalf of her mother; there is no question that Pony intends to join her mother's class.

"My section will be split into two," Cathleen reveals. "The first is for those among you who are quirkless. As alluded to earlier, many jobs in civil service require all types of people; you can be a hero in your own way, even without any powers to your name. Many of my colleagues have ascended the ranks, and others have even become Morphers. Even on the street level, we need good cops. Healing quirks are not abundant; EMTs are vital to our society as long as villains are around. There are firefighters, detectives, private investigators, and others. And maybe some of you simply want to learn how to protect yourselves and your families from a villainous attack in case you get stuck in such an awful situation. All those things are entirely valid, and what my boot camp is for. My officers and I will train you and prepare you for all these scenarios as best as possible to give you the best chance at pursuing any of these careers."

In the crowd behind you, Jason seems determined to prove himself. You're surprised he's keeping his distance from you, but you don't sense malice. No, he wants to stand on his own two feet, to prove to himself and you that he's meant for this.

"The second?" Cathleen resumes. "Each councilor has the option to take on C.I.T's. Case in point: Pony Tsunotori has already been declared one by her mother, Cow Lady."

You see Pony's back straighten, slight shock on her face. You fight the temptation to roll your eyes when you see Cow Lady smirk at her daughter.

"Traditionally, the C.I.T. position is reserved for exemplary students who can serve as role models and go above and beyond the grade. My C.I.T.s will have regular duties, be expected to participate in all activities, and receive training on the side at night. It is a boot camp for a boot camp, and I hope anyone given the opportunity to train under me will rise to the occasion."

The rest of the presentation passes by in a blur as you consider your options. While you knew Central Park Hero Camp's multiple courses, you had yet to fully consider what class you would undertake. You only have assumed that you have to be close to Himiko due to your uncontrollable cravings.

Luckily, before Horie left for Japan, your sister gifted you a collection of blood packs, as she promised. Some of the blood was taken from you and Himiko, but most of it was donated by all your friends: Pony, Gary, Rae, Jason, Miles, and Melissa. While none of the blood could gift you their quirks, the fact that they let you draw blood at all, even with Horie's healing, was a huge sign of trust and appreciation. You'll never forget them being willing to do this for you; because of them, you and Himiko can attend the summer camp with Horie going home. You just hope that it's enough to sate your cravings and that you can keep it a secret.

By the end of the presentation, which goes over the ground rules for the camp, you're still lost in a haze; you're stumped by choice paralysis.

Elecplant begins wrapping up the proceedings. "You will each have the rest of the first day to figure out which program you will enter. Be mindful that the house you join will be the one you live with for your entire stay here. While you will have opportunities to make friends across the divisions, such interactions will be limited. Regardless, even if you have come here with friends, I hope you make the best choice for yourselves and your future. Whether you join my section or not, I wish you all an incredible summer experience and one you will cherish for the rest of your life."

You watch as the crowd disperses, everyone incredibly pushy, quite literally, as they try their best to get to the front, anxious to be the first in line to talk with the councilors one-on-one.

Scoffing, you and Pony remove yourselves from the situation, giving yourself some breathing room, unfortunately losing Himiko in the crowd. As you get some fresh air away from the other students, Pony smiles at you.

"Well, my choice was easy," Pony giggles. "Not that you probably expected anything different."

"Nope," you sass back at her. "I always knew you were a Momma's girl."

"I'm still working on my quirk," the blonde admits. "My quirk is supposed to be a dual type, but I've never really gotten the whole transformation thing down. Mom was hoping that we could figure it out this summer. I'll probably still get into Yuuei without it, but… it will be a struggle. If I don't nail it now, it'll be harder to do it later."

"Do you want my help?" you offer.

"I'd love you and Himiko to join me. I-I could probably convince Mom to make you both her C.I.T.s as well. But I don't want you and Himiko to hold back for my sake. And I know Mom might be unable to help Himiko out all that much. At least, maybe not as much as the other councilors. It really depends on what type of hero she wants to be."

"I'm still figuring that out. Himiko became a hero because she's following me around like a lost puppy."

"She can do that," Pony notes. "You literally have a pet name for her."

"I'm just happy that Akia agreed to watch Violet for us. It's a massive weight off our shoulders."

"Well, I prepared you and Himiko to go to different sections. It'll suck; I was really hoping we could stay up at night and share manga or something, but considering the C.I.T.s share a room with the counselors, I, uh, doubt my Mom would've approved."

"Don't want your mom seeing your hobby?" you tease.

Pony blushes. "Yeah."

"It's probably too late for that. You aren't exactly subtle about your love for anime and manga; its reputation has never been great. I swear everyone thinks it's just porn."

"I-I don't like it for fanservice. It's because of my dad. I just want to be connected to him. And there are some fascinating stories mangaka have told."

"You're a broken record, Pony."

"Well, stop asking the same questions and expecting a different answer," Pony pouts.

"Maybe I will."

You look around; there's still no sign of Himiko.

"Do you think she got stopped by Jason or something?" you ponder aloud.

"Jason's mind is already made up, though, right?" Pony counters. "Unless he's begging Officer Bate on his hands and knees to make him a C.I.T., then I don't think he's got much to do for the rest of the day."

"Then where is she?"

That's when your eyes widen.

Himiko is chatting with Clair Voyance, a big, goofy, toothy grin on your girlfriend's face.

She gives you a hug as you reunite. "Hi, Kaz!"

"Hey," you say with a slight smirk, admittedly perplexed by Clair Voyance's decision to follow Himiko doing anything else. "So, pardon my rudeness, but… what exactly are you doing here? Don't you have potential campers to recruit?"

"That's our job!" Himiko interrupts.

"Excuse me?"

"Why didn't you tell me that Ms. Voyance called you in advance to make us her C.I.T.s?"

"Because she didn't," you bluntly respond before turning to the professional hero.

"But Ms. Voyance said you did," Himiko counters, completely baffled. "It's why I signed up for her section."

"What exactly is going on here?"

The blue-eyed hero grimaces. "As I said in my speech, I support allies requiring my skillsets."

You start piecing together exactly what Clair Voyance is throwing down.

"This is your first year at the camp," you state as fact.

"Indeed."

"Why?"

"Endeavor heard that you were going to be attending hero camp."

Your eyes narrow, suspicious. "What does the hothead want with me this time? Is he still pissed that Nezu and Recovery Girl adopted me over him?"

"Whatever your past, he's interested in you now."

"I already have a father."

"He understands that," Clair Voyance clarifies. "It's why he wanted to conduct business here."

"What I don't understand is how he roped you in and what exactly his role is."

"Himiko Toga is officially my C.I.T. after signing the paperwork."

"You made her that through trickery."

"When my mother finds out, she won't stand for this," Pony interjects on your behalf.

"I think she will," Clair Voyance opposes. "It's too late to find a new counselor, and the camp is already short-staffed this year."

"Your reputation would take a hit quitting now," you note.

"Not as much as failing this mission would." the hero calls my bluff.

"So what exactly is your plan, then? I join as your C.I.T. along with Himiko? How does that accomplish anything?"

"You're too young to understand," Clair Voyance scolds. "As my C.I.T., I have permission to take you away at night for training. But I can do far more than that."

"And what? Himiko is your leverage?"

"I'm what?" Himiko tilts her head. "Beverage? Only Kazuha's allowed to drink my blood!"

You elbow Himiko, not wanting to give Clair Voyance any potential blackmail.

"I don't see why you're complaining," Clair Voyance shakes her head. "I might have to repay my debt to Endeavor, but I truly believe I'm a good teacher for you and Himiko. I saw the reports; you are a naturally smart and charismatic person. And from what I've heard, you've got a very versatile quirk. Together, you two would be perfect for infiltration and support. You, particularly Kazuha, could complement any team composition with your wide range of abilities. You stick with me, and I'll take you on missions. Under the table, of course, assuming you prove yourself."

"Endeavor doesn't control me," you bark.

"It is no secret that Endeavor wants nothing more than to surpass All Might, if not himself, then his son, Shoto Todoroki."

"How is that my problem? What does he want? A quirk marriage? I'm taken."

"It's more than a child that Endeavor wants. If one hero alone can't take the top spot, then perhaps a team. You and Shoto are two of the most substantial quirks among the recruits, two of the only ones that may possibly compete with the greatest hero to ever exist."

"Translation: if I won't be his daughter, then I should be his daughter-in-law. I won't do that to Himiko."

"Please just make this easy on the both of us," Clair Voyance begs. "I don't like this either, but a job is a job."

"And you call yourself a hero?"

"Grow up, Kazuha. Being a hero is not black and white. Sometimes, the best of heroes have to do morally reprehensible things; a lot worse than playing matchmaker."

Your eyes narrow as Himiko squeezes your hand, and Pony backs away from the intensity of the conversation.

"So," Clair Voyance presses. "What will it be?"

"What exactly seems to be the problem here?"

You, Clair Voyance, Himiko, and Pony all turn your heads at the newcomer: it's Cathleen Bate.

"Nothing," Clair Voyance attempts to quell the commander's fears. "Why are you here?"

"I planned to invite Kazuha Chiba-Shuzenji and Himiko Toga to be my C.I.T.s."

Pony gasps, shocked. So are you, but you hide your emotions well, only slightly raising your eyebrows.

"Why are you interested in two foreigners?" Clair Voyance questions Cathleen. "It's not like they'll join the military."

"Heroes are heroes, no matter where they come from. Why discriminate?"

"Okay, let me rephrase this: why do you care?"

"Well, I overheard your conversation," Cathleen admits. "And let's just say I don't appreciate anyone getting in the middle of another's romantic choices, especially children. Kazuha isn't someone to breed. She's not an object for Endeavor to control."

"These matters don't concern you. Besides, Himiko already made her decision."

"And I have seniority," Cathleen counters. "And I think we both know that between the two of us, Cow Lady would approve my requests over your own."

"What can you offer them that I can't?"

"Himiko and Kazuha will be my only aids. My C.I.T.s have all become incredible heroes at the top of their fields. All my quirkless C.I.T.s have gone on to become Morphers. And considering that my original C.I.T. has been demoted, I require new cadets. And from what I've seen and heard of these two, they have the potential to be whoever they want to be. And unlike yours, with my exposure to a little bit of everything, I can help them improve their use of quirks."

"You have a quirk?" you interrogate.

"Is that really so surprising?"

"No," you admit. "But I'm more curious about what it is."

Cathleen scratches her chin. "Sorry, but that's classified."

"Huh?"

"But if you become my C.I.T., I promise to let you know. And I'll ensure that Endeavor stays off your back. We can work on your quirk or whatever you want. My quirk… well, I can say that it will allow me to truly help you grow your quirk, not just your skills. That's something that Clair Voyance can't offer you."

"My specialty is way more helpful to you," Clair Voyance argues. "The strength of your quirk and proficiency doesn't matter if you don't have the skills to back it up. And do you really want to have an enemy out of Japan's future #1 hero?"

"All Might won't lose to Endeavor," Cathleen seethes.

"Eventually, the old generation will have to retire."

This is pathetic; they're literally fighting over me.

I don't know why Cathleen wants to recruit me, but I assume she knows me from somewhere, considering it feels like we've met before.

There are four different divisions, and I have my pick of them. I can take Clair Voyance or Cathleen Bate's offers to be their C.I.T., but I can also join Cow Lady or Elecplant, though the odds of me obtaining such a position are less likely, especially with Elecplant.

I also have to consider the drama with Endeavor and Clair Voyance. So long as Himiko stays with Clair Voyance, then my hands are tied. That's especially true if I don't join Clair Voyance since the blood-craving aspect of Himiko and I's quirk would almost certainly get outed. I'm worried it could be dangerous to separate Himiko and myself. Then again, if I join Cathleen, Himiko could follow me, so there is a way for me to get Himiko away from her. Yet maybe I just rip off the band-aid; even if I join another house, so long as I'm a C.I.T., I might be able to deal with whatever Endeavor wants of me. But do I fall into his 'trap,' even if it means playing nice? It's a massive risk to associate myself with Endeavor, but just as much so, making an enemy of him. I must remember how whatever Endeavor wants will most likely affect things with Himiko, whether I like it or not.

So, I do have options. But… it's tough.

First off, consider what I want to train first: my body, my mind, my personality, or my quirk. Then, consider if I can be a C.I.T. for that person and if I want the responsibility in exchange for more training. Next, I need to know who I'll be a C.I.T. with and the connections I want to build with the councilors. Perhaps if I play nice, I can get their quirks? There are so many factors to consider. I just have to know who my best option is.

DECISION POINT: What Section Will Kazuha Join?

A - Cow Lady's (Himiko Stays With Clair Voyance)

B - Elecplant (Himiko Stays With Clair Voyance)

C - Clair Voyance (Himiko Stays WIth Clair Voyance)

D - Cathleen Bate

1 - Himiko Stays With Clair Voyance

2 - Himiko Joins Kazuha Under Cathleen