The Black Swordsmen Deku: Hero of Aincrad

by OtakuShift

Welcome to my MHAxSAO crossover. We follow a quirkless Izuku Midoriya as he goes down his dark journey through Aincrad. Haunted by his past, Deku fights as a solo player on the front lines. As he clears each floor, he must learn to overcome his darkness, grief, rediscover hope, and find the strength to save everyone trapped inside SAO. But what's waiting for him in the real world?

25. Chapter 25: Diamond in the Rough

Chapter 25: Diamond in the Rough

Izuku's feet pounded against the pavement in steady rhythm, his breath visible in the crisp morning air. The light of the rising sun cast long shadows over the quiet streets as he ran, the cool breeze brushing against his flushed skin. His hoodie clung to his frame, damp with sweat, outlining the muscles he'd worked tirelessly to build since his return from Aincrad.

Each stride felt like a release, a moment to clear his mind—or at least try to. But today was different. Beneath the rhythmic pounding of his steps, there was an undercurrent of excitement bubbling in his chest.

UA, he thought, the name alone sparking a mix of emotions. Today's the day.

It felt surreal, almost dreamlike. Attending the most prestigious hero academy in the country was something he'd always wanted. And now, after everything, he was finally here. The thought made his heart race faster than the exertion of his run.

But as that excitement took root, a pang of guilt followed close behind, sharp and unrelenting. His pace faltered slightly as his thoughts shifted to Present Mic. UA wasn't just a school—it was the place Present Mic had poured his heart into. The same hero who'd given so much to protect them, who'd been a pillar of strength and laughter even in the darkest moments of Aincrad.

How can I feel this happy? Izuku wondered, his chest tightening. He's not here to see it…

The guilt gnawed at him, threatening to overtake the fragile spark of joy he felt. He pushed forward, trying to shake the heaviness from his mind, but the conflict lingered.

Before he knew it, he found himself on the familiar path to the beach. The sound of waves reached him first, their gentle rhythm a stark contrast to the chaos in his head. He slowed to a stop as the vast expanse of ocean came into view, the golden light of the rising sun stretching across the horizon like a promise of a new beginning.

Izuku stood at the edge of the water, his chest rising and falling as he caught his breath. The salty breeze swept past him, and for a moment, he let himself just take it all in—the colors of the sky, the soothing sound of the waves, the cool sand beneath his feet.

"I wish you could see this," he whispered, his voice barely audible over the ocean's song. "I wish you could see how much UA meant to you… and how much it means to me now."

The thought made his throat tighten, but he forced himself to look forward, not back. This was a new chapter—a chance to honor everything Present Mic had stood for, to make the most of the opportunities he'd fought so hard to give them.

"I'll do my best," Izuku said quietly, his voice carrying a mix of guilt and determination.

The sun climbed higher, its warmth cutting through the morning chill. With a steadying breath, Izuku turned back toward the road. His first day at UA awaited, and while the weight of the past lingered, he couldn't deny the small flicker of hope burning within him.

At Home

Izuku fidgeted with the strap of his bag, staring down at his untouched breakfast. Across the table, Inko bustled about, her hands busy but her gaze frequently flicking toward him.

"Are you sure you have everything?" she asked for the second time, her voice wavering slightly. "Lunch? Uniform? Supplies?"

"Yes, Mom," Izuku replied, forcing a small smile.

Inko's movements slowed as she turned to face him fully. "It's just… it's UA. And after everything—" She hesitated, her hands wringing together. "It's not just today I'm worried about, Izuku. I know how much you've been carrying since SAO. It's not something you just… get over."

Izuku's smile faltered, and he looked away, gripping his bag tighter. "I'm doing okay, really. UA's a fresh start. I'll make the most of it."

Inko stepped closer, her expression soft but still tinged with worry. "I'm so proud of you, Izuku. You've been through so much, and you still keep moving forward. But if you ever need to talk—or if it gets to be too much—you know I'm here, right?"

He nodded, his throat tight. "I know, Mom. Thanks."

She reached out, pulling him into a quick, fierce hug. "Have a great first day. You're going to do amazing."

The crisp morning air filled Izuku's lungs as he walked toward the main street, meeting Asuna at the usual corner. She greeted him with a bright smile, her school bag slung casually over one shoulder.

"Nervous?" she asked, falling into step beside him.

Izuku chuckled lightly. "A little. But excited too. It's UA, you know?"

Asuna nodded, her own excitement shining through. "I can't believe we're finally here. Hero Course… it still feels surreal."

"You'll do great," Izuku said sincerely. "You've been preparing for this for so long."

"Thanks," she said, her cheeks tinged with faint color. "I just hope I don't trip over myself on the first day or something."

Izuku laughed. "If anyone's prepared, it's you. They're lucky to have you."

As they approached the school gates, the towering building loomed before them, a symbol of their new journey.

Near the school's entrance, Mito waved enthusiastically. "There you two are! I was starting to think you overslept."

Liz smirked beside her, arms crossed. "Relax, Mito. They're not late. Yet."

Asuna grinned. "Excited much?"

"Of course!" Mito shot back. "It's UA. This is the big leagues!"

Izuku shook his head, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "You're way too awake for this early."

Mito jabbed a finger at him. "Hey, someone has to keep the energy up. You should be thanking me."

"Right, thank you for being loud enough to wake the whole block," he teased.

Liz chuckled before turning to Izuku. "So, when are you finally ditching those boring classes and coming over to the fun side?"

Izuku laughed. "My support classes are in the afternoon, but other than that, I have no idea what the rest of my schedule looks like."

Mito groaned dramatically. "What kind of nerd doesn't know his own schedule on the first day?"

"Probably the same kind who's too loud for her own good," Izuku shot back with a grin.

The banter continued until they reached the main doors of the school.

As they stood in front of the massive building, Mito and Asuna turned toward a hallway marked for the Hero Course.

"See you guys later!" Asuna called, waving as she and Mito disappeared into the corridor.

Liz glanced at Izuku, her expression softening. "Good luck in General Studies. We'll catch up in the Support Course this afternoon."

"Yeah, see you then," Izuku replied with a small wave.

As they parted ways, Izuku's nerves began to creep back in. He clutched his bag tighter, drawing in a steadying breath as he headed toward his assigned classroom.

The gymnasium was filled with rows of chairs, the buzz of excitement and anticipation filling the air as students took their seats. Izuku sat near the middle, glancing around at the sea of unfamiliar faces.

At the front of the room, Principal Nezu stood on a small platform, flanked by UA's faculty. Izuku recognized Recovery Girl among them, along with several other teachers he'd only seen in UA's promotional materials.

At the back of the gym, near the doors, stood Class 1-A. Their presence wasn't formally acknowledged, but their somber expressions hinted at something significant. Izuku's gaze lingered on them briefly before turning back to the stage.

Nezu stepped forward, his calm demeanor commanding attention despite his small stature. "Good morning, students. Welcome to UA. Today marks the beginning of your journey toward becoming the next generation of heroes, innovators, and leaders."

The room quieted as Nezu continued, his voice carrying a serious tone. "Before we move forward, it is important to honor those who came before you. This includes the students and staff who gave their lives in service to others, including those lost during the SAO incident."

The air grew heavy as a screen lit up behind him, displaying six names. Izuku's chest tightened as his eyes locked onto one in particular: Present Mic.

Nezu bowed his head slightly, his voice softening. "Their sacrifices remind us of the strength and courage it takes to face the unknown. It is in their memory that we strive to build a better future."

The moment of silence that followed was profound, a shared weight of respect that hung over the room.

When Nezu spoke again, his tone shifted to one of encouragement. "Now, let us look ahead. The challenges you face will be great, but so too is your potential. Welcome to UA."

Izuku exhaled slowly, the bittersweet mix of emotions settling in his chest. He couldn't help but feel the weight of the memorial, but at the same time, the excitement of what lay ahead still burned within him.

Class 1-A: Girls' POV

The hallway was buzzing with the noise of excited students finding their classrooms, the air electric with anticipation. Mito led the way, her sharp eyes scanning the signs on the doors until she found the one they were looking for: Class 1-A.

"Well, here we go," Mito said with a slight grin, her hand resting on the door handle.

She pushed the door open, and immediately, they were met with a loud and irritable voice.

"Get your damn feet off the desk!"

The shout came from a blond boy with spiky hair and a fierce glare. His hands clenched into fists as he glared at another student who was leaning back, completely unfazed, with his feet propped up on the desk.

Mito's eyes widened, and she leaned toward Asuna to whisper. "That's the guy. The one who yelled at Uraraka during the entrance exam."

"Oh, really?" Asuna said, her curiosity piqued as her gaze shifted to the boy.

The blond caught their stares and clicked his tongue in annoyance. He slumped back into his chair, directing his glare forward and staying silent, though his tension was visible in the tight set of his jaw.

Asuna watched him for a moment longer, noticing the storm of emotions hidden behind his guarded expression, but before she could dwell on it, a cheerful voice called out from behind them.

"Mito!"

Both girls turned to see a brown-haired girl rushing toward them, her face bright with excitement.

"I'm so glad you got in, and that we're in the same class!"

Uraraka stopped in front of them, her smile contagious as Mito returned her greeting.

"Hey, Uraraka! I'm glad to see you too," Mito said, grinning. She turned to Asuna and gestured between the two of them. "Oh, this is Asuna. Asuna, this is Uraraka."

"It's nice to meet you!" Uraraka said warmly.

Asuna returned the smile. "So, you're the one Mito told me about. She mentioned you worked together during the practical exam. It's great to finally meet you!"

Uraraka's cheeks turned pink, and she laughed nervously. "Yeah, Mito helped me out a lot. I probably wouldn't have passed without her."

While the three girls continued their introductions and chatted, Bakugo, who had been sitting silently, began to glance over his shoulder at Asuna. The irritation in his expression softened briefly, but the moment she met his gaze, he looked away sharply, his usual scowl returning as he folded his arms across his chest.

Before the conversation could continue, the class was startled by the sight of something moving at the front of the room.

"Is that… a caterpillar?" someone muttered in disbelief.

A green sleeping bag lay near the podium, shifting slightly. The students stared in shock as a scruffy man with messy hair and tired eyes emerged from the bag. He rubbed his eyes lazily and addressed the class in a monotone voice.

"It took you all too long to quiet down," he said, his gaze sweeping across the room.

The man straightened up, brushing dust from his black outfit.

"I'm Shota Aizawa. I'll be your homeroom teacher," he announced, his tone as disinterested as his appearance.

The students were too stunned to respond.

Aizawa sighed, pulling a P.E. uniform from the sleeping bag and tossing it at a student. "These are your P.E. uniforms. Go grab yours from the lockers and meet me outside. You have ten minutes. Don't be late."

With that, he slung the sleeping bag over his shoulder and walked out of the classroom.

After a quick scramble to change into their uniforms, the class reconvened and followed Aizawa toward the gymnasium. The large auditorium was packed with students, its grandeur overwhelming to some of the newcomers.

Uraraka jogged up to Aizawa as they entered. "Um, Mr. Aizawa, where should we sit?"

"Don't bother. You're not staying long. Just hang out in the back," he replied flatly, not breaking stride.

The class clustered near the rear doors, some muttering under their breath about the strange instructions. A sharp look from Aizawa silenced them quickly.

Nezu took the stage, his small frame standing confidently behind the podium as the chatter in the room died down.

"As we begin this new year, it's important to reflect on those who came before us," Nezu began, his voice calm yet solemn. "Today, we honor the six lives lost in Sword Art Online—five students and one teacher, who gave everything to protect others."

The names of the fallen were read aloud, the room heavy with reverence.

Mito and Asuna shared a grim look, both of them flinching slightly at the mention of Present Mic. Asuna's chest tightened, and her eyes flicked to Aizawa, who stood rigidly nearby. His hands were clenched into fists, the fabric of his pants bunched under the force of his grip.

Of course, Asuna thought. There were others here who missed him too. Present Mic had been more than just a teacher—he'd been a hero. Without him, Izuku wouldn't be alive today.

"Hey," Mito's whisper broke her thoughts. "We're leaving now. Don't want to get left behind!"

Asuna nodded and followed, casting one last glance at the stage before slipping out of the auditorium with the rest of the class.

Izuku's POV

The gymnasium buzzed with the energy of a new school year as the orientation began. Izuku sat quietly among his general studies classmates, trying to focus on Principal Nezu's welcoming speech. He glanced around the room, his gaze flitting over pro heroes stationed at the edges and students from other courses filling the rows of seats.

In the back of the gym, Class 1-A stood together in their P.E. uniforms, their expressions unusually serious. Izuku didn't think much of it; after all, every student was expected to attend the orientation. Still, the sight of their somber faces unsettled him.

Nezu's voice shifted, pulling Izuku from his wandering thoughts. "Before we continue, let us take a moment to remember those we lost. This year, like all others, we honor the lives of five students and one of our beloved teachers who gave everything to protect others."

Izuku's chest tightened as he sat frozen in place. The gym fell into a heavy silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on everyone.

When the name Present Mic was spoken, it hit Izuku like a physical blow.

From that point on, the words from the stage blurred into white noise. Izuku's fists clenched as memories from SAO came flooding back. The chaotic battles, the unbearable loss, and that one moment burned into his soul—the one where Present Mic had sacrificed everything to save him.

I wouldn't be here without him.

The thought was sharp, cutting through the noise in his head. He tried to shake it off, but the guilt clawed at him, threatening to swallow him whole.

The School Tour

After the orientation, Izuku found himself at the back of his class as they were guided through the halls for a tour of the school. He followed numbly, his feet moving on autopilot as his mind remained locked on Present Mic's sacrifice.

He was a hero in every sense of the word. Izuku's thoughts churned. And I just stood there. I couldn't do anything to stop it.

Lost in the storm of his mind, he barely noticed the murmurs of his classmates or the excitement over the state-of-the-art facilities they passed. He trudged behind the group, a silent shadow among the chatter.

Then it happened.

A loud bang echoed from the training grounds outside, followed by a plume of smoke and a ball flying high into the air. The sound tore through Izuku's thoughts like a gunshot.

His breath caught, and his heart raced. The world seemed to tilt, his senses going into overdrive. A trap? An ambush? His mind snapped back to Aincrad, to the chaos of battles and the constant need to stay alert.

Without thinking, he bolted.

He sprinted away from the group, his legs carrying him far from the sound as panic gripped him. His chest heaved as he ran, his vision narrowing to the path ahead. Get out. Get away. Don't let it happen again.

He didn't stop until his lungs burned and his legs felt like lead. Finally, he slowed, collapsing onto his knees to catch his breath.

When he looked up, his heart stopped.

In front of him stood the memorial stone.

It was simple yet profound, carved from polished black granite and etched with the names of those who had fallen during the SAO incident. The sun hit the surface, making the engraved letters gleam faintly.

Izuku's eyes locked onto the name Hizashi Yamada.

His throat tightened, and he reached out a trembling hand to touch the cold surface of the stone.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "I'm so sorry."

The silence around him felt heavy, but somehow, it also felt grounding. He stayed there for a long moment, his breathing evening out as the weight in his chest slowly began to ease.

Izuku sat at the base of the memorial stone, knees pulled up to his chest as he worked to steady his breathing. The words Agil had taught him echoed in his mind:

"In through your nose, out through your mouth. Focus on what's real. You're here, Deku. You're safe."

He repeated the mantra silently, his breaths shaky but gradually becoming smoother. His trembling hands settled, and the world around him began to feel solid again.

But then, the sound of footsteps behind him broke the quiet. His body tensed, and he quickly turned, heart pounding.

A frail, hunched man with sunken eyes and an oversized suit stood there, a hand raised in a hesitant wave.

"I didn't mean to startle you," the man said softly, his voice familiar but subdued. "I was just… coming by to pay my respects. But if you'd prefer some privacy, I can come back later."

Izuku blinked, his mind catching up with his body's startled reaction. He quickly shook his head, his hands waving frantically. "No, no, you don't have to go! I'm sorry—I didn't mean to take up the space for myself. You should… you should stay."

The older man studied Izuku for a moment before giving a small, almost bittersweet smile. "Well, thank you, young man." He stepped forward, keeping a respectful distance, and lowered his gaze to the names on the stone.

For a few minutes, neither of them said anything. The silence wasn't uncomfortable, but it carried the weight of unspoken thoughts.

The man gave a small smile, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance from the stone. "Thank you. This place has a lot of meaning, doesn't it?" He turned his gaze to the names etched into the stone, his expression unreadable.

After a moment, the man spoke again. "Shouldn't you be with your class right now? And… what's your name, if you don't mind me asking?"

Izuku hesitated for a moment before replying, "Izuku Midoriya." He shuffled his feet awkwardly. "And… yeah, I should be with them. It's just… being here at UA has been a little more overwhelming than I thought. I just needed some air."

The man hummed thoughtfully, nodding as if he understood. "I see. It's a lot to take in, isn't it?"

They stood in silence for a moment, the weight of the memorial stone pressing down on the conversation. Finally, the man broke the quiet. "Did you know any of them well?"

Izuku swallowed hard, his gaze flicking to the names. After a moment, he nodded. "Yeah. I knew one of them well. The others… I've only heard stories about."

Toshinori's voice softened, a somber edge to his tone. "It's always hard to lose comrades, especially the ones who stand beside you in the field."

Izuku blinked, his brows knitting together. Something about the man's words struck a chord. After a moment of hesitation, he asked, "What would you know about that, Mr.…?"

The man visibly stiffened, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He mumbled quietly under his breath, "Shit."

Clearing his throat, he straightened as much as his frail frame would allow. "Ah, forgive me. My name is Toshinori Yagi. I may not look like much now, but back in my prime, I was… well, let's just say I was once a hero." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "After a bad injury, I was never the same. These days, I work as a secretary for All Might himself."

Izuku tilted his head slightly, processing the frail man's words. "Oh, is that so?"

Toshinori nodded, a faint, bittersweet smile touching his lips. "A teacher of mine once told me something I've carried with me ever since: we must remember what those before us were fighting for. Us survivors… we have the responsibility to carry their memories with us. That way, they'll never truly die."

The weight of Toshinori's words hung in the air, resonating deeply with Izuku. He found himself gripping the fabric of his pants, his gaze drifting back to the memorial stone. As the man spoke, the tension that had gripped him earlier seemed to fade without him even noticing.

It wasn't until Toshinori's voice trailed off into silence that Izuku realized his breathing had steadied, and his hands had relaxed at his sides. The storm that had raged in his mind moments ago had quieted.

Izuku blinked, surprised at how calm he felt. "I… I didn't even notice," he muttered, more to himself than anyone else.

Toshinori chuckled lightly, his frail form somehow exuding a quiet strength. "Sometimes, all it takes is a moment to pause and reflect. The strength to move forward doesn't always come from within—it can come from the memories of those who've inspired us."

Toshinori watched closely as the tension slowly drained from the boy's frame with every word he spoke. It was grounding him, bringing him back to the present. Noticing this, Toshinori continued to speak, his tone gentle yet firm, until he saw the boy's breathing return to an even rhythm.

Once Toshinori finished, Izuku looked up at him, his expression a mix of gratitude and relief. "Thank you, Mr. Yagi. That… helped. Quite a bit, actually."

Toshinori gave a soft chuckle, though it was accompanied by a slight cough. "There's no need for thanks, young Midoriya. I'm just glad I could help."

Izuku hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Um… sorry, but if you don't mind me asking, Mr. Yagi…" He trailed off, suddenly nervous.

Toshinori nodded, encouraging him to continue. "Go ahead."

Izuku shifted awkwardly. "Why are you at UA if you work for All Might?"

Toshinori coughed again, his mind racing as he thought, Damn it, why does this kid have to be so sharp? He sighed and leaned slightly closer. "Well… can you keep a secret?"

Izuku's curiosity sparked, and he nodded eagerly—almost too quickly. "Yes! Of course!"

Toshinori laughed, his frail form shaking slightly with amusement. "Well, my boy, All Might has joined the staff of UA. Soon, he'll be teaching heroics to the next generation of heroes. But…" His tone grew serious. "This hasn't been announced yet, so it's important you keep this between the two of us."

Izuku's eyes widened in surprise, his excitement barely contained. "All Might is going to be a teacher? Wow! Asuna is going to be so surprised when she finds out!"

Before Toshinori could respond, Izuku glanced at the time and froze. "Ah! I should get back to my class. Thank you again for the talk, Mr. Yagi. I hope to see you around!"

He waved quickly before sprinting off, leaving Toshinori standing there with a smile on his face. As he raised a hand to wave back, Toshinori felt the faint, familiar hum of One For All within him. Its presence was finally dimming, but the encounter left a warm feeling in his heart.

---

Mr. Aizawa stood at the front of Class 1-A, his ever-present tired expression doing little to mask his sharp gaze as he addressed the students. "In junior high, you all did physical fitness tests, right? Those tests measured your abilities without quirks. Here, you'll do the same tests—but this time, you'll use your quirks. It's only logical to test you at your full capacity. That way, we can see your true potential."

The students exchanged curious glances, some murmuring to each other about the challenge ahead.

Aizawa silenced them with a glance before turning his attention to a specific student. "Bakugo, since you placed first in the entrance exams, you'll go first."

Bakugo stepped forward, his usual confident smirk in place. "Tch. Fine."

Aizawa handed him a softball. "What was the furthest you threw in junior high?"

Bakugo thought for a moment, then shrugged. "About 62 meters."

"Good," Aizawa said. "Now, step into the circle and throw the ball using your quirk."

Bakugo's smirk widened as he took his position. "Alright, watch this!"

He wound up and hurled the ball with all his strength, releasing a fiery explosion from his palm to propel it even further. The sound of the blast echoed through the training grounds, and the class shielded their ears from the sheer force of it.

Aizawa glanced at the distance display as the ball finally landed. "705.2 meters," he stated flatly.

The class erupted into cheers and excited chatter. Mina grinned and clapped her hands. "This is going to be so much fun!"

Aizawa's eyes narrowed, his voice cutting through the noise like a blade. "Fun? If that's why you joined the hero course, you might as well back out now. Being a hero isn't fun. It's a responsibility, and it's dangerous. The person who places last in this test will be expelled immediately. No second chances."

The excited energy in the class vanished instantly, replaced by shocked protests.

"What?!"

"That's so unfair!"

"You can't just—"

Aizawa's glare silenced them all. "You think it's unfair? You're free to leave now. Otherwise, shut up and get serious. The world of heroes doesn't coddle anyone, and I won't either."

The students fell silent, the weight of his words sinking in. Determination began to set in as they steeled themselves for the challenge ahead.

Aizawa scanned the group, his eyes landing on another student. "Asuna Yuuki, you're next."

Asuna nodded, stepping forward with calm confidence. She took the ball from Aizawa and walked into the circle.

The class watched as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, raising her arms in a fluid motion. From a nearby faucet, water began to flow, forming a spiraling tendril that danced around her as if alive.

Gasps of amazement rippled through the group as the water coiled tightly around the ball. With a graceful flick of her wrist, Asuna sent the ball hurtling through the air, the water whip snapping like a thunderclap as it propelled the ball forward at incredible speed.

The class craned their necks to watch the ball soar far into the distance.

"537.8 meters," Aizawa announced, his tone as monotone as ever, though his eyes held a glimmer of approval.

Asuna stepped out of the circle, her expression composed despite the impressed murmurs of her classmates.

"Next," Aizawa called, already preparing for the next student, as the class began whispering excitedly about Asuna's performance.

The remainder of the Quirk Apprehension Test unfolded quickly, each student taking their turn as the class observed with curiosity or concern. Highlights from their tests played out like a montage, with Tenya Iida zipping through the 50-meter dash with machine-like precision, Kirishima showing off his Hardening Quirk in the grip test, and Tsuyu Asui leaping impressive distances in the standing long jump.

Amid the action, however, Minoru Mineta's attention remained firmly elsewhere. His whispers and muttered remarks about the girls in the class, though quiet at first, began to draw annoyed glances.

"Did you see her figure?" Mineta whispered to Kaminari, who simply gave him an awkward laugh and looked away.

It was when Mineta muttered something louder about Asuna that the mood shifted entirely.

"Bet she—" Mineta started, but his comment was cut off by a gasp from Asuna and several other girls.

"What did you just say?" Asuna demanded, her voice sharp and icy as her Quirk.

Even Mito, who was usually the first to crack a joke, stood stiffly by Asuna, glaring at Mineta. The rest of the class turned to watch, the weight of the moment silencing any lingering chatter.

Aizawa, standing off to the side, made no move to intervene. His sharp eyes flicked to Mineta but remained otherwise impassive, as if filing the incident away for later.

When it was Asuna's turn for the 50-meter dash, she lined up alongside Todoroki, her calm composure hiding the competitive spark in her eyes.

"Begin!" Aizawa called.

Todoroki immediately unleashed a streak of ice, propelling himself forward with a sharp crack as his right side frosted over the track. Asuna, unfazed, pulled water from a nearby faucet, forming a small wave beneath her feet. She rode the water forward, briefly gliding before freezing it into an icy path that carried her the rest of the way.

The crowd of students murmured in awe as she crossed the finish line just a second after Todoroki, who glanced back with a faint smirk. Their eyes met, and an unspoken challenge passed between them as they returned to their classmates.

Once all the tests were completed, Aizawa gathered the class and displayed the rankings. "First place, Todoroki," Aizawa announced, his tone even. The half-and-half student remained stoic as the others clapped politely.

"Second, Yaoyorozu. Third, Bakugo. Fourth…" Aizawa's eyes flicked to Asuna. "Yuuki." Asuna gave a small nod of acknowledgment, standing tall as Mito nudged her with a grin.

The rankings continued, with Uraraka placing 15th and Mito landing at 11th. Finally, Aizawa's voice turned sharper as he read the last name.

"Last place, Mineta."

Mineta's face turned pale, and he stumbled forward, pleading. "Wait, Mr. Aizawa! Please, I—I can do better! Just one more chance, I promise!"

Aizawa's expression didn't waver. "Originally, this test was just a way for me to see each of you give your all. No one was supposed to be expelled. Or at least… that was the original plan."

The tension in the air thickened as Aizawa locked his gaze on Mineta. "Minoru Mineta," Aizawa continued, his voice firm, "why do you want to be a hero?"

Mineta opened his mouth, stammering, "Uh… uh… to, uh, make girls like me?"

A collective groan rippled through the class, followed by Momo shaking her head in disapproval and Asuna narrowing her eyes. "This is no joke," Aizawa said, his voice cutting like a blade.

"If you never take this seriously, then you're a dead man walking. Being a hero requires more than Quirks—it requires integrity and responsibility."

He let the weight of his words hang in the air before delivering the final blow. "With that being said, Minoru Mineta, I hereby expel you from the Hero Course, effective immediately."

The class was stunned into silence. Though some looked surprised, it was clear that no one was particularly upset by the decision—least of all Asuna and Mito, who exchanged approving glances.

Aizawa pointed toward the exit. "Go to the principal's office. They'll take care of the rest." Mineta shuffled off, his protests muted as he left the field.

Aizawa turned back to the rest of the class, his expression as unreadable as ever. "As for the rest of you, you'll have lunch now. Afterward, take the rest of the day to get to know your classmates and familiarize yourselves with the school grounds. I want no excuses for being late. Tomorrow, training starts in earnest."

With that, Aizawa dismissed them, the weight of the morning still lingering in the air as the students began to scatter.

The fitness test continued, showcasing the variety of quirks in Class 1-A. From Todoroki's icy precision to Uraraka's zero-gravity finesse, the competitive energy grew with each test. However, the mood shifted when Minoru Mineta's murmurs grew louder.

When Asuna returned from the 50-meter dash, brushing a strand of hair from her face, Mineta's voice cut through the chatter.

"She's quick," Mineta said with a lecherous grin. "Guess she got all that practice dodging things in that death game. Bet she's just as good at dodging other… advances."

The air seemed to freeze. Mito turned sharply, her expression darkening into a glare that could cut steel. "What the hell did you just say?"

Mineta hesitated but didn't back down entirely. "What? I was just joking!"

Asuna's eyes widened in shock, her fists clenching at her sides. "You think that's funny? After everything people went through in SAO?"

Mito took a step toward Mineta, her hands moving instinctively, pulling small shards of metal from the ground, forming them into sharp, jagged edges. "You disgusting little—"

Before she could take another step, Aizawa's scarf whipped out, binding her arms and halting her in place. At the same time, his Erasure quirk activated, causing the metal shards to clatter harmlessly to the ground.

"Enough," Aizawa said, his voice low and sharp, though his eyes briefly betrayed the rage he was suppressing. Inside, he thought bitterly, I've never been so close to beating one of my students.

Mineta froze under Aizawa's glare, his confidence evaporating.

"Mineta," Aizawa said coldly, "that was entirely out of line. Disrespecting your classmates and making light of their trauma is not a joke. Consider this your first and final warning."

Mineta muttered a feeble, "Sorry," avoiding everyone's gaze.

Aizawa looked too Mito and Asuna. "Control yourselves," he said firmly, his tone softening slightly. "You don't need to handle people like him. I will."

Mito relaxed, albeit reluctantly, as Aizawa released her from his scarf. Asuna placed a calming hand on her friend's shoulder, shooting Mineta one last glare before turning away.

The test continued without further interruptions, and soon, Aizawa gathered the students together. His expression remained stoic as he addressed the group.

"You're all old enough, so I'm not going to waste time reading off your names. Instead, here are the rankings based on your performances." He gestured toward the screen behind him, where the results appeared in bold text:

1. Momo Yaoyorozu

2. Shoto Todoroki

3. Katsuki Bakugo

4. Asuna Yuuki

5. Tenya Ida

6. Fumikage Tokoyami

7. Mezo Shoji

8. Mashirao Ojiro

9. Eijiro Kirishima

10. Tozawa Misumi

11. Mina Ashido

12. Ochaco Uraraka

13. Rikido Sato

14. Tsuyu Asui

15. Yuga Aoyama

16. Hanta Sero

17. Denki Kaminari

18. Kyoka Jiro

19. Koji Koda

20. Toru Hagakure

21. Minoru Mineta

The students scanned the list, murmuring among themselves. Those at the top exchanged nods of satisfaction, while others seemed determined to improve.

Mineta's name sat firmly at the bottom.

"Wait, no!" Mineta exclaimed, panic rising in his voice. "Please, Mr. Aizawa! Give me another chance! I can do better, I swear!"

Aizawa's gaze turned icy as he looked at Mineta. "Originally, this test was a way to assess your potential and see how you performed under pressure. No one was going to be expelled…" He paused, letting the words sink in before continuing. "…but after today's behavior, things have changed."

Mineta froze, his eyes wide with disbelief.

"Minoru Mineta, your immaturity and lack of respect for your classmates have demonstrated that you're not ready to be a hero. I hereby expel you from the hero course, effective immediately."

The room fell silent as the weight of Aizawa's words settled over the class. While some looked shocked, others looked like they had a sense of relief. "Go to the principal's office," Aizawa instructed coldly. "They'll handle the rest." Mineta slunk away, his protests dying in his throat.

Aizawa turned back to the remaining students. "As for the rest of you, head to lunch. Afterward, take the time to get to know each other and familiarize yourselves with the school grounds. No excuses for being late tomorrow—your training begins in earnest."

The students nodded, their focus shifting to the challenges ahead as they filed out of the field.

Izuku stepped into the bustling cafeteria, the sound of conversations and laughter buzzing around him. Balancing his tray, he scanned the room for a familiar face when a couple of his classmates from General Studies waved him over.

"Midoriya! Come sit with us!" one of them called out.

Izuku offered a polite smile. "Oh, thanks, but I'm meeting some friends today. Maybe next time!" He bowed slightly before continuing his search.

His eyes quickly landed on Asuna and Mito sitting at a table near the back of the room, both waving him over. A wave of relief washed over him as he made his way to them, but as he approached, he noticed a few familiar faces already at the table. Klein, sitting across from Asuna, was focused on devouring his meal but gave Izuku a quick nod of acknowledgment as he arrived. Beside Mito sat a brunette girl Izuku instantly recognized from the entrance exam.

"Oh, and you're the girl from the entrance exam!" Izuku said, his face lighting up with recognition.

The brunette perked up, her smile warm and friendly. "Yep, that's me! Ochaco Uraraka. And you must be Midoriya." She leaned forward slightly. "Mito's told me a bit about you."

Izuku blinked in surprise but quickly composed himself. "Yeah, that's me. Izuku Midoriya," he said, bowing slightly. "It's nice to meet you."

"Finally decided to show up, huh?" Mito teased, smirking at him. "Took you long enough."

"Sorry," Izuku said with an awkward chuckle, scratching the back of his neck. "I got caught up for a minute."

"Well, sit down already," Asuna said, rolling her eyes playfully as she pushed a neatly wrapped bento box toward him. "I made this for you."

Izuku's eyes widened at the sight, his mouth practically watering. "I don't deserve you."

Asuna laughed, her expression softening. "Maybe not, but I'm here anyway."

Uraraka tilted her head, curious. "Why'd you bring a lunch, though? Lunch Rush's food is supposed to be amazing."

Asuna shrugged with a small smile. "It's just turned into a habit at this point. And besides…" She glanced at Izuku, who was already putting his hands together in gratitude.

"Thanks for the meal!" he said enthusiastically before digging in with pure delight.

"…someone seems to love the food," Asuna finished, chuckling along with Uraraka at Izuku's reaction.

The table settled into an easy rhythm of conversation, their chatter lighthearted and full of teasing. Klein glanced up from his now-empty lunchbox, raising an eyebrow as he addressed Mito. "So, I heard you mentioning something about you two working together during the entrance exam. You guys took out a zero-pointer?"

Uraraka's face lit up at the mention of the story. "Oh, yeah! That was crazy!" she said, her excitement bubbling over. "It happened right near the end of the exam when they released the zero-pointer…"

Uraraka leaned forward eagerly, glancing at Mito as if silently urging her to take over the story. Mito rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't hide the small smirk that formed on her lips. "Alright, fine," she said, leaning back in her seat. "It was toward the end of the exam, and I'd already racked up a decent amount of points, but then… well, things got interesting fast." Her expression grew more serious as she continued, her tone taking on a hint of nostalgia. "It started when I was dealing with a three-pointer…"

Mito darted toward a three-pointer, her sharp eyes focused as the robot turned to face her. Its massive arm swung down in a crushing arc, but she dropped into a well-timed slide, skidding just beneath it. As she passed, Mito extended her hand, clenching her fingers into a tight fist. The metal in the robot's leg groaned before crumpling under the force of her quirk, sending the machine tumbling onto its side.

Wasting no time, she stood and moved her hands in a tearing motion, ripping apart the robot's outer casing to reveal its vulnerable insides. Spotting a jagged piece of scrap nearby, she yanked it toward her with her quirk and launched it straight into the machine's core. Sparks flew as the robot collapsed, its red eyes dimming.

She paused briefly, her chest rising and falling as she caught her breath. Thirty-seven points, she thought, a small smirk tugging at her lips. Not bad, but I'll need more. Just in case.

The ground rumbled beneath her feet, drawing her attention. A nearby building groaned as its structure began to collapse. Mito turned her head, confusion written across her face as students bolted in the opposite direction. Her eyes widened as the massive zero-pointer rounded a corner, its towering frame casting a shadow over the street.

Her breath hitched, and her body stiffened as the warning replayed in her mind: The zero-pointer isn't worth any points. Just avoid it. She clenched her fists, ready to turn and find more viable targets, but a desperate cry for help stopped her.

"Please, help me!" The voice came from nearby, and Mito spun to see a girl pinned under a pile of rubble. Her arms were trapped by chunks of concrete and twisted rebar, and panic filled her eyes.

Mito sprinted toward her without hesitation. Sliding to a stop, she reached out with her quirk, feeling for the metal embedded in the rubble. The rebar shifted and groaned as she pulled it upward, lifting enough of the debris for the girl to move.

The girl—Uraraka, Mito remembered from earlier in the day—freed her hands and pressed them together. The moment her palms met, the rubble lost all its weight and shot into the air with a speed and force Mito hadn't expected. A stray piece of debris rocketed forward, slamming into the zero-pointer's face with a resounding clang.

Mito's eyes widened. "That... actually worked." She turned back to Uraraka. "Are you okay?"

Uraraka nodded shakily, her hands trembling slightly. "Y-Yeah, but what do we do now?"

Mito's mind raced. She spotted more large chunks of metal scattered around the area and grinned. "We're taking it down." She gestured to the debris. "I need you to make this stuff weightless again."

Uraraka hesitated but gave a determined nod. "Got it."

Mito gathered large pieces of scrap metal, her quirk compressing and shaping them into a crude projectile. She cursed under her breath and laughed. "This feels like one of Midoriya's crazy plans."

Uraraka pressed her hands to the projectile, her cheeks puffing out slightly as she activated her quirk. The makeshift weapon floated effortlessly, and Mito adjusted her stance, aiming for the zero-pointer's exposed exhaust vents. "Hold on tight," she said, more to herself than to Uraraka, as she launched the projectile.

The improvised weapon shot through the air, piercing the zero-pointer's vent and tearing through its internal components. Sparks erupted from its chest before the projectile exploded out of its head, leaving the massive robot to collapse in a heap.

Both girls stared at the fallen machine, their breaths heavy and their faces flushed with adrenaline. A moment of stunned silence passed before Mito broke into a fit of laughter, collapsing to the ground and clutching her sides.

Uraraka gave Mito a wide-eyed look, her face pale as she fought back the urge to puke. "That was… insane," she said, her voice shaky but tinged with disbelief. Despite herself, a small laugh escaped as Mito's infectious laughter filled the air. "Maybe," Mito replied between breaths, still grinning. "But hey, we just took down a zero-pointer. That's not something you see every day."

Izuku stepped into the support classroom, the faint hum of machinery and clinking tools filling the air. The space was alive with activity, and yet, Liz stood out instantly. She was at a table near the center, completely immersed in her work. Her hands moved skillfully over the project in front of her—a partially assembled support item—and her laser focus left no room for distractions.

With a small smile, Izuku approached and slid into the chair beside her. "We missed you at lunch," he said, resting his arms on the table. "Apparently, the others had a pretty eventful morning."

Liz didn't so much as glance at him, her attention fully consumed by the delicate mechanism in her hands. Still, Izuku continued, recounting the highlights of the quirk apprehension test, including Asuna's water manipulation and Mito and Uraraka's teamwork against the zero-pointer. He occasionally paused, expecting a reaction, but Liz kept working, her brow furrowed in concentration.

By the time he reached the end of his story, it finally dawned on him that she hadn't listened to a single word. "Liz?" he asked, leaning slightly closer.

She finally looked up, blinking as though emerging from a fog. "Sorry… were you talking to me?"

Izuku sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose before chuckling. "Yes, Liz. I've been talking for the past five minutes about everything you missed, and you didn't hear a word, did you?"

Liz finally looked up, blinking as though emerging from a fog, before smirking. "Oh, yeah, no. And don't expect an apology—I won't apologize for creating more babies."

Her tone was almost arrogant, as if she had just stated some universal truth, and the sheer confidence behind her words made a few students glance over in confusion.

Izuku immediately stiffened, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as he noticed the reactions around them. "Liz," he muttered through gritted teeth, "you really need to watch what you say out loud."

Liz tilted her head, confused. "What? Why?"

Izuku sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Because people might get the wrong idea, that's why."

Liz glanced around at the lingering stares, then simply shrugged. "Eh, their problem, not mine," she said before turning back to her work.

Izuku groaned, shaking his head as he muttered something about her priorities.

Before long, Power Loader entered the room, his authoritative presence quieting the chatter. "All right, settle down!" he called out, his voice booming over the noise of the workshop. "Welcome to the support course. I'm Power Loader, and I'll be your instructor. First things first, let's go over the basics of what to expect in this class."

As Power Loader began outlining the syllabus and expectations, Izuku took a moment to scan the room. The students around him seemed eager, though some were already itching to get back to their projects.

Once the introduction was done, Power Loader made his way over to Izuku's table, stopping directly in front of him. He extended a gloved hand and gave a welcoming grin. "So, you must be Izuku Midoriya. Principal Nezu told me I'd have a general studies student joining us in the afternoons."

Hatsume talks highly about you, so I'm expecting big things."

He gestured to the workshop around them, filled with tools, half-built gadgets, and the hum of creativity in the air. "This place can make or break aspiring inventors. Let's see what you bring to the table."

Izuku straightened, determination flaring in his eyes. "I won't let you down, sir. I'm here to learn as much as I can."

Power Loader's lips quirked into a slight smile, impressed by the young student's resolve. "Good attitude. Just remember, innovation is about more than just ideas—it's about execution. Get to work."

With that, he moved on to check on the other students, leaving Izuku to absorb the buzzing energy of the support class, feeling a newfound excitement for the challenges ahead.

As the class settled into their work, Power Loader clapped his hands together, gaining the students' attention. "Alright, everyone, get to it. Midoriya, since this is your first day, Hatsume, get him set up before you dive back into whatever madness you're working on."

Liz groaned dramatically, slumping over her workstation. "Dammit, Midoriya, always a pain in my side," she muttered, glaring at him as if he had personally ruined her day.

Izuku, sitting there with an amused smirk, rested his chin in his hand. "You wound me, Hatsume. Truly."

"Yeah, yeah, just hurry up so I can get back to my babies," she huffed, begrudgingly leading him toward an open workspace.

After a few minutes of getting settled, Izuku started working on his ODM gear. The mechanics behind it were complex, and no matter how much he adjusted, there was still something off about its efficiency. His brows furrowed in frustration as he tried running a few calculations, but the numbers weren't lining up the way he wanted.

Thinking back on pro heroes with similar movement-based gear, he reached into his bag and pulled out one of his old hero notebooks. Flipping through the pages, he skimmed over designs and notes he had made over the years, comparing elements that might help solve his issue.

As he scribbled in his notebook, deep in thought, Power Loader wandered over, stopping as he noticed Izuku intensely focused on his work. The teacher leaned in slightly, eyes narrowing in curiosity when he saw the detailed notes sprawled across the pages.

"Midoriya," Power Loader called, making Izuku glance up in surprise. "What's that you've got there?"

Izuku blinked before looking down at his notebook, suddenly realizing how engrossed he had been. "Oh, this? It's, uh… just my hero analysis notebook. I've been keeping them for years—notes on different heroes and such." He trailed off, feeling a little self-conscious.

Power Loader reached for the notebook, and Izuku hesitated for only a second before handing it over.

Power Loader's eyes scanned the pages, his initial curiosity shifting into genuine astonishment as he flipped through Izuku's notebook. The sheer volume of detail—blueprints, breakdowns of hero gear, quirk applications, battle strategies—it was far more intricate than what he'd expect from a student, even in the support course.

"This must've taken you forever," Power Loader muttered, his fingers tracing over a particularly detailed diagram of a grappling mechanism. "The level of detail in here… it's impressive, especially for someone your age."

Izuku gave a sheepish chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I've actually been writing these since I was a kid."

That made Power Loader pause. His eyes flicked up from the notebook, studying Izuku with newfound intrigue. "Since you were a kid, huh?" He shut the book, tapping the cover. "How many of these do you have?"

Izuku hesitated for a second before answering. "I… took a break from writing them for a couple of years, but including this one, I've got eleven."

Power Loader let out a low whistle. "Eleven, huh? Damn. That's dedication."

Izuku shrugged, gripping the notebook a little tighter. "I just really like breaking things down and figuring out how they work."

Power Loader smirked, nodding in approval. "Well, keep that mindset, and you might just fit right in." He gave the book one last glance before stepping back. "Alright, get back to work, Midoriya. Let's see what you can do."

The shrill ring of the final bell echoed through the workshop, signaling the end of the first day. Izuku stretched his arms over his head, letting out a breath before glancing over at Liz, who was still hunched over her workbench, completely absorbed in her latest project.

"You coming?" he asked, already expecting the answer.

Liz waved a dismissive hand without looking up. "Nah. I'm planning on working for a bit longer." A mischievous grin tugged at her lips. "Unlike some people, I actually get stuff done."

Izuku rolled his eyes but chuckled as he slung his bag over his shoulder. "Try not to pass out here, alright?"

Liz just snorted, already lost in her work again.

Shaking his head, Izuku made his way out of the support lab, stepping into the now-busy hallways as students poured out of their classrooms. The first day had been… a lot. But as exhausted as he felt, there was also a sense of satisfaction lingering beneath the surface.

Just as he turned the corner, a familiar voice stopped him in his tracks. "Ah, Midoriya! Just the person I was looking for."

Izuku froze for half a second before slowly turning toward the source. Standing there, smiling up at him with that ever-mischievous glint in his eyes, was none other than Principal Nezu.

The small but brilliant principal clasped his paws behind his back, tilting his head slightly. "Power Loader tells me you have quite an interesting hobby?"

Izuku's breath hitched slightly at being directly addressed by the principal, but he quickly straightened up, his hands tightening around the straps of his backpack. "Y-Yes, sir," he stammered. "I wouldn't say it's anything special though. It's just a bunch of my own thoughts and theories."

Nezu hummed in amusement before extending a small paw. "May I?"

Izuku hesitated for a brief second before hurriedly pulling his backpack off, unzipping it, and retrieving the notebook he had with him. He handed it over carefully, watching as Nezu flipped through the pages with a keen eye.

A long silence stretched between them as the principal absorbed the information, humming thoughtfully at certain points but offering no words. Izuku shifted his weight awkwardly, feeling the familiar nerves creep up as the silence stretched on. He had never had someone actually take the time to look through his notebooks this seriously before.

Finally, Nezu let out a satisfied sigh and closed the notebook. "Most impressive," he mused, glancing up at Izuku with a pleased expression. "Even some of the most veteran heroes wouldn't be able to put down so much information with such detail. Your notes cover just about everything—quirks, battle tactics, weaknesses, and even theoretical strengths. You've certainly gone the whole nine yards."

Izuku's face burned at the praise, his eyes darting down as he fidgeted slightly. "T-Thank you, sir," he said, unsure of what else to say.

After a moment, he glanced back up, hesitating before asking, "If you don't mind me asking, Principal Nezu… no one's ever really shown interest in my notebooks before. Why go out of your way just to see them?"

Nezu's response was a small, knowing chuckle. "This is why I like you, Midoriya. You're just as quick in your head as you are on your feet." His beady eyes gleamed with intrigue as he tilted his head slightly. "I know this might seem strange, but tomorrow, the first-year hero course students will be participating in their first combat exercise—a 2v2 match, heroes versus villains."

Izuku blinked, caught completely off guard. "Huh?" His brain stalled for a second before he quickly shook his head. "I'm sorry, Principal Nezu, but I feel like I'd be a little underqualified for tha—"

Nezu raised a paw, cutting him off with a smirk. "Nonsense." He gestured toward the notebook still in his grasp. "You can go back and ask Power Loader yourself if you want, but there aren't many people who can analyze something and break it down completely after just a few glances."

Izuku fell silent, unsure of how to respond.

Nezu took the moment to continue. "Tomorrow will be the first time the hero course students wear their hero costumes, as well as their first time participating in a real-life hero scenario. I'd like you to come and observe the matches. Take notes on anything that stands out to you—quirk usage, combat efficiency, potential improvements in their fighting styles. If you have any suggestions for support gear, I'd love to hear them as well."

Izuku's fingers twitched slightly as he processed the request. "You… want me to analyze the matches?"

Nezu nodded. "Exactly." His expression was unreadable, but Izuku could sense the hidden layers behind his request. "You have a sharp mind, Midoriya. It would be a waste not to put it to use."

Izuku tilted his head slightly, studying Nezu with a curious expression. "I mean… I guess I could try," he admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "It just seems kind of strange that you'd want a general studies student to evaluate hero course combat training."

Nezu's chuckle was light, but his eyes were sharp. "Let's just say I like to keep an eye on potential." He handed the notebook back to Izuku, who accepted it with a small nod. "Regardless of the reasoning, I trust that your observations will be insightful. Be thorough, and most importantly—enjoy yourself."

Izuku looked down at his notebook for a moment, then back up at Nezu with a small, uncertain smile. "Alright, I'll do my best."

Nezu beamed. "That's all I ask. Now, off you go, Midoriya. I believe you have a long day ahead of you tomorrow."

With that, Nezu turned and padded off down the hall, leaving Izuku standing there, still processing the odd encounter. He shook his head slightly before tightening the straps of his backpack and heading home, thoughts of the combat training swirling in his mind.

Later That Morning - Class 1-A Homeroom

Class 1-A was already restless, some students slumped over their desks while others stretched, groaning about the brutal morning classes.

"I swear, that math lesson was worse than the entrance exam," Kaminari complained, dramatically dragging his face across his desk.

Sero nodded in agreement. "Yeah, my brain shut down after the first fifteen minutes. There's no way any of that was actually useful for heroes."

Jirou smirked. "You say that, but I bet you'll be the first one getting scammed when you sign your first hero contract."

Kirishima yawned. "I don't know, I feel like getting through that class was good endurance training. If we can survive that, we can survive anything."

Mito let out an exhausted sigh, tapping her fingers against the desk. "I'd still take math over another ethics class. I almost passed out last time."

Asuna, seated beside her, gave her a sidelong glance. "That's because you weren't paying attention. And from the way you were staring at your notes, math didn't look like it made sense either."

Mito waved her off. "Doesn't matter. It's over now."

Uraraka stretched her arms. "I just wanna know who our heroics teacher is. We're the only class that hasn't had that subject yet."

"Whoever it is, they're late," Bakugo grumbled from his seat, arms crossed in irritation.

Aizawa, who was already at his desk and had been listening the entire time, spoke up without even lifting his head. "They're only late because I was instructed to let them make an entrance. Otherwise, you'd all already be outside running laps."

Most of the students immediately straightened in their seats, looking toward their homeroom teacher in alarm.

Mina leaned forward with curiosity. "Wait, 'make an entrance'? What kind of teacher needs an entrance?"

Before Aizawa could respond, the classroom door suddenly slammed open, and a loud, booming voice filled the room.

"I AM… COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!"

The entire class jolted in their seats as a towering, muscular figure stepped inside, striking a dramatic pose.

Mito's jaw dropped. "No freaking way."

Asuna's eyes widened in pure shock.

There, standing before them, was none other than All Might.

All Might stood proudly at the front of the classroom, arms crossed with a wide grin. "That's right, my young heroes! I am your heroics teacher!"

The class buzzed with excitement and disbelief, murmurs breaking out among the students.

"Wait, so All Might's really a teacher?!" Kirishima practically shouted, his hands slamming onto his desk in shock.

"He's the Number One Hero! Why would he even need to teach?" Kaminari gaped.

Mina, practically vibrating in her seat, grinned. "Who cares why?! This is so cool!"

All Might chuckled, placing a hand on his hip as he raised a small remote in his other hand. "Now then! If you're going to train as heroes, you must look the part!" He pressed a button, and from the walls, twenty numbered compartments slid open, revealing metal cases.

"These contain the hero costumes you designed before the school year started. Go suit up and meet me at Training Ground Gamma!"

The class erupted with excitement, students scrambling from their seats to retrieve their designated cases before rushing out to change.

Meanwhile, high above the training grounds, Izuku stood beside Principal Nezu in a viewing box overlooking the facility. Large monitors lined the walls, displaying multiple angles of the arena below, ensuring that nothing would be missed.

Nezu, standing on a control panel, turned his head up toward Izuku with an amused gleam in his eyes. "So, Midoriya… what do you think of our training facility?"

Izuku, still taking in the sheer scale of the place, exhaled, shaking his head slightly. "It's… incredible," he admitted, his eyes scanning the reinforced buildings, the various pathways, and the endless possibilities the space provided. "It really does feel like a real city."

Nezu chuckled. "That is the intention. A controlled environment that allows for real-world hero scenarios." He gestured toward the screens. "Today's lesson will serve as their first step into practical heroics. Let's see how they handle it."

Principal Nezu, eyes scanning the sprawling training facility laid out before them. Below, standing near the railing, All Might and Aizawa waited as the students of Class 1-A emerged from the changing area, stepping onto the training field in their hero costumes for the first time.

All Might's booming voice echoed across the arena. "I must say, young ones! You all look absolutely splendid! A hero must look the part, after all!"

The students stood proudly in their new gear, some grinning at their own designs, while others adjusted pieces, still getting used to the fit.

Nezu, watching the scene unfold, gave a small chuckle. "They do seem quite eager."

Izuku nodded but couldn't help searching for Asuna and Mito among the group. When he spotted them, he had to admit—their suits fit them perfectly. Asuna's sleek white and blue attire gave her a knight-like presence, while Mito's reinforced combat suit gave off a tactical, no-nonsense vibe.

As the students continued marveling at each other's costumes, All Might reached into his coat and pulled out…

A stack of flashcards.

Nezu facepalmed immediately, while Izuku sat there, deadpanning at the sight.

Really? Flashcards?

"Not exactly what you'd expect from All Might, huh?" Nezu sighed, shaking his head.

Izuku let out a small groan, resting his chin on his hand. "No… no, it is not."

Below, All Might cleared his throat, oblivious to the reaction from the viewer's box. "Now then, let's get started with today's training exercise! A scenario you may very well encounter in your future as heroes! I call it…"

With dramatic flair, he held up a card labeled "Heroes vs. Villains!"

Izuku couldn't stop himself from leaning forward slightly. This was the first practical hero training exercise of the year. It would be the first real test for Class 1-A in the field…

And Nezu had personally invited him to observe.

What exactly did the principal expect from him here?

All Might stood tall, his booming voice carrying across the training field. "Now, young heroes! For today's training exercise, you will be divided into two teams—Heroes and Villains!"

With a dramatic gesture, he revealed two boxes placed on a nearby table, each labeled in bold letters:

• TEAM A – Heroes

• TEAM B – Villains

"Heroes, your goal is simple! Capture both villains or secure the 'bomb' before time runs out!" All Might explained, pointing to a fake bomb prop in the center of the training area. "Villains, your job is to either protect the bomb for fifteen minutes or capture both heroes before time expires!

You will each have five minutes to strategize before the match begins!"

Excited murmurs spread through Class 1-A as they awaited their matchups.

All Might reached into the boxes and began calling out the teams.

One by one, students were paired up, some grinning at their luck, others exchanging nervous glances with their newfound partners.

Izuku, watching from the observation deck, glanced at Nezu, who remained eerily silent beside him. The principal had barely moved, his beady black eyes trained on the students below.

The matchups continued until they reached the last two pre-planned teams:

• Mito & Uraraka (Heroes) vs. Bakugo & Iida (Villains)

• Todoroki & Kaminari (Heroes) vs. Asuna & Mina (Villains)

These two matches would be saved for later in the exercise.

For now, All Might picked a random matchup to begin the first round.

ROUND 1:

• Sero & Shoji (Heroes) vs. Jiro & Aoyama (Villains)

As the students scattered to prepare, Izuku pulled out his notebook, flipping to a blank page and quickly scribbling down notes on the quirks of each competitor. He had always enjoyed analyzing abilities, but now, seeing them unfold in real time, his fascination was at an all-time high.

• Shoji's multiple limbs provide excellent sensory capabilities and adaptability.

• Sero's tape quirk is incredibly useful for mobility and containment.

• Jiro's sound-based attacks could create serious disorientation for the hero team.

• Aoyama's Navel Laser gives the villains an effective ranged offense but has a stamina limitation.

Before the fight even began, Izuku was already deep in thought, mapping out scenarios in his mind.

That's when Nezu finally spoke. "Midoriya, who do you think will win?"

Izuku looked up, slightly surprised. He hesitated for only a second before flipping through his notes and responding. "At first glance, it looks like the hero team has the upper hand. Shoji's scouting ability will let them locate the bomb quickly, and Sero's Tape Quirk is a strong tool for capture. However…"

Nezu's ears twitched. "However?"

Izuku's grip on his pen tightened slightly as he looked back down at the training field.

"The villain team was never actually in any real danger."

Nezu's expression remained unreadable, but there was an unmistakable glint of intrigue in his eyes.

Izuku tapped his notebook as he explained.

"Shoji is the obvious scout, and the villains know that. Which means Jiro's already planted her jacks around the area to listen for their approach. The moment they get close, she'll disrupt them with a sound attack. If Shoji flinches for even a second, Aoyama can use his laser to cut off their movement, forcing them into a more defensive position."

As Izuku continued, the exact scenario he described began to unfold below.

Shoji and Sero moved quickly toward the target building, only for Jiro's quirk to activate at the perfect moment—a sudden blast of disruptive noise caused Shoji to recoil slightly. In that instant, Aoyama fired a well-aimed Navel Laser, forcing the hero team to fall back.

Izuku nodded, eyes flicking across the field. "Now they're on the defensive, and the villains have secured control of the battlefield. Shoji and Sero will be forced into a reactive position rather than being able to control the engagement. Unless they find a way to reset the fight, the villains will maintain their advantage."

Minutes later, the match concluded exactly as Izuku predicted, with Jiro and Aoyama securing victory for the villain team.

Nezu smirked before letting out a light, amused laugh, his small paws tapping together as he regarded Izuku with an almost mischievous glint in his eyes. "Splendid, Midoriya. Keep up the good work."

Izuku blinked, still slightly overwhelmed by the conversation, but he nodded nonetheless. "Y-Yes, sir."

Nezu's grin widened as he turned his attention back to the training ground below. "I'll take a look at your work at the end. Enjoy the matches, young man."

With that, Nezu settled back into his seat, seemingly content to observe. Izuku, on the other hand, let out a quiet breath, his grip on his notebook tightening as he returned his gaze to the ongoing exercise.

He had no idea what Nezu was really planning, but one thing was certain—the principal had taken an interest in him.

Nezu settled back into his seat, his attention drifting toward the exercise, but Izuku couldn't shake a strange feeling that lingered in his chest. It wasn't suspicion—at least, not in the way he'd felt with Heathcliff in SAO—but there was something… unsettling about the way Nezu observed things.

It was like he was always three steps ahead, pulling invisible threads while making it seem like he was simply watching. It reminded Izuku of how Heathcliff had orchestrated everything so flawlessly in Aincrad, how he'd always been in control of the game—until the very end.

Izuku exhaled slowly, shaking off the comparison. This was different. This was real life.

And yet, Nezu had been acquaintances with Kayaba. That wasn't something he could ignore entirely.

Izuku sighed, glancing back at the match unfolding below. Maybe he was just overthinking things.

Still… he couldn't help but wonder just how much Nezu already knew about him.

As the matches continued, Izuku's notebook only grew thicker—page after page filled with detailed notes on combat strategies, quirks, and areas for improvement. He analyzed everything: how certain students reacted under pressure, their efficiency in teamwork, and even potential weaknesses in their fighting styles.

For instance, he noted how Kirishima's hardening quirk was excellent defensively but lacked offensive variety, how Shoji's multi-arm sensory ability allowed for battlefield awareness but left gaps in his mid-range combat, and how Yaoyorozu's ability to create objects was powerful but dependent on preparation and knowledge of materials.

Each observation could be the difference between a victory or a loss, and Izuku made sure to record anything that might help the hero students refine their skills later.

The next match was already underway, and Izuku flipped to a fresh page in his notebook as he observed the battle unfolding.

Mito and Uraraka had just been separated.

Mito cursed under her breath, gripping the cables attached to her wrist as she swung around a tight corner. Bakugo was right behind her, explosions roaring through the halls, forcing her to keep moving.

This wasn't the plan.

She had intended to capture Iida first, knowing that with his heavy metal hero suit, he would have been the perfect matchup for her quirk. Her ability to control and manipulate metal would've given her a clear advantage, allowing her to restrain him before going for the bomb.

But now… Bakugo had charged in like a madman, separating them instantly.

She gritted her teeth. I should've expected that from him.

Meanwhile, Uraraka was already on the top floor, silently moving through the hallways.

She kept her steps light, keeping her breathing steady. The moment they were separated, she had used her quirk to float herself up through the stairwell, avoiding any unnecessary confrontations. Now, she needed to find the bomb.

After checking several rooms, she finally reached the farthest one on the floor.

There it was.

The bomb… and Iida, standing right beside it.

She pressed a finger to her earpiece, whispering, "Mito, I found the bomb. And Iida. Third floor, last room in the hallway."

Mito heard Uraraka's transmission just as she barely dodged around another corner, Bakugo's explosions scorching the walls behind her.

She needed a way out of this.

Think.

He's faster. Stronger. His battle sense is sharp. And his quirk… it's just better than mine.

Dammit.

She skidded to a halt, panting slightly, before turning to face Bakugo directly.

"You're pretty good," she called out, smirking. "Though I expected better from the student who ranked first in the entrance exam."

Bakugo's expression twitched, and his hands immediately sparked with larger explosions.

"Tch! You wanna die that bad?!"

The moment he lunged forward, Mito ripped a metal door off its hinges with her quirk, spinning it in front of her as a makeshift shield. The blasts slammed into it, each explosion pushing her backward, step by step.

She grimaced. Even though the metal absorbed some of the impact, the sheer force behind his quirk was relentless. Her heels scraped against the floor, and suddenly, her back hit the wall beneath the windows.

Bakugo grinned viciously, stepping closer.

"Just give up!" he barked, flames still crackling from his palms. "There's no way out!"

Mito's grip tightened on her cables. "Sure bout that."

SHATTER!

Bakugo's eyes widened as Mito's wrist cable shot straight through the window, breaking the glass.

Before he could react, she jumped up, planting her feet against the metal door—and with a powerful flex of her quirk, she launched herself backward out the window.

Her other cable shot up, hooking onto the rooftop.

With one swift motion, the cable reeled her in, yanking her out of Bakugo's range as she ascended toward the top of the building.

From the viewing platform, Izuku's eyes widened as he furiously scribbled down notes.

"She's got insane adaptability under pressure…" he muttered under his breath, his pencil practically flying across the page. "And those cables… she's using them like a second set of limbs."

Beside him, Nezu chuckled softly.

"Oh my, she's quite the tactician, isn't she?" he mused. "Though I wonder… how will Bakugo respond?"

Izuku tapped his pen against the notebook, deep in thought.

He had a pretty good guess.

Uraraka had tried to sneak up on Iida, using her light steps and careful movement to get closer to the bomb. But the moment Iida had fully committed to his villain persona, everything had fallen apart.

"YOU WILL NEVER BEST ME, HERO! FOR I, TENYA IIDA, SHALL RULE THIS STRONGHOLD WITH UNWAVERING JUSTICE!"

Uraraka lost it instantly.

She snorted, then outright burst into laughter, doubling over while trying to stifle her giggles.

"I'm sorry— I just—" she wheezed between gasps.

Iida blinked at her in confusion, momentarily breaking character before realizing what had happened.

"Aha! Foolish hero!" He threw a dramatic hand to his chest, regaining his booming, theatrical tone. "Your laughter betrays your weakness! You mock me now, but soon, you shall know true despair!"

Since then, she had been struggling to get the bomb, but Iida's speed was too much.

Every time she lunged for it, he simply blurred out of reach, and worse, he had methodically cleared out all the furniture in the room, leaving her with absolutely nothing she could use against him.

Just then, Mito's voice crackled through the comms.

"Uraraka, keep him busy for just a bit longer. And try to get him near the windows."

Uraraka, still trying to catch her breath, groaned. "Oh, sure, no problem. I'll just go ahead and fight the guy who literally has turbo boosters in his legs."

"I believe in you."

"That makes one of us."

Despite her grumbling, Uraraka quickly put a plan into action.

She tapped her fingers together, activating her quirk on herself again before launching forward, floating toward Iida.

Naturally, Iida sprinted away—like clockwork.

Uraraka didn't give up, though.

She flung herself forward again—and again, Iida simply dashed away effortlessly.

She repeated this several more times, keeping him constantly on the move, subtly leading him closer and closer to the windows.

By the time he noticed what was happening, he was already in position.

Uraraka was completely gassed, hunched over with her hands on her knees, panting hard. Iida straightened his stance, placing a hand over his chest.

"It seems you are doomed, hero." His voice boomed dramatically, once again falling into his villain persona. "You have exhausted yourself, and now, you shall never claim victory!"

"Yeah, I wouldn't be so sure about that."

CRASH!

A blur of metal and motion tore through the window behind Iida, glass shattering outward as Mito swung in on her wrist cables. Before Iida could even register what was happening, she reached out her hand, her quirk activating.

Iida's body locked up instantly—his heavy metal armor creaking as the iron in his suit rebelled against him. For a moment, he struggled, muscles tensing, trying to move.

"Nice try, but this villain is still fast!" Iida revved his engines, trying to break free from Mito's iron grip.

Mito gritted her teeth, her arms shaking from exertion as she fought against his strength. "Uraraka, NOW!" she yelled. "I can't hold him for long!"

Uraraka forced herself to move, slapping her hands together to float herself forward one last time.

She lunged toward the bomb, hands outstretched— Only for a deafening explosion to rock the room.

The shockwave sent her flying back, slamming against the far wall. Smoke filled the air, obscuring the scene—

And through the fading haze, Bakugo stepped forward, his palm still smoking from the blast. His scarlet eyes gleamed with a feral grin as he turned toward Mito.

"Heh. Gotta admit, Metalhead, you almost had him." He cracked his knuckles, flexing his hands as small explosions crackled from his palms.

Then, with a wicked smirk, he sneered, "Guess that makes you almost competent."

Iida struck a triumphant pose, one arm dramatically raised as he let out a booming laugh. "The so-called heroes have failed! My villainous reign is absolute!"

Before Uraraka or Mito could react, All Might's voice echoed through the training grounds.

"Time's up! Villain team, WINS!"

The announcement rang through the speakers, making Iida freeze mid-pose. After a beat, he cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. "Ah. Well. A splendid effort, heroes."

Mito groaned, rolling onto her back. "Unbelievable."

As the previous teams returned to the monitoring room, a mix of emotions filled the air. Mito and Uraraka looked discouraged, but their classmates were quick to offer words of encouragement.

Kirishima clapped a hand on Mito's shoulder. "You guys were awesome! Seriously, Mito, that window thing? That was hardcore!"

Uraraka let out a small chuckle. "Yeah, it was pretty wild." Mito smirked, but it was clear the loss still stung.

All Might stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Misumi!" His powerful voice caught her attention. "Your quick thinking under pressure was commendable. However, it took you too long to counterattack. In the field, every second counts—hesitation could mean the loss of innocent lives. You spent a large portion of the match running from Bakugo instead of seizing an opportunity."

Mito's jaw tightened slightly, but she nodded. "Understood, sir."

All Might turned to Uraraka next. "You had the right idea going for the bomb, but revealing your position so early put you at a disadvantage. A stealthy approach can be the difference between success and failure."

Uraraka scratched the back of her head. "Heh… yeah, that one's on me."

Finally, All Might addressed Iida. "You played your part well, but in real missions, some heroes go undercover or have to stretch the truth to succeed. Try to remember that not every situation calls for full commitment to a role—you don't have to become the villain to win."

I need a sentence or two saying that Bakugo was the MVP of the match and why.

Iida straightened, nodding firmly. "Understood, sir! I shall reflect on my performance and adjust accordingly!"

All Might gave a final nod toward Bakugo. "And Bakugo, you were the MVP of the match. Your relentless offense kept the hero team on the defensive the entire time, preventing them from executing their plan."

Bakugo clicked his tongue but didn't argue, stuffing his hands into his pockets with a smug grin tugging at the corners of his mouth.

With that, the final match participants were sent out to prepare.

Asuna and Mina moved quickly, securing their fake bomb and hauling it to one of the top floors.

"Why up here?" Mina asked, adjusting her gloves.

Asuna glanced out the window. "Because we need to make them waste time. Todoroki's quirk is incredibly powerful—probably the strongest in our class. And he knows it. He won't hesitate to walk straight in."

Mina opened her mouth to reply, but before she could get a word out, Asuna had already moved into her captain's role—the same confidence and sharp precision she used back in SAO settling over her.

"Kaminari's just as dangerous if we're not careful," she continued. "If he catches us off guard, this match is over."

Mina blinked before grinning. "Yeah, the idiot could wipe us both out in one shot if we're not careful."

Asuna nodded, glancing at the room's electrical panel. "We should shut off the electricity in the building—take away his biggest advantage before they even step inside."

Mina cracked her knuckles. "Ooooh, now you're thinking like a villain."

The horn blared, signaling the start of the match.

Todoroki didn't waste a second. He strode toward the building with an air of complete confidence, his pace calm and controlled. Kaminari, on the other hand, started toward the entrance like a man ready for action—until Todoroki's arm shot out, stopping him mid-step.

"Hold on," Todoroki said, his voice even.

"What? Why? We're supposed to go in, right?" Kaminari asked, confused.

Ignoring him, Todoroki simply placed his palm against the side of the building. An instant later, ice surged outward, swallowing the entire structure in a thick frost. It climbed up the walls, poured through windows, and crept down every hallway, locking everything inside a frozen prison. Kaminari gawked, his mouth slightly open as he took a hesitant step back.

"Whoa," he muttered. "That's… that's kinda overkill, don't you think?"

Inside the building, Asuna and Mina had just finished securing their hiding spot when they felt the sudden temperature drop. They barely had a second to react before ice started spreading into their room, creeping up the walls, the floor, even the ceiling. Asuna's breath hitched as she took in the sight.

Mina, arms wrapped around herself, let out a shiver. "Oh, that's bad. That's really bad."

For a split second, Asuna felt her heart pound with panic, but then something clicked.

Or maybe… this could work.

She turned to Mina. "Use your acid to melt yourself free. But leave me frozen for now."

Mina blinked. "What? Why?"

"Trust me, I'll be fine. If he thinks I'm stuck, it might give us an opening. You go hide around the corner and melt as much of the ice as you can. If we get enough water, we can turn it against him."

Mina hesitated for a second before nodding. "Alright. You better know what you're doing." She quickly coated her hands with acid, letting it eat away at the ice trapping her. Once free, she crouched low and hurried to her hiding spot, leaving Asuna alone in the open.

Meanwhile, Todoroki and Kaminari had reached their floor. Ice covered one side of Todoroki's body, his breath steady and calm as ever. Kaminari scanned the room, eyes narrowing.

"Just Asuna?" he muttered, scratching his head. "Ugh, we already walked all the way up here, and we didn't see her frozen anywhere either."

"It doesn't matter," Todoroki replied coolly. "All we need is the bomb. Just stay behind me, and we'll win."

Asuna's head tilted up slowly. Her voice was cold, controlled. "You know, I've always really hated your attitude." Before either of them could react, the ice trapping Asuna suddenly liquefied.

With a swift flick of her arm, a whip-like tendril of water lashed out, striking Kaminari directly in the face and sending him flying backward.

"Asuna, now!" she called.

Mina burst from her hiding spot, splashing acid-laced water across the room, melting ice in rapid bursts.

Todoroki moved instantly, sending a sheet of ice her way. But Asuna was just as fast. She let out a deep breath, and the frozen remains around her shifted into liquid, coiling around her. With another precise motion, she pulled the water from Mina's acid-melted puddles and sent it surging forward. The moment it touched Todoroki's ice, steam hissed into the air.

Todoroki's expression remained impassive, but realization dawned on him. The water was mixing with Mina's acid.

Mina grinned as she kept melting more of the ice, creating more water that Asuna could use. The room was becoming a battlefield in their favor. Todoroki had to act fast.

Asuna kept up the pressure, using the water like extensions of her limbs. Each strike forced Todoroki back, preventing him from using any large-scale ice attacks. He was cornered. If he tried to freeze the entire floor again, she'd just turn it against him.

"If he uses a big move, I'm done," Asuna thought to herself.

She kept moving, her motions fluid and precise. Every step, every flick of her wrist sent another wave of water at Todoroki. With Mina continuously melting more ice, they were steadily gaining the upper hand.

Surely the five-minute warning had to be close, right?

As the battle dragged on, exhaustion began setting in. Mina and Asuna stood on opposite sides of Todoroki, while Kaminari lay slumped against a wall behind them, still groaning from Asuna's earlier strike.

Todoroki backed up slightly, buying time. Mina wiped sweat from her brow, her hands trembling slightly. She leaned over to Asuna saying, "I can't keep this up much longer," she admitted. "My hands are starting to burn from my acid."

Nodding in understanding, Asuna says, "Why don't you take a minute to catch your breath", before looking back to Todoroki's direction.

She smirked as she said, "How mad will Daddy be after he hears about this?"

Todoroki's eyes flashed.

Without hesitation, he lunged at Asuna, engaging in close combat. She dodged, parrying his attacks, but with Mina forced to stop using her acid, the water was losing its edge. Todoroki pressed forward, his strikes faster, harder.

He saw it—the moment Asuna's movements slowed. His foot planted down, ice forming under Asuna's ankle, locking her in place.

Her eyes widened in realization. Asuna barely had time to react before the ice surged up around her ankle, locking her foot in place. Her breath hitched as she pulled at her leg, but it was useless—the ice held firm.

Todoroki didn't hesitate.

A solid fist crashed into Asuna's stomach, forcing the air from her lungs in a sharp gasp. She grit her teeth, trying to raise her arms in defense, but another punch struck her ribs, sharp pain radiating through her side. She barely had time to brace herself before his knee drove into her gut, making her lurch forward.

Todoroki grabbed her by the shoulder and shoved her backward, keeping her trapped. A swift elbow strike caught her in the sternum, forcing her to cough as she struggled to stay upright. She fought back the dizziness creeping into her vision, trying to gather the water around her, but another hit slammed into her side before she could form an attack.

Asuna gasped, but despite the pain, her mind remained sharp.

I need to break the ice—move—something!

Todoroki drew back for another strike when—

SIZZLE!

A burst of acid shot between them, forcing him to recoil. The ice locking Asuna's foot melted in an instant, and she stumbled free, taking a deep, relieved breath.

Mina stood a few feet away, her hands glowing with acid, panting.

"Asuna! You good?!" she called.

Asuna took another breath and quickly reset her stance, rolling her shoulders despite the ache in her ribs. "I'm fine," she said, her voice steady. She exhaled sharply, pulling the nearby water toward her hands. Her golden-brown eyes locked onto Todoroki. "We're finishing this."

Todoroki's eyes narrowed slightly.

For the first time in the match, his icy composure cracked just a little.

Mina grinned despite the tension, wiping sweat from her brow. "Then let's finish it."

Todoroki's jaw tightened.

But just as he tensed to move, he spotted something over Asuna and Mina's shoulders—Kaminari stirring.

The faintest smirk flickered across Todoroki's face.

"Let them have it."

Kaminari barely had time to process the words before instinct kicked in. With a grin, he unleashed 1.3 million volts, electricity surging forward in a blinding wave.

Asuna barely had time to widen her eyes before the world erupted in white-hot pain.

Her body locked up, every muscle seizing as the electricity surged through her system. Mina let out a short, strangled cry before she, too, was hit, her legs giving out beneath her as the shock took hold.

The attack lasted only seconds, but it felt like an eternity.

As the electricity faded, both girls collapsed onto the floor, their bodies twitching from the aftershocks. Smoke lightly rose from their suits, their breathing shallow but steady.

Then, through the ringing in their ears, All Might's voice echoed over the speakers.

"Hero Team WINS!"

Izuku sat rigid in his chair, fingers digging into the fabric of his pants. His jaw was tight, and his chest felt constricted, his mind replaying Asuna's match over and over again. Losing was one thing, but that—that had been something else entirely. His grip tightened. He had seen Asuna in tough fights before, had fought beside her in battles where the stakes were real, but seeing her take that kind of beating from him—from Todoroki of all people—left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He exhaled sharply through his nose, forcing himself to unclench his fists. There was nothing he could do about it now. He knew that. He told himself that. And yet, the frustration still simmered beneath his skin.

"What did you think of the matches, Midoriya?"

Izuku flinched slightly, snapping back to reality. He turned to find Principal Nezu looking at him with his usual composed smile, but there was an unmistakable glint of curiosity in his gaze.

Izuku inhaled sharply through his nose, forcing himself to loosen his grip. There was nothing he could do about what had just happened—not right now. He exhaled, trying to push his emotions aside. This wasn't the time for that.

"Uh, right," he muttered, shaking his head as if trying to clear his thoughts. "They were… more intense than I expected for first-year students." His voice was steadier now, more analytical. He folded his arms and leaned back slightly. "But overall, I really enjoyed the matches. A lot of the students have incredibly strong quirks, but more than that, they have a ton of potential. Some of them already have such great control, but I think with a little more refinement, they could all reach a whole new level."

Nezu hummed in approval, his small paws folded neatly in his lap. "I'm pleased to hear that. At first, you seemed a little hesitant."

Izuku scratched the back of his head, letting out an awkward chuckle. "Yeah, well… It's only my second day of school, and I got pulled out of my support classes to observe a hero course class—the hero course, whose teacher is All Might." He let out another sheepish laugh before sighing. "I guess I just don't really get why I'm here. I mean, anything I wrote down today could've been done by any of your teachers, right? So… why me?"

Nezu let out a small, amused chuckle. "Of course, I understand why you'd be confused. This must all seem like a lot. But you see, Midoriya, I am responsible for more than just the hero course, as most tend to believe. I oversee all of U.A. The well-being of every student, regardless of their track, is my concern. And sometimes… in order to meet the needs of each course, we must get a little… creative."

Izuku frowned slightly at that, his mind immediately trying to pick apart what Nezu meant by 'creative.'

Before he could ask the door to the viewing box slid open with a soft hiss, and a booming laugh filled the room. "HA HA HA! What a splendid afternoon for some hero training!"

Izuku froze.

All Might.

His heart raced. His breathing grew shallow as memories flooded his mind—the sludge villain incident, the towering symbol of peace, the crushing weight of guilt he still carried from SAO, and the lingering pain of losing Melissa. His body instinctively curled in on itself, shoulders hunched as if trying to make himself smaller. He didn't know how to act, what to say, or even how to look at him.

It's just All Might. But… it's him. It's really him.

Nezu, unfazed, greeted the hero cheerfully. "Ah, how wonderful of you to join us! I trust everything is ready for Class 1-B?"

"All set!" All Might grinned, giving a thumbs-up. "They'll be here any moment. Thought I'd drop in to see how the young observer's doing!" His eyes flicked to Izuku, still smiling warmly.

Nezu chuckled, making a subtle reference that flew right over Izuku's head. "Well, with someone of your… unique experience, I imagine it's been quite the learning experience for young Midoriya here."

Izuku blinked, the comment gnawing at him, but the weight of All Might's presence kept him too on edge to process it. Still, something about the way All Might stood, the way he smiled, felt oddly familiar. Who does he remind me of? he thought, but the answer danced just out of reach.

"So!" All Might clapped his hands together, breaking the silence. "This is the first-year from General Studies you wanted to observe?"

"Indeed," Nezu replied, turning toward Izuku with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Izuku Midoriya, meet All Might."

Izuku's eyes widened, and he scratched the back of his head, laughing nervously. "Weeeeee've actually met before," he admitted, a bead of sweat sliding down his face.

All Might's eyes lit up in recognition. "Ahhh! That's right!" he said, playing along as if recalling the moment. "The sludge villain incident! Quite the chaotic day, wasn't it?"

Izuku nodded quickly, his discomfort clear. "Y-Yes, sir."

Nezu, ever curious, tilted his head. "Oh? Care to explain for me, Midoriya?" Of course, Nezu already knew every detail, but he wanted to hear it from Izuku himself.

Izuku's eyes darted between Nezu and All Might, and panic set in. Words spilled from his mouth in a rapid, incoherent string as he tried to recount the story too fast for either of them to follow.

"Slow down, young Midoriya," Nezu interrupted gently, frowning as he noticed Izuku curling in on himself even more. Perhaps this was too much too soon… he thought.

Before Nezu could say anything further, All Might placed a strong hand on Izuku's shoulder, his grip firm yet comforting. Izuku flinched at first, but when he looked up, All Might's warm, gentle smile met him. It wasn't the overwhelming presence of the No. 1 Hero—it was simply a person offering reassurance.

Izuku's tension began to ease. Brief flashes of old All Might videos played in his mind—videos he had watched over and over as a child, back when his dream to be a hero burned brighter than anything else. For a moment, that child resurfaced, and the burden of the present felt a little lighter.

Taking a steadying breath, Izuku finally began again. "I… I was attacked by the sludge villain. All Might saved me," he said softly. "But later… I saw the villain again, and…" His voice faltered as the memory played out in his mind. "A boy needed help… and all the other heroes were just standing there, doing nothing. So I jumped in and helped…"

All Might's smile grew as he interrupted gently, "Don't sell yourself short, young Midoriya. You didn't just jump in and help—I saw you. And let me say, I was impressed. Not just with your bravery, but your gear… that was something else." He gave Izuku a firm nod. "You should be proud to tell that story."

Izuku blinked, momentarily stunned. Then, slowly, he nodded, a faint blush on his cheeks. "Thank you, All Might," he whispered.

All Might's grin widened.

All Might, still smiling warmly, crossed his arms and leaned slightly forward. "Well then, I'd better get back before Class 1-B arrives. I'll leave you to it."

He gave Izuku a reassuring nod before turning to leave. "I hope you enjoy the rest of the matches, young Midoriya."

Izuku forced a small smile, pushing through the weight still lingering in his chest. "Thank you, sir."

As the afternoon went on, the final matches wrapped up, the observation room grew quieter, the echoes of students' shouts and clashing quirks fading away. Class 1-B's session ended with the last buzz of the timer.

The principal's small frame leaned back in his seat, eyes glinting with curiosity as he observed the young man beside him. Izuku set his pen down, exhaling softly, unaware that Nezu's gaze lingered on him with a mixture of amusement and intrigue.

The crowd of students slowly filtered out of the training grounds, the echoes of their matches still fresh in the air while the students filed out of the training grounds, their adrenaline still high as they exchanged playful banter The screens before Izuku dimmed one by one, marking the end of Class 1-B's session.

He barely noticed.

His pencil scratched against the paper in his notebook, the motion more automatic than anything. He'd kept writing—of course he had—but it wasn't like before.

Before, his notebooks had been alive.

Each page was overflowing with ideas, potential strategies, breakdowns of strengths and weaknesses. His mind had always been racing ahead, seeing ways quirks could be used, adjusted, evolved. Every observation had been a step toward something greater.

But now…

His gaze flickered down at the notes he'd written today. They were technical, precise… but they lacked something.

Something he couldn't quite name.

A few pages back, his usual handwriting was bold, sharp, filled with energy. He'd written entire pages analyzing students' quirks, sketching possible support gear that might complement them, jotting down ways they could refine their abilities.

But now?

His latest notes on Class 1-B's matches felt… dull. Functional, but hollow. The handwriting was looser, sloppier in places, missing the controlled sharpness it usually had.

He wasn't stopping, but he wasn't excited anymore.

Even the copy quirk had only held his attention for a moment—just enough to make a note before he'd let his mind drift again. A quirk that versatile could be a tactical nightmare in the right hands. If the user could copy more than one at a time…

His pencil slowed.

Normally, he would've written an entire page about a quirk like that. Instead, he barely made it past a few lines before he moved on.

He exhaled sharply, rubbing at his temples.

Was it exhaustion? Frustration? Stress? His chest felt tight, like something wasn't sitting right.

His grip on his pencil tightened.

It wasn't about Asuna losing. He knew she'd fought hard. He knew she was strong.

But Todoroki—

His jaw clenched. His fingers curled into a fist.

Todoroki hadn't just won. He'd made sure Asuna felt it.

And no one had said a damn thing about it.

Izuku's nails dug into his palm, but he forced himself to relax. Focus. He could think about that later.

He flipped back to his notes, forcing his pencil to move again.

It was just another day.

Just another fight.

Just another round of notes in a book that felt more and more like it was missing something.

Nezu sipped his tea.

The only sound in the room was the soft clink of ceramic as Nezu set his cup down. Izuku wasn't even sure how long they had been sitting in silence.

"You've put a lot of work into these," Nezu finally said, his voice calm yet carrying a note of genuine appreciation.

Izuku blinked, glancing down at the pages in front of him. He had filled so many… but for some reason, looking at them now, they felt different. Lighter. Like they didn't carry the same weight they once had.

"Oh. Uh… yeah." He flipped through the pages absently, his fingers lingering over sketches and breakdowns of quirks he had analyzed with painstaking detail. Work he used to pour himself into. Work that once meant something more.

A quiet sigh escaped before he could stop it. "They're really not anything special. Honestly… for most of my life, I think they were more of a nuisance than anything."

Nezu tilted his head ever so slightly, the glint in his eyes shifting as he observed Izuku carefully. "You may not think that what you just did is impressive, Midoriya."

Izuku glanced up, confused, until he noticed that Nezu somehow had his other notebooks in his hands already.

His eyes widened. Wait. How?

They were just— and he didn't even move—

Nezu ignored the unspoken questions. "But I assure you—it is," he continued, voice even but carrying an unmistakable weight. "I am the principal of U.A., Midoriya. I'm responsible not just for finding exceptional talent… but for refining it."

Izuku swallowed thickly, something heavy settling in his chest.

"You have a mind unlike any other, young man," Nezu continued. "I just want to see… where these skills will take you."

Izuku had no response for that.

For a long moment, he just sat there, staring at the principal, feeling the weight of his words pressing down on him.

And for the first time, a quiet, unsettling thought crept into his mind.

There's something about him…

It wasn't the same feeling he'd had with Heathcliff—no, that was different. That had been deception, betrayal, an outright lie.

Nezu wasn't lying to him.

But still…

Izuku wasn't sure what it was, but something about Nezu put him on edge.

And as the principal handed his notebooks back to him with an unreadable smile, that feeling didn't go away.

But right now, Izuku was tired. He was irritated. He was done with today. All he had to do was get through the last few minutes of his homeroom class, and then he could go home, eat, and try not to lose his mind thinking about all of this.

But, apparently, the universe had other plans.

The moment Midoriya left, Nezu took a slow sip of his tea before setting the cup down. The steam curled faintly into the air as he tapped a paw against the table.

He glanced at the door Izuku had just walked through, then reached for his phone.

It only rang twice before a voice answered.

"Nezu," All Might's voice was quieter than usual.

"You sound tired," Nezu observed lightly. "I imagine today was quite the experience for you."

A pause.

"…Was it too soon for him?"

Nezu sighed, leaning back in his chair.

"Would you like me to tell you he's completely fine and this was all a rousing success?"

All Might didn't answer right away.

"I tried to tell you yesterday," he murmured instead. "When you first mentioned bringing him in, I told you it was too soon. I ran into him at the memorial stone, and Nezu… he was in the middle of a panic attack."

Nezu remained silent, letting the words settle.

He could hear it in All Might's voice—the hesitation, the guilt.

"…I know what that looks like," All Might added, his tone suddenly heavier.

For a moment, the phone call was quiet.

Nezu's eyes narrowed slightly. He recognized that tone. The weight behind it.

It was personal.

But instead of addressing it directly, he took another sip of tea. "And now, after observing him today… do you still feel that way?"

A deep sigh came from the other end. "I just don't want him to think we've only shown interest in him because of—"

Nezu could hear the faint rustling through the phone as All Might glanced around, ensuring no one was nearby before lowering his voice to a whisper.

"One for All."

"You're sure you're not?" Nezu interrupted smoothly.

Silence.

Then, a hesitation.

A longer pause than before.

All Might finally spoke again, his voice quieter. "At first, yes. But the more I learn about the kid…"

Another pause. Nezu could hear the struggle behind those words.

"…I suppose he gives me the same feeling I had with my master," All Might admitted. "There were times I didn't really understand why she picked me either." A quiet chuckle followed, though there was no real humor in it.

Nezu closed his eyes briefly before exhaling. "And yet here we are."

A beat of silence.

Then, a sigh from Nezu. "Something tells me he'll start to find his spirit soon enough, Toshi." He let the words settle before adding, "Until then, stop worrying so much."

All Might let out a quiet laugh. "Easier said than done."

Nezu hummed in amusement, then turned his gaze back toward the door.

A small smirk tugged at his lips.

Then, with an almost villainous chuckle, he muttered to himself—

"Those two are far more alike than they realize."

When Izuku slid open the door to his General Studies homeroom, he barely had the energy to register the short kid sitting at a desk near the back. The moment their eyes met, the boy gave him a grin and nodded.

"Yo."

Izuku sighed and walked over, slumping into the seat next to him.

"Hey," he muttered, rubbing his temple.

"You look like hell, dude. Long day?"

"You have no idea."

The short kid hummed, then lazily leaned back in his seat. "I get it, I get it. School's exhausting. But, man… U.A. sure does have some scenery, huh?"

Izuku blinked, confused. "Scenery?"

As if on cue, a girl walked past their row of desks—tall, fit, long legs, walking with confidence. Izuku didn't recognize her, but he didn't need to. Because as soon as she was out of earshot, the kid beside him gave an exaggerated sigh.

"Man, U.A. is the best. So many hotties walkin' around—like, did you see that chick? Goddess-tier. I swear, I am this close to manifesting a quirk that lets me live in paradise."

Izuku, already exhausted, almost brushed it off as mindless chatter—until something clicked in his brain.

The voice.

The tone.

This sounded way too familiar.

The dots connected.

His mind flashed back to lunchtime, to Asuna's brief complaints about a certain perverted, expelled student…

Slowly, Izuku turned his head.

The kid grinned up at him and stuck out a hand. "Oh yeah, I don't think I introduced myself yet. The name's—"

"You," Izuku interrupted, his voice dripping with venom.

The kid blinked. "Uh… yeah?"

Izuku's face darkened, shadows casting over his features as his expression shifted into something that could only be described as murderous.

"You're Mineta."

Mineta's smile wavered. "Uh—yep! That's me! Minoru Mineta, at your service!"

Izuku's chair creaked as he leaned forward, his emerald eyes burning holes into Mineta's soul. His voice was ice-cold, low and deliberate.

"I believe you've already met… my girlfriend."

Mineta swallowed.

"Asuna. Yuuki."

The color drained from Mineta's face.

The tension in the air was suffocating. The playful energy he had seconds ago had completely evaporated, replaced with full-body regret as he

realized exactly who he was talking to.

The hand Mineta had extended slowly retracted.

Izuku continued to stare.

Mineta nervously chuckled. "U-Uh… s-small world, huh?"

---

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Hey everyone, sorry I was on hiatus for the last month. I had a combination of getting busy, as well as getting writers block. I knew exactly where I wanted to go with the story but for some reason this chapter had me struggling. I think a part of it is that I can't stop thinking of scenarios for later points in the story and get side tracked. To be honest I'd much rather skip to the next arc since I think it has the potential to be one of the best arcs in the entire story… but I'm not going to do that because I know in the long run the character development of previous characters plus the introduction of MHA characters to our group will be huge.

Now that were finally at UA (and we've got the boring first day done with now) the story will start to pick up a bit and there will be a couple of BA moments in the sports festival. Also while we're on the subject of the school festival, I'm planning on switching out the second event for something else. I've never been a big fan of the Cavalry Battle and with Deku having support gear I feel like we could find something better. Let me know if you have any suggestions for this part. Alright now to what everyone was waiting for, Asuna and Mito's quirks. For a long while a struggled at deciding Asuna's quirk. I've seen a lot of other authors give her some type of teleportation or electric quirk to go with her nickname, Lighting Flash Asuna. However I didn't want to follow suit, not that those are bad idea's in the slightest. Basically right now she's a water bender, but with SAO hurting some of her quirk factor, she won't be able to reach her full potential until later… plus this way Asuna will be able to keep up with the power levels of some of these other villains.

Mito I thought of a long time ago. Essentially with her metal bending quirk (which is no where as strong as Wolfram) I thought it would work great if I wanted her to keep using a scythe like in SAO. Though I definitely have more of Asuna's quirk flushed out right now compared to Mito. As of right now I see her as more of a support role, with that in mind if anyone has any suggestions let me know and if I use your idea I'll give you a shoutout in the next chapter.

Now as for Nezu and All Might, I hope you like how their stories are going so far. I thought it might be interesting to give Izuku two different dynamics with the same character, AKA: All Might and Small Might. By doing this, we might see this either hurt or All Might's relationship with Izuku. Nezu on the other hand can always see things from an outside perspective, leading him to do what nobody else would ever do… send a teenage boy suffering from PTSD to a heroics training course class… Ohh and his GF/BF are competing as well, and don't you dare forget about his school bully… Yet Nezu did. And for All Might, though he wants nothing more than to just ask Izuku to be his successor, he doesn't want to burden someone so young going through so much, but he just can't help but linger around the kid. For now he can wait for him.. but he can't wait forever.

Thanks for your patience again everyone. I hope y'all have had a wonderful start to your year and as always, have a good one! :)