Dekiru 10: The Symbol Of Peace And The Protector Of Earth

by Phantomdanger

Izuku Midoriya, previously quirkless, was offered One For All by the greatest hero, but during training, he discovered the Omnitrix. Now his on the journey to be the greatest hero, the Symbol of Peace and The protector of Earth. It's Hero Time!

54. Chapter 48: Returning to Nomalcy: Part 2

Chapter 48: Returning to Nomalcy Part 2

...

Class 1-A trudged through the Downpour Zone, a place infamous for its constant heavy rain and howling winds. But today, there was nothing-no rain, no wind, just an eerie, unnatural silence. The absence of the usual storm made the atmosphere even more unsettling.

"So... where are our teachers?" Kyoka asked.

"Mr. Aizawa said All Might and Thirteen would be meeting us here," Momo reminded, though even she was starting to find their absence suspicious.

"Yeah, well, how long do we have to wander around like idiots? This is getting annoying!" Bakugou snapped, kicking at a can

Izuku kept his eyes peeled as he walked alongside Tsuyu, Iida, Todoroki, and Ochako. The quiet unsettled him.

"I wonder what kind of training we'll be doing today, ribbit?" Tsuyu mused, her tone thoughtful.

"Something that'll probably put our lives in mortal danger," Kyoka deadpanned, plopping down on a nearby rock.

Iida adjusted his glasses, looking scandalized. "Jirou! U.A. prioritizes student safety above all else! You don't actually believe-"

"I would remind you of all the times U.A. nearly got us killed," Kyoka cut in dryly, "but I have a feeling you're about to get a perfect example in about five minutes."

Before anyone could respond, static crackled through the area as the loudspeakers suddenly roared to life.

{"BOO-YA! I AM HERE-IN THE SPEAKERS!"}

The class jolted in shock.

"All Might?!" they exclaimed.

"Now, Class 1-A! I hope you're ready for today's rescue training!" All Might's voice echoed across the zone, booming even through the distortion.

"Sir, what exactly will we be doing?" Iida called out, raising a hand despite knowing they couldn't see him.

{"No questions! Over the past few weeks, your battle prowess has improved significantly,"} Aizawa's voice cut in, his tone as dry and uninterested as ever.

{"But being a hero isn't just about fighting villains,"} Thirteen added. {"Since All Might became the top hero, crime rates have dropped-but that means more pro heroes are needed for disaster relief and emergency rescues."}

{"And frankly, your rescue skills are... lacking."} Aizawa stated bluntly.

The class collectively groaned.

"That's so mean," Sato muttered, looking dejected.

"Aww, man. Not all of our Quirks are suited for rescuing," Kaminari complained, slumping.

{"Stop whining. Now, I assume you all remember your assigned teams?"} Aizawa asked.

The class quickly grouped up standing with the assigned groups.

{"Good. Now, today, none of you will be playing the victims."}

A beat of silence passed before-

{"Because you're all going to be heroes!"} All Might finished with his signature enthusiasm.

A wave of cheers and excitement erupted among the students.

"Yes!" they shouted in unison.

Ochako pumped her fist. "Finally, we get to be heroes!"

"Tch. I don't need to pretend I need any of your extras' help," Bakugou scoffed, stuffing his hands into his pockets.

"This is gonna be so much fun!" Mina grinned, bouncing on her heels.

Kaminari, however, sighed dramatically. "Man, I was kinda hoping to be a victim. I suck at rescue training."

"That's... not something to be proud of," Momo muttered, shaking her head.

As the rain continued to pour, the excitement in the air only grew. The training was about to begin.

Aizawa's voice cut through the chatter. "Enough talk."

He turned to Thirteen. "Thirteen, if you would."

The distant sound of mechanical footsteps filled the air. One by one, humanoid robots emerged, their numbers swelling into the hundreds-maybe even over two hundred. They dispersed throughout the zone, some dressed in shirts and caps, standing idle as if waiting for help.

Kyoka's eyebrows raised. "Uh... are we fighting those?"

Tsuyu, tilting her head, blinked at the sight. "Are these supposed to be the people we're rescuing?"

"Exactly, Young Asui!" All Might's voice boomed over the speakers. "These robots will be simulating civilians in need of rescue!"

Tenya raised a hand. "Sir, what kind of disaster are we dealing with?"

"That's classified, Young Iida!" All Might replied with a chuckle. "You'll just have to react as heroes! But I will say this-it's a natural disaster."

The class exchanged glances, tension settling in.

"But sir, if we don't know what kind of disaster it is, how can we plan our approach, ribbit?" Tsuyu questioned, her throat croaking slightly.

"Yes, going in blind puts us at a major disadvantage," Iida added.

"If we don't even know what we're dealing with, we can't come up with an efficient strategy," Toru said.

Mina tapped her chin. "Maybe that's the point? In real life, natural disasters don't send out RSVPs."

Izuku nodded. "She's right. We won't always get advance notice. The best thing we can do is react and adapt."

Momo folded her arms, expression thoughtful. "Indeed. Heroes need to be prepared for the unexpected. Emergencies can happen at any moment, and hesitation could cost lives."

"Well said, Yaoyorozu." Thirteen's voice chimed in. "Adaptability is key in rescue operations."

"Exactly," Aizawa affirmed. "In a real crisis, you won't have the luxury of prior knowledge. You need to be ready for anything."

All Might followed up. "These robots will act as civilians caught in the disaster. Your mission? Get them to safety!"

Aizawa's voice remained firm. "Take this seriously. Treat it as a real-life situation."

Thirteen added in a reassuring tone, "Remember, this is a simulation, so don't stress if some robots 'die'-it's all part of the training."

To demonstrate, All Might grabbed a nearby robot and crushed its head effortlessly. The machine let out a garbled cry, "N-No! I am dead!" as its blue lights shifted to red.

Thirteen continued, "If a robot's blue lights turn red, it means they've 'died.' Your goal is to get as many of them to the safe zone before that happens."

All Might grinned. "If a robot falls behind or takes damage, it counts as depending on the severity it docks points. Protect them like real civilians!"

The class's excitement grew as All Might announced, "Now, to make things interesting-the teams with the most successful rescues will earn a special reward!" He waved a brown envelope teasingly.

Iida adjusted his glasses. "A reward-based system? We don't usually receive incentives for rescue training. What's different this time?"

Kyoka frowned. "Yeah, isn't the point to save lives? A reward just makes it feel like a competition."

Kaminari grinned. "Not that I'm against some extra motivation! But hey, where are you guys? Usually, you're watching us from the sidelines."

Aizawa's response was cryptic. "We're in a safe location."

The class collectively blinked.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

Before anyone could press for answers, the speakers shut off.

Then Izuku felt a sharp, stabbing pain in his skull-like a needle piercing through his brain. His Danger Sense flared wildly, sending frantic warnings through his nerves. His head snapped around as he scanned the area, eyes darting for any sign of danger. Nothing.

Then, another jolt. This time, the sensation was strong enough that his teammates took notice.

"Danger Sense?" Shoto asked, his heterochromatic eyes narrowing. He had suspected Izuku had some form of sixth sense during the festival and this but pretty much confirmed it.

Others had been in earshot when they heard Midoriya discussing during the Sports Festival:(An: Chapter 26: Intermission)

Izuku nodded, already activating the Omnitrix and flipping through his available forms. "Yeah... it's in the lower range, so whatever's coming, we've got maybe a minute or two. I think... It isn't as painful."

"That's not much time," Tenya said, adjusting his glasses. "If this is a natural disaster scenario, our priority should be evacuating civilians."

"Hold on, though," Tsuyu interjected, her webbed fingers tapping her chin. "We don't even know what the danger is, ribbit."

"She's right," Momo added as she approached, her tone measured yet firm. "An earthquake, a storm, a villain attack-each requires different evacuation strategies."

Izuku grimaced, his hand hovering over the Omnitrix. "We don't have time to debate it. We need a plan now."

Momo nodded. "That's why we should coordinate. We need to work together, all of us."

The statement caused a brief silence. The idea of teamwork wasn't foreign to them as they all turned to Momo with a confused look.

"Uh, not to rain on the parade," Kaminari piped up, scratching his cheek, "but aren't we, y'know... competing?"

"Yeah!" Kirishima grinned, cracking his knuckles. "The manliest of us wins by saving the most people!"

"I really hope the prize is no homework for a week!" Mina said, practically bouncing on her toes.

Izuku frowned, his expression uncertain. "But... this is supposed to be a real situation. Would actual heroes compete like that?"

The class paused, the weight of his words settling in.

...

Momo folded her arms, her expression firm. "Mr. Aizawa said this is a natural disaster simulation. I doubt they expect us to treat it like a competition. I believe they divided us into teams to see if we'd prioritize cooperation over individual success."

Tenya gave a sharp nod. "That aligns with hero principles. A true hero wouldn't let pride or rivalry cloud their judgment when lives are at stake."

Izuku furrowed his brows, his fingers twitching at his sides. "Some of our teams have weak points or strengths that other teams can compensate for."

His voice tightened as another sharp pang ran through his skull, his head tilting slightly as if adjusting for a better signal. "If we don't work together, we're going to fail."

Mina tapped her chin. "So that's why they put us in teams?"

"And only mentioned one prize," Tokoyami added.

"To test us if we would cooperate no matter who gets rewarded in the end," Izuku muttered.

Tenya adjusted his glasses, his tone resolute. "Then there's nothing to discuss. Midoriya is absolutely right. Some of us aren't fast enough to reach everyone in time, while others may struggle with heavy debris. If we coordinate our strengths, we can maximize efficiency and ensure success."

Hagakure bounced excitedly, her gloves waving. "I totally agree! We can't do this alone!"

Shoji inclined his head. "It's unlikely the teachers will make this easy. But working together we should be able to do this."

"The darkness preys on those who walk alone," Tokoyami murmured ominously, crossing his arms. "Together, we shall stand against it."

Dark Shadow nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! What he said!"

"As my sensei always tells me," Ojiro said, his tail flicking, "'A warrior's true strength lies not in his arms, but in his allies.'"

Tsuyu nodded. "We could combine our Quirks for better rescue strategies, ribbit."

Sero grinned, draping an arm over Kaminari's shoulders. "Alright, class rep and vice, I'm guessing you two are taking charge? Just let us know what you need from us."

"Yeah, tell us what to do!" Kaminari added, giving a thumbs-up.

Excitement rippled through the class, their murmurs growing into cheers of enthusiasm. The energy was contagious.

But Danger Sense still buzzed insistently at the back of Izuku's mind. Time was running out-three, maybe four minutes at most.

And, of course, not everyone was on board.

"Tch. As if."

The group fell silent, heads turning toward Bakugou, who stood with his arms crossed, his expression twisted into a scowl. Without another word, he turned away from them.

His teammates glanced at each other before hesitantly stepping forward, trying to convince him otherwise.

Kaminari sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Dude, c'mon, Midoriya and Yaoyorozu-"

"Fuck off!" Bakugou's roar cut through the air like an explosion, silencing the class. His crimson eyes burned with unfiltered rage. "I'm not working with you extras! Just 'cause that ponytailed bitch is sucking that nerd's dick doesn't mean her dumbass theory is right! And like hell I'm taking orders from either of them!"

A heavy silence fell over the group. Momo flinched, her expression tightening at the crude insult. The sharp glares from the other girls-and even some of the guys-only made Bakugou scowl harder, his irritation boiling over.

"Dude seriously? Come on get your head out of your ass!"

"Yeah dude the teachers were probably baiting us by putting us in a team and telling there was a prize." Kirishima said.

"Fuck off! The whole point is to see who's the best at rescue! That's fucking obvious!" Bakugou snapped, his hands sparking. "Anyone with a brain can see that! That's how the real world works! You prove you're the best, or you're just another weak-ass loser! That's why the fucking put is in teams!"

His gaze flicked over to his team. "Raccoon Eyes, Tape Arms, Stupid Hair, Laser Stomach-we're leaving!"

Sero pinched the bridge of his nose. "Okay, can you stop screaming for, like, two minutes? No one's trying to screw you over-we're just saying it makes sense to work together."

Mina scowled, crossing her arms. "Yeah, what are you, five?"

Even Kirishima looked uncomfortable. "Dude, what's up with you? You're never this aggressive. You've been acting weird lately."

Momo adjusted her stance, studying Bakugou's body language. "Ever since the internships, he's been getting worse. Ever since Midoriya beat him..."

Ojiro frowned. "Bakugou, we can't physically save all the drones alone. The whole point of hero work is to-"

"Shut the hell up!" Bakugou barked, his voice raw with frustration. "You're not real heroes! A real hero wins! If you dumbasses wanna suck up to Deku and his bitch, then go ahead! I don't need any of you!"

His words echoed, cutting through the excited buzz of the class from earlier.

"You think a real hero is about being in team? It's about being the best!" Bakugou's hands crackled with tiny explosions. "Winning is what makes you a hero! That's how you become number one!"

Kirishima took a cautious step forward, hands raised. "Bro, just take a second to think about Midoriya-"

Midoriya.

That name had been haunting him for weeks. Ever since he lost. Ever since the gap between them started to widen. And now they wanted him to follow that damn nerd's lead?

His fury spiked, his vision narrowing to red. Like hell.

'I've had enough of that damn nerd showing me up every fucking time!And if I have to another fucking word about his name...!'

All fucking week, it was Midoriya this, Midoriya that. The next number one. The guy who brought in some two-bit thug. The guy who took down that school. The guy kids were already looking up to. The guy seemingly everyone agreed to be the Next Number One Hero.

'Deku?! The next number one?! That useless, worthless nerd?'

'Bullshit!" Bakugou thought, smoke bellowing from his palms. 'Deku only took down that fucking principal! Why the hell is everyone acting like he's some big-shot hero?!'

Izuku stepped forward, his voice firm. "Bakugou, don't be-"

Bakugou's blood boiled. He physically trembled with rage and anger.

He didn't want to hear it. Didn't want to hear his damn voice. His damn name. Everything was his fault.

...

[Flashback]

The streets bustled with life as Bakugou patrolled alongside Best Jeanist. His hair-combed into an infuriatingly neat style-itched against his scalp. His usual spikes tamed and slicked back, making him feel like a damn fraud.

His mentor insisted it was about "image," about presenting himself as a true Pro Hero.

Bakugou hated it he felt like some dumbass. The hair alone made him want to rip it out.

Every second felt like he was wearing a straitjacket. His hands twitched for an explosion, but he stuffed them into his pockets, teeth grinding.

As they walked through the city, a group of kids spotted them, their eyes widening in recognition.

"Hey, I know that guy!" one of them shouted, pointing directly at Bakugou.

For a brief second, Bakugou felt a flicker of pride—until the kid's expression twisted into a smug grin.

"He's the one who got captured by the Sludge Villain! Man, he was so scared!"

"Oh yeah, he looked like he was gonna piss his pants!"

"He totally pissed his pants!"

Laughter erupted from the small group, their taunting voices grating against his ears like nails on a chalkboard.

Bakugou's entire body tensed, his blood boiling. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU SAY, YOU DAMN BRATS?!" he bellowed, explosions crackling in his palms.

"AAHH!" The kids screamed in fear, stumbling back as Bakugou loomed over them, smoke billowing from his hands.

A firm hand landed on his shoulder.

"Talk to them like a hero, Bakugou," Best Jeanist reminded him, his voice light but unyielding.

Bakugou clicked his tongue, his eye twitching as he forced himself to stand up straight, fists settling on his hips. His lips curled into a stiff, almost painful grin, his jaw clenched so tightly it could crack a tooth.

"Listen up, brats," he growled. "I wasn't scared. I had that bastard right where I wanted him."

But before he could finish, another kid—blond, with a cocky smirk—stepped forward, his voice dripping with amusement.

"Oh, I remember him now! He's the one who got his ass kicked by Dekiru 10 at the Sports Festival!"

The words hit Bakugou like a gut punch. His breath hitched, his entire body tensing as something hot and venomous boiled in his gut.

Another kid started throwing mock punches. "Yeah! Dekiru didn't even use a form! He's so awesome! My favorite's Four Arms!"

The blonde kid nodded enthusiastically. "I know, right?! Everyone loves Four Arms, but I think the fire guy's cooler. What's his name again?"

Bakugou's vision blurred with rage. His nails dug into his palms, leaving crescent-shaped imprints. His whole body trembled with barely contained fury.

'That damn nerd isn't even here-why the hell are these shitty brats talking about him?! It's fucking annoying! If I have to hear one more thing about that damn nerd, I'll kill someone-!'

His thoughts spiraled, pure, unfiltered hatred seeping into his every nerve.

'People actually think he's gonna surpass All Might now?! That fucker?! Just because he took down some two-bit thug and a few assholes at school?! He's not better than me!"

He clenched his fists so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Best Jeanist's presence was the only thing stopping him from blowing up right then and there.

"Damn you Deku."

...

[Flashback Over]

Izuku stood his ground. "Bakugou, we have to work as a class! The area's too big for just-"

Danger sense spiked as he thought it was the upcoming disaster he didn't see it coming.

A sharp crack echoed through the air as Bakugou's hand lashed out, striking Izuku across the face with a brutal backhand.

Izuku staggered, barely catching himself as pain shot through his nose. His vision blurred for a moment before he found himself on the ground, clutching his face.

The class collectively gasped and the girls rushed towards his side.

"MIDORI!"

"DEKIRU!"

"GREEN!"

"MIDORIYA-CHAN!"

The girls rushed to Izuku's side immediately, concern and outrage flashing across their faces. Izuku rubbing his nose glared at Bakugou who glared back One For All crackled throughout Izuku.

Shoto's snapped."What the hell is wrong with you, Bakugou?!"

"Dude, what the fuck?!" Mineta and Kaminari shouted in unison.

Bakugou snarled, his hands sparking. "Shut up, you fucking extras!"

Tsuyu's sharp voice cut through the rising tension. "You can't just hit people whenever you want, Bakugou!"

"Yeah, what's your deal?!" Ochako snapped, her fists clenched. "Dekiru didn't even do anything to you!"

Bakugou's glare hardened. "Shut the hell up! You don't know anything!"

Bakugou's eye twitched. "Shut up! You don't know shit!"

Ochako's expression twisted with anger, her brown eyes burning. "Oh, I know plenty!" she snapped. "I know you're a violent jerk who can't go five minutes without picking a fight with Dekiru! I know you're pissed because Dekiru is better than you and you can't stand the idea!"

Bakugou bristled, his explosions sparking dangerously. "You wanna say that again, Round Face?"

But before he could take another step, his gravity suddenly disappeared.

His feet lifted off the ground, and his stomach lurched as he floated helplessly in midair.

Ochako's hands glowed pink as she glared up at him. "Don't you dare put your hands on Dekiru again!"

Bakugou thrashed, his eyes wild with fury. "Let go, you damn pink cheeks-!"

Kaminari quickly stepped in, raising his hands. "Whoa, whoa! Easy there, Uraraka!" He looked between her and Bakugou nervously. "No one wants to see what happens if you drop him from this high up."

Ochako's breathing was heavy, but after a few seconds, she finally exhaled and released her Quirk.

Bakugou was dropped to the ground like a sack of bricks with a glared at her.

She turned away, arms crossed tightly. "Hmph."

Bakugou growled, dusting himself off, his glare burning into the ground.

Momo knelt beside Izuku, gently tilting his face up with a hand beneath his chin. Her touch was warm and caring, but her voice was cold.

"Are you alright, Izuku?"

Izuku blinked up at her, still dazed, but he nodded. "Yeah. I'm fine."

Momo's gaze lingered for a moment, searching his face. Then she exhaled sharply through her nose.

"Good," she said, standing up.

The class was still arguing with Bakugou, trying to get him to cooperate. But Momo wasn't interested in wasting time.

She stepped forward, head slightly bowed, dark hair framing her face. The arguing continued-Bakugou snarling, the others snapping back-but the moment she reached him, she moved.

"I don't fucking-" Bakugou started, only to be cut off by a loud smack.

SMACK.

The entire class fell silent. Even Bakugou, who had been mid-sentence, stood frozen, his face turned to the side from the force of Momo's slap.

His crimson eyes widened in disbelief before they snapped to her, blazing with rage.

Momo, who rarely ever resorted to physical reprimands, stood tall. As she glared at Bakugou every word that dropped out was laced with venom that had shocked the class.

"If you want to act like a child, then leave," she said, voice unwavering.

Bakugou's teeth ground together, but she didn't flinch at the way he glared at her.

"We are wasting time trying to convince you," she continued. "We're supposed to be heroes, not stubborn children throwing tantrums. People's lives are at risk. This isn't a playground where we have the luxury of indulging someone's pride."

Izuku slowly sat up, pressing a hand to his nose. He could only agree.

Kaminari, Sero, and Kirishima exchanged uneasy glances, scratching their heads.

"But you all want to include him," Momo went on, shifting her piercing gaze toward the others. "If he can't put aside his ego for even a moment to work as a team, that's his failure. Not ours."

Kirishima opened his mouth, ready to defend his friend. "Yaomomo, I get it, but-"

Momo turned to him, her sharp glare cutting off the rest of his sentence.

"If you want to waste time arguing, do so at your own expense," she said coolly. "But don't you dare hurt your classmates just to soothe your own inadequacies." As she glared at Bakugou with unmistakable hatred.

The air felt heavier. The weight of her words sank into everyone like stones in water.

Bakugou scowled but said nothing still reeling from the slap reaching to blow her up.

The class shifted uncomfortably. Because, deep down, they knew she was right.

Izuku let out a slow breath as he got to his feet, rubbing his nose gingerly. "...She's right."

Everyone turned to him. Usually, Izuku was the one advocating for teamwork, even when it was difficult.

Kirishima frowned. "Midoriya, you can't be serious-"

Izuku shook his head. "Danger Sense is going off. We have two minutes before something happens, and we still don't know what the disaster is. We've wasted too much time already."

He didn't like the fact that he kinda enjoyed that he didn't have to work with Bakugou. That his classmates chose to work with him instead.

Momo turned without another word, walking toward the rest of the class. The others hesitated, but one by one, they followed.

Mina and Sero lingered, glancing toward Bakugou, who was standing apart from the group.

"Ah, man," Kirishima muttered, rubbing the back of his head. "C'mon, Ashido, Sero, We should catch up to Bakugou."

Mina shifted uncomfortably. "...Sorry, Kiri, but no."

Everyone blinked at her response in a bit of surprise.

Mina sighed. "This is supposed to be a real-life scenario. Sticking with the group is the most logical choice." She frowned slightly. "Besides, my Quirk isn't great for rescue missions, so if I can help, it'll be with everyone else. And honestly?" She gave Kirishima an apologetic smile. "I really don't feel like dealing with his temper right now."

With that, she jogged to catch up with the others.

Sero let out a slow exhale before shaking his head. "Yeah... Sorry, dude. I'm still kinda pissed about the Sports Festival, so I think I'll sit this one out."

With that, he followed.

Kirishima stood there for a moment, watching as they all left. His jaw clenched before he turned toward Bakugou.

"...Tch." Bakugou scoffed, as he blasted off from the roof explosions echoing throughout.

Meanwhile, the rest of the class sprang into action.

Momo turned to Izuku. "Midoriya, how soon do you think the disaster will strike?"

"Two minutes," he answered, eyes scanning the area as the wind in the Downpour Zone picked up the winds and rains it was known for rushed throughout the zone.

The wind howled between the buildings, tugging at their clothes and whipping Momo's long hair into wild strands around her face. Water splattered against the concrete in erratic bursts as distant thunder rumbled above.

"I'll go Fasttrack and scout ahead. If we can figure out what's coming, we'll have a better chance of preparing. The rest of you should start evacuating civilians-"

"Wait."

Momo placed a hand on his arm, stopping him before he could activate the Omnitrix.

"Before you transform, hear me out."

Izuku blinked at her, taking a moment to hear her out.

Momo pointed toward the tallest building in the facility, her expression sharp and focused. "I suggest using Big Chill or another aerial form to scout ahead."

Izuku gave a firm nod. "Got it."

"Take Jirou and Shoji with you," Momo continued. "They're the best for recon. You fly up, use Danger Sense to pinpoint the threat, and they can analyze the situation from above."

"And with our vantage point, Shoji and I can figure out were up against," Kyoka added, cracking her knuckles.

Iida adjusted his glasses. "That way, we can anticipate the disaster scenario before reacting blindly."

Kyoka cracked her knuckles, smirking slightly. "Sounds like a plan. Let's go."

Shoji nodded, one of his tentacles forming an extra eye. "Tallest building is a few blocks ahead. I'll guide us there."

"Alright, let's move!" Izuku sprinted forward, pressing the Omnitrix dial. "Come on, give me Stinkfly."

A burst of green light enveloped him, and when it faded, Stinkfly hovered in his place, his iridescent wings buzzing rapidly.

"Stinkfly!"

Kyoka immediately recoiled, pinching her nose. "Ugh, seriously? You had to pick the one that smells like a dumpsterfire?"

Shoji, unfazed, merely shrugged. "You don't have super smell."

Kyoka blinked before muttering, "...Damn, okay, now I feel bad."

Stinkfly chuckled, his voice warped slightly by his alien form. "Yeah, yeah, I'll make it up to you later. For now, just deal with it."

Without wasting another second, he grabbed both of them and shot into the air, his wings slicing through the wind. The air pressure grew intense as they ascended, the city shrinking beneath them.

The moment his feet touched the ground, Izuku transformed in bright green flash back, immediately clutching his head as Danger Sense blared like a warning siren stabbing his.

His vision swam slightly, the pain so intense it was difficult to focus. "I-It's like it's everywhere... The danger is everywhere- I can't tell where it's coming from!"

Shoji frowned, extending several extra arms as his dupli-limbs formed enhanced eyes and ears. "How exactly does Danger Sense work?"

"It- It alerts me to threats," Izuku explained, panting slightly. "Like needles stabbing my brain. But if it's just sensing something big and not pinpointing anything specific, then-"

"Maybe it's like my Earphone Jacks," Kyouka suggested, kneeling to plug her jacks into the rooftop. "If I just listen to everything at once, all I get is noise. I have to focus to find the specific sound I want."

Shoji nodded. "Same with my dupli-arms. Instead of just sensing danger, you might need to focus on how it feels. Try tuning into it-like how we isolate sounds or enhance our vision."

Kyouka smirked. "Think of it like listening for your favorite part of a song-you gotta filter out the noise and lock onto the beat."

Izuku clenched his fists. "O-Okay... I'll try."

Izuku inhaled deeply, shutting his eyes. Focus. Don't just feel the pain- follow it. He exhaled, forcing himself to tune out the overwhelming flood of sensations. The stabbing pulses of Danger Sense sharpened, aligning with one direction.

His eyes snapped open. "Southwest corner!"

Kyouka jammed her jacks against the roof, her brows furrowing. "Wait... I hear something." Her expression darkened. "It's- it's rushing water."

Shoji stiffened, his extra ears twitching. "I hear it too. And something else... a deep creaking noise." His face paled slightly. "Like a dam about to give way."

Izuku's heart slammed against his ribs. "A flood..."

Kyouka's eyes went wide. "No- it's a flash flood!"

Izuku instantly tapped his earpiece. "Momo! It's a flash flood!"

Momo's eyes widened as Izuku's warning crackled through the comms. The rest of the class immediately reacted.

"A FLASH FLOOD?!"

Kaminari immediately panicked, flailing his arms. "Crap, crap, crap-what are we gonna do?! I CAN'T SWIM! I always avoided it 'cause I was afraid I'd electrocute someone! Shit, I knew this would come back to bite me!"

Before his spiral could get worse, Mina grabbed him by the shoulders and gave him a firm slap.

"Pull yourself together, Pikachu!" she scolded.

Momo and Tenya quickly took charge while Izuku's voice crackled over their earpieces.

Izuku's voice came through the earpiece. "Shoji picked up signs of a makeshift dam in the southwest corner. It's on the verge of collapsing. If it goes, the flood will hit fast and whole zone will be underwater!"

Shoji, using his extended dupli-arms, nodded. "The structure is already failing. We've got maybe a minute at most."

Mineta's face turned pale. "A MINUTE?! How the hell is anyone supposed to get there in time?!"

The entire class instinctively turned to Tenya. He adjusted his glasses with a sharp motion and saluted. "I may not be as fast as Midoriya, but I will move with all the speed I can muster!"

Todoroki stepped forward, nodding. "I'll go with you."

Tenya's engines revved, and he turned to him with determination. "Then climb onto my back!"

The silence that followed was deafening.

Mina and Hagakure immediately covered their mouths, shoulders trembling as they tried not to burst out laughing. The rest of the class stood frozen, their expressions shifting between disbelief and barely contained amusement.

Todoroki blinked once. Then twice.

His face remained neutral, and immediately turned away and began to walk away.

'He rejected it instantly!' the class thought in unison, all mentally screaming.

Tenya, still earnest, clarified. "Would you prefer I carry you in a bridal style?"

Shoto turned to him with the most 'Are you serious look' accompanied with a deadpanned expression. "..."

A muscle in his jaw twitched. He exhaled sharply through his nose before clicking his tongue. "Tch." Without another word, he wordlessly climbed onto Tenya's back.

A soft giggle slipped past Momo's lips who failed to suppress her amusement.

"Now safety first make sure-"

Todoroki's face darkened with embarrassment. "Just GO, Iida!" he snapped.

"Recipro BURST!"

With a deafening roar, Tenya's engines ignited, sending him rocketing forward in a burst of white-hot energy.

Wind howled past them as they tore through the city streets, weaving between buildings in a high-speed blur. Storefronts, cars, and shattered debris became indistinct streaks in their wake.

"Hold on!" Tenya shouted over the roaring wind, pushing his Recipro Burst to its limit.

He skidded to a halt just as they reached the dam, his boots grinding deep into the pavement, kicking up small chunks of asphalt.

The moment they arrived, Izuku's Danger Sense flared violently, sending stabbing pains through his skull. Izuku's voice cracked through the comms.

"The dam-it's breaking!"

Todoroki didn't hesitate. The second he was off Tenya's back, he sprinted forward.

The dam groaned under its own weight, fractures snaking through the structure like veins of impending destruction. Massive chunks of concrete crumbled away, the earth beneath them trembling as if recoiling from the sheer force.

Tenya barely had time to process before the first snap echoed like a gunshot.

Then a sudden, violent burst of water forced its way through a newly-formed hole in the dam, spraying outward in a torrential gush. It wasn't a full collapse, but it was seconds away from becoming one.

"MOVE!" Todoroki barked.

They sprang back just in time as the structure gave way, unleashing an unstoppable tidal wave. As the dam threatened to burst more.

A deep, guttural roar filled the air as thousands of gallons of water surged forward, devouring everything in its path. The impact sent shockwaves through the ground, throwing chunks of debris into the air like shrapnel.

Mineta's panicked voice crackled through the comms. "W-WHAT'S HAPPENING?!"

Todoroki's right side flared, frost creeping up his arm in jagged veins. With a sharp exhale, he slammed his foot down, and a massive wall of ice erupted from the ground, surging forward like a frozen tidal wave. The glacial barrier thickened as it crashed into the rushing water, forcing the violent flow back toward the breach.

But the water was relentless. The sheer force of the flood slammed against the ice with a deafening crack, sending fractures splintering across its surface. Todoroki gritted his teeth, forcing his Quirk into overdrive. More ice poured out, spreading in thick, jagged layers as the wave solidified on impact, encasing itself in an expanding frozen wall.

"Come on... hold."

The dam shuddered against the force of Todoroki's ice, cracks spider-webbing along its weakened surface. But the ice held

Frost spread across the pavement as Todoroki reinforced his barrier, pushing himself harder. His breath came in misty bursts, his muscles straining under the sheer effort.

Beside him, Iida skidded to a stop, panting. His eyes flicked between the dam and the thick sheet of ice holding back the flood.

"Midoriya was right..." Tenya muttered, still breathless. "If you weren't here, this would have been a disaster."

Todoroki exhaled. "Yeah."

...

Momo watched the glacier Todoroki had created, the sheer mass of ice pushing back the raging flood. She swallowed hard. 'Izuku was right. If he hadn't warned us in time...'

"We need to get the citizens to higher ground," Tsuyu said, her voice calm but urgent. She extended her tongue, carefully lifting a few robot civilians and placing them onto a rooftop. "Todoroki can't hold it back forever."

Sato grunted as he hoisted two more, leaping onto a nearby building and planting his hands deep into the concrete to steady himself before setting them down.

Ochako touched several robots, making them float, while Sero whipped out his tape, securing them mid-air before pulling them toward a rooftop.

"The streets look empty-I think we're almost done here," he noted.

"Hold up," Shoji said, his extra arms expanding to scan the surroundings. "I'm picking up movement-three more, top floor of that building."

Without hesitation, Mina sprinted inside. "My Quirk isn't great for rescue work, but I can at least make sure everyone gets out safely!"

Meanwhile, Izuku's hand was already on the Omnitrix, scrolling through his available transformations. "You guys stay here," he said. "If this is a flash flood, we can't risk you getting swept up in it."

Shoji nodded in understanding, but Kyoka frowned, her gaze locking onto Izuku. "Hey..." she said, her voice softer than usual.

Izuku glanced at her, one brow raised. "Yeah?"

She hesitated, rubbing the back of her neck, a faint pink dusting her cheeks. "Just... be careful, okay?"

A surprised blush crept up Izuku's face before he nodded. "I will," he assured her before slamming down on the Omnitrix.

A flash of green light engulfed him, and when it cleared, Bullfrag stood in his place, his long, muscular limbs flexing as he cracked his neck. "Aw yeah, baby, time to get bouncin'!" he said.

Then, without another word, he leapt off the building.

Kyoka's eye twitched. "I said be careful, and he jumps off a building."

Shoji smirked. "So... 'be careful,' huh?"

Kyoka shot him a glare, jabbing a finger in his direction. "Say one more word, and you're choking on that mask."

Shoji chuckled as they watched Bullfrag swing away, his long, prehensile tongue snapping onto a streetlight before he catapulted forward.

Bullfrag swung through the city, his tongue latching onto walls and poles as he swung himself forward with perfect control.

"Hoo boy, now this is what I'm talkin' about!" he said with a grin.

Spotting a robot couple stranded on a balcony, he whipped his tongue around them and yanked-only to realize he had put way too much strength into it.

"Agh! I'm hurt, I'm hurt, I'm hurt!" one of the robots cried as they tumbled onto the rooftop, their knee joint sparking slightly.

Bullfrag winced. "Ahh, damn, my bad, my bad!" He scratched the back of his head. "I ain't exactly got a soft touch yet."

"Midoriya!"

Bullfrag glanced sideways just as Tsuyu landed beside him, two more robots wrapped securely in her tongue.

She set them down gently before turning toward him. "You're still throwing them too fast," she pointed out.

Bullfrag scoffed, flexing his fingers. "C'mon, Tsu, that last toss was smooth!"

"The robot landed on its knees," she deadpanned.

"Eh, minor details."

A robotic groan sounded from the side. Bullfrag winced as he noticed the bot clutching its damaged leg. "Aight, maybe ya got a point."

Tsuyu sighed and demonstrated by gently lowering another bot with her tongue. "You need to pace yourself. Being fast is good, but sometimes, you gotta pace yourself."

Bullfrag scoffed, crossing his arms. "C'mon, I know how to pace myself." To prove his point, he extended his tongue again, lifting another robot and setting them down with exaggerated delicacy.

"Thank you," the robot said with a polite bow.

Bullfrag smirked, throwing Tsuyu a look. "See? All good."

Tsuyu resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "Still coulda been smoother, ribbit."

Bullfrag's smirk widened. "Y'know, I heard we ain't supposed to be competin' 'n all, but a lil' friendly contest never hurt nobody."

Tsuyu tilted her head. "What do you mean?"

Bullfrag crouched low, his powerful legs tensing like coiled springs. "Try an' keep up, dollface," he said with a wink before launching himself into the air he shot of like a bullet.

Tsuyu's eyes widened, a deep blush creeping onto her cheeks. But instead of dwelling on it,she stuck out her tongue, and swung after him. "I won't lose, Midoriya-chan."

Bullfrag glanced over his shoulder with a grin. "No need to be so formal, sweetheart. Call me Izuku. Or, y'know, Bullfrag-whichever suits ya."

Tsuyu's blush deepened as she scooped up a robot family, cradling the child while Bullfrag grabbed the parents

...

Class 1-A worked in perfect sync, relocating the robotic civilians to designated safe zones on higher ground. Todoroki maintained a steady stream of ice to reinforce the dam, his Quirk holding back the surging floodwaters. The operation was progressing smoothly.

Tokoyami commanded Dark Shadow with precision, the shadowy entity lifting robots to rooftops with careful efficiency. Sero swung through the rain-slicked air, securing civilians with his tape, while Ochako floated groups to safety.

But the downpour zone was notorious for its fierce winds and relentless rain.

A few buildings away, Sato clung to the side of a crumbling structure, carrying two robots under his arms. His enhanced strength allowed him to move quickly, but the moment he tried to leap to the next platform, a powerful gust slammed into him.

"GAH-!"Sato's stomach dropped.

The force threw him off balance. The robots were wrenched from his grasp, their metallic bodies tumbling helplessly through the air.

"No!"

The robots plummeted, smashing into the ground below with a loud crack!

"I-I'm dead," the bot stuttered, its blue eyes flickering red.

Sero, mid-swing, fought against the wind, his tape struggling under the constant rain. Just as he was about to land, another violent gust ripped through the air. His tape snapped.

"Shit!"

Two robots slipped from his hold as the fell to the ground.

Ojiro, reacting instantly, used his tail like a whip, snatching both robots from the air before landing on a nearby ledge. He shot Sero a look. "

.Be more careful! They may be robots, but we're supposed to treat them like real people!"

Sero grimaced. "R-Right! Sorry!"

Above them, Ochako struggled with the drones she had been guiding. The wind battered against them, sending them veering off-course. Her eyes widened in panic as the lack of gravity made it easier to submit to the howling winds.

"Oh no! I-I'll release them before they get blown away!" she exclaimed, moving to deactivate her Quirk.

"Ochako, wait-!" Momo shouted.

But it was too late.

The moment Ochako touched her fingertips together, gravity took hold. The drones, now free from her Quirk's influence, plummeted toward the ground.

Ochako's heart pounded. "They're going to crash-!"

Before impact, two figures shot forward.

Bullfrag swung low, his powerful tongue lashing out, catching one drone mid-air. Tsuyu leapt from a rooftop, her own tongue wrapping around another just in time. The two landed gracefully, lowering the drones with care.

"Jeez, ya gotta think before ya drop 'em, sweetheart," Bullfrag muttered, adjusting his stance.

Tsuyu turned to Ochako. "If you're gonna float them, you should stick with us, ribbit. We can't let them blown off in this wind."

Ochako nodded quickly, following after them.

Momo, still taking in the situation, exhaled sharply. "This storm is throwing off everything... but we can still-"

A sudden burst of static crackled over their earpieces.

"What the hell do you think you're doing, you idiot?!"

Todoroki's voice came through, sharp with frustration.

Momo's eyes widened. "Todoroki?"

Bullfrag, mid-swing, tapped his comms. "Yo, what's happenin' over there, Frostbite?"

Tenya, struggling against the forceful winds, planted his feet on a rooftop, his engines whirring loudly as he pressed his hand to his earpiece. "Todoroki, report! Are you alright?"

Then, the explosion hit.

A deafening boom rocked the city. A mushroom cloud of smoke and debris shot into the air. The comms filled with static.

"-You'll cause the entire-!" Todoroki's voice cut off.

Bullfrag skidded to a stop on a soaked wall, gripping it with his sticky hands. Tsuyu landed beside him, squinting through the storm. The rain made it nearly impossible to see, but then-

A bright orange glow erupted through the haze, Bullfrag squinted as he saw someone rocketing like bullet illuminated by oranges hazes.

"Are those..."

"Explosions."Tsuyu said bluntly as another explosion went off.

The blasts illuminated the darkened city in flashes of fiery destruction. Through the rain and smoke, Bakugou could be seen propelling himself toward the opposite buildings, setting off controlled detonations.

"Bakugou's explosions " Tsuyu croaked in alarm.

Bakugou rocketed toward a cluster of buildings, detonating explosion after explosion. Each blast sent shockwaves through the area. The wind carried the smoke in thick waves.

"The hell is he doin'?" Bullfrag muttered.

Todoroki's voice, now laced with fury, crackled through the static. "Bakugou, STOP! You're-!"

"Relax, Icyhot!" Bakugou shouted over the explosions. "We need more debris to block the dam-this is the fastest way! I'M GOING TO WIN THIS! I WILL BEAT DEKU!" He exclamed almost unhinged.

He continued blasting away at the structures, strategically placing his explosions to bring down a large cluster of buildings on the opposite side blowing up weak points to bring them down.

He spun midair, arms outstretched, the sparks building along his gauntlets.

"HOWITZER IMPACT!"

The explosion that followed was deafening. A massive fireball erupted in the distance, its shockwave blasting through the city, sending sheets of rain flying in every direction as he contunied his relentless assult of explosions.

Boom.

Boom.

BOOM.

The opposite buildings trembled, cracks webbing through their structures before they finally crumbled. The wreckage crashed down in front of the dam, forming a massive barricade of debris.

A massive plume of smoke and debris shot into the air, mixing with the rain. The resulting shockwave sent another violent gust of wind through the streets, forcing the team to brace themselves.

As the explosions subsided, the team stood in awe, watching as the raging floodwaters that had been moments away from breaching the dam slowed to a mere trickle. The deafening roar of the impending disaster faded into an eerie silence, the turbulent waves settling into an almost unnatural stillness.

"Now that's what I call a flawless victory."

Kyoka and Shoji listened intently, their enhanced senses picking up the shift. The violent rush had ceased.

"Did... he actually stop it?" Kyoka asked, her voice laced with disbelief.

Todoroki wondered the same, lowering his arm as he finally ceased his ice barrage. His left side still smoldered, steam rising from his body as he struggled against the effects of hyperthermia, exhaling a shaky, frosted breath.

Bakugou, standing atop a broken ledge, smirked triumphantly, admiring his handiwork. "That's how you do it," he declared with a satisfied grin.

He pressedvhis comms."Now that's an undeniable victory. While you losers were following Deku's plan I won the damn excercise. You're welcome."

Todoroki let out an exasperated sigh, his expression caught somewhere between reluctant admiration and mild annoyance.

As the tension eased, Kaminari chuckled. "Bakugou's kinda an asshole, but you gotta admit—he's got talent."

Mina scratched the back of her head, her expression distant. "Yeah, I guess," she muttered before plopping down onto the wet ground.

"Hey, don't be such a party pooper! Your team won!" Denki said, nudging her playfully.

But to Mina, it didn't feel like a victory. Sitting there, her mind drifted back to the Sports Festival—the moment Izuku had nearly lost control, coming dangerously close to killing Bakugou. She had wondered why he would snap like that, what could've pushed him so far. But now, watching Bakugou, the answer seemed obvious.

The way he hit Izuku without provocation, the constant insults, the way he never let up—it was no mystery why Izuku struggled with insecurity. How could he not, when someone like Bakugou had spent years tearing him down?

"I hope Midori's okay… Maybe I should talk to him later," she thought, clenching her fists.

Then, Bakugou's voice crackled through the comms, cutting through the moment. "I made a decision that we would win! And look—my team saved everybody! Only the strongest can achieve a flawless victory! While you're busy wasting time listening to Deku's and Ponytail's—"

But before he could finish, Bullfrag's urgent voice interrupted through the comms "GET TO HIGHER GROUND, NOW!"

His Danger Sense went off like someone had stabbed a blade into his skull.

Without hesitation, he lashed out with his tongue, wrapping around Ochako and flinging her onto the safety of a rooftop.

"Huh? Midoriya, the dam's—" Kirishima started, but his words were drowned out by a deafening CRACK.

The ground trembled beneath them. The classes eyes snapped toward the massive pile of debris that had been holding back the flood. And then—it gave way.

A monstrous tidal wave, taller than the buildings themselves, exploded through the wreckage with unstoppable force.

"Shit—!" Bakugou's eyes widened in shock.

Todoroki barely had time to react before instinct kicked in. He thrust his hand forward, summoning a massive ice wall to block the wave. But the sheer force of the water smashed through it instantly, shattering it like brittle glass.

For the first time, Shoto was stunned—left standing frozen as the reality of the situation sank in.

"Move!" Tenya's voice snapped him out of it as the speedster yanked him back just in time as he zipped up a building holding onto Shoto.

Meanwhile, Bakugou gritted his teeth and launched himself skyward with an explosion, barely clearing the crest of the wave as it came crashing down onto the city below.

...

"Crap! We haven't saved everyone!" Kaminari yelled, carrying two robots on his shoulder as a wall of water came crashing down the street. The torrent was relentless, sweeping away everything in its path. Just as Kaminari was about to be engulfed, Tsuyu's tongue shot out, wrapping around him like a lifeline and pulling him to safety.

Bullfrag dove into the chaos, his agility allowing him to dodge debris and swirling currents. He snatched Momo and Mina from the jaws of the flood, swinging them through the air as the water raged below. Finally, he deposited them on a building's rooftop, where they collapsed, gasping for breath.

Sato, meanwhile, saw Koda get swept away by the rushing water. Without hesitation, he plunged into the torrent, fighting against the powerful currents to reach his friend.

The water was icy cold and unforgiving, threatening to drag them both down. Sato's muscles strained as he swam, his lungs burning, but he refused to give up. Finally, he grabbed hold of Koda, holding him tight as they both struggled to stay afloat amidst the turbulent water.

Just as Sato and Koda were about to be pulled under by the relentless floodwaters, Sero swooped in, his tape shooting out like a lifeline. Sato grasped the outstretched hand, feeling a surge of relief as Sero's tape wrapped around his wrist. With a swift jerk, Sero pulled them both to safety, swinging them up onto a nearby rooftop.

Exhausted, Sato and Koda collapsed onto the rooftop, gasping for air. They lay there, taking deep, ragged breaths. The floodwaters continued to rage below, but for the moment, they were safe.

...

Tokoyami used Dark Shadow as an anchor, its dark claws gripping the crumbling building like a lifeline. Aoyama clung to Tokoyami's torso, trembling so violently in his armor that Tokoyami could feel the tremors beneath the metal plates.

Below, the submerged robots flickered with their eerie red glow, their optics barely visible beneath the churning water.

The mechanical graveyard beneath the surface was growing, consumed by the relentless flood.

Shoji and Kyouka tensed, their high ground offering little reassurance as the water levels crept higher by the second. But Shoji's sharp eyes spotted a glimmer of hope—a raft, fashioned from Momo's Quirk, secured atop a nearby building, waiting to ferry them to safety.

Mineta clung to the rooftop, his quirk keeping him anchored to the surface, while Hagakure gripped his arms tightly. The normally perverted boy was deathly silent, his usual antics replaced by sheer terror as the flood roared below them.

He couldn't even enjoy the fact Hagakure was clinging onto him for dear life.

"AHHHH! WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO!?" Mineta shrieked, his voice breaking.

"The robots are drowning!" Hagakure stammered, her hands tightening around Mineta.

"I-I don't know!"Toru stuttered out.

"And it's getting worse!" Mineta wailed, pointing toward the designated safe zones. They were rapidly disappearing beneath the waves, the water consuming everything in its path.

Momo's breath caught in her throat as she assessed the disaster unfolding before her. "Dammit!" she cursed under her breath. Her mind raced for solutions, but each second that passed only pushed them closer to catastrophe. She gritted her teeth, inhaling deeply.

'What would Izuku do right now' she asked herself.

She activated her comms, steadying her voice. "Everyone, prioritize your safety. This is still an exercise, and those are just robots. Your lives come first—evacuate immediately!"

Several students who had been making last-ditch attempts to retrieve robots hesitated for only a moment before abandoning their efforts, scrambling to higher ground.

Elsewhere, Tokoyami and Aoyama clung to a rooftop as waves slammed against the building, threatening to pull them into the abyss below.

"Aoyama, brace yourself!" Tokoyami warned, his talons digging into the soaked concrete. But Aoyama's grip faltered. With a terrified cry, he lost his hold.

"Mon Dieu, protège-nous!" Aoyama screamed as the floodwaters claimed him, sweeping him away.

"No! You fool! Dark Shadow, hold tight!" he commanded, and his Quirk responded instantly, digging its shadowy claws deeper into the rooftop for stability. With that anchor secured, Tokoyami kicked off, diving into the raging waters after Aoyama.

"Fumi, wait—!" Dark Shadow roared, extending itself in an attempt to anchor them as Tokoyami swam after the boy.

The frigid water engulfed him immediately, dragging him under. The weight of his armor slowed him, but he fought against the tide, his eyes fixed on Aoyama's struggling form.

"Aoyama, hold on!" Tokoyami begged, desperate to reach his classmate. He swam towards Aoyama, his armor weighing him down, as he stretched out his hand as Aoyama's drowning form was just out of reach.

Tokoyami chastised himself, "No, dammit! C'mon!" as he struggled to close the distance."Darkshadow do not let go! I need to get to him!"

"Got it Fumi! Just get back!" Darkshadow urged as Tokoyami began to swim towards Aoyama, his armor weighing him down even further. Despite his struggles, Tokoyami pressed on, his eyes fixed on Aoyama's drowning form.

"No, dammit! C'mon!" he chastised himself, his hand outstretched towards Aoyama.

"Aoyama, hold on!" Tokoyami shouted, but the water seemed to push Aoyama further away, his hand slipping beneath the surface.

Tokoyami's eyes widened in horror as Aoyama's hand began to sink, his fingers slipping from view. "Aoyama!" Tokoyami yelled, his voice cracking with desperation as he strained to reach his classmate.

Tokoyami clenched his teeth. He couldn't lose Aoyama. Not like this.

"Ribbit!"

A powerful force suddenly yanked him from the water. Tokoyami barely had time to process what happened before he was deposited onto a life raft, gasping for breath.

Tsuyu set him down safely before immediately turning her attention back to the water. "Midoriya, Aoyama's still under—!"

A green blur shot past her.

Bullfrag hit the current with enough force to send waves rippling outward. He dove like a torpedo, his muscular legs kicking with powerful bursts. The floodwaters roared, fighting against him, but Bullfrag was relentless.

"Izuku!" Tsuyu's voice barely cut through the storm as she secured Tokoyami onto the raft.

Bullfrag's keen amphibian eyes locked onto Aoyama's sinking figure. His tongue lashed out, wrapping securely around Aoyama's arm.

The flood refused to yield, the current howling as it tried to rip them apart. Debris swirled around them—splintered wood, shattered concrete, jagged metal. But Bullfrag braced himself, tightening his hold.

Tsuyu anchored them both, her tongue adding another link to their human chain. The water pulled, screamed pushing them violently.

But they didn't let go.

With one final heave, they broke the surface, gasping for air as they were pulled onto the life raft.

Gasping, Bullfrag heaved Aoyama onto the raft. His armor had been discarded, allowing him to breathe easier, but his face remained pale.

Momo was already working on resuscitating him, pressing against his chest. "Come on, Aoyama, breathe!" she urged.

"Is he alright?" Tsuyu and Bullfrag asked in unison, their voices strained from exhaustion.

As Aoyama let out a weak cough, Tokoyami finally allowed himself to slump back, catching his breath. His gaze flickered to Dark Shadow, who had retracted back into his body, visibly weakened.

"Good work," Tokoyami murmured, his fingers gripping his forearm.

Dark Shadow, still flickering from overexposure to the floodlights, rumbled tiredly. "I don't like the water, Fumi," it muttered.

Tokoyami gave a small nod, looking down at Aoyama, who was now coughing up water and regaining consciousness. "Neither do I."

...

Kirishima's body was tossed about like a ragdoll, the torrent of water slamming him into buildings and debris with brutal force.

His Hardening Quirk protected him from the impact, but it couldn't save him from the suffocating grip of the floodwaters.

As the waves crashed over him, he struggled to break free, his voice muffled by the deluge.

"Dammit, I can't get out of this! Crap!"

Just as all hope seemed lost, Mina's voice pierced the chaos. "There's Kirishima!" she shouted from her makeshift raft, before leaping into the churning waters to rescue her friend.

"Mina, wait!" Hagakure cried out, but Mina had already plunged into the turbulent waters.

Ashido, seeing Kirishima trapped, held her breath and began to melt the debris entwining him, the sizzling sound of her Acid Quirk echoing through the air.

With a few swift motions, she freed Kirishima and grabbed hold of him, swimming towards the life raft with all her might. Hagakure and Mineta rushed to assist, helping to pull Kirishima to safety just as the water began to drain at an alarming rate.

...

Ojiro was violently tossed within the raging floodwaters, gasping for air as the relentless current threatened to pull him under. Just as panic set in, a red and blue blur shot past him. In the blink of an eye, he found himself on a rooftop, coughing violently, his lungs burning from inhaled water.

Nearby, Todoroki and Iida braced themselves against the storm's fury. The rain pelted them in sheets, and the wind howled like a beast unleashed. Massive chunks of metal debris hurtled toward them, torn from submerged structures by the merciless currents.

Iida raised his arms instinctively, and Todoroki's hands tensed, ice ready to form—but before they could act, a thunderous BOOM split the air. A powerful shockwave erupted in front of them, sending the debris hurtling away.

Through the haze of rain and chaos, the towering figure of All Might stood firm, his cape billowing wildly in the wind.

Another wave of wreckage came hurtling toward the students, but with another mighty swing of his arm, another concussive shockwave sent the debris flying, shattering into harmless fragments upon impact with distant buildings.

"Stay close to me!" All Might bellowed Every time another deadly projectile was flung toward them, his fists struck like lightning, creating shockwaves that deflected the danger away.

Todoroki and Iida could only watch in awe as their teacher stood firm against the raging tides, his presence an unshakable shield amidst the chaos.

"Man, this escalated fast..." All Might thought, his sharp gaze sweeping over the scene. His eyes landed on Bullfrag and Tsuyu, the two of them weaving through the wreckage with practiced coordination, clearing debris as they went.

"They're handling themselves well." A small, proud smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I think it's about time we wrap this up."

As if on cue, a loud horn blared through the air, signaling the end of the exercise.

The roaring waves stilled, and the floodwaters began receding rapidly, draining away as though someone had pulled the plug on a massive tub. The howling winds and torrential rain faded, leaving behind an eerie silence broken only by the gasping breaths of the exhausted students.

Bullfrag swung down, landing with a heavy thud before reverting back to his human form. His breathing was ragged, but his first instinct was to check on everyone. A green flash erupted as Izuku stood once more.

Tsuyu arrived a moment later, scanning the area until her gaze locked onto Izuku. Without hesitation, she bounded toward him, wrapping her arms around him in a firm hug. "You're okay," she murmured, relief evident in her voice.

Izuku blinked in surprise before nodding, still catching his breath. "Y-Yeah. Let's check on the others."

Tsuyu pulled away, giving him a small nod before hurrying off to help their classmates.

Nearby, Kyouka sat hunched over, coughing up water, her body trembling from exhaustion. Izuku spotted her and immediately rushed to her side.

"Kyouka," he called, his voice filled with concern.

She barely looked up before suddenly gripping the front of his uniform, her soaked fingers tightening as she shivered against him. "Green..." she whispered, her voice hoarse from inhaling floodwater.

Izuku's heart clenched. Then, as Kyouka shifted slightly, she flinched, wincing as her leg gave out beneath her. Without thinking, he caught her, steadying her with a firm grip.

"Kyouka!" His eyes flickered down, spotting the way she was favoring one leg. "You're hurt."

She let out a tired sigh, clearly frustrated but too drained to argue.

"Get on my back," he said firmly, lowering himself so she could climb on.

Kyouka hesitated for only a second before sighing, too drained to argue. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, resting her head against him as he secured her legs.

As Izuku carried her through the wreckage, the battlefield around them looked like the aftermath of a storm. Twisted, dented robots lay scattered across the now-drained streets, and remnants of debris lined every corner.

As Izuku carried her through the aftermath, the devastation around them came into focus. Twisted, motionless robots littered the streets, their once-glowing eyes now dim.

Izuku spotted Momo on the raft, hunched over and taking deep breaths, her body still trembling from exhaustion. Even from a distance, he could tell she was drained, yet still trying to maintain her composure.

Without hesitation, he made his way to her side, Kyouka still clinging to his back.

"Momo!" he called out, concern evident in his voice.

Momo looked up at him, her raven hair soaked and clinging to her pale face. Dark circles lingered under her eyes, her usual sharpness dulled by fatigue. "Izuku..." she breathed, attempting to stand, only to be wracked by a harsh cough. It took her a moment, but she finally steadied herself, though her legs still wobbled.

Despite her clear exhaustion, her focus remained on the others. "Is anyone hurt? Does anyone need medical attention?" she asked, her voice weak but resolute.

Izuku hesitated for a second. "Jir—"

A sharp tap on his forehead from Kyouka's jacks made him flinch.

"I-I mean, Kyouka. She sprained her ankle—can't put weight on it," he corrected himself, shooting a sheepish look over his shoulder.

Momo gave a small nod before summoning her strength and materializing a waterproof mattress in front of them. Izuku's eyes widened in disbelief.

"W-Wait, you can still create?!" he asked, surprised that she could still use her Quirk after everything.

Momo offered a small, tired smile. "Yes, thanks to my training with Fatgum's agency. I've been working on conserving energy," she explained. "Go ahead and set Kyouka down. If anyone else is hurt, bring them here."

As Izuku carefully lowered Kyouka onto the mattress, he glanced back at Momo. "You're not injured, are you?"

Momo shook her head, though her body still visibly trembled. "N-No. Just… exhausted. My body's still recovering from the waves, but I'll be fine."

Kyouka, resting against the mattress, smirked weakly. "Yeah, Green, she's tough. She'll be fine," she murmured, though her own exhaustion was just as evident.

Momo let out a soft chuckle, though the weariness in her gaze never fully faded.

Izuku nodded, then turned to scan the area.

Not far from them, Mineta was frantically searching for Kaminari, his usual shamelessness replaced by genuine panic. Meanwhile, Mina and Hagakure hobbled toward them, supporting each other. Their clothes were soaked, their movements sluggish, but as soon as they spotted Izuku, their faces lit up.

"M-Midori!" Mina's voice was hoarse from all the water she had swallowed.

Before he could even respond, she and Hagakure threw their arms around him, squeezing him tight.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Mina sobbed against his shoulder, her body shaking.

"Me too!" Hagakure added, her voice trembling.

Izuku tensed for a second before awkwardly patting their backs. "R-Right, I'm glad you're both okay, too, but—" His voice trailed off as his eyes landed on Mina's shoulder. A jagged piece of wood was embedded in her skin, blood trickling down her arm.

Mina winced as she followed his gaze. "Oh, yeah, that," she muttered, shifting uncomfortably. "I was hoping Yaoyorozu could patch me up. Any idea where she is?"

Izuku's concern deepened, and he immediately led her toward Momo, who was already tending to Kyouka.

...

Nearby, Kirishima stood with his fists clenched, his head bowed slightly. He helped a few of their classmates, but his usual bright demeanor was dimmed, his thoughts heavy.

"Guess you had to save me again," he muttered under his breath, staring at his palm. His voice was thick with frustration. "Damn it… have I really not changed?"

Before Izuku could say anything, Ochako floated down from a nearby building, her eyes scanning the scene. Her expression shifted when she spotted Momo tending to Mina's wound.

"Mina!" Ochako called out, concern written all over her face.

Mina waved her off with her good arm. "I'm fine, I'm fine! Geez, you're as bad as Midori, always worrying."

Ochako frowned but before she could reply, her face suddenly went pale. A wave of nausea hit her like a truck, and her body swayed

Her stomach twisted violently. She barely had time to press a hand to her mouth before she collapsed onto the ground, her body trembling her face looking pale.

Momo, noticing immediately, tossed a small bottle toward Izuku. "Here—give these to Ochako. They should help with the nausea."

Izuku caught them with ease, kneeling beside Ochako as she looked up at him weakly.

"Momo says these will help," he explained, offering the pills.

Ochako blinked up at him, her glazed eyes unfocused, but she managed a weak nod. Her hands trembled as she took the pills, her fingers brushing against his before she downed them with a small sip of water.

"Thanks…" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

...

Tenya conducted a quick assessment, his usual disciplined expression marred with exhaustion. "Despite everything, most of us are in one piece," he said, voice strained.

Momo, still slightly unsteady but composed, nodded in agreement. "Yes, we've sustained injuries, but nothing too severe. Tsuyu and Hagakure both sprained their shoulders, and there are a few bruises and scrapes all around, but aside from Mina's wound…" She trailed off, glancing at Mina's slung arm with visible concern.

Kaminari let out a heavy sigh, his gaze falling on the scattered remains of the destroyed robots. His usual carefree energy was absent. "Man… we totally bombed this, huh?" His voice was quiet, but the weight of failure was clear.

A heavy silence settled over the group. No one had the heart to argue.

Then, a series of explosions rang through the air. Before anyone even turned, Hagakure exhaled sharply, already knowing the source. "Oh, for the love of— we all know who to thank for that," she spat.

Every pair of eyes locked onto Bakugou as he landed, his face twisted into an unreadable scowl as everyone either gave him glare or disappointed look.

The weight of their collective disappointment bore down on him, even Kirishima's usual unwavering loyalty wavering as he gave him a disappointed look.

The tension seemed to only get worse by the passing second. Even Bakugou, for all his stubborn pride, seemed aware of the sheer hostility in the air.

For a long moment, no one spoke. The silent condemnation stretched before he finally snapped.

"The hell are you damn extras looking at?!"

Mina, her patience completely gone, stepped forward, her arm in a sling, shoved past Momo before anyone could stop her. "You complete dumbass!" she shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "Are you actually incapable of teamwork, or do you just enjoy screwing us over?!"

She stomped forward, fully prepared to let him have it, but Shoji and Kaminari quickly restrained her. "Mina, chill!" Kaminari urged, holding her back.

"You just couldn't work with us for one damn minute?!" Mina continued, struggling in their grip. "You always act like you're the only one who matters! Well, congrats! You tanked the whole excercise!"

The silence that followed was damning. No one rushed to Bakugou's defense. Not even Kirishima as Bakugou glared back with just as intensity.

Footsteps echoed against the debris-strewn ground. All Might, Aizawa, and Thirteen emerged, their expressions grim.

"Well…" All Might began, clearing his throat awkwardly. "It's safe to say the exercise is over."

Yet, no one moved. No one even acknowledged him.

The collective resentment toward Bakugou kept them rooted in place, their attention still locked onto him.

Aizawa's sharp gaze flickered over the students, clearly noting the tension, but he remained silent, waiting.

Bakugou scoffed, turning his head away. His hands twitched, but he didn't respond.

Aizawa finally spoke. "Enough. We'll address this later." His voice was even, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. He turned on his heel. "Meet up for the review. Now."

The students slowly began moving, exhaustion weighing on their movements. Kyouka, balancing on crutches, winced as she took a careful step forward. Kaminari, limping slightly, sighed.

As they passed Bakugou, the discontent boiled over.

"We definitely failed, thanks to you," Sato muttered, shaking his head.

"Arrogant prick," Kyouka added, her voice tired but sharp.

"Asshole," Sero chimed in, shooting Bakugou a glare.

"Selfish dick," Hagakure spat.

"Explosive dumbass," Mina grumbled, rubbing her injured shoulder.

"Flawless victory my ass," Mineta snorted, supporting Kaminari.

"Seems his arrogance and pride have only worsened," Tokoyami remarked, his tone laced with disappointment.

Momo sighed, running a hand through her damp hair. "Honestly… his hubris could have gotten us killed."

The students' murmurs faded as they walked away, leaving Bakugou standing alone. His expression was unreadable, but for once, he had no retort.

...

Aizawa's sharp gaze swept over the class. "This exercise was a disaster. The worst I've ever seen from a first-year class."

Thirteen folded her arms, disappointment laced in her voice "Normally, first-years manage to save around 60% of the drones. But this? Not a single one. A complete failure."

Nearly everyone turned to Bakugou glaring.

"Tch if you damn extras had actually listened to me." Bakugou scoffed.

"Oh, for fuck's sake, would you shut the hell up already?!" Kyouka snapped, "I'm sorry we didn't want to work with the ticking time bomb who hurls insults every minute!"

Even Kirishima, who usually tried to see the best in him, looked disappointed. "Man… do you even hear yourself right now? Come on dude just apologize to the class."

Bakugou's scowl deepened, "Like hell I'm apologizing for shit! This was an exercise the only way to win was to be the best! I didn't need you extras dragging me down!"

Todoroki, said coldly. "If you actually cared about being the best, you would've realized by now that teamwork is what makes a hero. But you clearly care more baiut your own damn pride and ego."

Bakugou scoffed and opened his mouth to protest, but Thirteen cut him off sharply. "It doesn't matter whose fault it is. What matters is that people died. In the real world, heroes don't get to pass blame—every failure is shared."

The words hit hard, but the class barely had time to process them before All Might spoke, his tone unusually stern. "Yaoyorozu, Midoriya—as leaders and class representatives, you two will take responsibility for this failure."

A second of silence.

Then—outrage.

"Bullshit!" Kyouka shouted, slamming her crutch against the floor. "Absolute bulletshit! Like damn hell it's Greenie's and Yaomomo's fault!"

"I agree, sir," Iida said, more composed but just as firm. "Despite Jiro's... colorful language, Midoriya and Yaoyorozu are not the ones to blame for this mess."

"Yeah, we all know who turned it into a goddamn warzone," Sero muttered, shooting a glare at Bakugou. Others followed suit, their expressions hardening.

Bakugou scoffed, rolling his eyes, but the sheer volume of the anger directed at him was impossible to ignore.

Mina was already on her feet, her injured arm forgotten as she stepped forward, eyes blazing. "Bakugou was the one who messed everything up! Midori actually tried to work with him!"

"And how did he respond? By hitting him in the face! In the middle of a damn rescue excercise!" Ochako shouted, her usual bubbly tone replaced with raw frustration.

"Yeah! Because that's totally what a rational person does when their teammate is trying to help!" Kyoka snapped, "He clocked Midoriya the second he opened his mouth, like some rabid animal!"

Toru threw up her hands, completely exasperated. "And then didn't even have the nerve to apologize when it all weng to hell! Are we just gonna pretend he didn't punch our class rep for trying to keep us from dying?"

"Oh right, I nearly forgot how he basically attacked him for no reason," Kaminari muttered, arms crossed as he glared at Bakugou.

"For no reason," Momo repeated, her voice tight with frustration. "Midoriya approached him with an actual plan, with a solution to get the rescue moving smoothly, and instead of listening, Bakugou assaulted him!"

"Total sadist," Mineta chimed in, shaking his head.

Mina scoffed, rolling her eyes. "And the worst part? Midori didn't even fight back! He just took it because he was still trying to get us through the excercise. Like, are we seriously supposed to ignore that?"

Iida spoke up. "Midoriya did what a leader was supposed to do—he tried to unify us. Bakugou did the opposite. He sabotaged us before we even had a chance."

The hostility in the room spiked further, everyone's eyes turning to Bakugou, who scoffed and looked away.

"If Bakugou had cooperated from the start," Todoroki said coldly. "we could have prevented the flash flood. Instead, we were forced to clean up after him."

"What the hell is wrong with you?!" Toru snapped, her normally cheerful voice shaking with frustration as she glared at Bakugou who barely seemed to acknowledge her.

"We had a plan, and you blew it up—no warning, no coordination, just BOOM, and suddenly we're drowning!"

Mina crossed her arms, sarcasm dripping from her words. "But nooooo, you couldn't let your damn grudge with Midoriya go for five minutes. Congrats, next time we nearly die, I'll be sure to send a thank-you card!"

Bakugou scowled, fists clenching, but he remained silent under the weight of his classmates' fury.

Tsuyu's voice cut through the noise, her usual bluntness making her words hit harder. "Why should Midoriya and Yaoyorozu be punished for Bakugou's inability to work with others? It's ridiculous."

"Yeah, totally unfair," Shoji added, his multiple arms tensing. "Midoriya tried to work with Bakugou, and while, yes, Yaoyorozu was reluctant, she had good reason. How can they be blamed for his hostility?"

"More importantly, why are we acting like this failure is on them?" Kyoka snapped, arms crossed as she glared at Aizawa and All Might. "Are we just ignoring the fact that Bakugou punched Midoriya when he tried to lead? That he actively sabotaged the mission from the start?"

All Might raised his hand, his expression calm but resolute. "Yes. It is unfair. But let me paint you a picture." His usual booming voice softened slightly, taking on a more serious tone. "Imagine this wasn't a training exercise. Imagine those drones were real people—civilians, families, children—people desperate for help."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling heavily over them.

"If this were reality, and you were the heroes responsible for their lives, how do you think the world would react? The media, the citizens, the people who lost their loved ones?"

Everyone exchanged uneasy glances, processing the weight of his words. After a moment, Momo raised her hand. "They...they would blame the Pro Heroes, not a single hero."

All Might pointed at her. "Correct! 10 points to Gryffindor!" He forced a chuckle, trying to lighten the mood, but the tension remained thick. He coughed awkwardly before continuing.

"In the world of heroes, people don't see individuals—they see heroes. And heroes are expected to save lives, no matter the circumstances." His gaze swept over them. "It doesn't matter that one person was uncooperative. It doesn't matter whose fault it was. What does matter is the result: failure. And when heroes fail, the world demands answers. They don't care about the details. They care about why their loved ones are gone."

"The public won't care about internal conflicts or who was at fault. What they see is that heroes failed them." Aizawa add bluntly.

Thirteen, who had remained silent, now spoke, her tone firm but patient. "And when people are grieving, when they are desperate for someone to blame, they won't ask, 'Who started the fight?' or 'Who ignored the plan?'" She gestured toward the class. "'Why didn't you work together?' It doesn't matter whose fault it is. To them it doesn't."

"They won't see that one person refused to cooperate," Aizawa added bluntly. "They will only see a team that couldn't put their differences aside to do their job. And they'll lose faith in you because of it."

"In this world, heroes don't have the luxury of pointing fingers," Thirteen continued, her voice carrying the weight of experience. "When people die, excuses don't matter. A single person's foolishness will never be just their burden to bear—it will always fall on the shoulders of every hero present. That's why it doesn't matter whose fault it was. That's why all of you need to understand this now."

All Might stepped forward, his usually bright eyes dark with the seriousness of the lesson. "And unfortunately for you two, Young Midoriya and Young Yaoyorozu, you were the designated leaders. That means whether or not it was within your control, you must learn to take accountability." He sighed. "It isn't fair. It never will be. But that's the reality of hero work. When something goes wrong, leaders take the blame."

The class stiffened in shock, more than a few looking to Midoriya and Momo with a mix of sympathy and frustration.

"But... that's insane," Mina muttered, shaking her head. "They tried. What the hell were they supposed to do? Drag Bakugou kicking and screaming?"

"If they had forced him to follow orders, he probably would've fought back, making it even worse," Kaminari muttered.

"That's the thing, Kaminari," Todoroki spoke, his tone colder than usual. "Midoriya shouldn't have had to force him at all. A real hero wouldn't need to be convinced to do their job." His gaze flickered toward Bakugou, who scowled but remained silent.

Ochako's fists clenched. "But Bakugou was the only one who refused to cooperate! The rest of us listened to Dekiru! So why is he getting a free pass?!"

"He isn't," Aizawa cut in. "Bakugou will answer for his actions." His sharp eyes turned toward the explosive teen. "But this lesson isn't about him. It's about what it means to lead."

Thirteen nodded in agreement. "And what it means to be a good hero. The fact that you all worked together, even with only one prize available for one team, speaks volumes about your maturity. It's something many first-years struggle with."

Aizawa continued, his tone still firm but with a hint of approval. "And the fact that 19 out of 20 of you were able to put aside personal differences for the greater good is a solid sign. You'll make fine heroes, no doubt about it."

His gaze softened just slightly as he turned to Izuku and Momo. "Midoriya, Yaoyorozu, despite the outcome, you both showed exceptional leadership potential. But with leadership comes responsibility—taking the brunt of the class's failure is part of that."

All Might continued, unwavering despite the silence. "A hero's strength is not just in their power, but in their ability to lead—to stand tall in the face of failure, take responsibility, and learn from it. Young Midoriya, you are the class representative. That means representing your class even in failure."

Aizawa's sharp gaze scanned the room. "As aspiring Pro Heroes, you'll have people working under you—sidekicks, teams, civilians relying on your leadership. When they succeed, it reflects on your ability to guide them. But when they fail? That's on you, too. You have to be strong enough to shoulder that weight."

The class fell into stunned silence. Some looked uncertain, others still fuming over the injustice of it all—but none could argue against their teachers' logic.

Izuku swallowed, his expression filled with turmoil before he took a deep breath. Then, before anyone could stop him, he bowed. "I'm sorry. I should have accounted for Bakugou's tendencies. I'll do better next time."

Momo followed suit, her expression solemn. "We both should have. Midoriya and I should have worked harder to find a way around Bakugou's resistance. Instead, we let him operate on his own, and the result was a catastrophe. To our classmates, we are truly sorry we couldn't lead you all to success."

Aizawa's stern demeanor softened—just slightly. "See that you do, Midoriya. This is a harsh lesson, but one I hope you take to heart."

...

All Might's expression brightened as he clapped his hands together. "Now, onto the positives! Despite the outcome, there were commendable efforts made. First and foremost, Young Yaoyorozu and Young Midoriya demonstrated exceptional leadership by uncovering the true purpose of the exercise. This was never just about winning—it was about cooperation, about working toward a shared goal despite your differences."

His gaze flickered toward Bakugou, his usual warmth giving way to firm disapproval. "Well... most of you."

The class remained silent, the weight of their failure still hanging in the air. Bakugou simply scoffed, arms crossed, his expression as usually as pissed off as ever.

All Might sighed but pressed on. "While only one team would have officially won, your inability to work together ensured that no one did. And since every last rescue bot was destroyed..." He pulled out a brown envelope, then dramatically shredded it with a flourish. "No prize for anyone!"

The collective groan that followed was instant.

"You've gotta be kidding me..." Sero muttered, slumping forward.

Several students sent pointed glares at Bakugou, who remained defiantly indifferent.

"He doesn't even look guilty," Hagakure thought in irritation.

Denki, ever the optimist, tried to salvage the mood. "Come on, guys! The prize was probably just, like, extra homework or something lame."

Tenya pushed his glasses up, frowning. "I would have appreciated additional assignments."

Denki blinked. "I… uh… yeah, I got nothing."

Aizawa, still unimpressed, interjected, "That aside, unlike other first-years, you guys had an early warning system which being, Midoriya."

All eyes turned toward Izuku as Aizawa gestured toward him. "Explain."

Izuku stiffened under the sudden attention. "U-Uh… well, remember when I used my Quirk to enhance my vocal cords to create a shockwave? I… figured I could do something similar with my brain."

Silence.

Then, as one, the class collectively imagined his head exploding similar to how his his bones broke. All Might meanwhile gave a thumbs up of approval by the lie.

The blood drained from the girls' faces, their expressions turning ghostly white.

"ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND!?" Ochako, Mina, and Hagakure shrieked in unison.

Momo's voice cut through the chaos, cool and commanding. "Midoriya."

Izuku froze. She never called him by his last name. That was a bad sign.

He swallowed hard, making an audible gulp. "Uh—Y-Yes?"

"You're going to Recovery Girl immediately to get checked for brain damage."

"I-I'm fine, really—"

Momo's sharp look made him shut up instantly. "This isn't up for discussion."

"...Yes, ma'am."

Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temples. "Regardless, your early warning system had potential, and your team was making good progress before everything completely fell apart. Only about ten rescue bots were taken down before..." He trailed off, shooting a pointed look at Bakugou.

Hagakure muttered under her breath, "Maybe if Bakugou wasn't such an asshole..."

Bakugou's eye twitched, his glare snapping toward her. Hagakure glared right back.

All Might clapped his hands together, reclaiming their attention. "Alright! Class dismissed. I suggest reflecting on today's failures so that next time, you can actually pass the test!"

As All Might was about to leave, Izuku hesitated before calling out.

"W-Wait, All Might!"

The retired hero paused mid-stride, turning back with his usual larger-than-life presence. "Yes, Young Midoriya?"

Izuku clenched his fists, staring down at the floor. Frustration churned inside him—how was he supposed to work with someone who outright despised him? No matter what he did, Bakugou refused to see him as anything but an obstacle.

"How… how am I supposed to work with Bakugou?" Izuku asked, his voice tense. "I've tried. Over and over, I've tried. But he constantly belittles me—like it doesn't matter what I do, he's dead set on hating me."

All Might stepped forward, placing a firm but reassuring hand on Izuku's shoulder. "The answer to a predicament like this is simple, my boy." His voice was softer, more thoughtful. "'I have to do everything in my power to make sure everyone is safe.'"

Izuku blinked in confusion. "Huh?"

All Might sighed, choosing his next words carefully. "As your teacher, I'd like to tell you to keep working with Bakugou find a way. But..." His expression darkened slightly. "I know you, and I know you've already done everything you can to convince him. And that's the real problem."

Izuku's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"

All Might exhaled, his grip on Izuku's shoulder firm but reassuring. "As a hero, and especially as a leader, you won't always have the luxury of waiting for someone to come around. If pride, stubbornness, or personal grudges get in the way during a crisis, you have to do whatever it takes to ensure the mission succeeds."

"I won't give you the answer you seek." All Might straightened, his signature grin returning."But I trust you'll find the right answer."

Then, with a dramatic flourish, he spun on his heel and pointed toward the door. "And now! Witness my most dazzling, heroic exit—!"

WHOOSH!

In a golden blur, All Might vanished, the sheer force of his departure sending papers flying and ruffling Izuku's hair.

Izuku stood there for a moment, still processing his words. 'A decision no one else wants to make…'

I want to know what you guys think of the chapters in between you know like Seijaku arc, uh the time between the Sports Festival and USJ. And let me know how to improve them. I know they can probably feel like a chore to get through, but let me know regardless.

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

Guest:: I guess I can see her like a love rival like in Canon where she's obsessed with Izuku but sorry she probably won't be in the harem, though she will still be thirsting after our boy. And I'll try to explore more.

Guest G:When you say I should show off the other girls what do you mean? Sorry about Himiko though she will still be thirsting after our boy though. I can't say what the next arc is you'll just have to read the next chapter.

Guest Justin D: Probably not going to do that sorry though I have been thinking of the girls one charm of bezel.