Chapter 21 Entrance exam
Author's Note:
Hey everyone!
First off, I realized I made a mistake on Izuku's stats in the previous chapters. Don't worry, I'll be posting his corrected stats at the end of this chapter so everything lines up properly moving forward. Thanks for sticking with me, and I hope you're all enjoying the journey so far!
In the next chapter, we'll be diving right into the action with some exciting developments and, of course, more surprises along the way. Stay tuned!
See you soon, and remember,Plus Ultra!
The darkened auditorium buzzed with a low hum of murmurs and shifting bodies. Hundreds of prospective students sat in anticipation, all eyes focused on the podium at the front of the vast hall, where the speaker had yet to arrive. The air was thick with nervous energy, a mixture of excitement and tension hanging over the crowd.
Izuku Midoriya stood among them, dressed in his pristine white Yakuza-inspired outfit, his kinetic gauntlets snug on his hands, his utility belt strapped securely around his waist. The holstered grappling hook rested lightly at his side, and his dark green hair fell messily over his forehead. He groaned under his breath, stuffing his hands into his pockets. "This is gonna be a long day," he thought to himself.
Just as his patience began to wane, he felt a gentle tug at his hand. Turning, his emerald eyes met the mischievous golden gaze of Himiko, her fox ears twitching slightly in the dim light. Her soft tails swayed behind her, and she wore a shrine maiden outfit that clung to her slender form in all the right ways. The red and white fabric contrasted beautifully with her golden hair, and Izuku found himself momentarily stunned by how effortlessly she fit into the darkened atmosphere.
She leaned closer, a sly grin playing on her lips. "No one can see us in the dark," she whispered, her voice silky and teasing. Without waiting for a response, she pressed her lips against his, melting into him with a passionate kiss.
Izuku smirked against her lips, his hands instinctively tracing over her waist, pulling her closer. Their movements were subtle, but the faint sounds of their lips meeting and the occasional muffled giggle escaped into the silent room. Students around them shifted uncomfortably, a few clearing their throats, but no one dared to say anything at first.
As the two continued their secret rendezvous, the hushed whispers of the other students grew louder. "Seriously?" someone muttered in disgust. "Gross," another voice whispered, clearly uncomfortable.
Suddenly, a loud voice broke through the awkward silence. "AHEM!" The booming voice of Present Mic echoed through the room as a spotlight illuminated the podium. "ALRIGHT, LISTEN UP!" he bellowed with his trademark energy, only to be met with complete silence.
He blinked, scratching the back of his head. "Wow, tough crowd today," he chuckled nervously. "Usually, you guys laugh at my jokes. Anyway—let's get started!"
Present Mic launched into an explanation, his enthusiasm filling the vast hall. "Alright, future heroes! There are three types of villain bots you'll be facing in the practical exam! We've got the 1-pointers, your basic grunts; the 2-pointers, a bit tougher but still manageable; and finally, the 3-pointers, the big bruisers. They're worth more points, but they pack a punch!"
As he continued, a voice cut through the presentation. "Excuse me!" A bright spotlight flickered onto a tall boy with neatly combed blue hair and thick glasses, his posture rigid and formal.
Present Mic pointed at him. "Yes, you in the glasses! Speak up, my man!"
The boy cleared his throat. "I am Tenya Iida," he introduced himself, bowing slightly. "I couldn't help but notice that there are four types of robots listed in the exam paperwork, yet you've only described three. Could you clarify this discrepancy?"
Before Present Mic could respond, Iida's sharp gaze snapped behind him, and he pointed accusingly. "And YOU! CAN YOU STOP THAT ALREADY?"
The auditorium lights suddenly brightened, revealing Izuku and Himiko in their very compromising position. Himiko's hair was tousled, and lipstick smudges were smeared across Izuku's face. He blinked, pulling away quickly, his cheeks heating up as whispers and snickers spread through the crowd.
Iida's expression was a mix of outrage and embarrassment. "We are here to become heroes, not—" he adjusted his glasses with a sharp glare, "—whatever it is you two were doing. And what's with that Yakuza get-up?"
Izuku sighed, rubbing the back of his head, glaring at Iida with irritation. "Mind your own business, Four-Eyes," he muttered under his breath.
Present Mic burst out laughing, clearly enjoying the moment. "Alright, alright! No more public displays of affection, lovebirds! We're here to focus, PLUS ULTRA style!"
The room filled with muffled laughter, and Himiko leaned into Izuku, whispering mischievously, "Oops~ Busted."
Present Mic cleared his throat, bringing the attention back to himself. "As I was saying before our... distraction—the fourth robot, the zero-pointer, is worth no points at all. It's just an obstacle, so my advice? Avoid it. Now, get out there and give it your all!"
With that, the auditorium erupted into a flurry of movement as students prepared to head toward the exam sites.
Izuku shot Himiko a look, wiping some of the lipstick smudges from his face. "You're going to get me into trouble one of these days."
She grinned, poking his cheek playfully. "That's what makes it fun, Broccoli Boy."
Shaking his head with a soft chuckle, Izuku took a deep breath, stepping out into the fresh air with renewed focus. This is it. Time to show them what I'm capable of.
…
The buses arrived with a loud hiss of brakes, students filing out anxiously, each stepping onto the grounds of their designated exam areas. Izuku stepped out, adjusting the sleeves of his white Yakuza-inspired outfit and tightening the straps of his utility belt. His sharp emerald eyes scanned the crowd, immediately spotting the familiar bubbly brown-haired girl—Ochaco Uraraka.
He smiled to himself, thinking he should go say hello, maybe lighten the mood before the exam started. But before he could take a step, a familiar voice cut through the air.
"You there! Are you trying to bother that young lady?"
Izuku turned his head and sighed. Of course. There stood Tenya Iida, his glasses catching the morning light, his expression stern and disapproving. His rigid posture and formal demeanor made him look more like an instructor than an exam participant.
"I don't like your kind," Iida continued, adjusting his glasses with a sharp motion. "Trying to act like some Yakuza tough guy, pushing your weight around and making others feel small. This is U.A., not some gang hideout!"
Izuku stared at him for a moment, then let out a low chuckle, cracking his neck. He exhaled slowly and activated Overwhelming Presence, his entire aura shifting in an instant. A heavy, oppressive energy filled the air around him, and his green eyes took on a darker, sharper glint.
Iida stiffened immediately, his confident stance faltering. He took an instinctive step back, beads of sweat forming on his brow as the weight of Izuku's presence pressed down on him like a heavy storm.
"Push my weight around?" Izuku said, his voice steady but laced with an unmistakable edge. "I'm just here to take the exam... but if you'd rather waste time picking fights, be my guest." He leaned in slightly, a smirk curling on his lips. "But fair warning—I'm not the kind of guy who gets pushed around easily."
Iida swallowed hard, his jaw clenching as he adjusted his tie nervously. Before things could escalate further, Present Mic's voice echoed through the loudspeakers.
"ALRIGHT, LISTEN UP, FUTURE HEROES! THE EXAM STARTS… NOW!"
Before Iida could get another word in, Izuku moved. With lightning speed, he dashed forward, scooping up Uraraka in his arms effortlessly.
"Wh-what the—?!" she squeaked in surprise, clutching onto his shoulder tightly. Her face flushed a bright pink.
"Sorry, no time to waste," Izuku grinned as he sprinted toward the massive exam gates. "Take care, pretty lady."
He set her down gently, offering a quick wink before dashing off towards the battlefield. Uraraka stood there, wide-eyed and blushing, her fingers brushing against her lips.
"He's… fast," she muttered under her breath.
The exam grounds were chaos. Robots of varying sizes loomed over the participants, their mechanical limbs whirring with menacing efficiency. Students scattered in all directions, some hesitating while others charged in full force.
Izuku wasted no time.
His body moved with precision, slipping through the gaps between robots with a fluidity that seemed almost effortless. His arms swayed in controlled arcs, each movement calculated, his martial arts skills coming into play with deadly effectiveness.
"Fist of Flowing Water, Crushed Rock."
His hand moved like water, redirecting an incoming mechanical arm and guiding it past his body before his fist shot forward, shattering the robot's core in one swift blow. Another automaton lunged at him from behind, but Izuku spun on his heel, his foot swinging upward in a powerful roundhouse kick that sent it flying into a heap of scrap metal.
More robots rushed in, their sensors locking onto him, but Izuku remained calm. Focus. Breathe. Move. He struck with precision, each punch a devastating strike that left metallic husks littered across the battlefield.
Izuku's sharp eyes scanned the battlefield, taking in the chaos unfolding around him. Students were hesitating, their bodies frozen in place as the towering robots advanced, mechanical limbs whirring with ominous precision. Some participants were trying to fight, but their inexperience showed in their sloppy movements and panicked expressions.
They're too scared to act. They're wasting time.
Izuku inhaled deeply, his muscles tensing before he launched himself into action. "Flurry of Blows!" His body blurred with speed, and in an instant, he was beside a trembling student who had stumbled to the ground, frozen in terror as a one-pointer loomed over them.
Izuku's foot slammed into the robot's side with a powerful roundhouse kick, the impact sending it skidding across the pavement. Without missing a beat, he pivoted on his heel, his fists flowing like liquid as he shifted into a defensive stance.
"Get up and move!" he barked at the student, his voice steady but firm.
The student scrambled to their feet, nodding quickly before retreating. Izuku's eyes locked onto another bot charging toward him, its metal claws raised. He ducked low, weaving under the swipe with effortless fluidity, and countered with a powerful uppercut that sent the machine flying backward in a shower of sparks.
His movements were precise, calculated.
He didn't just throw punches blindly—each motion was deliberate, his muscles moving with a practiced ease honed by months of training. His left fist struck with speed, shattering an incoming drone, while his right hand guided an incoming missile off course, deflecting it with a sharp, well-placed palm strike. The explosion rocked the air behind him, but Izuku didn't flinch. His feet moved instinctively, dodging and weaving between the robots with the grace of flowing water.
Another robot came at him from the side, its massive body rumbling as it prepared to strike. Izuku twisted sharply, planting his foot and spinning with a powerful hook kick. His heel connected with the bot's head, sending it crashing to the ground with a resounding CLANG.
"That all you got?" he muttered, rolling his shoulders before darting forward again.
He spotted a group of students cornered by a pair of two-pointer robots, their panicked eyes darting around for an escape. Without hesitation, Izuku sprinted forward, his footfalls light and precise. He leaped into the air, flipping over one of the robots, and brought his fist down in a hammer-like strike that caved in its chassis.
The other robot swiveled its mechanical head toward him, its cannons warming up with a low hum. Izuku's eyes narrowed. No time to waste. He charged in, ducking under a barrage of gunfire and closing the gap in an instant. His hands blurred as he unleashed a rapid series of strikes, his punches landing with pinpoint accuracy on the bot's joints.
BAM! BAM! BAM!
With a final palm thrust, the robot staggered backward before collapsing into a heap of twisted metal.
"Move now!" Izuku called out to the frightened students, his voice sharp but reassuring. "Stick together and don't freeze up next time!"
They nodded, scrambling past him with grateful expressions, but there was no time for thanks. Izuku was already on the move again, eyes locked onto the next wave of enemies.
A missile whistled through the air toward him. Reacting in an instant, Izuku crossed his arms, channeling his focus, and struck the missile mid-flight with an open palm. The projectile exploded harmlessly in the air above him, the shockwave rustling his green hair as he pushed forward.
"Alright," he muttered to himself, a grin forming on his lips. "Let's see how many points I can rack up."
Dashing forward, Izuku unleashed a flurry of rapid punches, his arms moving in a blur as he struck down robot after robot. His strikes were seamless—one punch flowed into the next, his entire body working like a well-oiled machine. His gauntlets crackled with kinetic energy, amplifying each impact as metal crumpled beneath his fists.
A three-pointer rolled into his path, its hulking form casting a long shadow. Izuku didn't hesitate. He ducked low, slipping past its swinging arm, and landed a powerful elbow strike into its side. The machine staggered, and Izuku followed up with a spinning back kick that sent it toppling over.
"How's that for 'pushing my weight around'?" he muttered under his breath, smirking as he imagined Iida somewhere in the distance watching.
More robots swarmed in, and Izuku activated Flurry of Blows again. His body moved faster, striking with relentless force. He felt the strain on his muscles, but he pushed through, knowing he couldn't slow down now.
observation room
In the dimly lit observation room, the exam proctors monitored the battlefield through multiple screens. Each display showcased a different student in action, but the one drawing the most attention was Izuku Midoriya.
On the main screen, Izuku darted between robots, dismantling them with seamless martial arts precision. His movements were fluid yet powerful, his strikes calculated and devastating. The proctors were impressed, but there was a noticeable lack of something.
Power Loader leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "Is he ever going to use his Quirk? He's just been using hand-to-hand combat this whole time."
Aizawa, standing off to the side, spoke in his usual deadpan tone. "He also has telekinetic limbs he can summon, but he hasn't used those either. Just martial arts. And he's moving faster than most of the others out there." He narrowed his eyes at the screen. "It's strange. Very strange."
Power Loader glanced over at him. "You think he's holding back?"
"Maybe," Aizawa replied, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "Or maybe he's waiting for something. Either way, he's racking up points faster than most of the others without even touching his Quirk."
Before the conversation could deepen, Aizawa made an offhanded comment, almost to himself. "I'm more concerned about how he's apparently cheating on his girlfriend with that fox girl."
The room went silent for a beat. Power Loader blinked, turning to Aizawa with a raised brow. "Wait, how do you even know that? What are you talking about?"
Aizawa's face turned an uncharacteristic shade of red. "Nothing. I just assumed," he muttered, his tone defensive.
Midnight, leaning against the console with her usual playful smirk, perked up at his reaction. "Ooh, this I have to hear. Shota, are you spying on his love life now?" She began poking at his shoulder. "Or is this about you and his mom?"
Aizawa's blush deepened, though his face maintained its neutral expression. "No," he said flatly. "We're just friends."
Midnight's smirk grew. "Oh really? Just friends, huh? Then what exactly do you do when you're at her place?"
Aizawa sighed, knowing she wouldn't let it go. "We eat dinner. Sometimes we watch a movie or a TV show. Occasionally, I'll rest my head on her lap. She makes my favorite food sometimes, and I bring her some of her favorite snacks. Yesterday, we went to see a movie because she didn't want to go alone."
The room fell silent again, but this time Midnight's expression morphed into one of incredulous disbelief. "Shota. You cuddle with her? She makes you your favorite food? And you bring her treats? You literally go on dates. How do you not realize you're in a relationship?"
Aizawa blinked, his stoic face showing the faintest flicker of confusion. "That's just normal behavior. It doesn't mean we're dating."
Midnight threw her hands up in exasperation. "That's exactly what it means! I know you've never had a girlfriend, but this is classic boyfriend-girlfriend stuff! You've already crossed the line, you dense rock."
Power Loader was stifling a laugh as he chimed in. "She's got a point, Aizawa. You should probably ask her what's going on before she gets the wrong idea—or the right one."
Midnight leaned in closer, her grin devilish. "Here's an idea. Ask her, 'What are we?' and watch her cute reaction. Bet she's been waiting for you to say it."
Aizawa groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Can we please stop talking about my nonexistent love life and focus on the exam?"
Midnight rolled her eyes dramatically. "Fine, fine. But don't come crying to me when she's confused about why her 'boyfriend' hasn't kissed her yet."
Power Loader chuckled, patting Aizawa on the back. "Good luck with that, Shota."
Aizawa sighed, muttering under his breath as he turned his attention back to the screen. "Let's focus on the broccoli boy. He's more interesting than this conversation." But in the back of his mind, the idea of asking Inko about their relationship lingered stubbornly.
Back at the exam
Izuku stood amidst the wreckage of the battlefield, breathing heavily. His fists tingled from the relentless barrage of punches he'd delivered to the horde of robots swarming the cityscape. Around him, other examinees struggled, some picking themselves up, others still paralyzed by fear. His eyes quickly scanned the area, ensuring that the students he'd rescued were safe before turning his focus back to the battlefield.
Then came the ground-shaking roar.
The zero-pointer.
A towering mechanical behemoth rumbled through the exam site, its massive limbs tearing through buildings like they were paper. The deafening explosion sent debris flying in every direction, students screaming as they scrambled to get away.
Izuku's eyes widened when he spotted Ochaco Uraraka. She had just shoved a boy out of the way, saving him from getting crushed, but in doing so, she found herself trapped—pinned beneath a pile of rubble, her ankle twisted painfully. The zero-pointer loomed closer, its enormous metallic foot preparing to come down on her.
"Crap, I'm not gonna make it in time running!" Izuku thought, gritting his teeth.
Without a second thought, he activated his kinetic boots, launching himself forward with a burst of energy. He soared through the air, the wind rushing past his face. His heart pounded as he extended his arm, activating his kinetic gauntlet mid-flight.
With a thunderous impact, his fist collided with the zero-pointer's head, the force sending a powerful shockwave through the air. The massive robot's head crumpled under the force, sparks and metal flying as it was sent reeling backward, crashing into a nearby building with an earth-shattering thud.
As he fell, Izuku quickly reached for his utility belt, grabbing his grappling hook. He fired it at a nearby structure, the line going taut as it slowed his descent. He landed with a graceful roll, instantly sprinting toward Uraraka.
"Hey, you okay?" he asked, his voice laced with concern as he knelt beside her, brushing debris away. She looked up at him, wide-eyed and breathless.
"I-I think my ankle's twisted," she stammered, her cheeks heating up as Izuku scooped her up effortlessly into a bridal carry.
Her face turned bright red. "W-Wait, you don't have to—"
"Relax," he said with a reassuring smile. "I got you."
Weaving through the wreckage, Izuku carried her towards the designated safe zone, skillfully avoiding any remaining robots. His focus was entirely on her safety rather than racking up more points. Each step was calculated, his eyes darting around, searching for potential threats.
At one point, a cluster of one-pointer bots blocked their path. Thinking quickly, he whispered, "Think you can float them for me?"
Ochaco, still flustered from being in his arms, nodded quickly. "Y-Yeah, I can do that!"
Izuku maneuvered closer, keeping her steady while she tapped the robots, activating her Quirk. The machines lifted off the ground, floating helplessly before crashing down in a heap of scrap, earning her more points.
"Nice teamwork," he grinned.
Meanwhile, Iida, who had been watching from a distance, furrowed his brow in confusion. He'd assumed Izuku was some kind of Yakuza punk, here to intimidate and show off. But here he was, sacrificing valuable points to ensure a fellow examinee's safety.
"Why... why would he prioritize helping her over gaining more points?" Iida murmured, staring at Izuku's retreating figure. "This doesn't make sense."
Once they reached the safe zone, Recovery Girl's medical staff quickly attended to Uraraka, wrapping her ankle. Izuku set her down gently and gave her a small smile. "You're safe now. Take it easy, alright?"
Ochaco, still blushing, nodded. "T-Thank you, Midoriya-kun. You didn't have to—"
"I did," he interrupted with a grin. "Heroes help others, right?"
As he turned to head back into the fray, the exam's countdown timer rang out. "Exam Over!"
Izuku sighed, rolling his shoulders as the tension left his body. Around him, students collapsed in exhaustion, some cheering, others groaning in disappointment.
He glanced back at Uraraka, who smiled at him, waving weakly.
"You're really something else, Midoriya," she said softly.
He scratched the back of his head. "Eh, just doing my best."
Back at the observation room
In the dimly lit observation room, the atmosphere grew tense as the colossal zero-pointer emerged onto the battlefield. The massive robot rumbled forward, towering over buildings, and crushing everything in its path. The proctors leaned forward, their eyes glued to the monitors as the chaos unfolded.
Power Loader let out a low whistle, shaking his head. "Every year, that thing still manages to scare the crap out of them."
Present Mic grinned, leaning onto the console. "YEAH, BABY! LOOK AT 'EM SCATTER!" He laughed, watching as students panicked and fled. "Gotta love the drama it brings!"
Aizawa, his arms crossed, didn't share the enthusiasm. His sharp eyes focused on one particular monitor, Izuku Midoriya, who, instead of running, was charging straight toward the zero-pointer. His expression darkened slightly. "What the hell is he doing?"
Onscreen, Izuku launched himself into the air using his kinetic boots, the thrusters propelling him upward in a blur. Midnight raised an eyebrow. "Huh, interesting. He's not running like the others. He's engaging."
Power Loader adjusted his visor, watching intently. "This kid's got guts. But guts don't mean a damn thing if you get crushed."
Aizawa's eyes narrowed as Izuku's gauntlet connected with the robot's head, sending the massive machine reeling back. The explosion of force echoed through the battlefield, and a chorus of surprised gasps filled the observation room.
"HOLY CRAP!" Present Mic shouted, practically jumping in his seat. "DID YOU SEE THAT?! The kid just knocked the thing's HEAD OFF!"
Midnight grinned, her crimson lips curving. "Color me impressed. That was not just brute strength, he timed it perfectly. Controlled aggression."
Aizawa, still watching with his usual blank expression, hummed thoughtfully. "He's strategic. He didn't just go for power, he aimed at a weak point and used momentum. He's holding back more than I thought."
Power Loader was furiously analyzing the data on his screen. "His kinetic gauntlets absorbed and redirected force for that punch... That means he's trained enough to handle that kind of power without breaking his own bones. That's... impressive."
Then, their attention shifted to another screen. Uraraka was trapped beneath the rubble, her twisted ankle preventing her from moving. Without hesitation, Izuku fired his grappling hook, gracefully landing and lifting debris with ease, moving with a sense of urgency and precision.
Aizawa's brow furrowed. "He's prioritizing rescue over points," he muttered.
Power Loader scoffed, shaking his head. "That's not how you win, kid. But... it's how you become a hero."
They watched as Izuku effortlessly scooped Uraraka up in his arms, carrying her to safety. Midnight nudged Aizawa playfully. "Aww, chivalrous, isn't he? You sure he's not following in your footsteps, Shota?"
Aizawa ignored her, his eyes fixed on the screen. Izuku maneuvered skillfully through the battlefield, dodging robots and avoiding debris while ensuring Uraraka stayed safe. He even assisted her in earning more points, holding her steady so she could activate her quirk to levitate robots.
Present Mic was beaming. "Man, this kid's got a heart of gold! He's out here playing hero when he could be racking up points. That's dedication!"
Iida's stunned expression on the live feed caught Power Loader's attention. "Even that glasses kid is surprised. He was probably expecting Midoriya to be some thug."
Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temples. "There's more to him than meets the eye. He's got potential, but…" He trailed off, watching Izuku gently set Uraraka down in the safe zone. The way he smiled at her, reassured her, and immediately turned back to keep fighting struck something in Aizawa.
Midnight smirked knowingly. "But you like him, huh?"
Aizawa groaned. "No, I don't like him. I respect his instincts." He paused, then muttered under his breath, "And maybe his mother raised him right."
Power Loader coughed to hide a laugh. "You know, Eraser, I think you might actually be getting soft."
Before Aizawa could respond, the final buzzer blared across the battlefield. The monitors froze on Izuku, his expression calm but focused, scanning the area to ensure no one else needed help before relaxing.
The observation room fell silent for a moment before Power Loader leaned back in his chair and exhaled. "Well, I gotta say… if this kid doesn't pass, there's something seriously wrong with our system."
Midnight nodded. "He's got all the qualities of a hero, strength, strategy, and heart."
Aizawa, despite his usual indifference, found himself watching Izuku for a moment longer before finally speaking. "He might not have the points... but he has what matters."
Present Mic grinned, nudging him. "So, you gonna pull strings to get him in?"
Aizawa glanced at him with a deadpan stare. "I don't pull strings. I just make sure the right people get noticed."
As the students exited the battlefield, Aizawa leaned against the console, his gaze lingering on the screen displaying Izuku's determined face. "You might actually survive this place, Midoriya."
Himiko exam
Himiko sighed dramatically as she boarded the bus, her fox ears twitching with annoyance. She pouted, resting her chin in her hand. "Stupid exam splitting me up from Broccoli Boy... what if he finds some cute girl while I'm not there?" she mumbled to herself, puffing her cheeks out in frustration.
Her ears perked up when she heard heavy footsteps approaching. She glanced up to see a boy with wild, spiky blonde hair and an aggressive scowl plastered on his face. His red eyes practically radiated fury, and the faint scent of burnt ozone followed him as small explosions crackled in his palms.
"So you're Deku's girl," he sneered, his lips curling into a cruel smirk. "Fox-eared bitch."
Himiko blinked, tilting her head in confusion. "Who?"
Bakugo spat on the floor, glaring at her with all the rage of a storm ready to break. "Deku. The green-haired idiot you're hanging around with."
Himiko's expression twisted into a menacing grin. "Ohhh, you mean Broccoli Boy?" Her tail flicked behind her mischievously. "Yeah, he's mine. What's it to you, Boom-Boom Boy?"
Bakugo's eye twitched. "Get out of my way," he growled, shoving past her roughly. Himiko just giggled under her breath, watching him stomp down the aisle.
"Oh, this one's gonna be fun," she thought with an unsettling glint in her eyes.
When they arrived at the exam site, Bakugo shot her one last glare before heading to his designated starting area. Himiko, still grinning ear to ear, waved at him mockingly. "See ya out there, Boom-Boom!"
As soon as the buzzer sounded, she shot off like a bullet, her foxfire flames igniting into vibrant blue torrents. She effortlessly weaved through the swarm of robots, sending out bursts of fire that melted through their metallic frames. Every time Bakugo launched himself at a target, she would swoop in, just a second faster, blasting the bot apart before he could claim it.
"WHAT THE HELL, FOX GIRL?!" Bakugo bellowed, his voice echoing across the battlefield as he blasted towards her. "STOP STEALING MY DAMN POINTS!"
Himiko cackled, her tail swishing behind her in pure glee. "Awww, is Boom-Boom Boy mad? Thought you were supposed to be fast~!" She teased, flicking a blast of blue flames at another robot, watching it explode into pieces before Bakugo could reach it.
Bakugo gritted his teeth, eyes burning with frustration. "Fine. Two can play that game."
With a sudden burst, he detonated a flashbang explosion, filling the air with blinding light. Himiko yelped, her dragon eyes squinting shut from the sudden flare, forcing her to stumble.
"Gotcha now, Fox Freak," he smirked, taking advantage of her brief disorientation to rack up several more points.
But Himiko wasn't going to let him have the last laugh. Growling in frustration, she tapped into her half-dragon transformation, her body surging in size as she towered at nearly ten feet tall, her scales glistening in the sunlight.
"Think you're tough, huh?" she roared, her voice deeper and more powerful in this form. She unleashed a wave of foxfire, scorching everything in its path.
"CHEATING DRAGON BITCH!" he screamed, dodging the incoming inferno.
She grinned in response. "It's not cheating if I'm just better, Boom-Boom!" She swiped her massive claw at a group of robots, crushing them with ease and earning a hefty point boost.
Realizing that his usual tactics weren't enough, Bakugo resorted to repeated flashbang explosions, temporarily blinding her each time she got too close. Himiko growled in frustration. "Oh, you little cheater," she hissed, rubbing her eyes.
Frustrated, she decided she had enough of their little game. "Fine! I'll find my OWN robots to smash," she huffed, reverting back to her fox form and darting away in another direction.
Bakugo, panting heavily, watched her go and smirked in triumph. "Yeah, that's what I thought, stay out of my way!" But as he turned back to take out more bots, he realized he had wasted too much time arguing with her.
"DAMN IT!" he cursed, realizing he had lost valuable points thanks to her interference.
Meanwhile, on the observation deck
the proctors watched the escalating rivalry with mixed expressions.
Midnight chuckled, arms crossed. "Well, it looks like we've got a feisty one here. That girl's got some serious spunk."
Power Loader scratched his head. "And a serious grudge, it seems. She's got that kid Bakugo totally off his game."
Aizawa groaned, rubbing his temples. "She's reckless, but effective. She knows how to get under people's skin."
Present Mic laughed, slapping his knee. "I LOVE HER ENERGY! Fox girl's got style!"
Midnight leaned forward with an amused smirk. "And her dragon transformation? Oh, that was adorable. I'd be worried about Bakugo's blood pressure."
Aizawa sighed. "If they both survive the hero course, it's going to be a long year."
Back in the exam
As Himiko darted away from Bakugo, her fox tail flicked with amusement. "Well, that was fun!" she mused, her sharp eyes scanning the battlefield for more opportunities. The air was thick with the metallic scent of destroyed robots, and explosions echoed across the arena as students desperately fought for points.
Spotting a fresh cluster of one- and two-pointer bots, she grinned and ignited her foxfire, the blue flames swirling around her hands. With a quick dash, she closed the distance, twisting her body gracefully as she unleashed a barrage of fireballs, each one striking with pinpoint accuracy and turning the robots into heaps of smoldering scrap.
"Boom!" she giggled, flipping in midair and landing gracefully on her feet. "Too easy."
But just as she was about to move on, she heard the familiar sound of explosions behind her.
"OI! You think you're done messing with me?!" Bakugo's voice boomed.
Himiko turned with a smug expression, only to see Bakugo charging at her with a crazed grin, his palms crackling with energy. "I'm not letting you steal any more of my points, you damn fox!"
Before she could reply, he launched another flashbang explosion, the sudden burst of light forcing her to shield her eyes with her arm.
"Ugh! Not again!" she hissed, stumbling slightly.
Bakugo took the opportunity to barrel past her, diving into a horde of robots and obliterating them with rapid, explosive punches. BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! Each strike sent parts flying in all directions, racking up his score in seconds.
Himiko blinked, her vision clearing, and huffed in annoyance. "Okay, Boom-Boom Boy, you wanna play rough?" she muttered, narrowing her eyes.
She inhaled deeply, tapping into her young dragon transformation, her body elongating slightly, scales flickering along her arms and neck. A deep rumble vibrated in her chest as she let out a sudden, concussive dragon roar, sending a shockwave through the area.
Bakugo stumbled, caught off guard by the powerful sound wave. "WHAT THE HELL?!"
"Payback!" Himiko chirped, dashing in and using her claws to shred through the remaining bots around them.
The two locked eyes, neither willing to back down.
In the observation room
Midnight leaned forward, watching the fiery clash with delight. "Oh, they're adorable," she said, smirking. "I smell rivalry."
Aizawa sighed, his eyes never leaving the screen. "It's a disaster waiting to happen," he muttered. "Neither of them knows when to quit."
Power Loader chuckled, looking over the stats rolling in. "They're both doing surprisingly well despite their constant bickering. Himiko's fast, efficient, and sneaky. Bakugo, well... he's just brute force incarnate."
Present Mic laughed loudly. "I LOVE THIS KID! She's playing Bakugo like a damn fiddle."
Aizawa shook his head. "She's reckless. She's more focused on irritating him than securing points."
Midnight smirked, tapping the screen showing Himiko. "Maybe, but she's got a killer instinct. And if you notice... even when she's messing with him, she's making sure she still gets points. That takes some serious multitasking."
Aizawa watched for a moment longer, sighing. "She's got potential... if she learns to focus."
Power Loader leaned back. "Between her and Midoriya, we might have two wildcards on our hands."
Back in the exam
Himiko finally decided to leave Bakugo alone, giggling to herself as she leaped across rooftops. "Time to actually focus," she murmured.
With graceful agility, she soared through the air, shifting back to her fox form mid-leap and landing softly on the pavement. Her eyes darted to a nearby group of examinees struggling against a trio of two-pointer bots.
With a playful grin, she dashed forward, using her illusion skills to create multiple copies of herself, confusing the robots and examinees alike.
"Which one's the real me?" her clones teased in unison.
While the robots hesitated, Himiko tore through them with rapid claw strikes, the shimmering illusions disappearing the moment the job was done.
The other students stared at her in shock. "T-Thanks... I guess?" one mumbled.
She winked. "No problem! Fox Mama's gotcha covered."
Suddenly, the ground trembled violently. Her ears perked up as a shadow loomed over her.
The Zero Pointer.
Its massive form cast an ominous shadow across the arena, sending several students into a panic. Himiko, however, grinned wildly, eyes shining with excitement.
Himiko soared above the battlefield, her full dragon form casting an imposing shadow below. The zero-pointer stood before her like an unstoppable force, its massive arms grinding against the ground, tearing through everything in its path. Its mechanical eyes locked onto her, glowing a menacing crimson. But instead of fear, a wild, toothy grin spread across her dragon-like face.
"Alright, big guy," she growled, the blue flames swirling around her maw, "Let's see how you handle this!"
With a single beat of her wings, she surged forward, her jaws parting as a massive torrent of foxfire erupted, a stream of blue flames engulfing the zero-pointer's chest. The sheer force of the blast sent the towering machine skidding backward, its metal groaning under the pressure as sparks and molten steel dripped from its damaged plating.
The watching students gasped in awe, some scrambling to avoid falling debris, while others simply stared in disbelief at the overwhelming display of raw power.
From below, Bakugo gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury. "Hell no! I'm not letting some stupid fox dragon outshine me!"
He blasted himself into the air with a deafening explosion, sending shockwaves rippling through the area. In mid-flight, he launched a barrage of AP shots, each explosion slamming into the zero-pointer with pinpoint precision. The blasts tore through the robot's weakened structure, ripping apart its chest and legs, sparks flying wildly as its systems failed.
"DIE, YOU STUPID TIN CAN!" Bakugo roared, his hands crackling with explosive energy as he unleashed a final, devastating explosion aimed directly at the head.
The combined assault from Himiko's foxfire inferno and Bakugo's relentless explosions proved too much for the giant machine. With a final groan of twisting metal, the zero-pointer collapsed backward, crashing onto a cluster of nearby two- and one-pointer bots, crushing them into useless scrap. A shockwave from the impact sent a cloud of dust and debris billowing through the area.
As the dust settled, Himiko landed gracefully next to Bakugo, her tail flicking smugly. "Nice boom-boom, Boom-Boom Boy," she teased, transforming back into her fox-eared human form.
Bakugo clicked his tongue in irritation, wiping soot from his face. "Tch! Don't get cocky, fox freak. I would've handled it just fine without your stupid flames."
Himiko smirked. "Sure you would've," she purred, giving him a playful wink before dashing off toward another group of bots. "But I got more points than you~!"
Bakugo screamed in frustration and blasted after her. "I'M GONNA BLOW YOU UP, FOX GIRL!"
Back in the Observation Room
Power Loader leaned forward, tapping on his monitor. "I've been reviewing the footage, and I still can't figure out how her quirk works exactly. It's officially labeled under 'transformation,' but she's displaying an array of abilities that don't really fit into just one category."
Aizawa, still watching with his arms crossed, nodded. "It's unusual. She transitions between her fox and dragon forms seamlessly, and each form seems to come with different skill sets. The fox form focuses on speed and illusions, while the dragon form is all about raw power and durability."
Midnight smirked, brushing a lock of hair from her face. "It's intriguing. If she's constantly shifting between forms, that means she's maintaining transformation for extended periods without any visible strain. That kind of control takes talent." She glanced at Aizawa. "Reminds me of a certain someone who's good at long-term stamina fights."
Aizawa gave her a blank look. "I'm nothing like her."
Present Mic grinned, watching the replay of Himiko's battle with Bakugo. "Come on, Eraser! She's like a little firecracker! If she could stop messing around and actually focus, she'd be terrifying."
Power Loader stroked his chin thoughtfully. "She and Bakugo could've made an impressive team if they weren't so busy trying to one-up each other. Instead of working together, they both burned valuable time competing."
Aizawa sighed. "That kind of rivalry can be a double-edged sword. If she learns to channel it the right way, she'll push herself harder. But if she lets it control her, she'll end up wasting potential." He glanced at the data scrolling across the screen. "Despite the distractions, she scored well, high enough to qualify easily."
Midnight tapped her chin. "Still, it's worth noting how she seemed to prioritize messing with Bakugo over maximizing her score. I wonder if she lacks confidence in her abilities or if she just enjoys getting under people's skin."
Present Mic let out a laugh. "She's got a playful side, that's for sure. But when push comes to shove, she delivers."
The footage switched to show Himiko helping other examinees in the final moments of the exam, fending off stray robots and ensuring others could get to safety. Her flames shielded a few students from stray projectiles, and she even pulled a girl out from beneath some rubble.
Aizawa narrowed his eyes. "She's not just here to fight. She has a hero's instincts, whether she realizes it or not."
Power Loader nodded. "If she can balance that mischief with serious focus, she'll make a great asset in combat. The transformation quirk alone gives her versatility most heroes would kill for."
Midnight leaned back in her chair. "Agreed. I wouldn't mind mentoring her myself. She's got spunk."
Aizawa raised a brow at her. "You just like the fox aesthetic."
She shrugged. "Guilty."
As the footage wrapped up, the exam officially came to a close, and the monitors displayed final scores being tallied. Himiko's name appeared in the upper rankings, to no surprise of some of the staff.
Power Loader looked over at Aizawa. "So, what do you think? Is she hero material?"
Aizawa glanced back at the screen where Himiko stood, stretching and laughing with a few other students, her tail swaying happily behind her.
He sighed. "If she learns to rein it in and focus, then... yeah. She's got what it takes."
Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temples as he leaned back in his chair. "Alright, everyone, we need to start reviewing the tapes for each student so we can allocate rescue points." His voice was flat, but the groans from the teachers around him were anything but subtle.
Midnight stretched with an exaggerated sigh. "Ugh, this is going to take all week. Can't we just speed it up a little? Some of these kids barely lifted a finger when it came to rescues."
Present Mic laughed, spinning in his chair. "C'mon, Midnight! This is where we see the real hero potential. Fighting's one thing, but saving lives? That's where it counts!"
Power Loader tapped away at his screen, pulling up various exam footage. "He's right. A lot of these kids think it's all about smashing robots, but the rescue points balance things out. Some of them surprised me with how well they prioritized civilians."
Aizawa watched the footage of Izuku and Himiko with a critical eye. "That Midoriya kid... he prioritized the girl over scoring points." He paused, leaning forward. "That's something most students wouldn't do in their first exam."
Midnight smiled. "And let's not forget fox-girl. She might have been messing with the blonde one, but she still managed to pull off a few key rescues when it mattered. They've got instincts."
Aizawa sighed again. "We'll see how they place once we tally everything up."
Meanwhile, in another room
Meanwhile, in another room, All Might was staring intently at the screen, watching Melissa's performance with an eager smile. On the monitor, Melissa dashed through the battlefield, her strikes clean but cautious, her movements improving with every punch and kick. She managed to take down several robots, though she struggled initially with controlling her power output.
Suddenly, a decisive moment played on the screen, Melissa landed a perfect blow, shattering a robot's core without breaking her arm.
"YES! SHE FIGURED IT OUT!" All Might bellowed, jumping up from his seat in excitement, pumping his fists in the air. His grin stretched ear to ear, pride radiating from his every movement. "I was worried, but she's finally learned how to balance the quirk's power output!"
The principal, Nezu, sipped his tea nearby, watching with his ever-present calm smile. "Indeed, she's showing remarkable progress. And from what I've seen, she's been focusing on helping others as well. I believe she will pass with flying colors."
All Might flexed, shifting into his muscle form from sheer excitement. "This is wonderful! She'll make an excellent hero! HAHAHA!" His laughter echoed through the halls, causing some of the other teachers to look over in amusement.
Back at the Warehouse
Izuku and Himiko strolled back to the warehouse hand-in-hand, their shoulders slightly tense but their spirits high. Himiko squeezed his hand and looked up at him with a bright smile. "So, Broccoli Boy, think we did good?"
Izuku exhaled, giving a small smile. "Yeah... I think we did our best. I saved a few people, took down a bunch of robots... but man, that zero-pointer was something else." His green eyes flickered with concern. "You? How'd it go for you?"
She shrugged nonchalantly, hiding the memory of Bakugo's screaming fits. "Oh, you know. Burned some bots, maybe ruffled a few feathers." Her tail swayed mischievously, but she quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, we're back home now. No more thinking about exams!"
As they entered the warehouse, Eri stood waiting for them in an adorable pink cleric outfit, complete with a tiny staff and a stuffed fox toy strapped to her side. Her big red eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Fox Mama, get dressed! We gotta go!" Eri chirped, bouncing in place.
Himiko ruffled the little girl's hair affectionately. "Yeah, yeah, I know, kiddo. We've got the event!" She hurried off to change into her outfit, grabbing her ninja costume, a sleek black outfit with blue highlights and matching fox ear accessories.
Izuku smiled as he watched them prepare. "You two really take these things seriously, huh?"
Eri nodded vigorously. "It's not just any event, Papa! They're showing off the next sequel game, and I get to meet my online friends in person!" She twirled in excitement. "I need to show them how awesome I am!"
Izuku chuckled, grabbing his own simple outfit for the occasion. "Alright, alright. Let's get going before you explode from excitement."
With Himiko now dressed and armed with a playful grin, she picked Eri up in her arms. "Let's goooo!" she cheered, making Eri giggle with joy.
As they headed out the door.
At the Anime Convention
Eri and Himiko stood at the crowded anime convention, waiting at their designated rendezvous point. The air buzzed with excitement—cosplayers flaunted their intricate outfits, booths displayed colorful merchandise, and the scent of fried food lingered in the air. Eri was practically bouncing with anticipation, her eyes darting around in search of familiar faces.
Suddenly, she felt an eerie chill crawl up her spine. Slowly turning around, she locked eyes with a tall, lanky man standing a few feet away. His white hair fell messily over his face, and red eyes peered at her with an unsettling intensity. A cloth mask covered the lower part of his face, but his exposed fingers twitched oddly—some of his gloves were missing, revealing long, bony fingers that flexed menacingly.
Behind him, a second figure loomed in dark, soot-covered armor, a faint mist of smoke rising from its seams. His posture was rigid, exuding an air of quiet authority. Standing beside him, a third individual dressed in tattered blue robes grinned wildly, his face marred with deep stitches and burn marks, giving him a haunting, undead appearance.
The white-haired man tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing in eerie amusement. "I've finally found you," he murmured.
Eri's initial fear was instantly replaced with recognition. Her face lit up with excitement. "MasterHand!" she squealed, jumping up and down.
The man nodded, his movements slow and deliberate. "Yes… I am the deadly assassin known as MasterHand18," he said in a dramatic, sinister tone.
Himiko quickly stepped in front of Eri, her golden fox ears twitching as she protectively placed a hand on the little girl's shoulder. "Time Girl," MasterHand18 whispered, a satisfied grin evident even beneath his mask.
Eri beamed and nodded. "That's me!"
The armored figure next to him bowed slightly, the smoke wafting from his body swirling elegantly in the air. "And I," he said in a deep, gentlemanly tone, "am ShadowVoid18. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Time Girl."
Before Eri could respond, the third man, the one in blue robes, waved enthusiastically. "Hey! What about me, guys?" His voice was rough and gravelly, yet carried an odd cheerfulness.
MasterHand barely spared him a glance. "What about you?" he replied flatly.
Blue Inferno's eyes darkened slightly, and a small flicker of blue flames ignited at his fingertips. "I could char you right now, man," he muttered, clearly irritated by MasterHand's dismissal.
MasterHand raised an eyebrow under his mask. "Oh wow, really dedicated to the cosplay. Nice."
Blue Inferno groaned, extinguishing his flames. "Yeah, yeah… we're really dedicated," he mumbled, crossing his arms.
Eri giggled. "Hi, Blue Inferno! Who's your cosplay supposed to be today?"
The stitched-up man in blue robes puffed up his chest. "I'm the wandering sorcerer of destruction!" He made an exaggerated gesture, flipping his robe dramatically. "Feared across realms and adored by all!"
Himiko smirked, flicking her tail playfully. "Adored, huh? Pretty sure you're just a burned marshmallow."
Blue Inferno pouted. "You wound me, Fox Mama."
MasterHand shifted his gaze to Himiko, nodding in recognition. "Oh yeah, I remember you! We played a few rounds together before." His eyes glimmered with mischief. "Your illusions are nasty in PvP."
Himiko grinned, flashing a sharp smile. "Gotta keep things interesting."
Blue Inferno sighed. "I wasn't able to play much, you know... had a job to do." His voice held a tinge of regret.
ShadowVoid chuckled under his smoky helm. "We all have our roles to play, Inferno."
Eri, bouncing excitedly, pointed at the bustling crowd around them. "So what do we do first? The new sequel game demo? The cosplay contest? Or food?" She turned to Himiko with puppy-dog eyes.
MasterHand chuckled darkly. "Time Girl, we must engage in serious business. The demo first... then food."
Himiko crossed her arms, her fox ears twitching. "Fine, but I'm getting snacks first." She ruffled Eri's hair. "I'm not fighting on an empty stomach."
Blue Inferno groaned. "Yeah, yeah, but I'm not eating any of that cheap con food. I want the good stuff."
Eri grabbed Himiko's hand eagerly. "Come on, Fox Mama! Let's go!"
Himiko smiled and winked at their odd little group. "Alright, boys, let's show this con who's boss."
With their unlikely crew assembled, they ventured deeper into the convention, ready to experience everything the event had to offer.
After grabbing some quick snacks—takoyaki, taiyaki, and some extra-large sodas—the group made their way toward the game demo booth. The massive screen displayed cinematic trailers of the highly anticipated sequel, showing off revamped mechanics, breathtaking environments, and intense combat sequences. The excitement in the air was palpable, and Eri was practically vibrating with anticipation.
As they waited in line, the group eagerly discussed the game's progress.
"I just hope they don't mess with the core gameplay too much," ShadowVoid18 mused, his voice carrying a deep, eerie calm even as smoke lazily drifted from his armored shoulders. "The mechanics in the last game were already near perfect—just polish the rough edges."
MasterHand18 nodded in agreement, adjusting his mask. "Right? If they mess with the stealth system, I swear I'll riot. We don't need fancy gimmicks, just keep it classic and expand the options." His fingers twitched eagerly, clearly imagining sneaking around in-game.
Himiko grinned, flipping her fox ears with a playful smirk. "I heard they're making an anime adaptation too. Heard the same rumors as you guys—either a 12-episode series or a high-budget movie." She leaned forward excitedly. "I'm hoping for the series, though. I wanna watch it week after week, analyze everything, theorize, the whole deal."
Eri, clutching her drink with both hands, nodded rapidly. "Yeah! A series would be way more fun! A movie would be cool, but I don't wanna wait another year for more content." Her eyes sparkled. "We could do watch parties every week!"
Blue Inferno, stirring his drink with a straw, shrugged. "Either way, it better have a good budget. None of that cheap, rushed animation." He tapped his scarred cheek thoughtfully. "I just wanna see the boss fights in full, glorious HD."
As they reached the front of the line, they debated over what class the main character should have in the new game.
"I'm sticking with cleric," Eri said proudly, hugging her plush cleric doll. "Healing magic is the best, and I wanna make sure everyone's okay!"
MasterHand18 scoffed. "Yeah, yeah, we know. You're the ultimate support. But the MC should totally be an assassin. Stealth, speed, and the element of surprise—it's the perfect way to play."
ShadowVoid18, his glowing eyes narrowing through his smoky armor, crossed his arms. "No. Dark Paladin is the only logical choice. The inner conflict of light and darkness, the heavy armor, the power... it's the superior class."
Blue Inferno laughed. "C'mon, you guys. A sorcerer makes the most sense. Raw power, flashy spells, world-ending magic. The story writes itself!"
Himiko twirled a kunai from her belt. "You're all wrong. Ninjas are where it's at. Speed, versatility, cool moves, and stealth." She pointed at MasterHand. "Sorry, buddy, but I'm better at it."
Eri giggled. "Maybe they'll have multiple protagonists with different classes so everyone wins?"
The group considered that, nodding thoughtfully before it was finally their turn to play.
….
With the demo leaving them hyped and satisfied, they ventured into the sprawling merchandise section of the convention hall. Rows upon rows of stalls were filled with figurines, posters, art books, and custom gear. Eri excitedly grabbed a plushie of her favorite character, while Himiko picked up a set of kunai-themed keychains.
Then they came across the custom figurine booth. Here, attendees could build their own highly detailed figure using different parts, armor pieces, and accessories.
"Whoa..." MasterHand breathed, his eyes locked onto the fully customizable figurines. "I need this."
Himiko whistled, looking at the prices. "Yeah, good luck with that, stealth boy. These babies are insanely expensive."
MasterHand turned to ShadowVoid18, his voice taking on a pleading tone. "Hey, uh... can I maybe get my allowance early?" His lanky fingers fidgeted nervously.
ShadowVoid crossed his arms, his smokey aura flaring briefly. "I told you to save up for the convention, didn't I?"
MasterHand groaned dramatically. "C'mon, man! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Before ShadowVoid could deny him again, Eri skipped over, eyes glinting with mischief. "Hey, MasterHand," she said sweetly. "If you admit that I'm super cool, I'll buy it for you."
MasterHand turned to her, looking absolutely horrified. "I... would never say that."
Moments later, he was walking out of the booth, clutching his custom figurine in triumph—but with his pride utterly shattered.
Eri skipped beside him with a smug grin. "Say it again! I wanna hear it!"
He grumbled under his breath. "You're cool, okay? But just this once."
ShadowVoid chuckled under his breath. "You're hopeless."
Himiko wiped away tears of laughter. "This was worth every penny."
Blue Inferno clapped MasterHand on the back. "Congrats, man. You sold your soul for plastic."
MasterHand scowled but admired his new figure nonetheless, muttering to himself about how it was definitely worth it.
….
After a long day of excitement, gaming, and shopping, the group made their way out of the bustling convention center. Eri clutched her new plushie tightly, Himiko carried a bag filled with merch and snacks, and the rest of the group sported various souvenirs and figurines.
As they walked through the lively streets, the tantalizing scent of freshly made ramen caught their attention.
"Ramen break?" Himiko asked, her fox ears twitching eagerly.
"Absolutely," ShadowVoid18 replied, his smoky aura flaring slightly as he adjusted the bag slung over his shoulder. "A warm bowl of ramen is the perfect way to end a day like this."
Eri cheered, hopping excitedly. "Ramen, ramen, ramen!"
The group squeezed into the cozy outdoor ramen stand, its glowing red lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze. They each ordered steaming bowls of ramen piled high with toppings—extra pork for Blue Inferno, spicy miso for Himiko, and a kid's-sized portion for Eri (though she insisted she could finish a regular bowl).
As they ate, the chatter was lively.
"I can't believe how much you spent on that figure, MasterHand," Himiko teased, slurping up a noodle.
He huffed, holding the figurine protectively. "It's an investment. You wouldn't understand."
Blue Inferno smirked. "Yeah, an investment in your ego."
Eri giggled, her cheeks puffed with noodles. "It's okay, MasterHand. I think it's really cool! You did good admitting I'm awesome."
MasterHand groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. "You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"
"Nope!" Eri said brightly, beaming at him.
ShadowVoid chuckled deeply. "Consider it your penance."
After finishing their meals, they stood outside the ramen stand under the soft glow of streetlights, the day winding down.
"Well," ShadowVoid began, adjusting his smoky helm, "this was a productive day. But I've got to get back to my studies."
Blue Inferno stretched, his blue flames briefly flickering. "Same. But hey, when the game drops, let's plan a raid together."
"You know I'm in," MasterHand replied, his grin evident even under his mask.
Eri hugged them all tightly, her small arms barely wrapping around each of them. "Thanks for playing with me today! You're the best!"
They patted her head fondly, ShadowVoid murmuring, "Take care, Time Girl."
Himiko waved dramatically. "See you all in the game, losers!" She flashed a cheeky grin before turning to Eri. "Alright, kiddo, let's head home."
Eri nodded, skipping along beside her. As they walked off, she looked up at Himiko. "Do you think Papa's gonna like my new plushie?"
Himiko smiled warmly, ruffling Eri's hair. "He'll love it, squirt. Now let's get home before we both pass out."
With that, the group dispersed into the night, each carrying a piece of the day's fun with them, ready to meet again for their next adventure.
Author's Note:
Thank you all so much for sticking with the story! Your support means the world to me, and I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a review and share your thoughts.
By the way, get ready! In the next chapter, I'll finally be delivering that spicy scene with our favorite bunny girl. I hope you've enjoyed the character interactions and fun moments in this chapter, and I'll be working hard to get the next one out as soon as possible.
After that, we'll dive right into the UA Physical Exam, so stay tuned for some action-packed moments and more surprises!
Until next time, thanks again for reading and supporting the story!
Izuku's Level (25) StatsPhysical: 430 (750 With magical equipment. with Peak Body )
Body: 550 with Peak Body
Mind: 350
HP: 55000 (Body 100)
SP: 1600 (Body 10)
MP: 3500 (Mind 10)