CRabbit3428665: Eh it's not really fixing. The Omnitrix repairs Genetic Damage, Quirks are natural evolutions so they aren't any damage to repair.

Neroblaze11: Sorry didn't reply last chapter anyways, yeah Ibara's point on being a hero is a bit naive but she has a strong belief so I doubt she'll really change her mind. Will she be challenged? Yes.

Yellowpikmin88:Yep One Piece is still going. In FMA they kinda worked for corrupt government themselves so it isn't in the realm possiblities. Despite how we see the HSPC they still a government and maintain somewhat of an order seriously needs to be changed but still.

The Wolf Paladin: In the original I mostly hinted at the possibility of the relationships. I'll probably just expand it like having the plots of MHA spread throughout the years with Ben 10 plots in between woven into the story.

Trey Qualls: Yeah I'll just have to think the other reasons why they became heroes, and regarding Bakugou though some of Bakugou consequence are shown here, but I'll try to give him more.

Gues:: Thanks, though more drama is gonna happen I'll try to put in moments like the one from the vacation to let the kids breathe.

"Vacation is all I ever wanted!" Setsuna, Mina, and Hagakure sang in unison, their voices blending as Classes 1-A and 1-B made their way to the buses, the resort now a fond memory in the distance.

"Can't seem to get my mind off of you!" Mina sang, twirling her bag in rhythm.

"Back here at home, there's nothin' to do, ooh," Toru sang, twirling beside her.

"Now that I'm away, I wish I'd stayed. Tomorrow's a day of mine that you won't be in!" Setsuna and Pony joined in, harmonizing as they swayed to the imaginary beat.

Most of the students watched with amused smiles, some even nodding along.

Kyoka groaned, her earphone jacks twitching in irritation. "Do they have to turn this into a full-blown concert again?" She slung her bag over her shoulder, shooting the singers an exasperated look.

Ojiro chuckled from beside her, stretching his arms lazily. "They're just hyped up, letting off some steam." He tilted his head, a relaxed smile on his face. "Though, I'll admit, this has been the most laid-back week I've had in years."

Kyoka let out a blissful yawn, her lips curving into a rare smile. "Yeah, I wouldn't mind if we could guilt-trip the teachers into giving us another week."

"I second that," Yanagi said, her usual calm tone tinged with rare enthusiasm. "This break was a nice change of pace."

"The time for relaxation has ended!" Iida announced, adjusting his glasses with a sharp motion. "We must now channel our energy back into our studies and training as aspiring heroes!"

Yanagi glanced at him, her pale eyes narrowing slightly. "Is he always this intense?"

"Yes," Kyoka replied dryly, her tone flat but laced with sarcasm. "It's like his default setting."

"Though I can't say I'm exactly thrilled to be going back to class," Mina said as she slowed her pace to walk beside them, clutching her backpack straps.

"You're never thrilled about going to class," Kyoka replied dryly, earning a chuckle from Mina.

"Okay, fair point," Mina admitted with a shrug. "But still..." She clasped her hands behind her back, her tone softening. "It was pretty cool just being normal teenagers for a change, ya know?"

Toru nodded, her invisible face lightly flushed. "Yeah... making memories that don't involve our lives being in mortal danger for once."

Kyoka snorted. "Hate to break it to you, but I've got a feeling most of our memories will still end up being about life-or-death situations."

Momo jogged up to them, slowing to match their pace. "You know, Kyoka, you don't always have to be so cynical."

"She's not exactly wrong, though," Tokoyami said.

"Not helping, Tokoyami," Momo said with a small sigh.

His sharp, raven-like head turned slightly."As heroes in training, danger is an inevitability. It shapes us, tests our resolve, and sharpens our skills."

Midoriya stood beside Itsuka near the buses, helping load the last of Class 1-B and A's bags. His sleeves were rolled up, and a focused yet cheerful expression lit up his face.

"Alright, Class B, double-check your rooms to make sure you didn't leave anything behind!" Itsuka called out.

"And remember to sit in your designated seats!" Izuku added, glancing up from a suitcase he was hefting into the luggage compartment.

"Ooh, Midori! Do you mind if we switch seats with other people?" Mina asked, her excitement palpable as she bounced on the balls of her feet.

Before Izuku could answer, Iida interjected, arms flailing in his usual dramatic fashion. "Ashido, we must respect the carefully structured seating order that we have been-"

"Sure, as long as everyone agrees to it," Izuku said calmly, cutting Iida off mid-sentence.

Iida froze, his mouth hanging open in shock. "But-Midoriya-structure-"

"Thanks, Midori!" she chirped, winking at him before turning to the others. "Sato, Koda, you don't mind switching seats with me and Toru, right?"

Sato gave a casual thumbs-up, and Koda nodded nervously, his hands fidgeting with his sleeves.

As the students began filing onto the bus, Iida boarded with a defeated slump. "Why does no one respect the seating order?" he muttered under his breath.

Moments later, Ochako arrived with a spring in her step, holding a small pile of neatly shrunk-down bags. "Hey, Dekiru! I got Yui to shrink down all the stuff we won at the carnival."

"You mean the stuff you cheated to win," Kyoka teased.

"Tomato, tomahto," Ochako replied with a dismissive wave. "Anyway, here's your share." She handed the tiny bags to Izuku, who accepted them with a grateful smile.

"Thanks, Ochako! These are way easier to carry now," Izuku said, carefully stowing the shrunken items in his backpack.

Class B had been boarding the bus next to them as Itsuka waved at him as she began to enter."See ya Izuku~"Itsuka said.

Izuku blushed before waving as class B entered the bus. Class 1-A soon entered their own bus...

[Location: Kamino Ward: Unknown Apartment Building.]

"Hm. Pass."

Tomura glanced at the file on the table, the name Muscular printed in bold letters. His voice was dismissive, almost bored.

"Are you certain?" The television monitor crackled with an authoritative tone. "He's quite formidable. Why not recruit him?"

Tomura's crimson eyes narrowed, his fingers twitching dangerously over the edge of the file. "Look at his track record," he sneered. "He's a wildcard. The guy's only in it for the thrill of a fight and to sate his bloodlust."

"And we could provide him a target to direct that bloodlust," the monitor suggested coldly.

Tomura scoffed, tossing the file aside. "He doesn't seem like the type to play well with others. He'll probably turn on anyone who annoys him-or worse, kill someone who's actually useful. He'd throw the entire operation into chaos."

Kurogiri's calm, measured voice broke in. "True, but tools such as him should not be discarded so hastily. His power could be invaluable."

Tomura clicked his tongue, annoyed. "Ever since the Hero Killer's capture, every lowlife with a grudge has been crawling to join the League. We'll find someone else."

"And what if Muscular doesn't take 'no' for an answer?" The monitor's voice held a hint of challenge, static crackling ominously.

Tomura smirked darkly, his hand hovering over the file as if to decay it. "Then we'll deal with him like any other pest. The League doesn't need a rabid dog unless we're the ones holding the leash."

"He could be a potential obstacle for one Izuku Midoriya," Kurogiri said, his calm voice cutting through the room.

Tomura flinched, his irritation evident as his fingers twitched near his neck, a visible effort to restrain himself from clawing at his skin. "Tch. The doctor's working on a counter for that pest. He won't be stealing the spotlight this time," he spat, his tone sharp with disdain. "Last time, we underestimated him, and it cost us. But now? We won't be playing so recklessly."

"Still," the television monitor chimed in, its voice deliberate, "Muscular could serve as a powerful piece on the board. Try not to dismiss him entirely."

Tomura's eyes darkened, and a crooked smirk tugged at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. I get it. He's like a high-damage character with zero teamwork. Sure, you can carry with him if you keep feeding him enemies, but he's just as likely to throw the match if things don't go his way. I don't need a troll ruining our game."

Kurogiri tilted his head slightly. "And yet, if deployed correctly, even such a character can turn the tide."

Tomura snorted, leaning back in his chair. "Fine, we'll keep him in the roster-for now."

"Hm, well done, Tomura. Now, if I'm correct, Giran will soon be arriving with a potential new recruit?" the television said, its tone laced with anticipation.

Tomura gave a curt nod, his hand absently scratching his neck. "Yeah, someone called... Zombozo?"

The monitor flickered briefly, the voice on the other end thick with disdain. "Zombozo..." it hissed, the name practically dripping with venom.

Tomura's eyebrows knit together in confusion. "Master?"

Before the voice could respond, a low chuckle echoed from the shadows, followed by the rhythmic click of footsteps. Both Tomura and Kurogiri stiffened, their eyes snapping toward the source of the sound.

"Oh, is the Demon Lord still sulking over that little misunderstanding from over a century ago?" the voice drawled, its tone mockingly sweet.

A cold shiver crept down Tomura's spine as a figure emerged. His yellow eyes gleamed unnervingly, their glow piercing the shadow cast by his tall top hat. The man's painted grin stretched wide, exuding an air of grim delight.

His outfit was as unsettling as his presence: a grey and white jumpsuit with oversized buttons, a dark blue and cyan jacket, and black gloves that flexed menacingly. His top hat bore a cyan ball at its peak, completing the eerie ensemble.

"Huh? Who the hell are you?" Tomura demanded, his fingers curling into fists, irritation flaring at the intrusion.

The man tilted his head, his painted smile somehow growing wider. "You were just talking about me, weren't you?"

Tomura's eyes narrowed, the tension thick in the air. "You're... Zombozo? You're a clown?"

Zombozo's grin turned cold, his tone mockingly playful. "Clown? Oh, no, no, no, my boy. I'm the ringmaster of despair, the maestro of misery. And you-" he leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper, "-are just another audience member waiting for the show to start."

Tomura sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "I'm not here for some circus act. If you're supposed to be useful, prove it."

Zombozo's eerie laughter echoed through the room like nails on a chalkboard. "Oh, does little Tenko not enjoy the circus?"

Tomura froze. His fingers twitched, halting just short of scratching his neck. His bloodlust thickened the air, suffocating and oppressive.

"What did you just call me?" Tomura's voice was low, dangerous. His crimson eyes darkened, glaring daggers at the clown.

The bar table beside him crumbled into dust with a mere touch, the sound of disintegration sharp against the tense silence.

Zombozo tilted his head, feigning innocence, his wicked grin widening. "Why, Tenko, of course."

That was it. Tomura surged forward, a blur of pure rage, hand stretched to end the clown then and there. Yet, when his fingers closed, there was nothing but empty air.

A soft chuckle echoed from behind. "My, my," Zombozo teased, now leaning casually against the wall, his shadow stretching like a predator. "Seems Tenko hasn't learned patience. All For One must have his hands full with you."

Tomura spun around, his face twisted in fury. The mention of his real name had pierced through his armor, digging into the fragile remnants of the boy he used to be. His breathing was uneven, his nails now clawing at his neck as if trying to rid himself of a phantom itch.

"Don't. Say. That. Name." His voice was venomous, each word spat like a curse.

But Zombozo only chuckled, his voice dripping with cruel amusement. "Touched a nerve, did I? Funny how the past sticks with you, like old scars that itch. Or in your case, decay."

Tomura's hand shot toward him again, his frustration boiling over, but Kurogiri swiftly intervened, stepping between them. "That's enough, both of you." His voice was calm yet firm, a stabilizing force amidst the rising chaos.

Zombozo raised his hands in mock surrender, his grin unyielding. "Relax. Just a little clowning around." He gave a dark laugh, his eyes gleaming with malice. "No hard feelings, right, Tenko?"

Tomura's jaw tightened, his hand clenched into a fist, veins visible as he forced himself to stand down. His glare didn't waver. "Call me that again, and I'll make sure you never laugh again."

Zombozo's grin never faltered. "We'll see about that. For now, let's focus on the bigger show, shall we?"

...

"Sooo, how was it?"

"H-How was what?" Toru stammered, her voice slightly higher than usual, a faint blush creeping across her face.

Mina narrowed her eyes, pouting as she folded her arms. "Oh, don't play dumb, missy." Toru tried to look away, her body shimmering before fully vanishing, but Mina wasn't having it. With a mischievous grin, she lunged, her hands expertly grabbing the invisible girl.

"Oh no, you're not disappearing on me now!" Mina declared, her playful punches landing on Toru, who let out a series of muffled "Ow!"s. "You know exactly what I'm talking about! You and Midori! Fireworks! Kiss! Spill it!"

"Okay, okay, geez!" Toru squeaked, her face now a vibrant shade of red, even if no one could see it.

The two were seated at the back of the bus, Class 1-A buzzing with lively chatter as they returned from the trip.

"I-I never said we kissed, s-so..." Toru mumbled, her voice trailing off, the fluster clear in her tone.

Mina raised a brow, her arms crossed as she leaned closer. "Girl..."

Toru sighed in defeat, her voice barely above a whisper. "Alright, fine. We... might have kissed."

Mina's face lit up, and she immediately scooted closer, practically vibrating with excitement. "How was it? Did he pull you close? Was it soft? Did he use tongue? Did he-oh my gosh-did he grab your butt?!" Mina's eyes sparkled with over-the-top enthusiasm.

Toru yelped, her embarrassment hitting its peak. "W-Whoa, hold up! It wasn't like that at all! Honestly, Mina, it's so obvious you've never had a boyfriend."

Mina gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as if Toru had struck her. "Excuse you! First of all, rude. Second of all," she smirked, leaning back, "when I kiss Midoriya, he's not gonna know what hit him. I'm bold like that."

Toru let out a laugh, shaking her head. "Bold? Please, you turn into a stammering mess whenever he's within five feet of you!"

Mina blushed furiously, sitting upright to defend herself. "T-That's not true! I'm always bold! Everyone knows I'm super confident! And I'm way more physically affectionate than Yui!"

Toru giggled, her invisible shoulders shaking. Despite liking the same boy, there wasn't a hint of animosity between them. If anything, Toru found their shared dynamic hilarious.

Mina crossed her arms, her blush deepening to a shade of lilac. "Okay... maybe he makes me a little nervous sometimes..." she muttered.

Toru chuckled, her teasing tone evident. "A little?"

Mina groaned, burying her face in her hands. "Ugh, shut up!"

Toru giggled softly, her shimmering form momentarily flickering as Mina leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"Anyway," Mina began, a sly grin spreading across her face, "how was the kiss? They say your first kiss is supposed to taste like strawberries or something. Did it? Huh? Was it all sweet and magical?"

Toru's face flushed a deeper red. She fidgeted, her hands clasping her invisible knees. "W-Well, sorry to burst your bubble, but... Midori wasn't my first kiss."

Mina froze, her face turning comedically black and white as if someone had drained all the color from her. "Oh, right..." she muttered, slumping back against the seat. "I forgot you had a boyfriend before U.A."

Toru chuckled awkwardly, scratching the back of her head. "Y-Yeah... it wasn't really anything serious, though." Her voice softened as her thoughts drifted back to the fireworks. "But this... it felt different. There were actual fireworks, you know? Figuratively and literally."

Mina's color instantly returned as she sat up straight, her grin widening. "Ooooh, now that's what I'm talking about! Fireworks, huh? So, was it all tingly and romantic, like in the movies? Did your heart feel like it was gonna burst?"

Toru smiled faintly, her invisible cheeks still warm. "I guess... yeah, it kind of did."

Mina sighed dreamily, clasping her hands together. "Ahhh, that's so cute! Now I'm totally jealous!"

The rest of Class 1-A was lost in their own conversations, unaware of the exchange happening at the back of the bus. Izuku sat between Momo and Tsuyu, both of them quietly engrossed in their books as the bus hummed along the road.

Izuku twisted the dial of the Omnitrix, feeling it click with each turn before he adjusted it again.

Tsuyu and Momo were quietly absorbed in their books.

Izuku, as he continued turning the dial, hesitated before speaking up. "Uh, Mr. Aizawa?"

The pro hero stirred awake from the front seat, yawning before glancing over his shoulder. "What is it, Midoriya?"

"Do aliens have an ultimate form?" Izuku asked, his curiosity piqued.

Aizawa blinked at the question, momentarily confused. "Huh?"

Momo and Tsuyu both looked up from their books, turning their attention to Izuku.

"The Omnitrix mentioned something about an evolution function," Izuku explained. "I was kind of hoping you might know something about it."

Aizawa yawned again. "No, not typically. Well, a few aliens do have what's called 'awakenings.'"

"Awakenings... like Quirks?" Tsuyu wondered aloud.

"Yeah, but only the most hardened warriors and powerful beings of those species can reach such a level," Aizawa said. "Even then, it's rare. I doubt you could reach that kind of strength."

Izuku felt a metaphorical arrow pierce through him at Aizawa's bluntness.

"That's a little harsh, Mr. Aizawa." Tsuyu said.

"It's not that I doubt your abilities, Midoriya," Aizawa clarified. "But you'd need to train for a long time to reach that level of power. Complete focus is required. Most aliens take centuries just to get halfway there."

"Centuries?" Momo asked, surprised.

Aizawa shrugged nonchalantly. "Humans have a relatively short lifespan compared to other species. Plus, there are other factors-rituals some species have to undergo, unknown aspects you may need to learn to use, and so on."

Izuku slumped in dejection, feeling a bit discouraged.

"Ooh, is it kind of like achieving Super Saiyan Blue?" Kaminari suddenly piped up from the back row.

Tsuyu, Momo, and Izuku turned to him, who was sitting with Kyoka and Ochako.

""Yeah!" Kaminari continued, "Ya know in Dragon Ball, Goku had to train for a really long time and push his body to the limit to reach Super Saiyan Blue. He had to master his control over both ki and his emotions to unlock that power."

"Dork," Kyoka muttered, not even looking up from her phone.

"Dragon Ball? Oh, that odd show with the Saiyans," Aizawa commented, causing everyone to look at him with widened eyes. He glanced at them before returning to his nap. "Honestly, I don't get why they'd make an anime about a bunch of battle-crazed warriors."

Izuku blinked, processing the information. Kaminari's eyes lit up, and his inner anime nerd ignited.

"Wait, I can turn into Goku?!"

"HE CAN TURN INTO GOKU?!" Kaminari exclaimed.

Aizawa's eyebrow twitched, clearly done with the conversation. "Shut up."

Izuku's face lit up with excitement, practically vibrating in his seat. "I can throw ki blasts!" he said, grinning ear to ear.

Momo, sitting beside him, smiled softly at his enthusiasm. "You seem excited," she remarked with a hint of amusement.

"Ribbit," Tsuyu added casually. "Not too surprising. If you could turn into someone like that, you'd be pretty unstoppable," she said, her eyes sparkling with interest.

"Huh, Tsu? Didn't think you'd be into that kind of thing," Ochako said, surprised.

Tsuyu shrugged, looking nonchalant. "I watched it with Satsuki a lot when I was taking care of him and Samidare. Kinda grew on me," she explained, her voice as calm and matter-of-fact as ever.

"Aw, that sounds lovely!" Momo said, clasping her hands together with a warm smile. "I wish I had siblings. It sounds like such a fun and fulfilling experience."

Tsuyu nodded thoughtfully. "I love taking care of my little brother and sister," she said with a small, fond smile. "Doing Satsuki's hair, helping him with schoolwork, and watching anime with Samidare-ribbit-it's the best part of my day."

Kyoka leaned back in her chair, shaking her head. "Sounds like a nightmare to me. No offense, but I don't think I'd want siblings. Too much work. Plus, I like my privacy and 'me' time."

"Come on, Kyoka," Ochako said with a playful grin. "I bet you'd have fun with a younger sibling. You'd still have plenty of time to blast your music and chill out."

Kyoka raised an eyebrow, smirking slightly. "You clearly don't know how clingy kids can be. Trust me, I'd be the crankiest big sister ever."

"Though, Tsu," Izuku chimed in curiously, "don't your parents work a lot? Do you really get much time for yourself?"

Tsuyu put a finger to her chin, her expression neutral. "Ribbit, not really," she admitted bluntly. "But I don't mind."

"See?" Kyoka said, gesturing toward Tsuyu. "Total energy drain. I need my solitude, thank you very much."

Momo hummed thoughtfully, resting her chin on her hand. "I think I'd enjoy having siblings. My home is so large that I think it would feel more lively with little brothers or sisters around."

"It can be fun," Tsuyu said, nodding. "But being the caretaker is a lot of work. You've got to cook, clean, and keep an eye on them all the time. It can be tiring, ribbit."

"Still," she added with a rare, gentle smile, "I love every minute of it. Seeing Satsuki smile after I braid her hair or hearing Samidare laugh at his favorite anime makes it all worth it."

Ochako smiled softly. "That's so sweet, Tsu. I bet they really look up to you."

"Probably more than we look up to Aizawa-sensei," Kyoka said dryly, earning a collective laugh from the group.

...

"Zombozo..." All For One's voice crackled through the monitor, calm yet laced with unmistakable disdain. From his side of the screen, his piercing gaze observed the scene unfolding. "I had hoped your disappearance twenty years ago meant you had finally perished."

Zombozo chuckled darkly, leaning forward as if savoring the moment. "Ah, missed me, did you? Sorry to disappoint, but I've been... busy."

"I was busy in America spinning nightmares into reality, spreading whispers and myths-you know, feeding the ol' hunger." His smile widened into something grotesque, his eyes gleaming with cruel delight.

"Besides, how could I resist? That blonde bunny, All Might, was spreading sunshine and rainbows everywhere. The sheer happiness he left in his wake was simply divine!" He licked his lips slowly, savoring the memory. "It was like an all-you-can-eat buffet of joy and false hope."His tongue darted out like a serpent's, licking his lips hungrily.

Tomura's nails raked across his neck, his breathing uneven as violent flashes of a dog, a woman, and a little girl flickered through his mind.

"Tomura." All For One's voice remained steady, commanding. "Control yourself. Do not let this clown unhinge you."

Tomura drew a deep, ragged breath, his bloodstained nails trembling as he clenched his fists. He dropped into a chair, his glare sharp enough to pierce steel. "I don't like you, clown."

"Aw, why the hostility, Tenko?" Zombozo taunted, his voice dripping with mockery.

This time, Tomura's glare intensified, but he remained seated, refusing to rise to the bait.

"Why are you here, Zombozo?" All For One's voice cut through the tension, calm and cold.

Zombozo casually dropped into a seat, propping his feet up on the table with an air of defiance. "I heard about your little plans for U.A. Quite the ambitious move. The grapevine's been buzzing about it."

Tomura scoffed, his voice venomous. "So, you want in?"

Zombozo smirked, his eyes glinting with dark amusement. "Yes... and no." He stood slowly, his shadow stretching ominously across the room. "I don't just want to join your raid. I want to make it unforgettable."

All For One's voice remained steady, but there was a hint of intrigue now. "Unforgettable? Elaborate."

Zombozo leaned forward, his grin widening. "You're still green, Tomura. Your League wants to send a message to the world, don't they? To shatter their hope and plunge them into despair?" His voice dropped to a sinister whisper. "Let me help you make that message loud and clear."

"Hm..." All For One's voice resonated from the monitor, cold and deliberate. "An intriguing proposition, Zombozo. But what is it you truly desire in return for this... alliance?"

Zombozo tilted his head toward the screen, his painted grin never faltering.

"I'll admit," All For One continued, his tone deliberate, "your... unique touch could leave quite an impression on the aspiring heroes of U.A. And as it happens, I have someone in mind for you to test your twisted talents on."

Zombozo let out a low, guttural laugh, clutching his chest theatrically. "How cruel! Can't a humble clown lend a hand in shaping the next generation of villainy without expecting a handout?" His voice dripped with mock indignation.

All For One's tone didn't waver. "You never act without personal gain. Speak plainly. Your kind always hungers for suffering do you crave this time?"

Zombozo's eyes gleamed with sadistic glee. "Guilty as charged," he admitted, his voice a low growl.

"I'm a man of refined tastes, after all," Zombozo purred, his voice oozing mock sophistication. "One of those bright-eyed U.A. brats will do nicely. I'm craving someone... special. Someone I can toy with, break apart piece by piece, and drain until there's nothing left but an empty shell."

All For One's voice came through, cold and dismissive. "Man? Let's not delude ourselves. You're a far cry from anything human."

Zombozo let out a gravelly chuckle, leaning into the insult. "Now, now, All For One, let's not air out my little secrets. Wouldn't want to spoil the mystery, would we? All I need is someone to squeeze dry-like a sponge at a pool party." His grin widened, teeth flashing like a predator sizing up its prey.

Kurogiri's voice cut through, calm but laced with tension. "And who, exactly, do you have in mind?"

With an exaggerated flourish, Zombozo reached into his coat, pulling out a photo with slow, deliberate movements. He slammed it onto the table, his chuckle deep and twisted.

Tomura's hand twitched, his bloodshot eyes narrowing as he recognized the spiky-haired scowl in the image. Kurogiri's glow flickered with quiet unease.

"Katsuki Bakugo,"

Zombozo hissed, his voice gleefully venomous. "A little firecracker just waiting to be snuffed out. He'll be delicious to break-and even better to devour."

...

From the other side of the room, All For One exhaled softly, the faintest hint of exasperation ghosting over his lips. If he had eyes, he might have rolled them, though such an outward display of irritation would hardly suit his calculated demeanor. He had endured this particular buffoon's antics for far longer than he cared to recall. "Zomb-" he began, only to falter mid-word, his tone shifting to one of intrigued silence as something familiar yet unexpected clawed at his senses.

A connection. A pulse. Not unlike the tether he had once felt to One For All, but... sharper. Stronger. Immediate. Recognition flared within him like a dark ember sparking to life.

Doctor Garaki, ever attuned to his master's moods, paused his work on the grotesque abominations suspended in the glowing green fluid of the massive containment tubes. The creatures clawed weakly at the glass, their malformed limbs illuminated by the eerie light. Garaki glanced up, concern etched into his hunched posture.

"Master?" The single word was both a question and a plea for guidance.

All For One's scarred lips stretched into a slow, menacing smile, the kind that promised devastation. He inhaled deeply, savoring the moment as if the very air had been enriched by this revelation.

"It seems my dear Kevin is finally beginning to realize his potential," he murmured, his voice a velvety mix of paternal pride and sinister intent. His fingers twitched slightly, as though imagining the strings of a puppet beneath his control. "Oh, Kevin... what intriguing little mischief are you up to now?"

His words dripped with a dark amusement, yet beneath the surface lay something more insidious. A possessive hunger, coiled and waiting.

...I

t had been a 3 days since the students returned from their much-needed vacation. Now, they found themselves in the placid days between spring and summer, with their training resuming in full swing.

"Next, Midoriya," Aizawa's monotone voice echoed across the ruined cityscape, as indifferent as ever. The homeroom teacher's tired eyes scanned the group perched on the third floor of a dilapidated building.

The structure creaked ominously, its collapse seemingly inevitable.

"Alright," Izuku said, rolling his shoulders to loosen up. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

"Good luck, Dekiru!" Ochako's cheerful voice rang out as she leaned out of the line of girls. Her smile was radiant, her enthusiasm contagious.

Kyoka gave him a quick thumbs-up, her usual nonchalant smirk on her face, while Momo offered an encouraging nod. Mina, Toru, and even Tsuyu flashed him supportive smiles. Seeing all their expressions made Izuku's face flush red, his heart racing a little faster.

"Mhm!" he responded, steeling himself as he stepped toward the emergency chute-a simple but effective tool designed for rapid evacuation from tall buildings.

The tube groaned slightly under his weight as he slid down, his hands steadying himself against the walls. For a brief moment, it felt like he was a kid on a playground slide.

After the Ghostfreak incident, many students from both Class 1-A and Class 1-B had opted for counseling sessions with Hound Dog. The memories of that terrifying encounter and the USJ attack were still fresh in their minds.

"Hup!" Izuku landed on the ground below with a slight bounce, brushing himself off.

"Good, boys are done. Girls, you're next. Yaoyorozu, you're up," Aizawa instructed without missing a beat.

"Yes, Sensei," Momo replied confidently, stepping into the chute.

On the ground, Mineta sat with his back to the wall, looking uncharacteristically pensive. Usually, this would've been the perfect moment for him to ogle, but instead, he just sighed, his head drooping.

"Hey, you okay, Mineta?" Izuku asked, noticing the unusual lack of energy from his classmate.

Mineta let out another sigh, rubbing the back of his head. "It's just... I dunno, man."

"Let me guess," Kaminari chimed in, folding his arms like a disapproving parent. "You're upset because you can't sneak a peek at the girls on their way down?"

"What? No! That's not it!" Mineta shot back, his face flushing with embarrassment.

"Mineta," Kaminari said again, his tone skeptical.

"Dude, come on!"

"Mineta."

"Fine! Ugh!" Mineta groaned, throwing his hands up. "It's just... after everything we've been through-the Ghostfreak stuff, the USJ attack, the flood training-this feels kinda... dull, you know? Like, what's the point of this exercise?"

Tsuyu, who had just landed gracefully, tilted her head, her large eyes blinking slowly. "Ribbit. That's surprising coming from you, Mineta," she said.

...

"Though I can't say I don't agree," Tokoyami muttered, his voice low and serious. "We should be preparing for worse scenarios. Danger could be lurking around any corner, and we must be ready to face more challenging obstacles."

"True," Momo added thoughtfully. "Proper preparation ensures our readiness for unexpected events. Every lesson contributes to our growth as heroes."

"On the plus side," Kaminari said with a sly grin, "rescue training's been a lot quieter since a certain blonde with anger issues got banned from heroics training."

Bakugou's face immediately twisted with rage. Clad in his gym uniform, he was the only one barred from participating in practical exercises, forced to watch while his classmates continued their hero training.

"Like I give a crap! This evac training is boring as hell anyway!" Bakugou snapped, crossing his arms.

"Spoken like someone who sucks at saving people," Sero quipped, leaning against the wall with a smirk.

"How can you say that?!" Iida exclaimed, his arms flailing dramatically. "Any hero worth their salt must prioritize rescues above all else! Learning to utilize life-saving tools such as this chute is essential! You should be drowning in despair at your inability to participate!"

"Tch, like I care," Bakugou scoffed. "We've all got our strengths. Let someone else handle the damn rescuing-I'll crush the villains."

"Do you truly intend to become a hero someday?" Iida asked, his voice dripping with disappointment.

Izuku, sensing the brewing tension, stepped in. "Take it easy, Iida. Don't let him get under your skin."

"He's not entirely wrong, though," Todoroki interjected, his tone calm and detached. "Everyone has their strengths."

Izuku nodded. "Yeah, some of my forms aren't great for certain situations."

Todoroki's expression didn't change. "It's hard to picture Bakugou saving anyone," he said bluntly.

"Say that again, Icy Hot!" Bakugou barked, sparks flying from his palms.

"No doubt! He'd probably hurt 'em even worse!" Kaminari said enthusiastically, a wide grin on his face.

"Keep talkin', Sparky, and I'll make you my first rescue!" Bakugou barked, a small explosion sparking in his palm.

Before he could do anything else, Aizawa's scarf shot out, wrapping around his arm and giving him a smack on the back of the head.

"Citizens don't get to use their Quirks," Aizawa said flatly.

Bakugou growled, cross veins pulsing on his forehead as he glared at the ground in frustration.

Just then, Mina emerged from the chute, dusting herself off as she approached the group. "What's up? Why's Bakugou looking extra grumpy today?"

"Nothing new," Sero said with a shrug. "He's just whining about rescue training again."

Mina chuckled. "Figures."

Ochako stepped closer to Izuku, her voice soft with concern. "He didn't say anything to you, did he?"

Izuku waved it off with a smile. "Don't worry, we were just talking about everyone's strengths. Bakugou's not exactly a rescue specialist."

"Shut up, you damn Deku!" Bakugou growled from beside Aizawa, his frustration evident.

Kyoka snorted, crossing her arms. "Not exactly the best? He's practically the worst when it comes to rescuing."

"Come on, guys," Kirishima said, trying to ease the tension. "We all have strengths and weaknesses, right? That's what makes us a team."

Momo nodded thoughtfully. "Exactly. We each excel in different areas, which is why teamwork is crucial," she said with confidence.

"Yeah, but I definitely suck at rescue operations," Kaminari admitted, scratching the back of his head with a sheepish grin.

Before anyone could respond, Aizawa's voice cut through the chatter, sharp and serious. "Have you all forgotten why you're here?" His eyes glowed a dangerous red, and the energy around the class instantly dropped.

The students fell silent, realizing they'd pushed their luck too far. Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temple in frustration.

"Different strengths or not, excuses like that won't cut it when you're actually on the scene," Aizawa continued, his voice steady and unwavering. "Pro heroes are willing to do whatever it takes to help. That's what makes them professionals."

He scanned the group, locking eyes with each student before continuing.

"When the police and rescue teams can't make it on time, it's up to you to guide the evacuees to safety. You need to be prepared for that."

Toru raised her hand, her tone curious. "Isn't it faster to save them for real, instead of just guiding them or whatever?"

Momo immediately understood the question. "I believe Mr. Aizawa is talking about mass evacuation," she said, looking to Aizawa for confirmation.

"Exactly," Aizawa said, nodding once. "Saving one or two people is one thing, but when you're dealing with a large group, rescue tools become invaluable. You don't want to find yourselves struggling because you lack the basic knowledge when the time comes. That's why these tools are part of the curriculum."

He paused, his gaze narrowing on Bakugou. "Understood, Bakugou?"

Bakugou grumbled, barely acknowledging him. "Yeah, whatever," he muttered, his tone flat.

...

Nearby, Midoriya gave a small gasp, his eyes lighting up as he began muttering furiously under his breath. "Of course! And I bet we could even combine these rescue tools with our Quirks for mass evacuations. Ochako could make debris float, Sero's tape could reinforce the chute... Spider-Monkey could use webs to create a safety net at the bottom, or Diamondhead could form a crystal cone to-"

"There he goes again..." Sero said, his expression an amused deadpan.

"Well, he and Yaomomo are the only ones who can whip up combo strategies on the fly," Kirishima added with a grin, crossing his arms.

Bakugou's eye twitched in irritation, fists clenching at his sides.

"Anyway, next up is-" Aizawa began, only to be cut off.

"I AM HERE... FROM THE SKY!" All Might's booming voice echoed as his towering figure descended, blocking the sunlight.

The Number One Hero landed in a textbook superhero pose, the ground trembling beneath him as he grinned broadly. "Apologies for my tardiness, young heroes! On my way here, I ran into a troublesome villain who simply insisted on being apprehended!"

Aizawa's eye twitched, his usual deadpan breaking slightly. "This was supposed to be your class," he muttered under his breath.

While Aizawa looked exasperated, Midoriya's face lit up like a child meeting their idol. "I saw it online during lunch! You caught that bank robber so quickly!"

"Indeed! But what the news hasn't reported yet is that another fiend was lurking inside the vault!" All Might said proudly, striking a triumphant pose.

"Too awesome..." Midoriya whispered in awe.

From the side, Kyoka rolled her eyes and extended one of her jacks, poking him in the arm. "Maybe save the fanboying for later?" she said dryly. Her other jack subtly pointed at Aizawa, who stood nearby with glowing eyes and a scowl.

Izuku gulped, causing the girls to giggle quietly.

All Might cleared his throat, looking a bit sheepish under Aizawa's piercing glare. "Ahem! Young Midoriya, your enthusiasm is always appreciated, but let's focus!" He straightened, flaring his cape dramatically. "Now, if you recall the flood rescue exercise from a few weeks ago-"

"You mean the one Bakugou totally botched, which made the rest of us fail?" Kyoka interjected bluntly, arms crossed.

"Shut it, Earphone Jack!" Bakugou snapped, his palms crackling.

"Exactly that exercise," All Might said, smoothly ignoring the outburst. "Today, you'll have the chance to redo it!"

Excitement rippled through the group.

"Redo?! Yes!" Kaminari shouted, practically sparking with enthusiasm.

"Hell yeah!" Kirishima cheered, pumping his fist with a confident grin.

"This is our chance to redeem ourselves," Tokoyami said with a grave tone. "We must ensure our ignoble failure is not repeated."

Shoji nodded, his calm voice carrying over the buzz. "We've been through it once before. This time, we can anticipate and adapt."

Mina gave an exaggerated sigh of relief. "Good thing! I'd rather not deal with Bakugou screwing it up again."

"Oi, you pink freak! Say that again, and I'll blast you!" Bakugou barked, sparks flying from his hands.

All Might raised a hand to calm the chatter. "Now, remember, this is just a practice session. In a few weeks, there will be a much larger-scale rescue exercise. That one will contribute significantly to your semester evaluation."

Mina gulped audibly. "S-Semester evaluation?"

"Talk about pressure!" Kaminari groaned, slumping forward dramatically.

Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "The evaluation will focus on how you perform as a class. It's not just about individual performance. Your ability to work together, communicate, and act as a cohesive team will determine your grade. You pass or fail as a class."

The students exchanged nervous glances but nodded in understanding.

Toru raised her hand, tilting her head. "What exactly will this exercise involve?"

Ochako chimed in, her curiosity piqued. "Yeah, will it be like the flood exercise we did before?"

Tsuyu placed a finger on her chin, her voice calm and even. "I hope so. I'm better suited for water rescues."

Aizawa's lips twitched in faint amusement. "Let's not ruin the surprise," he said dryly.

All Might stepped forward, his booming voice drawing everyone's attention. "Young Midoriya! Young Yaoyorozu!"

The two students immediately straightened, their expressions attentive.

"Since you're both the class representatives, you'll lead your classmates through this exercise," All Might declared, his tone firm yet encouraging. "If your class struggles, it will reflect on your leadership. The weight of success or failure rests on your shoulders!"

Midoriya's face lit with nervous determination. "Y-Yes, sir! We'll do our best!"

Momo gave a confident nod. "Understood. We'll ensure the class works together efficiently."

"That's the spirit!" All Might said, giving them a thumbs-up."Now! Time for you all to perform your excercise!"

...

[Time-skip]

Todoroki stood at the edge of the dam in the mock city, his breath visible in the frigid air. The roar of rushing water echoed around him, a deafening reminder of the imminent danger. The dam groaned under the relentless pressure, cracks spiderwebbing across its surface as torrents of water threatened to break through.

His left hand hovered in front of him, frost swirling and forming into dense layers of ice that reinforced the dam's structure. Yet, for every crack he sealed, another seemed to appear. The weight of the water surged, each tremor vibrating through the ground beneath his feet.

"Momo, report!" Todoroki's voice crackled through her earpiece, his tone calm despite the chaos unfolding.

Momo adjusted her binoculars, watching from her elevated position. "The water level is still rising! How's the dam holding?"

Todoroki braced himself, creating massive glaciers of ice to reinforce the dam. His right hand ignited briefly, steam hissing as he balanced the cold with controlled bursts of heat to prevent frostbite. "It's holding for now, but I can't guarantee it'll last much longer!"

Meanwhile, Tenya shot across the streets with his engine-powered legs, ferrying mock civilians to designated safe zones. He zipped through the city in a blur.

"Keep moving!" he commanded, his authoritative tone urging the group onward.

From below, Sero launched tape from his elbows, snagging a cluster of mock civilians Tenya had guided to safety. "Got 'em!" Sero shouted, using his tape to hoist them onto a nearby rooftop.

On another rooftop, Tsuyu crouched low, her rain-soaked hair clinging to her face. "Ribbit. Sato, we're ready!" she called. Below her, Sato grunted as he pulled a makeshift pulley system Momo had created. The pulley lifted a platform carrying a group of mock civilian children and elderly figures. "Hold tight!" Sato warned as the winds howled around them.

Ditto clones darted across the scene, multiplying rapidly as they leaped from building to building. Each clone carried a mock civilian in its arms, passing them off to classmates waiting on safer ground. "Keep up the pace!" one Ditto called to another before vanishing into another leap.

Dark Shadow surged through the air, guided by Tokoyami's steady commands. The shadowy figure enveloped groups of mock civilians, gently lowering them onto rooftops. "You're safe now," Tokoyami murmured, his eyes sharp as he surveyed the scene.

"Good work, everyone!" Momo encouraged from her vantage point. She quickly created another pulley cart from her Quirk, dropping it to the ground below. "Use this to transport the remaining groups!"

Jirou, stationed nearby, used her her sonic waves to warn everyone.

"Move it! The water's rising too fast to waste time!" She shouted her voice echoed throughout.

From another rooftop, Mina coordinated with Kirishima, the two working to clear debris that blocked evacuation routes. "I'll melt this!" Mina said, acid dripping from her hands as she dissolved a fallen beam.

"Nice one, Amina Acid!" Kirishima grinned, slamming his hardened fists through a chunk of rubble. "Keep the path clear, and we'll get everyone out of here!"

Above the chaos, Yaoyorozu's voice came through the comms again. "Todoroki, status update!"

"The ice is holding, but barely," Todoroki responded, his breaths labored. Another deafening crack echoed as he slammed his palm down, reinforcing the dam with another massive layer of ice. "I'll hold it as long as I can-just focus on evacuations!"

Despite the storm's ferocity, Class 1-A worked like a well-oiled machine, each student using their unique abilities to save as many lives as possible.

...

Thirteen folded her arms, her gaze fixed on the students below. "They've certainly improved," she remarked.

All Might nodded, a proud smile on his face. "They're working in unison, that's for sure. Young Yaoyorozu and Midoriya are leading the class like a finely tuned machine."

"Mostly Yaoyorozu,"Aizawa interjected, his tone even. "Her Quirk is far more effective when she has a team to support and guide. I'll make sure to include that in my report to Hound Dog. She can't be as active in rescue exercises as Midoriya and her leadership skills us shining."

With the knowledge they've accumulated and the growth they've shown, they need to start discussing their futures as heroes seriously."

Midnight nodded in agreement. "Oh, right! They'll have the annual heroics career guidance coming up soon," she said as she gave a sultry grin. "And we've got a couple of special lessons planned to prepare them."

All Might chuckled but then turned his gaze to Bakugou, who sat on the sidelines, his arms crossed and his face twisted in a dark scowl. "This will be one step in their heroics careers... but it's clear some students are struggling with this teamwork dynamic."

Bakugou's eyes burned with fury, his foot tapping impatiently against the ground. His clenched fists occasionally sparked with tiny explosions, though he made no move to stand. Being suspended from the exercise stung worse than any injury. Watching his classmates succeed without him, following orders and pulling off rescues with ease, was like a slap to the face.

"Tch," he hissed, his voice low but dripping with venom. His teeth clenched tightly as he glared at Todoroki's ice holding the dam steady. "Idiots. If they think they're better without me, they're dead wrong."

...

After several tense minutes, the last of the mock civilians had been successfully evacuated. Momo scanned the area with her binoculars, ensuring no one had been left behind. She pressed a finger to her comms.

"Izuku, is that everyone?" she asked, her voice calm but commanding.

A Ditto hopped onto a nearby rooftop, electricity from a passing storm crackling in the air as the clone high-fived its original.

"Yep, we've got them all!" Ditto said with a wide grin.

Tsuyu landed gracefully beside him, her expression neutral. "Though a few fell during the rescue and didn't make it," she said bluntly, her voice cutting through the comms like a cold breeze.

Ochako's face turned scarlet, her hands wringing nervously. "S-Sorry, everyone! I-I tried-"

Ditto placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, his smile warm. "Hey, it's okay, Ochako. It happens. No one's perfect."

"Ribbit, but it kinda is someone's fault," Tsuyu added flatly, earning a sheepish laugh from Ochako and a few others over the comms.

The other Dittos stationed across the mock city flashed thumbs-ups, each surrounded by their classmates and the rescued mock civilians on the rooftops. The unified display of success was almost enough to ease the tension in the air.

"Good work, everyone!" Ditto shouted confidently, his voice echoing across the cityscape.

Momo gave a firm nod and switched channels. "Todoroki! You can release the dam now!"

Standing atop the cracking dam, Todoroki exhaled a frosty breath. He gave a slight nod to himself before stopping his ice production. With a sharp burst of his Quirk, he formed a towering ice ramp and raced up its slick surface, launching himself toward a nearby rooftop.

The dam groaned under its own weight, the cracks spider-webbing rapidly across its surface.

Then-

BOOM!

The dam shattered in a deafening explosion, sending chunks of concrete and ice flying in every direction.

WHOOSH!

A massive torrent of water surged forward, crashing through the streets of the mock city like a relentless tidal wave. The ground trembled beneath the sheer force of the flood, and the air filled with the deep, rumbling roar of rushing water. Buildings quaked, and debris was swept away as the water swallowed everything in its path.

From her vantage point, Momo shielded her eyes from the spray."Hold on!"

...

As the water finally began to settle, the mock city lay submerged under a glistening sheet of water, reflecting the faint light breaking through the rainclouds. Everyone panted atop the buildings, their soaked uniforms clinging to their skin, mock civilians safely in tow.

"These rescue exercises are getting more extreme every day," Kyoka muttered, brushing her dripping bangs out of her eyes.

"Tell me about it,Sero groaned, flexing his sore arms.

Kirishima chuckled, wiping water from his face. "Still, things went pretty smoothly without Bakugou around, huh?"

"Think we might get lucky and he'll stay suspended for a month?" Kyoka asked, her tone dripping with sarcastic hope.

"I wouldn't count on it," Ditto muttered, crossing his stubby arms. "I'm never that lucky."

Kyoka rolled her eyes but smirked as she walked over. She gave his shoulder a light pat before casually snaking a jack around him, pulling him closer. "Don't stress it, Greenie. The guy's a walking explosion with anger issues. No one expects him to play nice."

Ditto's face flushed red in embarrassment, his multiple expressions flickering awkwardly.

Kirishima stretched, cracking his knuckles as he joined in. "Yeah, that guy's stubborn. But We just gotta work around it, especially with that big rescue test coming up. Don't want a repeat of the mess from a few weeks ago."

Before Ditto could respond, a loud horn blared across the city, signaling the end of the exercise. The water began to drain from the mock streets, leaving behind soaked buildings and scattered debris.

'I need to find a way to get Bakugou to cooperate,' Ditto thought, his frustration evident as he furrowed his brow. "As class rep, I can't force him to work with us, and especially not with me. Threats won't work on him either..." His expression darkened with frustration before he sighed, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "I'll figure it out. Somehow."

...

The students returned to the classroom after a thorough review from the teachers.

"My hair always gets so puffy and ruffled when it's wet," Mina complained, shaking out her now wildly fluffy hair. "It's like a giant pink cloud!"

Kyoka smirked. "You look like you got electrocuted by Kaminari."

"Hey!" Kaminari protested, though he chuckled. "I'd say it suits you."

"If I ever drown," Mineta chimed in with a sleazy grin, "I wanna get CPR from a chick... Hot, heavy, deep enough to take my breath away!"

Sero groaned. "Wouldn't that defeat the purpose, idiot?"

Toru, meanwhile, blushed faintly as she glanced at Izuku. When their eyes met, Izuku's face turned bright red, and he nearly stumbled over his desk. "I-I wouldn't mind getting CPR from a certain someone..." she murmured shyly.

Izuku's brain short-circuited, his expression a mix of panic and embarrassment. "W-W-What?!"

"See? Hagakure gets it!" Mineta said, jabbing a finger at her in triumph. "Getting mouth-to-mouth from a lovestruck maiden while they save your life... it's poetic!" He wore a blissful, lecherous look.

Momo crossed her arms, her voice sharp. "Please refrain from encouraging his inappropriate fantasies, Hagakure."

"S-Sorry, Yaoyorozu," Toru mumbled, her face still bright red.

Before anyone else could chime in, Aizawa entered the classroom, his usual sleep-deprived glare silencing the room. Everyone immediately straightened in their seats.

"Good work today," Aizawa said, his tone even. "Now, moving on. We have a few announcements to cover."

The students perked up, curious.

"First," Aizawa continued, "this week, we'll be holding mandatory Heroics Career Guidance counseling sessions."

There was a murmur of excitement and intrigue.

"You'll each have a one-on-one session with Hound Dog to discuss your future as heroes," Aizawa explained. He gestured for Mineta to speak as the latter raised his hand.

"Sensei, what exactly will Hound Dog be helping us with?" Mineta asked. "Is it just the usual stuff about heroics and career guidance?"

"Not exactly," Aizawa replied. "You've all had a taste of the hero world through internships and combat exercises. You've seen the dangers, the villains, and the demands of the job. But there's more to being a hero than just fighting and rescuing." His gaze swept across the room.

"This counseling will help you reflect on what kind of hero you want to become. Do you want to specialize in rescue operations, like Thirteen? Or maybe you see yourself as a pro sidekick working under an agency. Perhaps you want to be an international hero, or even an Underground Hero like myself."

The room was silent, students hanging on his every word.

"Think about why you came to U.A. in the first place," Aizawa concluded. "Hound Dog will help you figure out how to align your goals with your future as a professional hero. Take it seriously."

Kirishima nodded firmly. "Sounds manly. I'm all in!"

Ochako smiled softly. "It'll be nice to really think about where we're heading."

"Ribbit. This will help us see if our priorities match our aspirations," Tsuyu said, tilting her head thoughtfully.

"Good," Aizawa said, already pulling out the next set of papers. "The second announcement: we'll be having Parents' Day next week."

The classroom erupted into a mix of groans, excited whispers, and startled exclamations.

"Parents' Day?" Mina said, wide-eyed. "I thought only general studies had to deal with that kind of stuff!"

"Even the Hero Course has to do normal school events?" Kirishima yelped, his face a mix of shock and nervous laughter.

Aizawa raised a hand, silencing the chatter. "Yes, even the Hero Course," he said dryly. "Make sure your parents or guardians receive this notice." He held up the papers. "On Parents' Day, your parents or guardians will have the chance to watch you in action. You'll be participating in a mixed exercise involving both combat and rescue scenarios."

The students exchanged uncertain glances.

"It's a chance for them to see the progress you've made," Aizawa continued, his tone firm. "Before the demonstrations, there will be a brief tour of the campus to familiarize them with U.A.'s facilities."

"Wait, combat training in front of our parents?" Kaminari gulped. "What if I mess up?"

"Then don't mess up," Kyoka said bluntly, smirking.

Izuku's eyes widened with both excitement and anxiety. "I guess this is a good opportunity to show them how far we've come..."

"Ribbit. I hope my siblings can come, too," Tsuyu said quietly, her gaze thoughtful.

"Man, I can't wait to show my mom how hard I've been working!" Kirishima said, pumping a fist in determination.

"Don't forget," Aizawa added, his voice cutting through the chatter, "this isn't just for show. It's a real exercise, and I'll expect you to treat it with the same seriousness as any other training. You're dismissed."

The students stood, buzzing with both excitement and nervous energy as they filed out of the classroom.

Kyoka groaned, rolling her eyes as she slouched her shoulders. "Ugh, Parents' Day is the worst," she muttered, walking alongside Momo, Ochako, Iida, Izuku, Toru, Mina, Tsuyu, and Todoroki.

"Tell me about it," Mina sighed, her voice tinged with frustration. "My parents can be so embarrassing sometimes."

Kyoka sighed, her earlobe jacks twitching as she imagined the nightmare that awaited her. "At least your dad won't act like a total idiot the whole time." She could already picture her dad grilling Izuku if he ever found out they worked closely together.

He'd probably give some awkward lecture or, worse, act like he was scaring him off.

Just imagining it made her face flush crimson, and she looked away hurriedly before anyone could notice. 'Why does it have to be so easy for them to embarrass me?!'

"I'm certainly excited for it," Tenya interjected proudly, "I want my mother to see just how far I've come. As the future of Ingenium, I must show them I'm worthy of carrying on the legacy!" His tone was full of determination.

"Oh, so both of your parents are coming?" Ochako asked curiously.

"No, just my mother," Tenya clarified. "My father is occupied with work, unfortunately. What about you, Uraraka?" he added, turning to Ochako.

Ochako beamed, her face lighting up. "Both my parents, hopefully! I'm really excited! They've supported me so much in becoming a hero, and I want to show them how much that means to me!"

Tsuyu gave a small nod. "Ribbit, my parents are usually pretty busy, so I'm hoping they can make it this time." Her voice had a note of hope in it.

"Mh? Really, Tsu?" Izuku asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

"Yep," Tsuyu replied with a small shrug. "They've always had a lot of work, so they couldn't come to my Parents' Day back in middle school either."

Momo smiled warmly, clasping her hands in front of her. "I'm quite excited about Parents' Day. It will be a chance for my parents to see how much I've grown since coming to UA."

Her smile faltered, and a faint blush dusted her cheeks. "Though... knowing my father, he'll probably arrive in a helicopter or some other grandiose display."

A few of the others chuckled at that, while Ochako's eyes widened in disbelief. "What is your life?!" she exclaimed, blinking in surprise at the casual way Momo mentioned her father's extravagant arrivals.

"I can't even imagine that kind of thing," Mina added, shaking her head. "My parents are barely on time to anything."

"What about you, Todoroki?" Izuku asked, glancing at his stoic classmate to change the subject.

Todoroki's expression remained as cool as ever. "Me...? Probably no one," he replied nonchalantly, his tone indifferent.

Izuku's face paled slightly as he quickly realized what he had said. "Oh. Shoot, I'm sorry," he stammered, feeling awkward.

Iida, ever the conscientious one, quickly added, "Ah, yes. Your mother is in the hospital. My apologies for bringing it up."

"Wait, really?" Toru's voice was uncharacteristically soft as she spoke. "Oh, I'm sorry, Todoroki."

Todoroki shrugged off their concern with practiced ease, his voice as even as ever. "Don't worry about it. Nothing worth apologizing over."

Iida nodded fervently, determination evident in his tone. "I'm certain your parents would be delighted to see how far you've come, Todoroki. It's a shame they can't attend."

Momo offered a reassuring smile. "I'm sure both of your parents would be proud. You're second in our class when it comes to the practical portion of training."

Tsuyu chimed in with her usual blunt honesty. "Ribbit, it's true. You're impressive."

Todoroki glanced at them briefly before looking ahead. "It's fine, really. Besides, the last thing I want is that bastard showing up," he said, his voice suddenly colder, venom seeping into his tone.

Iida frowned slightly. "I still wonder why you insist on referring to him as 'bastard.'"

Todoroki didn't hesitate. "Because he's a bastard," he replied, deadpan.

Mina leaned closer, her curiosity getting the better of her. "Wait... does that mean, like, in a literal sense?" she asked with a mischievous grin.

Todoroki shrugged. "Take it however you want," he replied, his voice dismissive as the conversation shifted to lighter topics.

As the group continued their conversation about Parents' Day, Izuku's thoughts began to wander. He couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety about his mother attending the event. 'Mom will be coming... I really hope she doesn't end up showing my baby pictures to everyone,' he thought, a nervous sweat forming on his brow.

The memory of past parent-teacher meetings at Aldera Junior High surfaced in his mind. Those meetings were often disheartening, with teachers giving vague, dismissive comments about his progress. 'This will be the first time Mom attends a meeting where the teachers actually care about my development,' he mused, a small smile tugging at his lips.

His thoughts then drifted to his father, a figure who had been absent for most of his life. 'I kind of wish Dad could be here...' But then he remembered the presence he felt within One For All—the flicker of his father's essence intertwined with the Quirk. 'In a way, he's been watching over me since I inherited One For All,' Izuku realized, feeling a warmth in his chest.

However, a sudden and embarrassing thought struck him. 'Wait, if Dad's presence is within One For All, does that mean he's seen everything I've done? Like when I—' His face flushed a deep crimson, and he slapped his hands over his ears, desperately trying to halt the train of thought. 'Nope! Not going down that rabbit hole!'

His abrupt reaction caught the attention of his friends. They turned to him with puzzled expressions, unsure of what had caused his sudden outburst.

"Uh, Izuku?" Momo asked, her brow furrowed in bewilderment.

Realizing he had drawn attention to himself, Izuku quickly lowered his hands and forced a nervous laugh. "Ah, sorry! Just... lost in thought," he said, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

The group exchanged glances but decided not to press further.

"Anyway, ribbit," Tsuyu said, her eyes flicking toward the group. "Let's change the subject, yeah? What do you think the upcoming rescue exercise is going to be like?"

"Oh, right," Toru chimed in, her voice upbeat. 'Aizawa didn't exactly give us any clues, did he?"

Kyoka rolled her eyes. "1000 yen says it's crazy dangerous. Aizawa wouldn't make it easy on us. I'm betting it'll be way tougher than that flood exercise we did before."

Todoroki nodded thoughtfully, his usual calm expression in place. "Yeah, we've already done something similar, and, honestly, the first time was a disaster. If they repeat that, I don't think it'll really benefit us. We've learned enough from it."

"It'll probably be a disaster, something like the flooding... just as intense," Ochako said, her voice chipper but tinged with concern. "So we should be expecting a natural disaster. Maybe an earthquake, hurricane, or even a volcano erupting!" she added, her hands animated as she spoke.

Kyoka raised an eyebrow. "Where would they get the budget for a volcano—actually, never mind," she said with a roll of her eyes. "Let's not tempt fate."

Iida adjusted his glasses, his usual seriousness taking over. "Yes, but I'm more concerned with another factor," he said, his voice lowering slightly. "You all recall how we failed the last practical, right?"

Izuku's shoulders slumped at the mention of the previous test. Everyone's gaze turned to him with concerned expressions. Momo and Kyoka's faces contorted into one of mild annoyance as Bakugou's name came to everyone's mind.

Momo sighed deeply, clearly frustrated. "Honestly, how are we supposed to work with someone so volatile, egotistical, and trigger-happy...?" she muttered, clenching her fists in frustration. Her tone showed a rare burst of anger. "Ugh!"

"And his Quirk..." Ochako continued, shaking her head. "It's the most dangerous. He could easily make a natural disaster in a city even worse."

"Let's not forget," Tsuyu added bluntly, "if we fail or succeed, it's on the class as a whole."

Toru snorted. "Great, so our grade depends on Bakugou actually working with us?" she said, a sarcastic edge to her tone. "Well, there goes my perfect grade."

Mina folded her arms, looking exasperated. "How do they expect us to work with him?"

Izuku spoke up, trying to defend his classmate in his usual way. "Well, he only acts like that when I'm involved," Izuku said, pointing out how Bakugou's temper was often specifically triggered by him. "He gets angry and refuses to work with me as the leader."

Momo gave him a sympathetic look. "Izuku, that's not exactly your fault," she said gently, placing a hand on his shoulder. The unexpected contact sent a brief spark of electricity between them, and Momo quickly pulled her hand away. Both of them turned crimson as the brief moment lingered.

"I-I'm fine, Momo..." Izuku said, his face slightly flushed as he looked away. "I'm the class representative, so I'll have to find a way to make Bakugou work with me and the rest of the class." He clenched his fists, the frustration evident in his eyes. "It's just... working with Bakugou is somehow more taxing than fighting the Nomu or the entire USJ," he muttered, gritting his teeth.

...

A/N: Any feedback would be appreciated, whether it's complimenting the story, pointing out something wrong, or just giving out a suggestion.

This chapter feels more like filler but oh well the next is coming up after maybe 2 or three chapters? Eh let's not spoil it. Anyways leave a review.