Chapter 13: The Final Lesson
The streets of the business district were eerily quiet at night, the hum of neon signs casting a faint, unnatural glow over the desolate avenues. Yui Kodai walked with purpose, her breath misting in the cold air, her nerves fraying with each step. The address the hooded man—the Alchemist, as she had heard him referred to—had given her led to a dilapidated medical clinic wedged between two looming office buildings. It looked abandoned, the windows dark and grime-covered, but she knew better. The Alchemist always had a reason for the places he chose.
The faint scent of antiseptic and decay lingered in the air as she approached the clinic's entrance. Her heart pounded, her mind racing with questions she dared not voice. What was the purpose of this meeting? Why here? Why now? The Alchemist's words from their last training session echoed in her mind: "You'll prove yourself soon enough. Then, you'll learn the truth."
The creak of the door as she pushed it open sounded louder than it should have, the noise echoing in the empty street behind her. The interior was dimly lit, the flickering overhead lights casting long, ominous shadows. She stepped inside, the door creaking shut behind her with an air of finality.
The Yakuza's Arrival
"Oi, what do we have here?" A deep, gravelly voice broke the silence, sending a shiver down Yui's spine. She turned to see two figures stepping out from the shadows near the far corner of the clinic. Both wore plague masks, their birdlike beaks grotesque and exaggerated, and their movements were calculated, predatory.
One of them, a tall man with a stocky build, cracked his knuckles as he eyed her. "You lost, little girl? This ain't a playground."
The other, a lean woman with sharp eyes visible through her mask, let out a low chuckle. "You don't belong here. You must have a death wish."
Yui swallowed hard, her hand instinctively twitching toward the pocket where she kept a small blade—a gift from the Alchemist during their first training session. "I'm here to meet someone."
The man stepped closer, his presence towering and oppressive. "You're in Yakuza territory now, and nobody meets anyone here without our say-so."
Yui's heart raced, but she held her ground, her training kicking in. "I don't want trouble."
"You've found it anyway," the woman sneered, lunging toward her.
The Fight for Survival
The woman's movement was swift, but Yui was faster. She ducked low, her quirk activating as she touched a nearby shard of broken metal on the ground. The shard expanded into a jagged pole, which she used to parry the woman's attack. Sparks flew as the metal collided with the blade in the woman's hand.
The man charged in from the side, his quirk—a brutal strength enhancement—making the ground tremble with each step. Yui pivoted, shrinking the pole into a compact dagger and slashing at his leg. He stumbled but didn't fall, his growl reverberating through the room.
Yui's instincts took over as the fight intensified. She used her quirk to shrink and expand nearby debris, turning them into weapons and barriers. The confined space worked to her advantage, limiting her attackers' movements. But she wasn't invincible. A sharp pain flared in her shoulder as the woman's blade grazed her, drawing blood.
"Not bad," the man snarled, wiping blood from his mouth. "But not good enough."
He lunged again, his massive fists swinging toward her. Yui rolled to the side, her body moving on autopilot. She grabbed a small piece of wood, expanding it into a staff, and struck the man's knee with all her strength. The crack of bone echoed in the room, followed by his pained scream.
It was then that she realized the gravity of the situation. This wasn't sparring. This wasn't training. This was life or death.
The First Kill
The woman took advantage of Yui's hesitation, tackling her to the ground. They struggled, their bodies locked in a deadly dance. Yui's hand found her blade, and in a desperate move, she plunged it into the woman's side. The woman's gasp was sharp, her body going limp.
Yui scrambled to her feet, staring down at the blood on her hands, the crimson stain spreading across the floor. Her breath hitched, her vision blurring. She had killed someone.
The man roared in rage, charging at her with reckless abandon. Yui reacted on instinct, using her quirk to expand a small rock into a massive boulder. It slammed into the man's chest, sending him crashing into the wall. He slumped to the ground, motionless.
The silence that followed was deafening. Yui stood trembling, her hands slick with blood, her mind a storm of fear and guilt. She looked at the dying woman, who managed to choke out a few words.
"Why… the Alchemist… why did he do this?"
Before Yui could process the question, a slow clap echoed through the room.
The Alchemist Reveals His Hand
"Bravo, Yui," the hooded man's voice cut through the air, soft yet commanding. He stepped out from the shadows, his hood drawn low, his mask reflecting the flickering light. "You've exceeded my expectations."
Yui turned to face him, her voice shaking. "You… you knew this would happen?"
"Of course," he said, his tone devoid of remorse. "This was your final lesson."
"Lesson?" Yui's voice cracked, her hands clenching into fists. "You used me."
The hooded man tilted his head, his glowing eyes locking onto hers. "I prepared you. There's a difference. If I hadn't, you would have died here tonight."
Yui's body trembled, her emotions a chaotic mess of anger, fear, and confusion. "Why did they say your name? The Alchemist? What did you do to them?"
"They were planning to betray the Yakuza," the Alchemist explained calmly, as though discussing the weather. "Their usefulness had run its course. But more importantly, they served their purpose for you. You've shown your fangs, Yui. You've proven you're willing to do what it takes to survive."
He stepped closer, his voice softening. "You saved a life tonight."
Yui blinked, tears streaming down her face. "Whose life?"
"The most important life," the Alchemist replied, his gaze piercing. "Your own."
A Dark Pact
The Alchemist placed a gloved hand on her shoulder, his touch surprisingly gentle. "You're ready now."
"Ready for what?" Yui asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He gestured toward the clinic's back room. "To learn the truth. To become stronger than you ever imagined."
Yui hesitated, her body screaming at her to run, but her mind was ensnared by his words. She followed him into the room, her footsteps heavy with dread.
The room was stark, its walls lined with strange equipment that pulsed with a faint, ominous glow. The Alchemist turned to face her, his mask hiding whatever expression lay beneath.
"I'll be honest with you, Yui," he began. "When I first learned of your quirk, I wanted to kill you."
Yui froze, her blood running cold.
"You see," he continued, "your quirk felt… redundant. A pale imitation of mine. And I don't tolerate rivals."
"Then why didn't you?" Yui asked, her voice trembling.
The Alchemist chuckled softly. "Because I saw potential. Your family treats you like nothing, but I see the truth. You're strong, Yui. Stronger than any of them realize. And we share something in common."
"What's that?" she asked cautiously.
His voice darkened. "We both hate the Yaoyorozu family. And together, we'll bring them to their knees."
Yui's breath caught in her throat, her mind reeling. "Why do you hate them?"
"That's a story for another time," the Alchemist said, dismissing the question with a wave of his hand. "What matters now is this: I can make you stronger. Stronger than your cousin. Stronger than anyone. But power comes at a cost."
"What cost?" Yui asked, her voice barely steady.
The Alchemist smirked beneath his mask, his eyes glowing with sinister intent. "Your old self. The weak, fragile girl who let others trample her. She dies tonight."
Before Yui could respond, he placed his hand on her shoulders, his quirk activating with a surge of energy. Pain shot through her body, a scream tearing through her throat as her world went dark.
And when she awoke, she would never be the same.
Chapter 14: The Shadows Beneath the Triumph
Two weeks had passed since Momo's grueling Recommendation Exam, and the halls of the Yaoyorozu estate had returned to their usual quiet. Momo sat in her study, her desk littered with open books and meticulously organized notes. Despite her success, she hadn't allowed herself to rest. She spent hours preparing for her first day at UA, determined to meet the standards set not only by her family but by her own perfectionist nature.
The sun cast long beams of golden light through the window, warming the room, but the serenity was interrupted by a knock at the door. Momo turned to see her father, Hisashi, stepping inside. His presence was commanding, as always, but there was something off about his expression—an edge of discomfort that Momo rarely saw in him.
"Momo," he said, his voice even but with an undertone of tension. "There's something you should know."
Momo set her pen down, giving him her full attention. "What is it, Father?"
"Yui," he began, pausing as if choosing his words carefully. "She passed the UA entrance exam."
Momo's eyes widened, a smile spreading across her face. "She did? That's wonderful! I knew she could do it."
Hisashi held up a hand, his stern expression stopping her celebration short. "Not just passed. She scored the highest points."
Momo's jaw dropped. "The highest? Even above the recommendation students?"
Hisashi nodded, his brows furrowed. "She narrowly beat a boy named Katsuki Bakugo. A prodigy, from what I've heard."
Momo's chest swelled with pride for her cousin. "That's incredible! She must have worked so hard."
But Hisashi's frown deepened. "It is incredible. But it's also… troubling."
Momo's smile faltered. "Troubling? What do you mean?"
Hisashi stepped further into the room, his hands clasped behind his back. "Your aunt and uncle have been in contact with me. They're worried about her. They say she's… changed."
"Changed how?" Momo asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Her demeanor," Hisashi explained. "They say she's colder, more distant. Her mother claims she barely speaks to them, and when she does, it's as though she's a different person entirely. Even her combat style during the exam was… unrecognizable."
Momo's heart sank. She thought back to the last conversation she'd had with Yui, the bitterness in her cousin's words, the way she had walked away without a second glance. Had things only gotten worse since then?
"Do you know what might have caused it?" Momo asked, her voice soft.
Hisashi shook his head. "No. But I suspect something happened to her during the weeks leading up to the exam. Something she hasn't told anyone about."
A Family Divided
Later that evening, Momo sat in her room, staring at her phone. She wanted to call Yui, to congratulate her and ask if she was okay, but an unfamiliar hesitation gripped her. What if Yui didn't want to hear from her? What if she made things worse?
She sighed, setting the phone down. Her thoughts swirled with worry and guilt. She had been so focused on her own preparations for UA that she hadn't been there for Yui when it mattered most. And now, it seemed, Yui had faced something alone that had left her changed.
Yui's Parents Speak
The following morning, Hisashi arranged a call with Yui's parents, Sakura and Mangetsu. Momo joined him in his study, eager but nervous to hear what they had to say.
The screen flickered to life, revealing Sakura's sharp features and Mangetsu's more subdued expression. Sakura's eyes were weary, her usual stern demeanor softened by worry. Mangetsu sat beside her, his hands clasped tightly together.
"Thank you for speaking with us," Hisashi began, his tone formal.
"We didn't know who else to turn to," Sakura said, her voice uncharacteristically quiet. "Something is wrong with Yui. She's not herself."
"In what way?" Hisashi asked, though he already knew some of the answer.
"She's… colder," Sakura said, struggling to find the words. "She barely speaks to us. When she does, it's like she's calculating every word, like she's analyzing us. She used to be so kind, so gentle, but now…" Her voice trailed off.
"She's distant," Mangetsu added, his voice heavy. "And her training… it's different. She's stronger, faster, more precise. It's like she's been trained by someone else, but she won't tell us who."
Momo's heart sank further with each word. "Have you asked her about it? About what happened before the exam?"
"We've tried," Sakura said, her hands tightening into fists. "But she shuts us down. She refuses to tell us anything."
Mangetsu's gaze shifted to Momo, his expression pleading. "Maybe you can talk to her, Momo. She's always looked up to you."
Momo nodded, though doubt gnawed at her. "I'll try."
The Seeds of Doubt
After the call ended, Momo sat in silence, her thoughts racing. Yui had passed the exam with flying colors, achieving something extraordinary. But at what cost? The image of her cousin as a kind, albeit envious, girl was beginning to warp in her mind, replaced by something colder, more enigmatic.
Her father's voice broke the silence. "Be careful, Momo."
She looked up at him, startled. "What do you mean?"
Hisashi's gaze was sharp, his tone firm. "Whatever happened to Yui, it has changed her. And not necessarily for the better. If you approach her, do so with caution. She may not be the same girl you once knew."
Momo swallowed hard, her father's words leaving a cold weight in her chest. "She's my cousin. I can't just give up on her."
"I'm not asking you to," Hisashi said, his voice softening slightly. "But you must be prepared for the possibility that she may not want your help. And if that's the case, you'll need to let her go."
Momo nodded, though the thought of giving up on Yui felt unbearable. She resolved to reach out to her cousin, no matter how difficult it might be. She couldn't shake the feeling that Yui was slipping further into a darkness she couldn't face alone.
A Distant Echo
That night, as Momo lay in bed, her mind drifted to memories of her childhood with Yui. She remembered the times they had spent playing in the gardens, the way Yui's laughter used to light up the room. She thought of how proud she had been to see Yui push herself, to see her strive for greatness.
Now, that light seemed dimmed, replaced by something colder, sharper. Momo couldn't ignore the growing sense of unease that gnawed at her. Whatever had changed Yui, it wasn't just a shift in personality. It was something deeper, something darker.
And as much as Momo wanted to help her cousin, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was standing on the edge of something far greater—and far more dangerous—than she could comprehend.
Chapter 15: Shadows in the Spotlight
UA High School stood like a monolith against the brilliant blue sky, its towering buildings reaching for the heavens as if to symbolize the aspirations of the students within. The air around the campus was alive with energy, a blend of excitement and nervous anticipation as the newly minted first-year students made their way to their respective classes. Momo Yaoyorozu walked through the pristine halls, her heart thrumming with a mixture of pride and curiosity. Today marked the beginning of her journey in Class 1-A.
The halls of UA smelled faintly of polished floors and fresh paint, the echoes of footsteps and muted chatter creating a symphony of promise and potential. Momo held her books close to her chest, her thoughts lingering on what her father had told her about Yui. Her cousin had not only passed the entrance exam but had done so with the highest score. Momo smiled at the memory, proud of Yui's accomplishment despite the concerns surrounding her.
As she approached the door to Class 1-A, she took a deep breath, her fingers brushing the cool metal handle. This is it, she thought, stepping inside.
The First Impression
The classroom was buzzing with conversation, a kaleidoscope of personalities and quirks already on display. Students stood in small clusters, their voices blending into a cacophony of introductions and laughter. Momo's eyes scanned the room, taking in the diverse faces of her new classmates.
And then, she saw her.
Yui Kodai stood near the window, her posture relaxed but commanding. Her presence was magnetic, her body language exuding an effortless confidence that bordered on arrogance. She was dressed in the standard UA uniform, but something about the way she wore it made it seem tailored specifically for her. Her movements were deliberate, each one carrying a precision that spoke of mastery. Her gaze roamed the room like a hawk surveying its territory, her sharp eyes locking onto each student as if peeling back their layers to uncover their secrets.
Momo froze for a moment, her breath hitching. Is this… Yui? Her cousin's transformation was undeniable. The quiet, uncertain girl she had once known was gone, replaced by someone almost unrecognizable. Even the way Yui stood seemed unnatural—her muscles taut with a strength that hinted at something far beyond human.
As if sensing her gaze, Yui turned her head, her eyes meeting Momo's. For a fleeting moment, Momo thought she saw a glimmer of familiarity, a trace of the cousin she used to know. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by a piercing intensity that sent a shiver down Momo's spine.
Reunion
"Yui!" Momo called, weaving her way through the students to reach her cousin.
Yui's lips curled into a faint, almost imperceptible smirk. "Momo," she said, her voice smooth and controlled. "So, we're in the same class. How… interesting."
Momo smiled, though her cousin's tone unsettled her. "Congratulations on getting into UA! And the highest score, no less. You must have worked incredibly hard."
Yui tilted her head slightly, her gaze unreadable. "Hard work is only part of it," she said cryptically. "Sometimes, it's about finding the right… opportunities."
Momo hesitated, unsure how to respond. "Well, the family is so proud of you. Father mentioned it just this morning."
Yui's smirk faltered, and for a split second, her eyes darkened. "The family," she repeated, her voice quieter but laced with something Momo couldn't quite place. "I'm sure they are."
"They're also worried," Momo said gently, trying to bridge the growing distance between them. "Your parents said you've been… different lately."
Yui's eyes narrowed, and the air between them seemed to grow heavier. "Different? Or better?" she asked, her tone sharp.
Momo took a step back, her heart sinking. "Yui, they're just concerned. We all are."
Yui's gaze softened slightly, but her posture remained rigid. "I appreciate the concern," she said, though her tone suggested otherwise. "But I'm fine, Momo. Better than I've ever been."
The Class Dynamics
Before Momo could press further, a voice broke through the tension. "Hey, are you the Yaoyorozu who got in through recommendations?" A boy with spiky red hair and a broad grin approached them. Momo recognized him as Eijiro Kirishima, one of her new classmates.
"Yes, that's me," Momo said, grateful for the distraction.
"Nice! I'm Kirishima," he said, extending a hand. "Looking forward to working with you."
Momo shook his hand, her smile returning. "Likewise."
"Who's this?" Kirishima asked, nodding toward Yui.
"I'm Yui Kodai," she said smoothly, her eyes locking onto his. "Highest scorer in the entrance exam."
Kirishima blinked, momentarily taken aback by her confidence. "Whoa, that's awesome! Congrats!"
Yui's lips curved into a faint smile, but there was no warmth in it. "Thank you."
As more students began to gather around, Momo noticed how Yui held herself. She maintained eye contact with each person, her sharp gaze analyzing every movement, every word. She spoke with precision, her tone firm and measured. Her classmates seemed drawn to her, yet wary at the same time, as if they sensed the power she radiated but couldn't quite place its source.
Observations
Throughout the day, Momo kept a close eye on Yui, trying to piece together the puzzle of her transformation. In physical exercises, Yui's movements were flawless, her speed and strength far surpassing that of the average student. Her reflexes were almost inhuman, her body reacting to stimuli before it even seemed to register.
In academic discussions, Yui was sharp and calculated, her answers concise and delivered with an air of authority. It was as if she had stepped into this new role effortlessly, leaving behind any trace of the girl she had once been.
But it wasn't just her abilities that had changed. It was her demeanor. Yui carried herself like someone who knew she was superior, her confidence bordering on arrogance. Yet there was a subtle edge to her, a quiet intensity that hinted at something darker.
Momo couldn't shake the feeling that something was deeply wrong. Yui's transformation was too drastic, too unnatural. And though she wanted to be happy for her cousin, to celebrate her success, she couldn't ignore the growing unease that gnawed at her.
The Seeds of Suspicion
As the day drew to a close, Momo found herself sitting alone in the courtyard, her thoughts swirling. She replayed her interactions with Yui, searching for clues, for answers. Her father's words echoed in her mind: She may not be the same girl you once knew.
"Hey."
Momo looked up to see Yui standing a few feet away, her hands in her pockets. Her posture was relaxed, but her gaze was sharp, almost predatory.
"Mind if I join you?" Yui asked, though it didn't feel like a question.
"Of course," Momo said, her voice steady despite her unease.
Yui sat down beside her, the silence between them stretching uncomfortably. Finally, she spoke. "You're worried about me."
Momo hesitated, then nodded. "I am. You've… changed, Yui. And I don't know why."
Yui's smirk returned, but it didn't reach her eyes. "Change isn't always a bad thing, Momo. Sometimes, it's necessary."
"For what?" Momo asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"To survive," Yui said simply, her gaze distant. "To thrive."
Momo's chest tightened, her cousin's words only deepening the mystery. Whatever had happened to Yui, it was clear she wasn't ready to share it. And as much as Momo wanted to help her, she couldn't shake the feeling that Yui was slipping further and further into a shadow she couldn't reach.
Chapter 16: The Test of Potential
The morning sunlight filtered through the trees surrounding the UA training grounds, the golden light dappling the neatly trimmed grass. The open field stretched before the newly assembled Class 1-A, vast and daunting, as though it mirrored the journey they were about to embark upon. The air hummed with anticipation, a mixture of excitement and nerves crackling between the students as they awaited their first challenge.
Momo stood among her classmates, her pristine uniform unwrinkled despite the warm breeze that tugged at their sleeves. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of what lay ahead, but her attention drifted toward Yui, who stood a few paces away.
Yui Kodai's presence was magnetic, her stance relaxed yet commanding. She didn't speak much, but when she moved, she drew every eye in the vicinity. Momo couldn't ignore how different her cousin seemed. The physical prowess she displayed during the entrance exam still lingered in her mind, gnawing at her like a splinter she couldn't remove. Yui had always been capable, but this—this was something else entirely.
Before Momo could dwell further on her thoughts, their teacher stepped forward, his disheveled figure a stark contrast to the students' pristine appearances.
Aizawa's Introduction
Shota Aizawa, also known as Eraserhead, stood before the group with the kind of casual authority that made everyone take notice. His scruffy hair hung limply around his face, and the dark bags under his eyes suggested he hadn't slept in days. Despite his unkempt appearance, his gaze was sharp, piercing through the students like a blade.
"So, you're the lucky ones who made it into UA's Hero Course," Aizawa began, his voice flat and unimpressed. "Don't think for a second that means you're safe."
The murmurs among the students died instantly, his tone slicing through their excitement.
"I'm Shota Aizawa, your homeroom teacher. And I don't care about your past accomplishments or your potential. All I care about is what you can do, right here, right now."
Momo straightened instinctively, her fingers tightening around the strap of her bag. Beside her, Yui's expression remained unreadable, her sharp eyes fixed on Aizawa as though analyzing every word.
"We're going to start with a quirk apprehension test," Aizawa continued. "No orientation, no pep talks. You're here to be heroes, and that starts with knowing your limits—and how to surpass them."
The class exchanged uneasy glances, but no one dared speak.
Aizawa smirked faintly, as though daring them to protest. "The student who scores the lowest will be expelled."
Gasps rippled through the group, the weight of his words sinking in. A boy with glasses—Tenya Iida—stepped forward, his posture rigid. "Expelled, sir? But surely—"
"Save your objections," Aizawa interrupted, his tone dismissive. "If you're not ready to give it your all, you don't belong here."
Momo's mind raced. Was he serious? Expelling someone on the first day seemed extreme, even for UA. Then again, she knew better than to underestimate this school's methods. Her father had often spoken of UA's rigorous standards, and this test was likely designed to push them to their limits.
Beside her, Yui remained silent, her expression calm, almost bored. Momo couldn't help but notice how unperturbed her cousin seemed. It was as though the prospect of expulsion didn't faze her at all.
The Ball Throw
The class was led to a designated area of the field, where a circle was drawn on the ground. Aizawa handed a ball to Yui, his gaze unreadable.
"Kodai," he said, "you scored the highest in the entrance exam. You go first. Use your quirk to throw the ball as far as you can. No restrictions."
Yui stepped forward, the ball resting lightly in her hand. Her movements were deliberate, her confidence palpable. The class watched in silence, their curiosity and nerves palpable in the air.
Bakugo, standing near the back, crossed his arms with a scowl. His fiery demeanor seemed subdued, his usual cocky arrogance replaced by a guarded tension. Momo caught the way he glanced at Yui, his jaw tightening. Why is he so wary of her? she wondered.
Yui held the ball for a moment, her fingers brushing over its surface. Then, she activated her quirk. The ball shrank in her hand, its density altered until it seemed weightless. The transformation was so smooth, so effortless, that it left Momo's stomach twisting. That's… not how she used to do it.
Yui adjusted her stance, her muscles coiling like a spring. She threw the ball with incredible force, the motion so fast it created a shockwave that sent a gust of wind rushing past the students. The ball shot into the sky, piercing the clouds and disappearing from sight.
The class stared in stunned silence, their jaws slack.
The device Aizawa held beeped, displaying the distance: 2,450 meters.
"What the hell?" a student with yellow hair—Denki Kaminari—muttered. "She just punched a hole in the sky!"
Even Aizawa raised an eyebrow, though he quickly masked his surprise. "Impressive," he said, his tone even.
Yui turned back to the group, her expression cool and detached. "Is that enough?" she asked, her voice calm but carrying an undertone of smugness.
Aizawa nodded. "Next."
The Other Tests
As the tests continued, Yui's dominance became more apparent with each passing trial. Whether it was the fifty-meter dash, the grip strength test, or the side-to-side jumps, Yui excelled with an ease that bordered on unsettling.
In the fifty-meter dash, she crossed the finish line in a blur, her enhanced speed leaving the other students trailing far behind. Her movements were fluid and precise, her body responding like a finely tuned machine.
During the grip strength test, the device in her hand cracked under the pressure, the reading maxing out before it could properly measure her strength. Yui handed it back to Aizawa with a faint smile, as though amused by the device's limitations.
The side-to-side jumps were no different. Yui's enhanced reflexes allowed her to move with such speed and agility that she seemed to defy gravity, her feet barely touching the ground.
Momo watched in silence, her mind a storm of emotions. She wanted to be proud of Yui, to celebrate her accomplishments, but something about her cousin's abilities felt… wrong. This level of physical prowess wasn't part of Yui's quirk. Her enhancements went far beyond what Momo had thought possible.
She's hiding something, Momo thought, her chest tightening. But what?
Bakugo's Fear
Throughout the tests, Momo noticed Bakugo's strange behavior. The explosive blond, who was usually loud and brash, seemed subdued whenever Yui was nearby. His fiery temper flared around others, but the moment Yui looked his way, he fell silent, his posture tense.
During the ball throw, Bakugo had muttered something under his breath, his gaze darting nervously toward Yui. And when she approached the starting line for the fifty-meter dash, he visibly stiffened, his usual smirk replaced by a grimace.
Momo's curiosity deepened. What happened between them during the entrance exam?
Aizawa's Observations
As the tests concluded, Aizawa stood off to the side, his gaze sharp and calculating. He had seen countless students over the years, each one unique in their abilities and potential. But Yui Kodai was different.
Her physical prowess, her strategic use of her quirk, her composure under pressure—it was all too perfect. Aizawa's instincts told him there was more to her story, something she wasn't revealing. But for now, he kept his thoughts to himself.
The Aftermath
When the tests were over, Aizawa called the students together. "You've all done well," he said, his tone neutral. "But remember, this is only the beginning. You'll need to push yourselves harder than ever if you want to stay here."
The class dispersed, their conversations buzzing with excitement and relief. Momo lingered, her eyes drifting toward Yui, who stood alone near the edge of the field.
Taking a deep breath, Momo approached her cousin. "Yui," she said softly.
Yui turned, her expression unreadable. "Yes?"
"You were incredible today," Momo said, her voice sincere. "But… are you okay? You've changed so much."
Yui's lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn't reach her eyes. "I'm fine, Momo. Better than fine."
Momo hesitated, her concern bubbling to the surface. "If there's anything you want to talk about—"
"There isn't," Yui said firmly, cutting her off. "Focus on yourself, Momo. You'll need to, if you want to keep up."
Momo watched as Yui walked away, her heart heavy with unanswered questions. Something was wrong, but Yui wasn't ready to let her in. And as much as Momo wanted to help, she couldn't shake the feeling that her cousin was slipping further into a shadow she couldn't reach.
Shadows at UA
The UA campus was alive with the promise of glory. The golden sun poured over the gleaming walls, painting the morning in optimism, but to Momo Yaoyorozu, the light felt thin and hollow. The shadows it cast seemed too deep, stretching too far. It was the second day of classes, but unease had already taken root in her chest—a quiet, persistent voice whispering that something was wrong.
It wasn't UA itself. The teachers were formidable, the training intense, and the students brimming with potential. No, her discomfort stemmed from one person: Yui Kodai.
Friendships Amid Shadows
"Hey, Yaoyorozu!" Mina Ashido's cheerful voice shattered Momo's thoughts like sunlight piercing a stormcloud. She turned to see the pink-skinned girl bounding toward her, all grins and energy. Mina's horned silhouette was a sharp contrast to the soft golden light that streamed through the classroom windows. "We're friends now, right? I'm Mina, by the way, in case you forgot. It's gonna be an epic year!"
Momo smiled politely. "Of course, Mina. I'm Momo."
Mina slid into the desk beside her, unbothered by the formal tone. "Oh, I know you're Momo. Recommendation student, ace of the quirk test, and you can make anything out of nothing! You're, like, the queen of this class already."
"Oh, not at all," Momo said modestly, though she flushed at the compliment. "I still have much to learn."
"Pfft, you're being humble," Mina said, leaning closer. "By the way, that girl—Yui Kodai? You know her, right? What's her deal? She's terrifying, but, like, in the coolest way."
Before Momo could respond, another voice joined the conversation—this one sharper, more reserved. "She's your cousin, isn't she?"
It was Kyoka Jiro, her earlobe jacks swaying slightly as she leaned on the desk across from Momo. Her tone was casual, but her sharp eyes suggested deeper curiosity.
"Yes," Momo admitted, her smile tightening. "She's my cousin."
Mina's eyes widened. "Your cousin? No way! That's wild. Has she always been such a badass?"
Jiro tilted her head. "And so… intimidating? Seriously, her whole vibe is, 'Mess with me and I'll end you.' Was she always like that?"
Momo hesitated. "She's always been… determined."
"Determined?" Mina repeated, leaning in. "Come on, spill. What's it like having a cousin like that? Do you ever feel, like, overshadowed?"
The question struck Momo like a slap, though Mina's tone was light and unassuming. She forced a polite smile, the bitter words in her throat swallowing themselves. It was never me in her shadow—it was her in mine. And now… now she's eclipsed everything.
"I'm proud of her," Momo said finally, though the words felt heavy. "She's worked very hard."
Mina and Jiro exchanged a look, sensing the tension but choosing not to push further. "Well," Mina said with a grin, "she's definitely someone I wouldn't want to cross."
The Corridor Encounter
As the day unfolded, Momo kept a close eye on Yui. Her cousin moved through the classroom like a shadow given form—silent, deliberate, and unsettling. She didn't speak much, but when she did, her words carried an edge that made people hesitate. Even Bakugo, who seemed fearless in the face of anything, reacted differently to her.
Momo noticed it during their lunch break. Bakugo leaned against the wall, his usual scowl in place, but his eyes darted toward Yui every few seconds. His shoulders were tense, his fists clenched at his sides as if bracing for a fight.
Curiosity gnawed at Momo. She approached him cautiously, her voice soft but firm. "Bakugo, can I ask you something?"
"What do you want, Yaoyorozu?" he snapped, though his tone lacked its usual venom.
"You seem… tense around Yui," Momo said, studying him carefully. "Do you know something about her that I don't?"
Bakugo's scowl deepened, his fiery confidence dimming. "She's a freak," he muttered. "A monster."
Momo blinked, startled by the venom in his voice. "What do you mean?"
"She's dangerous," Bakugo said, his voice dropping to a whisper. "You think she's strong? You don't know the half of it."
Before Momo could press further, the air in the corridor changed. It was subtle at first—a quiet stillness that made the hairs on her arms stand on end. Then came the sound of footsteps, slow and deliberate.
Yui appeared at the end of the hallway, her gaze locking onto Bakugo like a predator spotting prey. Her sharp eyes narrowed, and for a moment, the world seemed to hold its breath.
Bakugo stiffened, his bravado crumbling. "I didn't say anything," he stammered, his voice trembling.
Yui's lips curved into a faint smirk, her steps unhurried as she approached. The corridor felt smaller, the walls pressing in as her presence filled the space. Bakugo backed away instinctively, his movements jerky and desperate, until his shoulders hit the wall.
Momo stepped between them, her heart pounding. "Yui, stop," she said, her voice trembling but resolute.
Yui's gaze shifted to Momo, her expression unreadable. For a moment, the tension was suffocating, the air thick with unspoken threats. Then Yui's smirk widened slightly, and she took a step back.
"Stay out of it, Momo," she said softly, her voice like silk hiding steel.
Then she turned and walked away, leaving the corridor in silence.
The Ambush
The streets were quieter than usual as Bakugo walked home that evening, his steps quick and uneasy. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting long, twisted shadows that seemed to move of their own accord. The air felt heavier with each block he passed, the silence pressing against his ears like a scream trapped in a void.
He turned a corner and froze.
Yui stood in the alley, her silhouette sharp against the flickering light of a nearby streetlamp. Her posture was relaxed, but her presence was suffocating, her sharp eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
"What the hell do you want?" Bakugo snapped, his voice cracking despite his attempt at bravado.
Yui stepped forward, her movements slow and deliberate, like a predator savoring the hunt. "I warned you," she said, her voice low and even. "But you didn't listen."
Bakugo clenched his fists, sparks flickering between his fingers. "I'm not scared of you," he growled.
"Liar," Yui said, her smirk widening.
Before Bakugo could react, Yui closed the distance between them, her hand shooting out to grab his wrist. Her grip was iron, unyielding, and Bakugo's explosions fizzled out before they could ignite.
"Let go!" he yelled, his voice tinged with panic.
Yui twisted his arm, forcing him to his knees. "You're weak," she said, her voice dripping with contempt. "And you always will be."
Bakugo roared in frustration, his explosions flaring to life, but Yui didn't even blink. She yanked him forward, slamming him into the alley wall with a sickening thud. The shadows seemed to writhe around her, her presence warping the space like a dark tide.
"You think you're better than me?" Yui hissed, her voice low and venomous. "You're nothing."
She released him only to drive her knee into his stomach, knocking the air from his lungs. Bakugo crumpled to the ground, gasping for breath, but Yui wasn't finished. She stepped on his back, pinning him down as he struuggled weakly beneath her.
"This is your place," she said coldly. "Under my boot."
When she finally stepped away, Bakugo was left broken and humiliated, his body battered and his pride shattered. As Yui disappeared into the shadows, her chilling words echoed in his mind.
"Remember this moment."