The following two chapters might be the ultimate culmination of my skills in writing original characters.
Alexander Springfield's time in this story (for now at least) is nearing its conclusion. Here is where I can take a real deep dive into this character that I never expected would ever become such an exciting facet of this story. As I mentioned before, I never expected this character to become popular as I had initially planned to kill him off.
Instead, Alex grew and developed in a way I never expected, which is honestly one of the best parts of working on this project. Thanks to this project, I learned so much about characterization and character development. And another thanks is needed to all of you wonderful readers who commented that this is one of a handful of stories that apparently use OCs correctly.
It is both extremely flattering and humbling.
I am grateful to all of you.
So I ask you all for a favor. These two chapters may feel like a filler that primarily focuses on two OCs, but I promise you. There are many things in these following two chapters that will have (and hope) far-reaching implications and consequences for all of our canonical future heroes-in-training.
I can also confirm that after these two chapters.
We will have one whole chapter and a half chapter remaining before the Sports Festival officially starts.
My Hero Academia Untold: The Fafnir Knight (Remastered Edition)
Saga I: Dusk
Arc III: The Sports Festival
Chapter XXXV: Alexander's Final Lesson Part 1
"This is the person you think is your antagonist, who ends up being your greatest ally: the person who pushes, criticizes, and challenges you to meet a standard of excellence you might not otherwise achieve."
-Bonnie Hammer
Toshinori took deep, careful breaths into the portable oxygen tank. At the same time, he watched as his assistant and now former UA student, Alexander Springfield, sat across from him, readying everything for today's lecture. They had just come out of a long staff meeting with surprising revelations. It almost made the veteran pro laugh; Alex had accidentally discovered Toshinori's true form yesterday when he was running late. He had completely forgotten that the young American had been invited to the staff meeting to plan today's lecture.
Needlessly to say. The resulting transformation led Alex to almost have a panic attack and left more than half the staff room reduced into laughing tears by the look of surprise on the Number One hero's face. Thankfully, with this secret out, Alex was far more forthcoming with a topic Toshinori was interested in learning more about.
"So today is the day, huh?"
"Yep," Alex spoke up softly, looking incredibly focused. "I take my Oath of Enlistment today. After that, I'm all in. No backing out 'til my tour's done or I'm in a box."
"I was just surprised to learn that the Mithril Project has finally been approved," Toshinori replied after taking another deep breath. "And even more surprised that you accepted their offer. And after I went on a brief dinner date with the Ambassador at the Prime Minister's request to get you that transfer spot to The Rhode Island Institute of Heroics."
"Yeah..." Alex laughed awkwardly. "I didn't know you had done that for me until after I decided to enlist. Sorry about that..."
"It's alright, young Springfield," Toshinori retorted with a chuckle. "Ambassador Diaz is a former Pro-Hero, so her company was quite pleasant. Now I'm just curious why Mithril? I've known about the project for years and thought it would have remained nothing more than a dead project."
"Well, between Mithril and RIIH, the choice was actually pretty easy," Alex answered as he carefully inserted stacks of paper nearly into manila envelopes. "Trust me, I won't have any friends in RIIH thanks to the nosedive that my reputation took back home. And it seems even some of the recruitment officers from Mithril took issue with me enlisting. But it seemed like I settled most issues after I took their exams and aced them a couple of days ago."
Toshinori looked down; he had been surprised by the news of Alex's sudden unpopularity back in the US. "I didn't know how much your reputation had suffered in the States."
"Yeah..." Alex sighed, trying to put on a brave face.
"After the initial shock of my injury and license getting stripped. Politicians did what they normally do: the middle ground pities me but can't do anything to help me. The Hard-Right hates me for scorning American hero schools and don't want me to come back to teach me a lesson in humility," he added with a scoff. "As if I hadn't been humbled enough times already..."
Alex shook his head. "Meanwhile, the Hard-Left hates me since they follow the Japanese government sentiment of me using excessive force. Some even think I should also be barred from being a hero in the States. Ignoring the fact that I almost died protecting my juniors, but hey, that's the politics for ya."
"It's gotten to the point that my family back home is getting harassed," Alex paused to sort the envelopes for classes 1-A and 1-B. "Either way, I'm going straight to my training base instead of seeing my family first. Regardless, I could have never gone to RIIH mostly out of pride."
Alex stopped what he doing and looked into Toshinori's eyes.
"All Might, do you know how many kids in America say they want to become Pro-Heroes when they grow up?"
"I imagine it's quite a common early on, just like here," Toshinori answered.
"Yep, and do you know how many kids brag they will somehow end up in one of the big league hero schools? Almost all of them. Well, as you know, the reality is that most kids grow out of the desire to become Pro-Heroes, and only a handful in the country end up in one of the big-league schools. However, there are the real idiots who never grow out of their delusions."
Toshinori saw Alex's expression become somber as he let out a hollow laugh.
"The among those idiots are those who want to go to one place: UA, the school that the number one Pro-Hero in the world attended. Every year, UA gets hundreds of thousands of applications from all around the world. And understandably, UA prioritizes native students. Yet, you still have delusional idiots from outside who think they can make it. And maybe they can...if they learn a brand new language, maintain a flawless, mind-numbing GPA. All while taking several written examinations that last for hours just to weed out scores of applicants at a time."
"Most of these idiots that apply are simply boastful talkers," Alex continued with that same hollow smile. "They often quit early while only the most stubborn remain. At least until the final rounds, when roughly...20~30 foreign applicants worldwide finally earn the privilege of being invited to take the practical examination at best. This usually ends up reducing the number further when they realize that not only can't they make the trip or move to Japan. They still have to pass the actual entrance exam for all that work to mean anything."
Toshinori simply sat there blinking, unable to retort as he felt like the young man just needed to vent.
"Usually, it's smart to have a backup plan, a backup school. But suppose you're truly dead set on joining UA. In that case, their foreign entrance exams are awkwardly timed, which usually conflicts with applying for places like RIIH. So, these true idiots who think they have a chance must decide early. Go to a local school? Or take the gamble for a chance at UA? The worst part is that school councilors automatically send transcripts to local hero schools. So RIIH and other schools can see those fools' perfect grades and fantastic test scores! So they are more than delighted to send recruiters to scout these promising young idiots. Only to be told that the applicant in question has foolishly decided to go to UA or some other foreign school."
"So what to do when that happens? The recruiters will start talking: to parents, homeroom teachers, councilors, to almost anyone who can try to convince these young fools to stop being fools and keep them from playing such a high-risk gamble. If they're lucky, they'll break the spell, and these fools will be free from such stupid ideas and go with the smarter route."
Alex let out another hollow laugh.
"However, there are those fools that stick to their guns. Now from there, the fools are split into two categories. Both are equally stupid, but one is at least wiser than the other. The wiser applicant keeps quiet about their intention to go to UA. They'd only be discovered when the fools either left to take the exam in Japan or break the news about their former intentions once they choose to go somewhere else. However, the true idiots are those who ran their goddamn mouths from the word go that it was UA or bust. These arrogant shits were the who basically got themselves blacklisted from other hero schools because they couldn't shut the hell up and kept running their mouths."
Toshinori slowly nodded as he realized what the young man meant. What Alex had done just for the chance to come here, he knew the odds for foreign applicants were stacked hard against them. But hearing it from one who had done it and seeing what it cost him just for a chance. It didn't help that Toshinori knew from experience that big-league American schools were often managed by prideful people.
People who wouldn't take kindly to being scorned by equally prideful applicants.
'He burned bridges just for the chance of coming here.' Toshinori almost face-palmed himself as he realized that he had placed Alex in an impossible situation, especially after the downturn in the boy's popularity at home. 'And we had tried to force RIIH hands to permit young Springfield a transfer...using a recommended spot no less!'
"So that's why you're joining Mithril..." Toshinori could see the bitterness in Alex's eyes; they were much like his own when the Draco Knight case started. His hands had been tied, with little recourse to do much else but perhaps the most desperate measures. It was little wonder Alex would choose the more extreme options for his immediate future.
"I did consider it...but it was too hard of a pill to swallow..." said Alex with a low voice, shaking his head as he began sorting the envelopes again. "I have too much pride, All Might. Hell, that's how I end up coming to UA...I had to have the kind of big-headed pride and ego to be here. I was told repeatedly throughout the years that it would have been impossible for someone like me to ever go to UA. And that just drove me to prove them all wrong. So, yeah. It's that same pride that won't let me go to RIIH to take someone's spot away from them. Someone who had earned their spot at RIIH, and how could I even dare to think of taking the easy way out?! That's just not me!"
Toshinori froze as he heard that familiar melancholy in Alex's voice. "Are you alright, young Springfield?"
"Of course, I have my doubts," Alex closed the briefcase with the files and placed it flat on the table. His glowing blue eyes were already dimmed and half-lidded from what appeared to be long sleepless nights. "I wonder if I'm really making the right choice by joining Mithril. Their offer is interesting, and I can agree with its mission statement."
Alex looked up; his tired eyes made him appear much older than eighteen.
"But I'm worried what it could do to the world of heroics. The fact that the US found a loophole in UFN law and the treaties about mixing Heroics and the Military. I fear a possible resurgence of the industrial-military complex that lead to so much wanton death and destruction during the Pre-Quirk Era. And don't get me started on the second US civil war during the early years of the Quirk Era that led to the Third World War. So I can't help but keep second-guessing myself because I'm doing this out of sheer pride. Even though it was what led to my downfall. I wonder if I should have finally swallowed my pride and taken the safe route by transferring to RIIH. Despite the push back I'd get from the public and my own sentiments."
Alex forced his eyes wide, and a wild smile grew along with them.
"Yet...the thrill to jump into something that could change the world for the better is equally tempting. Plus...it's a way to get my hero license while getting off the political radar. Even though it might instead lead me to an early grave. "
Toshinori was surprised by Alexander's maturity. The lad was self-aware of his weaknesses. Despite his usual comedic banter, Nezu had shown him Alex's student profile*. While lacking in general experience and physical strength. Alex made up for these shortcomings by being intelligent and incredibly adaptable. It was little wonder how despite only having one year as a whole Hero Course student, the young American still became a member of the Big Five. An achievement unheard of in UA's history until he came along.
Which meant Alex wasn't just all talk; he was someone who could back up his claims with proven results.
The fact that he had these genuine concerns the Mithril protect was a relief to the veteran Pro-Hero. Toshinori himself had been offered an advisor's spot for the Mithril Project by the American Government several years ago. He had declined for the same reasons that Alex had doubts. He feared what it could do to the world of heroics. Yet, maybe because Alex would be on track to become a full member, he could ensure that Mithril didn't go down the wrong path.
"Only time will tell, young Springfield. There isn't a road for you to follow when it comes to the path you're going to walk," Toshinori said in the lad's native tongue."But the journey you'll be undertaking soon should be made with a clear head. Walk with caution, of course, but I think a trailblazer like you should also walk with confidence. Follow your instincts and remain true to yourself, and when the time comes that you find yourself in conflict with a mission and your principles. Trust in yourself and remember what you learned about what it means to be a Hero to be your guide. Do that, and I have no doubt that you go far beyond."
"Plus Ultra, sir?" Alex asked with a half-smile.
"Plus Ultra, Alexander," Toshinori confirmed with a long bony smile.
"Heh, thanks, All Might."
"No, thank you, my young friend."
"They're coming, All Might; get ready," said Eraserhead with a muffled voice as he was still bandaged up from his time in the USJ. As he stepped inside the room to inform them that the first years were coming. "Springfield, you'll meet up with Snipe and Midnight for your part in the practical. All Might; Vlad King will help you supervise the students during the lecture."
"Thank you for the heads up, Aizawa," said Toshinori before turning to his young assistant. "Is everything set, young Springfield?"
Alex looked up as he grabbed the silver briefcase. "All set, sir," he answered, switching back to Japanese.
"If you're set here, I'm off to collect the Liaisons," Eraserhead added before stopping at the exit to give one last piece of advice. "And try not to blow your cover again, All Might."
Toshinori gave out a long wounded sigh as he watched the man leave.
"You alright, boss?" Alex asked, unsure how to feel about the exchange.
"Of course, young Springfield," Toshinori reassured his young assistant with a hearty laugh.
"I'm just still adjusting to being a teacher! It's a lot harder than it looks! Now!" Toshinori turned into All Might with a loud proof, with his big smile shining brightly. "It's time for us to get to work!"
"Uhh...before that, sir. I just had a quick question," said Alex, looking slightly awkward.
"What it is?"
"Sir, I know you mean well," Alex answered with a nervous smile. "Isn't another joint lecture...kind of a bad idea right now?"
"They must learn to come together despite their issues," All Might countered; he reasoned that unity can't be formed unless they got to know each other better. It also helped that Eraserhead took his side regarding the topic. As the subject teacher, he had the final say regarding his methods. "After all, with the random nature of life: one never knows who they'll work with until it happens. They cannot afford to be picky about who will back them up when out in the field."
"I don't disagree with that, sir," Alex retorted. He found it awkward to disagree with the veteran, but he stood by his words. "But they're not Pros yet. They don't even have provisional licenses. They're just first-years who still have a lot of growing up. I'm just worried this could end up causing more problems than it solves. Forcing those who have issues with each other might only worsen that resentment."
"While that is a fair argument," All Might admitted with a nod, yet, he resolved to carry on with his plans. "The good news is they have the choice not to work together, but that might be choosing to put themselves at a disadvantage."
'Which could give those with issues fresh ammunition for said conflict,' Alex thought while hoping for the best outcome.
"I just think that we could have done something a little more casual?" Alex countered gently as he mentally reworked his approach to today's lecture. "Personally, I was down to have a party or a barbecue while they work on their costumes. I could've dug a pit to do some good ol' fashioned cooking with all the fixings and everything! Just something a little less serious and stressful and something more fun and casual. Just...something to let 1-A and 1-B interact and show that Midoriya's a good kid, ya know?"
"I understand, I truly do," All Might answered with a sagely nod, grateful beyond belief that his successor would have a strong outside supporter in his corner. "And I'm not against the idea either, but let's do it my way for now."
"Alright, then, let's go, boss."
Classes 1-A and 1-B gathered together in costume, excited for today's lesson. It helped that they had returned to Site Gamma's Operator's station. It was almost nostalgic to be back at the site of their first day of hero training. As they arrived, Izuku was happy to see All Might standing tall next to the large control console.
"Good morning, everyone!" All Might greeted them while motioning everyone to move forward. "Split up into your teams! We have a fun session today!" He paused as almost everyone returned with polite and excited responses as the classes further divided into their teams. He paused as almost everyone returned with polite and excited responses, only for the two classes to awkwardly look at each and decide to stand as far apart as from each other.
The veteran almost sighed frustration upon seeing this. It was as if Nezu and Alex could see into the future. He paused, however, when he noticed a gap in Class 1-A. "Is someone missing today?"
"Kasei is going to be a little late. His new costume needed some last-minute adjustments," Tenya was quick to answer before turning to face the remaining members of Team Three.
"I'll make sure he gets caught up, sir!" Kashiko answered calmly for her team with a raised hand.
"Well then! Let's begin our next lesson!" All Might declared as many of the blank screens behind him suddenly began to display a couple of generic heroic figures in various poses and colorful costumes. "Now! While I'm sure, you are all very excited about the upcoming Sports Festival. But! We also can't lose focus on what happens after the festival, either!"
There was a sudden flurry of excited whispers as internships after the Sports Festival were now common knowledge. As they did, All Might continued with vigorous enthusiasm.
"Now, most of you have had your costumes for some time. And by now, you should have a general idea of what does and does not work for you. And while you had a free training day yesterday. Today will be used as a chance to consider updating your current setup. So we'll be covering Quirk-Costume Synergy!"
Izuku couldn't help but let out an excited squeak as a large smile formed on his face. His notebook and pen seemed to materialize out of nowhere, much to the amusement of his classmates and the annoyance of a minority from the other class.
"And thankfully, I have a volunteer who happens to be an expert on the topic," All Might continued moving to the Operator's station and pressing a few buttons. "He's taken time out of his limited schedule to work with us today and help counsel you on how to take yourselves to the next level!"
The main screen went blank, while the camera began to blink red at the top of the screen. After a few seconds of loading, a familiar Caucasian face appeared with Snipe in the background.
"Hey guys," Alex greeted them with a kind smile while adjusting the microphone with the earpiece on his jacket. To their surprise, the young American was sharply dressed in a dark suit and matching tie. "It's good to see you again."
"Looking good, Springfield!" Mina called out from her team with an enthusiastic wave.
"Rocking the secret agent look today, Alex?" Poni followed up with a giggle.
"Man, I always look good. I don't know what you're getting on about," Alex answered with a smirk, adjusting his tie and trying not to laugh. Only to stop upon seeing the familiar face in Ochako's arms. "And there's my favorite little Angel. Hi, Eri! I saw you on TV! Did you enjoy that show?"
"Mhmm!" Eri managed to say with a nod and a smile that warmed up the room. "It was fun!"
"I'm happy to hear it," Alex answered before turning towards All Might. "We're all set here, sir."
All Might nodded with approval. "Now for the start of our lecture: is anyone here familiar with the concept of Quirk-Costume Synergy?"
From Class 1-A: Izuku, Katsuki, Shouto, Tenya, Momo, Kashiko, Tsuyu, and surprisingly Minoru raised their hands. While in Class 1-B: Itsuka, Shino, Tokage, Neito, Poni, Nirengeki, and Inasa had their arms up.
"Young Midoriya," All Might called out, seeing the shine in the boy's eye and giving a chance for his apprentice to shine.
"It's the concept of how our costumes or support equipment interacts with our quirks. For example, some costumes are designed to protect from Quirk Bottlenecking. While other costumes help with focus and control," Izuku answered, followed by a question of his own after seeing Alex in a repeat episode of Animal Buddies with Eri and Hikari. "Actually, Springfield? I wanted to ask if you use the TCS for your costume? I think it's also known as the Four Point System?**"
All Might let out a hearty laugh while Alex looked impressed. "Excellent answer, young Midoriya!"
"TCS?" Tenya questioned, looking at Izuku, and he wasn't the only one. Except for Poni, even Class 1-B looked at Izuku with a renewed curiosity. Everyone in his class, save Katsuki, was impressed with Izuku's vast knowledge of heroes. The greenette was about to answer when Alex beat him to the punch.
"The Tactical Costume System," Alex answered in English, only to translate and turn back towards All Might. "Umm...sir, you do want to cover this, or?"
"Even better; how about you show them instead? Let's see if anyone besides young Midoriya and Tsunotori can figure it out," All Might answered. "Go ahead, young Springfield."
"No problem," said Alex shrugging his shoulders as all eyes fell on him. Izuku rapidly turned to Alex's page on his quirk notebook.
"So, most of you guys have already seen me in costume," Alex started off as the main screen went black, but the audio could still be heard. "But do you guys remember what it looks like?"
Almost everyone collectively nodded, primarily those who fought him during the battle trial. Others remembered his costume from the USJ, and a couple remembered it when seeing him on TV. It took a moment, but the screen eventually came to life. Alex reappeared on the screen with a little more distance from the camera. He wore a noticeably different costume from what they had seen him wear before.
"This is my costume's foundation or Base," Alex explained as he began to pose for the camera. "It's able to be worn comfortably over most clothing."
"Work it, Alex!" Poni cheered.
"A real show will cost ya, hun!" Alex answered, doing his best not to laugh along with Poni. However, he continued posing in different positions, allowing the class to better look at the details of this costume. It was a gray jumpsuit with a simple pair of blue and gray goggles, a sizeable puffy vest, and gray boots. The only essential features of note were the armored arms and shins guards, along with thick, black cloth rings wrapped around the middle of his upper thighs and arms. His signature symbol of a stylized blue eye was emblazoned on the back of his vest.
The more observant students quickly began pointing out the various differences they had seen before.
This pleased All Might as he could almost see the gears turning his students' heads. Hopefully, what they learn today will serve them well for future upgrades. After all, they had to submit any changes by the end of tomorrow to make in time for this year's Sports Festival.
"No gloves or coat," Momo commented as she began looking over the image. "You're even lacking some of the tools you were carrying on our way to the USJ."
"Springfield, is the vest and black rings meant to protect you from your Quirk's backlash?" Kashiko asked as her eyes glowed, showing that she was actively using her Quirk.
"Correct!" Alex replied as he stopped posing, seeing that the class had gone to work. "Despite my powers. I'm still affected by physics, so there is a very real chance of my internal organs rupturing or having blood rushing out of my brain due to the G-forces going against my body when I go really fast over a long distance."
Almost everyone in the room grimaced.
While most of them were fortunate to have bodies that, for the most part, weren't that heavily affected by their quirks. However, almost everyone knew someone who needed special support gear to have an everyday life. It helped remind them that while most Quirks were relatively benign, some could be harmful to the user and others if not kept in check.
"After a lot of training and testing, I found that the vest is the best way to help keep my innards intact while zooming around. While the rings around my joints are tightened to help keep my blood in place. It's useful when I start hitting the upper-speed limits of my power," Alex continued casually, patting his belly and ignoring the uncomfortable looks he was getting from his former juniors. "I got the idea from the flight suits that both fighter pilots and astronauts used since they operate on a similar principle."
"His Quirk has a severe bottleneck, then..." Izuku muttered, perhaps a little too loudly, as he continued to write several new notes into Alex's section. "If he has to consider physics, factors like weight could limit his ability to build muscle. A large frame, while normally an asset, here it would make him less aerodynamic. This explains why he needed to lose his previous weight to even have his Quirk at optim-"
"Midoriya!" Tenya quickly interrupted and chided Izuku while nudging the greenette lightly with his elbow.
"Huh?" Izuku found everyone else staring at him, except for Katsuki, Ochako, and even Eri, who looked at him, trying to stifle a giggle.
"You are being very rude speaking about our respected senior in such a manner!"
"Oh! I'm so sorry, Springfield!" Izuku was quick to say while repeatably bowing in repentance.
However, Alex was far from offended; the apology made him laugh.
"It's cool! I don't think I've had my weaknesses pointed out so succinctly before!" Alex managed to say, casually waving Izuku's sharp observations. "Either way, you just proved my point further. Now going beyond the Base of the TCS and into my first hard costume mod. My Rescue Suit."
Again the screen went blank for a moment, only for Alex to reappear in a more familiar outfit, the one he wore during the USJ. It featured his white mask, a gray overcoat, a rescue worker's vest with yellow-orange striping, metallic lined gloves, and a large utility belt with a wide range of rescue support gear. While the stylized blue eye now took the form of a patch stitched on the coat's shoulder sleeves.
"This is the outfit I use for Rescue Operations and is the most common costume I wear for when I'm on patrol or when I was on TV," Alex continued. He began posing for the camera again to ensure everyone had a good look at the finer details. "However, I do tend to switch up my support gear daily to account for where I might be sent to patrol."
"The United States is a vast country, my dear newbies," All Might interjected as he regained their attention. Behind him, the other screens began to display photos of various American Pro-Heroes on the job, from fighting villains to search-and-rescue operations. "Like in most countries that have a legal Hero system. Pro-Heroes tend to focus on the major population centers. This usually leaves only a token force for the countryside. To counter situations where Pro-Heroes find themselves with little to no backup or without the appropriate Quirk for a particular task. The Tactical Costume System is meant to make up for a hero's personal disadvantages. Any questions so far?" All Might asked, seeing the chance for the students to engage further. Once he saw several hands go up, he turned his attention to Class 1-B.
"Young Yoarashi!"
"THANK YOU FOR PICKING ME, SIR!" Inasa exclaimed perhaps a little too enthusiastically, standing at attention, only to bow so low that his head almost hit the floor.
"Tone it down, Yoarashi," Itsuka sighed as she face-palmed herself.
"Ah! Yes, Ma'am!" Inasa followed up as he stood up straight.
"Well, sir!" He started raising his gauntlet. "While support gear is good for those like myself! What about those whose Quirks might be hindered by having support gear?"
"You make an excellent point," All Might responded with a nod before turning to his helper. "You may have noticed that I do not use support gear. Yet, I still have features in my costumes to help makes things a little easier for me to help keep my powers in check! However, I believe Springfield would have a more satisfactory answer for you."
"I'll use my friend Mirio Tōgata as an example," Alex started up as one of the side screens changed the display to feature a picture of Lemillion in his costume. "His quirk would be a prime example was what you are talking about since he can't use support gear or weapons because of his quirk."
Alex changed slides again to display some concept notes used for Mirio's costume.
"When it came down to making his costume, the primary concern was just having something to wear," Alex couldn't help but chuckle. "Since Mirio would have a major wardrobe malfunction whenever he used his Quirk while wearing normal clothes. He always ended up naked as the day he was born."
Instantly for those who had watched last year's Sports Festival. There was a sudden reminder of the nude buff blond who had dominated last year and made it a nightmare for most of the media to even air the show when he was on point. It was how the lad earned First Place that year and eventually became the First in the Big Five.
"Basically, if it wasn't for the nerds in the costume department being clever and making fibers out of his own hair. Mirio would cause anyone with a camera to catch a case," Alex added with a knowing smirk. "Or he'd be catching a case once he turns eighteen. This makes you all very lucky that you can avoid being chased and beat up by essentially a large teleporting naked guy."
Most of the class laughed at Alex's comment, thinking it was another one of his jokes. At least that was the case until the American's face darkened and shot them a deathly stare that could be felt from even behind the screen.
"Oh, you think I'm joking, huh? Guess again, Mirio has no chill regarding straightforward fights or during a no-holds training match. And even though it causes a wardrobe malfunction. He can and will fight you all in the buff at the same time...and win. He's ranked first for a reason, ya' know."
There was a mixed reaction from the crowd, ranging from horrified to disbelief. However, Katsuki Bakugou looked like Christmas had come early. He loved the idea of getting to fight with the best of the best.
"I have the mental and physical scars to prove it," Alex continued before adding under his breath in English. "Homeboy redefined the definition of free willie that I could have done without."
"Anyways, to finish up my point," Alex summarized calmly.
"We often think of support gear and costumes as two separate things. But they have much more in common than you think, to the point that some costumes have built-in support gear rather than separate pieces. For the people you are referring to, Yoarashi. Based on what you all have right now, I can assure you that." Alex pointed forward at the camera. "There are plenty of options to enhance your current designs and make them work better with your respective Quirks. Today's class is meant to help all identify your own weaknesses with your current setup on your own."
"AH! I SEE NOW! THANK YOU, SIR!" Said Inasa, his voice shooing right back up with vigor before slamming his head into the ground as he bowed way too deeply this time. This time almost everyone managed to breathe out a laugh at the tall boy's mannerisms.
"Yes, young Hagakure?" All Might called out, seeing a floating glove raised up.
"Oh! Me?" The floating glove stop to point at what All Might suspect is the invisible girl's face as if Tōru had been surprised to actually be chosen.
"Indeed! You have a question, right?"
"Kind of? So going from what Springfield said about Tōgata, do you think I might be able to get a costume made from my hair?"
"It is possible, with some testing!" All Might answered while mentally noting to contact Powerloader to see if something could be done to help the young invisible lass.
"I know there was a similar case with an American Pro," Alex interjected to give the invisible girl some added hope. "He could make his costume go invisible with him by the time the costume engineers were done."
"Yay! That would be great!" Tōru exclaimed with bubbly excitement, her gloves trembling in mid-air with glee.
"See! We already have some people starting to rethink their costumes! Just what we wanted to see with today's class!" All Might proudly announced to the class. Beyond pleased that he could see the gears turning in several of his student's heads. 'Today's class is going much better than I thought!'
"Excuse me, All Might?" Itsuka called out while raising her hand and gaining everyone's attention.
"Yes, young Kendou?"
"Midoriya mentioned the term bottlenecking. I've heard of it before and know it's related to Quirk-Costume Synergy. However, I'm still a little confused on the topic," said Itsuka with a determined look. "Every time I looked it up, I was directed towards computers rather than Quirks."
"Ah...well, you see," All Might started but found himself drawing a blank.
'Between never worrying about Quirk-Costume Synergy except for making sure my costume fits correctly after my fight six years ago and still learning parts of the curriculum...I'm not sure how to answer!'
Thankfully, Alex quickly caught on and changed the image on the side screens to help him out.
"I could cover the answer for you as well, sir."
'Phew!' All Might managed to hide a sigh of relief, except for anyone with super hearing. "Ah yes, please do Springfield."
"One sec," Alex answered as the main screen went blank. Alex reappeared again after a few moments, posing in arguably his most infamous costume. It was the one he had worn during the battle trial; only this time, he was outfitted with several support items. "This is my Decoy Support outfit."
The puffy vest had been substituted for a dark-gray tactical vest. The coat looked lighter and form-fitting. This was in addition to the durable, faux leather, fingerless gloves. And just like the second outfit, it featured Alex's trademarked blue eye symbol in the form of a patch mounted on his coat's shoulder sleeves. However, the most alarming thing that almost everyone noticed as part of this costume's arsenal was holstered on the left side of the vest, which looked suspiciously like the handle of a firearm.
"Hey...uh...Springfield?" Tetsutetsu called out nervously, biting the bullet and asking what was on almost everyone else's mind. "Is that a gun?"
Alex slowly stopped posing with him, facing away from the camera, and slowly did a sliding about-face with a wide grin plastered on his face.
Izuku, however, continued adding notes at breakneck speeds. 'Honestly, I'm pretty curious about that myself. I know Pro-Heroes could get qualified to use firearms for their work. I mean, we have Mister Snipe here! But I remember others, like Lady Nagant before she went rogue.'
Izuku paused his train of thought to look up and saw Alex's smiling Caucasian face.
'Then again, Springfield is American and compared to Japan. The US is far more lenient regarding firearms for everyone, from civilians, police, and Pro-heroes. Especially after the Second American Civil War. The American firearms market only grew in scope to deal with the remnant rebels and rogue quirk users. Firearms had to evolve to deal with the ever-changing world of the Quirk Era. These weapons ranged from simple upgrades from the Pre-Quirk world to being specialized to deal with specific types of quirks. There was also a new market for non-lethal variations meant for capturing the target alive.'
"Oh, this?" Alex finally answered with a smirk while patting the weapon after keeping most of them in suspense for the answer. "It's a stopper pistol based on the Walther RX*** series, not the real thing. Shame I wasn't allowed to use it or the rest of my combat support gear during the bomb training to keep things fair. It can only use custom non-lethal rounds: like rubber bullets and stun-shock shots. I still have to be careful with it because they pack a punch! Though I have the real deal back in the States."
"How do you have access to real firearms back in America?!" Tenya accidentally blurred it out, finding it difficult to believe someone so young could have access to guns. Utterly ignorant of the long-lived culture of firearms in the United States since its inception.
"God bless the Second Amendment," Alex responded in English with a reverent closed-eye smile, jokingly putting his hand over his heart.
"God damn right," Poni followed up with an arm pump.
"Alright! And what does this have to do with Quirk bottlenecking?!" Shino yelled out, annoyed with Alex's antics. "You still have yet to answer Kendou's original question. Instead, you keep playing the clown and making an ass out of yourself when we are trying to learn!"
"Mizuoji! Show some respect!" Said Itsuka as she raised her scarred hand in a threatening manner. "He's answering other valid questions. I can wait for my answer with patience."
"Vice-rep," Tetsutetsu added, giving Shino a warning glare. "Don't you dare start trouble, not with him."
"Mizuoji!" Vlad King barked sternly at the back of the room. "Apologize to Springfield, now."
"But!" Shino tried to retort, but the stares he was getting were not just from his home teacher. But from those Alex had saved in the Downpour Zone, all stared daggers at him for his blatant disrespect towards their former upperclassman was enough to cut him at the knees.
"I apologize for my rude outburst," Shino said flatly, quickly standing straight to do a short, curt bow.
"This senior clown doesn't concern himself with immature comments. Plus, I'm American; making an ass of myself comes naturally," Alex answered lazily, dismissing Shino's flat apology. A few people from both classes couldn't help but chuckle at Alex's response. The most surprising one was Tenya, who had to fake a cough to hide his stifled laughter.
"I was about to get to the point. Once I answered the follow-up question," Alex continued before sitting up straight and looking quite serious; the young American spoke, standing up straight and without an ounce of his usual humor.
"But without making light of the topic. I've been trained to shoot guns since I was a kid. My folks and uncle, who is a certified trainer, stressed the dangers and responsibility of good firearms use. Plus, I am a legal adult. So I'm not doing anything that isn't within the letter of the law here or in my homeland," Alex said calmly. Some side screens changed displays and showed pre-recorded footage of Alex practicing firing maneuvers with Snipe during his second year. From cleaning and maintenance; to safety and field stripping; to firing at a range. It was clear Alex had been supervised here by Snipe for additional training in Japan.
"Now, if you're interested in learning about firearms, whether for possible future use or just learning how to contain them safely in case you encounter them in the field. Mr. Snipe can be called on for special training. Just let your homeroom teacher know. They can arrange it for you," Alex added, pointing out Snipe behind him as the camera panned back with his thumb.
The gunslinger Pro-Hero, who was in the middle of reassembling a long lever-action rifle on a workbench, simply paused, turned around, looked at the camera, nodded, gave a thumb's up upon being addressed, and then went back to work on the gun.
"Anyway, Kendou, sorry for my rambling, but to answer your original question. Bottlenecking is basically Support slang on being Hyposomal in Quirk-Body Balance Spectrum****," Alex answered as he stretched his arms.
Almost everyone in the crowd gave a collective, "Oooh!" As their early years of Quirk counseling came rushing back to them during elementary school.
"Most Support Gear Companies and the nerds that run them preferred using the computer terms like bottlenecking to describe the backlash Hyprosomals like myself. Since we cannot endure our powers for long without proper support gear."
"Much like a PC with a mixture of old and new parts. Think of my Quirk as a strong GPU that, while compatible with me, my body is a motherboard that isn't advanced enough to make the most out of it. Most of you are Hypersomals, so you don't have to worry about your quirk killing or maiming you unless you start abusing it recklessly. It's much like overclocking a computer's specs without a proper cooling system and using it to the point that it overheats and rekts itself."
"Ah! I understand now, thank you, Springfield," said Itsuka gratefully. However, she could hear whispers behind her that started and ended with concerns regarding the ex-president of Class 1-A.
"Which loops us back to Quirk-Costume Synergy," said All Might taking over for Alex. "Depending on the exact combination of Quirks and your skill-set, your costumes and support gear can either compensate, support, or enhance those abilities. Now that we have the introduction covered. It's time for today's practical!
On cue, Alex changed the screens to display Site Gamma, which had now been fixed up from the bomb trial.
"Now that we have the introduction covered," All Might started as the camera panned the fake city. "It's time to see if you can put this lesson to the test!"
The main display screen changed to the words: The Defend the Flag! and featured 8 generic heroes split into three groups, three marked with the letter A, three marked with the letter B, and two more with question marks.
"Unlike the previous lectures, this one will be limited for an important reason. Because after this practical round is finished, you'll spend the rest of today and tomorrow working on updating your costumes in time for your internships after the Sports Festival. Think of ways your costumes could be altered to enhance your powers or compensate for something you currently lack!"
Unfortunately, as All Might finished up, some students had more than a few moans and groans.
"I thought we were getting more free training days?!" Katsuki complained with an annoyed look on his face. "I wanted to fight pip-boy one-on-one! Besides, my costume is already perfect! I don't need to mod it!"
"Bakugou!" Tenya was quick to chide the explosive lad with a short arm chop. "These exercises are crucial for looking for possible weaknesses or flaws with our costumes!"
"Exactly!" Itsuka interjected after being caught off guard by Katsuki's needlessly aggressive attitude. "Plus, having several possible setups for our costumes would make us more versatile! Just thinking about it, some basic rescue equipment like a first-aid kit would be a step up from what I have now!"
"Indeed!" All Might exclaimed, backing up Tenya and Itsuka. "I might be famous for delivering justice to ne'er-do-wells, but that doesn't stop me from looking at newer ways to improve my justicing!"
"But you don't need support gear for that All Might!" Katsuki retorted pointed out. "My quirk is enough to stop villains before they cause problems!"
"So your quirk can stop natural disasters?" Kashiko questioned with a raised brow, only to add her own two cents on the topic. "Heroes, on average, tend to do more security, rescue, and disaster relief work these days over fighting dangerous villains. Support gear to aid in rescue operations would be incredibly helpful. Or in the case of those of us to lack offensive abilities, rethink the default weapons we have been given."
"Besides, you have to work your way up the ladder if you want to fight Lemillion," Alex quipped with an annoyed look."You don't just get to skip from the bottom to the top just like that. Ranks two through five exist for a reason, loudmouth."
"Alright, then how about you?!" Katsuki clicked his tongue in frustration, pointing at the American on the screen. "You held back during our fight. How about you take me on for real?!"
Alex, however, simply yawned as if he were bored.
"Hate to say it, but he's right!" Piped up Neito Monoma with a determined look on his face. "We were told we would get more free training days to make up for all of the disruption time! We have the Sports Festival looming ever closer! So wouldn't supervised Quirk training be better? Especially if our costumes are already set exactly how we wanted them. Plus, fighting you, Springfield would be a good measuring stick to see where we stand and what we strive to surpass."
All Might suppressed sighing in frustration.
The lecture had been going great with a couple of hiccups. Considering the plans for this year's festival, the veteran Pro couldn't just reveal that they would be allowed to wear their costumes in this year's Sports Festival. Then there was the fact that this was still his class to teach and control. Thankfully, even from the screen, he saw a glint in Alex's eye and could see that he was about to answer their challenge. Once Alex looked at him first, and after a brief moment of hesitation, All Might gave the lad a nod of approval. Alex was his assistant, and now that he knew his secret, the veteran would trust the young man's judgment.
"I didn't say no," Alex answered as he began to stretch his limbs.
"But I feel the need to make a few things clear. You had a free training day yesterday," Alex continued, his voice becoming firm. "AND will continue having free training days next week. Two days of re-examining your setup to improve your free training days won't ruin you, and for the personal challenges towards me. Remember, I'm no longer ranked anything! I'm a zero, zip, nothing, nada! Right now, I'm just a teacher's aid, and my job right now is to help your development for as long as I'm here. Not waste time sparring with those who need to work on their egos because they think they're so important."
Everyone in the room collectively flinched as Alex's voice cracked mid-way through his response. Almost everyone flinched when they could see the subtle emotional pain barely hidden on his face. This is a harsh reminder that Alex had lost almost everything he had worked hard for after the USJ.
"But, I mean, if you don't want to work on your costumes, that's fine! Don't fix your flaws! Hopefully, you won't get caught with your pants down with a villain that could be resistant or worse! Immune to your quirks! Because trust me...I know the ins and outs of your quirks and gear, and I'm afraid to say that most of you are severely lacking..."
Alex paused to look around the room.
"Otherwise, if you really want a challenge...well then. Start with your peers who would give me trouble in a one-on-one fight. Even with my best gear," Alex continued before looking at certain members of Class 1-A and Class 1-B.
"Midoriya."
Izuku felt tense when Alex called him out. 'I could beat Springfield?'
"Todoroki."
"Yoarashi."
"Awase."
"Wait, really?!" Yosetsu questioned excitedly, happy that the former fifth seat saw him as a threat. "I didn't think I was that good!"
Alex paused before his blue eyes scanned everyone else. "If you get better at managing your quirks: Kendou, Yaoyorozu, Tokoyami, Mineta, Shiozaki, Uraraka, Kuroiro, Bondo, and yes, you too, Monoma, could join them soon."
Katsuki clenched his teeth hard.
Angered that the American didn't even take him seriously enough, he would rank him lower than those he named! He could accept Izuku as his rival; at the least, Momo and Shouto were Recommended Students. But the fact he would be viewed lower than MINORU MINETA and other lesser scrubs as a threat to him was beyond infuriating!
Now, he just wanted to prove Alex wrong.
"Bakugou, are you alright, man?" Eijirou asked quietly, seeing how tense Katsuki was becoming. Finally, after what seemed like an hour that was only a few seconds at best, Katsuki relented after taking a deep breath.
"Fine..." The ash-blond boy breathed out. "I'll show him not to underestimate me..."
"Anyways, I won't have my career track dismissed so flippantly," Alex commented with a peeved expression. "We rescue heroes are severely underrated and underappreciated. Even though records have shown that rescue work tends to save more lives on average over fighting petty cooks and low-tier thugs."
"Springfield, you're a rescue hero?" Ochako piped up with an excited look on her face. So far, only Tsuyu and herself had expressed an active interest in becoming rescue heroes. It was nice to see Alex, of all people, was actually following the same track because, as he said: rescue heroes were both often underrated and underappreciated.
At least compared to the combat Pro-Heroes like All Might or Endeavor.
"Yep!" Alex replied with a proud nod. "I can fight in a pinch thanks to some tricks I picked up here and there and a brief internship with Gunhead. But my greatest strength and passion is rescue ops. This is why I did my work studies with Comicman and Amina. After all, they're two of the biggest rescue heroes in the business! Being on the TV show was just a bonus to help refine my Japanese... and the cash on the side wasn't nothing to sneeze at either."
"I studied under Gunhead's junior martial arts program last year!" Ochako replied excitedly, happy to learn of another of her former master's students.
"I thought I recognized some of your moves when I reviewed all of your footage!" Alex said with an excited snap of his fingers.
"Speaking about your reviews, young Springfield. If you don't mind," All Might interrupted while clearing his throat, seeing that the earlier confrontation had been dealt with and wanted to get back to class proper. "How about you show them what they could win?"
"Ah, right!" Alex exclaimed with a playful bonk on the head. Alex stepped away from the screen, reappearing with a large sliver briefcase.
"The teachers commissioned me to create these reports on each of you," Alex explained as he opened the briefcase to reveal manila envelopes with their names. "I spent a lot of time studying and researching your quirks and costumes, and these have my suggestions on what might work best for you and why."
'He has an entry on me!' Izuku thought with excitement. He didn't often know someone with similar observational skills as himself. He was curious to see what Alex had to say about him and his setup.
"However! If you fail the practical," Alex explained with a shrug. "Welp, you can still use today's lesson to rethink your costume on your own. Since you'll have plenty of time to submit your costume and support gear changes by the end of tomorrow."
"So, does anyone else have questions?" All Might followed up, taking advantage of the silence.
"Ummm...Sir?"
Everyone turned towards the entrance as a newcomer stood at the entrance.
The newcomer wore a costume that looked like a firefighter, except it was jet-black, compared to the usual beige or khaki. It was accented with a silver flames motif trimmed at the edges instead of the typical yellow-orange striping. It was topped off by a large metal firefighter's helmet that included a black iron grated mask covering the individual's face. He carried a sizeable, rectangular riot shield over his left shoulder. Every step the newcomer took was accompanied by a heavy clang as if his black boots were lined with metal.
"Does your report cover my new costume or my old one?"
"Umm...name?" Alex asked as the newcomer joined Class 1-A's third team, filling the gap.
"Ryu Kasei, sir," said Ryu as he lifted the mask up like a visor, revealing his face with an awkward smile. "Sorry for being late. This costume was a little more tricky to put on alone than I originally expected."
Izuku took a moment to glance at Ryu's new costume since he was standing behind the fire-eater. While Alex was trying to find Ryu's file among the others. Izuku managed to pull up Ryu's page in his notebook. His old costume had looked like a ninja with a red fire motif. While his new outfit was clearly inspired by firefighters. Only Ryu's costume had black metal plating on the arms. Upon closer inspection, what appeared to be a giant silver lizard was emblazoned on the back of his coat.
"Ryū Kasei?" Alex questioned, lifting the Fire Eater's file up.
"Ryu with the Kanji for Flow; not Ryū with the Kanji for Dragon, sir," Ryu corrected him as if it wasn't the first time he had made this correction. Alex quickly opened the envelope, looked up, and then looked down at the report again.
"Welp...that was about an hour wasted," Alex sighed as he returned the envelope to its briefcase. "Sorry about that, but if you guys win the practical, I'll personally assist you with your new costume, alright?"
"Appreciate it," Ryu answered promptly with a nod.
"Wearing slow shit, Ass-breath?" Katsuki whispered with a sneer, taking his daily pot-shot at the fire-eater. "A costume so complicated that you ended up being late?"
"Better slow and armored than remain stupidly fast and vulnerable," Ryu answered flatly with a roll of his eyes. "At least I look the part of a hero and not some mad bomber villain."
"Take that back, ass-breath before I kill you," Katsuki growled, giving the Fire-eater a sideways glare.
"How about you stop using that phrase like you know what it means," the golden-eyed boy answered, going out of his to lean his head back to look down at Katsuki's blood-red eyes. "You'll sound less like an idiot."
"Alright, alright!" All Might intervened, knowing how the bomber and fire-eater quickly got into an argument. "Now, this exercise will require a lot of trust. You must assemble a team of eight students to defend the flag from your opponent!"
"Hi, guys!" Alex interjected with an unusually cheery voice and lifted the sliver briefcase over his head.
"Yes," All Might continued after clearing his throat. "Six will be selected by the Class Representatives; three from each class. The remaining two students will be selected randomly. Unlike the bomb trial, there is no guesswork. You simply must defend your flag from Springfield for ninety minutes."
"I've got plenty of surprises for the welcoming party! Oh, and this time, I will not be holding back. So for the eight defenders...well, I certainly hope you're ready for quite the entrance!"
Tenya quickly raised his hand.
"Yes, young Iida?"
"Are there any restrictions on who we can and cannot choose?"
"The only two restrictions. Class Representatives can not select themselves as you four will be the ones selecting the team. This and only one of the four Recommended Students will be permitted on the whole team. However!" The screen began highlighting the two blank heroic figures with the question marks. "Once the initial six have been selected, two more students will be chosen randomly without regard for the previous two restrictions. It could be Two 1-A students, Two 1-B students, or one from each."
"I see..."
"Class reps, the ones selected should be thought of as if they had been sent out on patrol and met up with another group of heroes from another partnered agency during an emergency. While the two randoms would then be treated as two additional heroes from separate agencies, that would be the surprise enforcement. Unlike the rest, the randoms are mandated to participate; if they refuse, the whole team will fail."
"So there is a random element to keep us all on our toes," Itsuka observed, concerned about the possible objectors in her class if Izuku was chosen. 'I know there are those I trust to work with Midoriya if it comes to it...but the random selection worries me.'
"Like I said: this exercise requires not only the judgment and trust in the rest of your classmates. But the maturity to work together to help everyone else," All Might stated firmly after seeing some of the shifting eyes in Class 1-B. "Any other questions?"
"Is it just one team? No one else can go?" Shino questioned with narrowed eyes, seeing their teacher's ploy, and was irritated that he could do nothing about it.
"Unfortunately, no," All Might answered quickly. "Our focus is to start having you working on your costumes as soon as possible. Seeing one live demonstration of eight first-years versus one third-year student specializing in this field should be sufficient to help you all get additional ideas for modifying your costumes."
"Just an important note, guys! If you fail to get the prize today, you will get more chances later! But that won't be until after your first internships," Alex interjected. "Oh! One more thing before I go!"
A sly smile grew on Alex's face. "I will be informed of the six selected directly selected, but not on the two randomly selected. So you might be able to use the randoms to your advantage! Now that being said...Midoriya?"
Izuku looked up at Alex's smiling face as all eyes focused on him. "Yes?"
"I only covered three of the four corners of the Tactical Costume System...mind listing all of them?"
Izuku paused as he drew from memory and recited the four corners in English. "Base...Support...Rescue...Assault..." Izuku's eyes grew wide as the translation kicked in. "Springfield covered Base, Decoy, which would cover the Support category, Rescue, but he didn't cover combat! He has a combat suit!"
Alex let out a hearty laugh. "See ya on the battlefield!"
Finally, the main screen switched to show a vast display of the fake City Hall.
"You will have an hour to decide and develop an initial strategy; once you've made your selection. The randoms will be chosen, and then the team will set out. Once you arrive, you will have additional time to plan with two new members and set up defenses. Your goal is to stop Springfield from capturing your flag within the time limit, " All Might finished as he saw no one else have any further questions.
"I'll be out on the field to help supervise. Vlad King will remain here to answer any more additional questions or rules you might have."
Both classes began to whisper to themselves, going from who would volunteer and who would sit out this challenge that carried quite the risk. Of course, there were concerns about if a particular person from Class 1-A would participate. As the Sports Festival loomed over their heads, this would be quite the new challenge for the two classes to settle.
Shouta Aizawa watched as the two liaisons moved through the obstacle course with a sense of grace and skill that had been missing before the Golden Week holidays. Donned in the first prototypes of their costumes, they were the final stages of checking over any final adjustments needed for the costumes to enter into their final design stage. With the Support Course Liaisons, Mei Hatsumei and Shigeru Iwata sat nearby, observing and taking their own notes.
Hitoshi wore a relatively simple costume, designed to be practical and subtle to blend with a civilian environment, perfect for an underground hero. It was constructed in two layers. The first was a dark, skin-tight bodysuit that was designed for both comfort and aid in blood circulation. The second started with what looked like a casual set of well-fitted, black cargo pants, black combat boots with hidden steel-tipped toes, and a dark, hooded bomber's jacket that was weaved together with a flexible carbon alloy and Kevlar. While the inside of the jacket was lined with additional pockets that allowed for extra supplies.
'He clearly took the lesson's from Springfield to heart,' Shouta thought as he looked over the design concepts.
Reiko's prototype costume was a pale purple, knee-length kimono. It was accompanied by a white, furred collar while her arms were bandaged like a mummy. She had three dark straps around her waist with three attached pale purple pouches, black knee-high socks, and a black mask covering her face up to the bridge of her nose. Unlike Hitoshi, Reiko's costume had a little more flair for the macabre, reminding the teacher of a Snow Woman.*****
'She kept her original concept, but additional support equipment has Springfield's influence written all over it.'
Shouta looked up from his notes to see the two Hero Course hopefuls finished their rounds and going to see their Support Course counterparts. It was time for them to request any last-minute adjustments that could be done for the Sports Festival.
"I think we just have to adjust the inside of the jacket," Hitoshi commented as the initial fit was a little tight. However, that could be due to some of the new muscles he had developed recently. Shigure Iwata, a rather taciturn young man with a pale rounded face, soft kind eyes, and a short dark bowl haircut, nodded and instantly jotted down the Mindbinder's concern.
Once he was done, Shigeru gave Hitoshi a thumb's up and silently motioned to his support gear.
"It's good," Hitoshi answered as he began adjusting his two visible pieces of support gear.
The first was a carbon alloy scarf like the one Eraserhead used, having picked up the skill during his training with Alex. However, he was nowhere near as skilled as the veteran. It was one of the few skills he had used to surprise Alex, as the American could never get the hang of using these scarfs. The second piece was a voice changer that looked like a facemask, which Hitoshi had always considered implementing. He was pleased that one could be constructed so quickly.
"I think the only problem is this," Hitoshi commented as he tried to demonstrate. "SOme of tHE BUTToNs aRE TOO clOSe." He said as the pitch and tone of his voice shifted rapidly due to the glaring design choice. Once again, Shigeru wrote down Hitoshi's complaint and, when he was finished, gave the indigo-haired teen another silent thumb's up. Hitoshi couldn't explain how or why he had a natural trust in the silent quirkless boy, but something told him to trust his skills, and he would get the job done.
"Are you sure you don't want any of my other super cute babies!?" Hitoshi suddenly cringed at the loud voice of Mei Hatsume at the following table over. She had been placed in charge of helping Reiko with her outfitting and clearly had no qualms about making suggestions of her own. And while he couldn't hear Reiko's softer responses, he had a few guesses after hearing Mei's follow up answer. "I said it only had a 5% chance of exploding!"
'What the hell kind of support gear would explode?' Hitoshi wondered with a quirked brow as he removed his voice changer to give to Shigeru.
"Is she always like this?" Hitoshi whispered to the silent boy as he handed him the voice changer. Shigeru looked at him, then to the table with Mei and Reiko, finally looking back at Hitoshi to nod with an amused smirk.
"Huh," Hitoshi wondered, looking back at the table. "Interesting partner you got there."
Shigeru shook his head as he placed the voice changer on a nearby table, raised his hands to meet up equally, formed them into fists, and lightly bumped them into each other.
"Rivals, then?"
Shigeru nodded while his right hand gave him another thumb's up. Only to motion at him with his left hand and motioned his head back to that table. Hitoshi gave him a confused look. Shigeru responded by placing his arms stiffly against his body, only to raise his forearms and drooping his hands. It finally clicked as the Support Liaison was mimicking Reiko's trademarked posture.
"You're asking if it's the same for Yanagi and I?" Hitoshi questioned, ensuring he understood the silent boy. Shigeru again nodded and motioned his head towards the other table.
"Well, yeah, we are rivals," Hitoshi answered honestly.
"But I'd like to think that she's also my partner in this," he added, remembering a couple of their private conversations, especially when they had breaks during Alex's hellish training. "We were both loners in middle school, while we might be pursuing the more lonesome side of hero work. We can't neglect the fact that heroes need to have some basic social and cooperation skills. So yeah, partners, rivals, but I also like to think she could be my friend as well."
Shigeru gave him a more profound and understanding smile, motioning towards Hitoshi's costume, making sure there wasn't anything else that should be looked at before they put the costume away. Hitoshi rechecked his costume, this time going through some basic stretches and exercises to make he had a full range of motion and comfort.
"Well...the undersuit rides up a bit," Hitoshi noted with gritted teeth as he stood up straight after trying to touch his toes. "But aside from that, everything else fits well."
"Ooooh, Shinsou, not bad!" Hitoshi turned to see Kiyoko Mikami, the 1-B Business Liaison, had entered with a camera on hand. "Lacks style, but then again. You wanted to be low-key, right?
"Yeah," Hitoshi replied calmly as he continued testing as he was now used to the journalist-in-training's antics. "A costume that makes me look like a civilian can help with the element of surprise."
"Fair enough," said Kiyoko with an approving nod, only to look at Reiko's outfit with some anxiety. "Do you know what's up with Yanagi's outfit? It's a little spooky if you ask me."
"She like spooky things," Hitoshi answered offhandedly, taking a moment to get a better look at Reiko. He didn't have much chance to look at it the first time since they started their exercises immediately upon entering the room. "Is more Grudge****** or Snow Woman?"
"Snow Woman, and damn if she can't pull it off with that icy stare of hers," Kiyoko shuddered. "Perfect for Halloween."
"So, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be with the hero classes?" Hitoshi followed up before giving Shigeru another note.
"Oh, Shinsou! I'm hurt! I can't speak with my fellow liaisons?" Kiyoko said with an exaggerated sigh. "Even after the barbaric training Springfield subjected us to?"
"Yanagi and I volunteered to be trained," Hitoshi retorted flatly. "You got caught breaking rules."
"I was doing undercover work!" Kiyoko answered defensively.
"I didn't know stalking was undercover work," said Reiko as she stepped silently into Kiyoko's personal space.
"Gah!" Kiyoko screamed out, hopping away from the ghostly girl. "Don't sneak up on me like that!"
"I didn't," Reiko replied softly. "You just weren't listening; I heard what you said about my costume, by the way. But either way, as I was saying: stalking a senior doesn't sound like a job for a journalist."
"The mystery of Hadou's love life has been an issue that plagued UA for the last two years!" Kiyoko answered as she raised up her camera. "The number of people she shot down are in the double-digits! Hell, did you know that even Springfield got shot down by her?"
"And why does that matter?" Reiko followed up. "It just seems like people are just being nosy."
"Because it happens to Pro-Heroes all of the time!" Kiyoko explained exhaustively. "Like the rumors of Ryūkyū and Edgeshot, or Mount Lady and Kamui Woods! The people like a little romance here and there! It helps make Pro-Heroes appear more human and not just over-glorified, celebrity super soldiers."
"We're not soldiers," Hitoshi replied with a roll of his eyes. During the Golden Week training, Kiyoko had made this commentary, which mostly hinged on some borderline conspiracy theory level concerns about the HSPC. While true, the HSPC had its issues. Hitoshi found it hard to believe that there was basically a Pro-Hero Black Ops Unit that was used to keep society in check. Since those were outlawed at the international level.
Countries that violated these treaties were subject to massive sanctions held by the UFN.
"Keep telling yourself that, Shinsou," Kiyoko retorted while shrugging.
"So, are you going to tell us why you're really here or not?" Reiko spoke up again, not taking the journalist-in-training's bait to go on another anti-government rant.
"Oh, fine!" Kiyoko sighed. "Springfield will head out for the Hero Course practical soon. I thought you guys might want to see him since he leaving school right after the exercise is done."
"He's leaving that early?" Hitoshi questioned, looking at his costume's wristwatch. "He'll be gone before lunch...Why?"
"He's leaving Japan next week," said Kiyoko as she adjusted her camera. "So I imagine he has a lot of stuff to take care of before returning home."
Hitoshi and Reiko looked at each other. They came to the same conclusion after several silent taps and subtle facial gestures.
"So you know where Springfield is right now?" Hitoshi asked while Reiko went to go ask Eraserhead for permission.
"The third year armory with Mr. Snipe," Kiyoko answered as she took a couple of candid pictures of Shigeru and Mei. Her liaison status gave her blanket consent to take photos during school events. "Need a guide?"
"Nah, we know where it is," Hitoshi replied as he felt Reiko's invisible taps on his shoulder.
Permission had been acquired.
The two General Studies Liaisons arrived at the Third Year Armory, which contrary to the name, was just the supply room for extra specialist support gear that wasn't assigned to any one student. However, it was also the only place where Alex could legally store some of his custom support gear at school. So they had been here a couple of times during the Golden Week Holiday to collect his gear for training.
Reiko knocked on the heavy metal door with her Quirk, managing to do without moving hands, and it opened a few moments later by Snipe.
"Ah, Eraserhead told me you two were coming," the gunslinger hero said with an understanding nod. He stepped aside and allowed them inside. "He's in the back end getting ready."
"Thank you," the two liaisons said in unison before stepping and following the signs made by the third-year Support Course students. The Armory was surprisingly organized and well-spaced out. It was apparently reserved for the Senior classes with some of the more dangerous constructs and designs that needed careful supervision to prevent or control accidents. Snipe walked ahead as the three arrived at the opposite end of the room, where three of the ten workbenches were set up with different gear. The first was set up with a mini drone, the second with several rounds of stopper ammunition, and the third was set up with a stopper revolver, handheld break-open grenade launcher, and stopper lever-action rifle.
It wasn't hard to find Alex, as they had heard him long before they saw him.
"On a cold winter morning, in the time before the light; in flames of Death's eternal reign. We ride towards the fight," They found their mentor wearing his rescue gear, sitting at one of the occupied workbenches, filling some pouches with talcum powder. At the same time, they assumed he was singing along to some kind of American song. They assumed that since he had some wireless earphones on and kept bopping his head as he worked. "When the darkness has fallen down. And the times are tough, alright! The sound of evil laughter falls around the world tonight! Fighting hard, fighting on for the steel! Through the wastelands evermore..."
The two liaisons shared a quiet laugh as Alex continued singing and working. While they couldn't see Snipe's face, a couple subtle chest spasms led them to believe he had a chuckle or two at the American's antics. The veteran teacher sat at the workbench next to Alex's and used a checklist to look over the stopper weapons. While the duo simply waited until Alex was at least done prepping, before interrupting his work/singing, mainly for safety reasons and because it was actually pretty damn amusing. Once he was finished, Reiko motioned to catch his attention.
Alex turned around as he felt Reiko's invisible taps; taking off his earphones and was surprised to see his visitors.
"Oh, hey!" Alex greeted them with a broad smile, only to be surprised by their outfits. He hopped to his feet and began to look over their prototypes and rapid-firing questions at a mile a minute. "Your costumes! Holy shit, they're looking good! So how they feel? Excited? Nervous? I see you got a nice mix of practicality and style!"
"Yeah...we're about to submit the final adjustments," Hitoshi began to answer for the two. They both felt strangely happy as their mentor walked around them, looking at the finer details of their prototypes. "But overall, I like what we got so far, but there could always be room to improve, so we wanted to get your opinion."
"That's good to hear!" Alex exclaimed before looking over Reiko's costume. "You guys think you're ready for the Sports Fest?"
"It'll come whether we're ready or not," Reiko followed up with a small but sad smile hidden behind her mask. "But we won't be afraid to face the challenge."
"Good answer," Alex said with a proud smile as he finished looking over Reiko's costume. "Not bad, not bad at all! Just...wow. Look at you two! Hard to believe how much you've grown in such a short time! Shinsou, I noticed that jacket seems a little tight; gotta future proof it and make it a little bigger for all that new muscle you'll be developing. Yanagi, your control is much more focused and precise than it used to be with some of those new tools in your arsenal. I think you'll have a solid edge in surprising the competition."
"I'm proud of you...Proud you both."
There was a strange silence between the trio that bordered between awkward and warm. Alex was all about showing affection but knew they weren't the types to reciprocate. While the liaisons wouldn't admit it publicly, but there was a joy in their hearts at hearing those words of approval. However, that only made the reality of his future departure that much more bitter. Thankfully, the teacher in the room seemed to notice this little conundrum and spoke up to clear the air, even if it wasn't the happiest topic.
"I'm done checking over the approved weapons and ammunition, partner," said Snipe as he placed the checklist on Alex's workbench. "Just sign here and head out to the Site Gamma when you get the signal. Once the exercise is finished, report to me for your costume decommissioning."
The two liaison's flinched upon hearing those two dreaded words: Costume Decommissioning. When a Pro-Hero's costume is formally surrendered and taken off all of the official government records, the final step of a Pro-Hero's disgrace. When their costume is destroyed.
"Yes, sir," Alex replied as his smile shrank, and his eyes drooped slightly. He quickly turned around and began going over the checklist while packing things up. "Thank you for all of the help all these years, sir."
"No problem, just lock this place up when you're done," Snipe followed up with a nod, only to return his attention to the liaisons. "Sorry to have to cut this visit short, but I can't you two in here without a teacher present. Head back to Aizawa to turn in your final submissions."
"We understand, sir," Hitoshi answered, while Reiko nodded in agreement. "Can we just have a moment to wish him luck?"
"Make it quick," was all Snipe answered as he made his exit. "Don't want to get Springfield into any hot water before he leaves."
"We won't," Reiko followed up as Alex finished the paperwork to legally protect him should anything go wrong in today's exercise. "You ready, Springfield?"
"Ready as I'll ever be," Alex answered as he grabbed the cases with surprising ease and began walking them out. "Just gotta get changed into my Assault suit and wait for the signal. You going to watch with the rest of the classes?"
"Aizawa told us to report to Operator's room with the rest of the Hero Course," Reiko replied as the two followed their mentor. "We just have to change out of these costumes."
"Right, right! Can't let them know about your costumes just yet!" Alex laughed as they exited the room, and he inputted the door code to lock the place up. "Sorry, I can't suggest anything in particular for your costumes since I didn't have much time. But I think I taught you guys enough to trust your judgments."
"It's alright," said Hitoshi as they walked down the hallway, stopping when Alex arrived at the changing room. Something caught his eye, and it made him realize that there was actually one critical piece they were missing from their costumes. "Actually, I think I just realized something that both our costumes are missing."
"Is it important?" Alex questioned, while Reiko gave Hitoshi a confused look. As far as she knew, there wasn't anything particularly wrong with her prototype other than a slight fit adjustment.
"It is," Hitoshi said with a slow, relaxed nod.
"Welp, I'd hurry back to submit the change before it's too late," Alex warned as he opened the door to the changing room. "Have a good rest of your day, guys."
"Same to you," the two said in unison. Once the door was closed. The two liaisons made their way back to Eraserhead to submit all of the changes for their prototypes.
"So, what are exactly we missing?" Reiko questioned once they were a reasonable distance from the changing room.
Hitoshi couldn't help but smirk. "Instead of telling you. I'll show in instead. But I will say this...it's to remind us of where we started once we get to the Hero Course."
Author's Commentary
*Student Profile: Most characters are given a mini stat block in the Ultra Archive and The Ultra Analysis book.
Today I'll show Alex's current status (Do note that Korikoshi includes one gag stat with every character. Alex will be no different.) His stats may change if he returns far in the future.
Power 2/6 (D+)
Speed 4/6 (C+)
Technique 5/6 (B+)
Intelligence 6/6 (A)
Best Original Character 7/6 (S)
**Four Points System: Honestly, for the tiny snippets of the world of MHA outside of Japan. I wanted different countries to have more individualized systems to show both the cultural and practical side of Pro-Hero work. Just like how the Police or Military can vary from country to country, state to state, and even city to city. The Four Point system is for Heroes who are more practical than showy.
***Walther RX: While the Model is made up, the Walther gun brand is well-known. (Yours truly owns a Walther PPQ chambered in 9x19mm Parabellum) The existence of Snipe and his (According to canon) real guns. (Which, judging from their sizes, might be a Magnum caliber weapon) allowed me free range to expand the idea of Firearms in Quirked society. Now, I know there are controversies, particularly in the US, regarding firearms' use/ possible glorification. I am not here to make any direct political statement. Alex's comments are his opinions in character and within the scope of the universe where Super Powers exist. We also know that most Quirks would be useless for even basic self-defense. Making the idea of firearms for self-defense that much more relevant for discussion in-universe.
I also want to note that all of my firearms are legally owned. I am licensed for both open and concealed carry my handgun in compliance with my State and Federal laws. I know enough about firearms to store, maintain and use my firearms appropriately. Still, I would never call myself an expert on the subject. I personally hope I never have to use it on anyone, but I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it as I happen to live in a...not so safe the part of the country.
****Quirk-Body Balance Spectrum: Working in the healthcare field, I truly pondered on what new medical terms were created to account for quirks! Considering that Horikoshi provided none, I decided to fill in those blanks.
The Quirk-Body Balance Spectrum was inspired by the BMI system. (Body Mass Index) Here this is used to categorize and describe the effects one Quirk could cause to the body. The terms Hypersomal and Hyposomal are also based on actual medical terminology.
For example, I'm sure most of you have heard of the terms High-Blood Pressure, Low-Blood Pressure. However, the technical, medical terminology for these conditions would be Hypertension and Hypotension.
Hyper = High/ Upper
Hypo= Low/Lower
Tension= Pressure
With "Soma" being the medical term for "Body." (The L was just added for linguistic flavor)
So Hypersomal (High Body or strong body) versus Hyposomal (Low Body or weak body)
However, I looked over canon and used characters like Shouto Todoroki versus Rikidou Satou as prime examples.
Shouto would be an example of Hypersomal as he is initially immune (read highly resistant) to his Fire and Ice powers unless he overuses them.
Rikidou would be an example of Hyposomal, considering that even small amounts of sugar lowers his brain capacity. (Fun fact: Hyperglycemia (High Blood Sugar) can cause similar symptoms to being drunk in people with diabetes.) This might explain Rikidou's increased strength / lower cognitive capacity.
I also wanted the culture of the Medical terms to be expressed differently by different groups. Using PC terms for computer nerds/ Support Gear characters with a more technical background. Hence the idea of using terms like bottlenecking or overclocking.
*****Snow Woman/ The Grudge: Yuki Onna's or Snow Women are said to be Spirits or Yōkai who are said to appear during snowy nights. Depending on which version of the legends, Snow Women range from malevolent beauties that lead people to their doom to potential spouses with icy powers. (Thank you, Monster Musume)
The Ju-On, better known as The Grudge in the United States, is a series of horror movies, regardless haunting. (I'm rather unfamiliar as I'm not a fan of horror movies. [I prefer horror games]) I just added this as a possible alternate costume design with Reiko's outfit.
That's all for now! Part 2 will be out soon!
