Chapter 14: Training Schedule
Gimei circled around the meditating Izuku, who sat atop one of the many towering mountains in the darker recesses of his mind. The purpose? To cultivate patience. Three days had already passed, and in this mental realm, where time moved at a different pace, each outside hour translated to three days within the mind world. As the fourth day dawned, Gimei spoke, "Alright, that's enough. Tell me, how do you feel?"
"I feel... a lot calmer?" Izuku responded, his voice carrying a newfound serenity.
Gimei chuckled, a sound echoing within the ethereal landscape. "Alright, it worked."
"I wonder," Izuku muttered, "should I call you Gimei-Sensei?"
To this, Gimei raised an eyebrow. "I'm not a teacher, Midoriya. So, no, you don't have to."
"Yeah, I'm calling you Gimei-sensei," Izuku declared with a smirk.
Gimei sighed, feigning irritation. "Alright then, the next thing we'll need to do is..."
And so, a demanding month and a half unfolded for Izuku. At times, he was in the real world, physically training, while at others, he delved into the mind world. In this ethereal space, Gimei imparted the basics of swordsmanship, spears, and hand-to-hand combat. They honed Izuku's proficiency with firearms, ensuring he could handle a pistol or revolver with semi-professional skill.
In the tangible world, Izuku immersed himself in books, delving into the realms of anatomy, weapons, warfare, and combat strategy. It was an exhaustive pursuit, piecing together the knowledge necessary to become a hero of unparalleled intellect.
Gimei's lessons extended beyond the physical and intellectual. He coached Izuku on the art of masking his true personality, guiding him to create a cold, impenetrable wall as if it were a mask.
Upon Gimei's suggestion, when Izuku visited Takoba, he navigated the maze of trash, discovering small, easily accessible yet well-hidden holes. In these clandestine spots, he strategically placed sentinels and alarms in the form of Bergische Krähers, six of which surrounded the camper where the main army would reside. Two more found their places within the camper, and one perched on its roof. Patrolling around the camper were four Dong Tao roosters, aided by ten Great White Pelicans, and the latest addition to the army, a wild boar.
As the weeks passed, Izuku's connection with The Feathered Vanguard strengthened, and his skills expanded exponentially. The training, both mental and physical, set the stage for a hero unlike any other.
In the shadows of his own mind, Izuku forged himself anew, ready to face the challenges that awaited him, both within UA and the darker corners of the hero world.
The last few weeks of August had arrived, casting a sense of urgency over Izuku. A roll call among his ranks revealed the unity among his diverse army—no longer just a feathered battalion, with the recent addition of a wild boar. The need for a name change lingered, an acknowledgment of their evolving composition.
Gimei, ever the strategic guide, recommended a shift to weight training for the final stretch of preparations. Though not an extensive regimen, it marked a departure from Izuku's earlier routines. On the sandy shores, three training dummies stood as silent adversaries, awaiting the onslaught of Izuku's honed skills.
Izuku positioned himself a few meters away, a Glock 18 in hand. The sun dipped toward the horizon, casting a warm glow over the beach as the ocean waves provided a rhythmic backdrop to his training. With a focused gaze, he squeezed the trigger, sending controlled bursts toward the dummies.
The crack of gunfire echoed across the beach, punctuated by the thuds of bullets hitting their targets. Two of the dummies bore the evidence of Izuku's accuracy. He holstered the Glock, contemplating the progress made in these final training sessions.
Gimei's ethereal presence materialized beside him. "Not bad, Midoriya. Your aim is improving."
"Thanks," Izuku replied, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "But it feels like there's more we need to do."
Gimei nodded, his expression cryptic. "You're right. The physical aspect is crucial, but don't forget the mental preparation. Your journey is about more than just strength and skill."
"What else is there?" Izuku inquired, a tinge of curiosity in his voice.
Gimei circled him, the air tinged with an otherworldly energy. "Perception, strategy, and the ability to adapt. Heroes are not just defined by their physical prowess but by their minds. The battles you'll face will demand more than strength—they'll require cunning and resilience."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows on the beach, Izuku absorbed Gimei's words. The combination of physical and mental training had become the cornerstone of his preparation. The Feathered Vanguard, or whatever they would soon be called, needed a leader whose abilities surpassed the conventional.
The following weeks unfolded with a balance of rigorous physical exercises and mental conditioning. Izuku's interactions with his diverse army intensified, solidifying their unity. The boar, now named Kuro, became an integral part of their unconventional team.
As the sun set on the last day of August, Izuku stood on the beach, gazing at the horizon. The imminent challenges at UA and beyond beckoned, but he felt a newfound confidence. The training, both physical and mental, had forged him into a hero of extraordinary potential, ready to face whatever trials lay ahead.