UA training grounds

Walking along the fake city street, Aizawa watched as several of his students were busy battling with each other, observing as Uraraka and Mina were busy practicing hand to hand combat. He watched as the gravity user performed her gun head martial art style against Mina's acrobatic style, attempting to throw Mina down only to yelp as the pink one flipped out of the hold. "Don't forget the kind of opponent you're facing. If they are more agile, adjust to that." Aizawa scolded.

"Yes, sensei!" Uraraka shouted as she regained her footing, taking a breath and nodding. "Let's try again."

"Alrighty, you asked for it." Mina taunted and cracked her neck, bouncing on her toes back and forth.

Nodding to himself, the eraser hero moved onto the next section in the training grounds. With November passed and into December, he knew the school was approaching winter break. With everything that had happened this year, he knew the students had to keep pushing themselves for whatever came next. Which only made him frown at the challenge coming for them in two days.

'How did Nezu come to this idea?' He grumbled internally, his ears perking up to the hard impact coming from Kirishima tanking blows from both Shoji and Tsu, each of them working on building up their attacks against an unbreakable punching bag. He wanted his students to not just work on raw power, but to increase personal techniques they were hoping to perfect or develop for themselves. He moved past them and saw his late addition student Kendo Facing off with Ojiro, eyeing as she raised her hands preparing her stance. To his surprise, he could tell Ojiro was the one hesitant.

"One more time," she stated, taking a small breath and shifting her feet. As Ojiro came in swinging his tail, her eyes followed it's motion as she ducked to the side, her hands slightly expanding and blocking the incoming strike. As the tailed teen flipped through the air, she redirected it to the side as it shattered the street. He gasped as she came back swinging, his tail flipping around and smacking her hand from landing a direct blow… which only lasted for a few more hits before he had to shield his chest with his tail as a powerful fist drove into his tail launching him backward.

"Damn!" Ojiro yelped as skipped across the street, grabbing his pulsing tail. "That was way harder than it used to be!"

"Sorry," Kendo chuckled as she held a hand out for him and pulled him up. "Been practicing."

"Yeah, I can tell…" Ojiro sighed as he shifted his tail, feeling it pop in several places. "Didn't even hurt this bad hitting Kirishima."

"Have you been practicing breaking steel like we suggested?" Aizawa suggested from the side to the tailed teen, earning a sigh and a nod.

"Yes sir. We were both doing that, then she asked if I could spar with her."

"I needed someone who was fast so I could keep my timing up." Kendo explained as Aizawa walked past them, the teacher eying the steel walls behind them.

"I can tell…" Aizawa muttered seeing the difference in the two areas they were hitting; Ojiro's section was certainly dented, but Kendo's was completely buckled inward, the steel actually beginning to split in different areas. It was obvious her durability in her hands were getting much higher after hearing what she went through in her work studies, along with her actual hand to hand. After she worked through Shoji and practiced on Kirishima yesterday, she was now proving a far better martial artist than her fellow class black belt.

'Other than Midoriya, she's become one of the physically strongest students in the class. And now her hand to hand skill is near the top as well.' He said to himself, nodding and walking on to more students. He had to admit she had integrated quite well into the new enviornment well, almost as if she'd been here the whole time. "Perhaps it was a mistake to have had her put into class B in the first place…" He muttered alone before his eyes widened from the gust rushing by, turning to the blur of Tenya bursting down the roadway. "Same technique… but certainly improving."

A loud explosion in the nearby street made the dreary teacher sigh, knowing the big hitters in the class were certainly pushing themselves to their limits… knowing they were going to need to.

Shoto exhaled frost as he stared down the road, watching as Izuku wiped away the sweat on his forehead. Glaring, he stepped forward as ice crept up his arm once more. "Let's go…" he hissed.

Izuku nodded and clenched his fists, charging one for all to twenty five percent once again. "I'm ready for you. Come on!" he shouted, bracing as a rush of ice burst towards him once more. "Smash!" he yelled and kicked forward, shattering the mass into pieces.

Breathing in deep, the heat burst from Shoto's left side as the fire exploded from his hand at the green haired Izuku, speeding to the side and kicked off the wall. Aiming his hand forward, he charged his hands and flicked forward, the air force splitting the flames down the center and giving him the opportunity to head straight at Shoto. 'He'll use his flames once more. But in case he doesn't…' Izuku's mind raced as he burst forward, charging his right arm as the ice burst through the center. "I'll use force to get through!"

Shattering the incoming ice, Izuku flipped through the broken pieces and threw a kick at Shoto, only for a column of ice to burst up from the ground and shattered to his kick, but diverted the power away from the target. "You've got nowhere to go now…" Shoto growled as he slammed his palm into the ground and burst out a wall of fire. Izuku gritted his teeth and readied to blast his way through the fire to-

The sudden cannon blast from the side breaking through the remaining ice shocked both teens, gasping from the ice nearly hitting both of them. "The hell?!" Shoto yelled in surprise.

Landing back onto the ground, Izuku shielded his face from a few chunks of ice from hitting him. "What the… this…" Izuku frowned, looking to the side at the shocked Momo's blushing face.

"I'm sorry! I didn't set it off!" Momo shouted in embarrassment. "Todoroki's fire triggered the blast!"

"And why did a cannon need to be made so close to us?" Shoto annoyingly asked. "I thought you were going to wait until after we sparred?"

Momo threw her hands up and shook her head. "Well, you were supposed to be down the road, but you both have been moving further and further every time and his attack redirected some of the flames this way."

Izuku looked around and noticed they had ended up down the block, shrugging in agreement. "She does have a point. I guess we got caught up countering each other and got too close."

"It's fine," Momo sighed and wiped some of the sweat from her own forehead, buttoning up her gym outfit. After several different routines of sending attacks to keep them on edge, she was hoping to try some of her own techniques to practice on a bit more. Izuku was certainly generous enough to work with her whenever she needed it over the last few days, but then she felt he did need a harder challenge than just her to push himself. When they decided to look for another set of sparring partners, they figured they had a perfect pair to work with. When they went to look for them, however, they were surprised to find only one here.

"I'm still really surprised Katara wasn't here with you today. I thought you two always practiced with one another…" Momo said, seeing the look of disappointment on Shoto's face. "You okay?"

Nodding, Shoto rubbed his hands to warm up the chill from his ice. After the meeting with his father and his siblings, the warm feeling he had been feeling during the festival had unfortunately been replaced with a feeling of anxiousness, knowing an eventual face off with his brother was going to be coming some day. Since then, training had been a priority to both he and Katara, not wanting to be on the losing end of another battle. Day in and day out, the pair had taken advantage of the extra time they were given for training as much as they could, testing different styles and how much they could do before getting tired. Today however, she asked to do something different.

"I was just surprised she wanted to try practicing with him today," He said, "perhaps there is something she can learn by doing that."

"Die!"

Bakugo's explosion blasted away the water whip shooting his way, flipping through the air and coming straight for the waterbender. "Come on!"

Spinning the water around her body, Katara shot two more streams at her incoming opponent, missing as he redirected himself with blasts and launched her way. She attempted to catch him in the middle of the two streams, only for his attacks to go outward, blowing her water away before she rolled out of the way before he landed a blow. By the time she got up, he was already spun around and launching himself again at her, forcing herself to form an ice shield blocking a blast from him.

'He's always getting faster…' She noted to herself, still amazed how he actually got stronger and quicker as fights went on. Her feet slid back from the blast, gathering her water and shooting her stream at him once more. As he spun through the air blasting the water as it came, she waved her hands splitting the steam into four to try and grab his limbs. Just before it could, however, his hands sparked out and obliterated the thinner streams as he rocketed himself at her once more. She barely had enough time to regather the shattered water and protect herself as his hand came forward, the blast shattering her water and launching her back across the ground. Grunting from the hard impact, she glared and crawled back up once more, panting a few times and summoning her remaining water. "Again…" she huffed out.

"Quit holding back!" Bakugo shouted out as he flew through the air. "Where's that fighting spirit you always got?!"

"How about I show you it?!" She yelled back, causing her water to spiral around herself before shooting out another thin stream from her gauntlet. As the whip distracted him, she punched at the stream sending out multiple ice spikes at her foe. Once again however, his blasts overwhelmed her amount and jumped out of the way of an incoming blast. Waving her fingers, Katara began gathering whatever moisture from the air, forming small spheres and shooting them at him. Once again the smaller attacks were simply blown up as he came at her, flipping past the water rushing at him from behind.

Bakugo's momentum launched him over Katara's body, shooting his hand backward and grabbing her by the collar to her surprise. "I said quit messing around, god damn it!" he yelled as he flipped her through the air, launching her forward and slamming her into the ground.

Gasping from the hard impact, Katara coughed several times but crawled back up, shaking her head and raising her arms up once more. "Again…"

Bakugo however wasn't amused, annoyed at her tactics. "Come on, hair loops. If you're going to fight me, take this shit seriously…" he growled out.

"And you think I'm taking this lightly?" Katara licked at her cheek, frowning and spitting out a little blood. "Trust me, losing sparring to you is not something I plan."

"Then fight me seriously, damn it!" he yelled in frustration, pointing at her gauntlets. "Why the hell are you only using those?! You said you wanted to push yourself!"

"And what do you think I'm doing?!" Katara yelled back.

"If you're pushing yourself, why are you only using so little water?!" He retorted, "You can control a hell of a lot more than that. You don't even have your canteen now. How the hell are you pushing yourself with a few splashes?!"

Katara frowned at his point. She was well aware Bakugo was extremely prideful, and unless she was fighting him at full strength, he wouldn't feel any satisfaction in beating her. "Yes I can bend much more than this, but that's the point. I need to be able to fight as well as I can when I know I won't have more water to use. There may be times when there isn't extra water for me to use, like last time for us."

Bakugo furrowed his brow, thinking back to the battle they had inside the caves with the Hunters. If he hadn't been thrown into the wall, breaking the stone and revealing the pipes, they would've been dead without the surge of water that came to their aid. "So you wanted to do this without icy hot because of that…"

"If I'm fighting with him, I have as much as I need from his ice. If we get separated…" Katara popped her shoulder as she rolled it, grunting before continuing. "... I need to get better at fighting with just what I have and nothing else."

"Well you're doing this all wrong, dumbass."

Katara's eye twitched at his blunt statement, tapping her foot in annoyance. "Okay, mister genius? What makes you an expert in how I fight?"

"Because I watched you enough, idiot…" He growled and charged forward, his sparking hand causing her to yelp out and block his explosion. "You're fighting someone that destroys what you fight with. Why the hell are you trying to block me?!"

Katara was about to shout at him, but her tongue froze when she looked down to her water. Right now she guessed she had lost about twenty percent of the water she had, the rest having been vaporized from Bakugo's explosions. Even with her using it sparingly and summoning some from the air, eventually she would run out. When she faced opponents who were able to create their own elemental attacks, she would always be at a disadvantage in a straight battle. She had to rely on tactical battles before, much like she did with Azula all that time ago. But she needed more than that, since many of the people here were leagues faster than anything she faced back in her old home.

"Well I can't just jump or roll out of the way the whole time…" Katara muttered in annoyance.

"Why don't you just go "spirit mode" or whatever the hell you did that day." Bakugo asked, bringing a frown to the waterbenders face.

"I haven't tried doing that since that day. And…" Katara gave a small shrug. "... I haven't spoke to Kyoshi in quite some time."

"What? You and your spirit buddy having a little spat?" Bakugo taunted, earning a glare from Katara.

"It's complicated, okay?"

"Well, uncomplicate that shit," Bakugo cracked his knuckles and spat on the ground. "Because you are going to need it if you run into another freak like that spider bitch in the future."

Sighing to herself, Katara summoned the water back into her gauntlets and clicked them shut. "Maybe you're right… for once."

"I'M ALWAYS RIGHT! THE HELL YOU SAYING?!" Bakugo barked out in annoyance at her taunt, only growing madder as she laughed and walked away. "Get back here! You're going to finish your damn training!"

"It's time to head back now. Besides… I do need to think of a new way of fighting." Katara said as she walked towards the exit, needing to figure several things out for herself.

After having dinner with Shoto and some of the others, Katara cleaned up in the showers and made her way into her bedroom. Sighing, she laid back onto her bed, stretching her arms out before wincing to the pain in her back, frowning and taking her shirt off again. "I guess that's what happens when you fight Bakugo…" She muttered, bending over some water from her small fountain and putting it on the sore spot. As it began glowing, she exhaled in relief as she healed the spot and sent the water back to its source. "That's better."

Taking in the sound of the flowing water, she glanced down to the scar on her chest, a reminder of how close she was to losing her life. She then thought back to Kyoshi, the only reason she was even alive at this point. Knowing what she needed to do, she closed her eyes and got into her meditation pose, focusing until she felt the cool sensation like before. Opening her eyes, she took in the tall figure of the avatar standing there, sighing and giving a small nod. "Hello again." She quietly said.

"Hello again, Katara…" Kyoshi gave a nod in return. "It's been sometime."

"Yes, it has…" Katara leaned forward onto her knees, "Been quite busy lately."

"I know. Your training has been going well… along with your mentality." The tall spirit said, "I've felt more clarity in your head in the past few weeks since you told the truth."

While not thinking about it, Katara did notice she was a bit more relaxed ever since she told her classmates who she was, not having to live worrying about them figuring out her secret. "I guess you were right on that part."

Kyoshi noticed the slight tone coming from the young girls voice, sighing and closing her eyes. "You still feel upset about what happened between us?"

"Not upset, just…" Katara gave a small shrug. "... Just kind of frustrated how it left off since we spoke. I did what you said I should do, yes, and perhaps it was the right thing to do. Because now, I do know they all trust me. So, perhaps I should've thanked you back then."

"There is no need to thank me, Katara. I just want you to have what's best for you."

"I mean, I do at times need to thank you, though…" Katara admitted. "If it wasn't for your power back then during that fight, I wouldn't have been able to face off against that villain. All of us wouldn't have held her off long enough if I didn't have that energy that comes from you."

While she could tell the waterbender was being genuine, she could sense the underlying tension. "Yet, you feel turmoil inside…"

Katara gave a small nod. "I do understand what you meant by what is necessary. Sometimes, it probably would be far better to do what you said; to end it before they can do any more damage. I should make sure they are down before my guard is dropped. And I know if they were gone, their threat is gone as well." Squeezing her fists, however, she exhaled and looked up to the avatar. "But I won't become an executioner."

Kyoshi stared down at the girl, seeing she still believed in her ideals. "You still wish to keep your ideals intact then."

"I do. I know it may seem crazy, but I've come to understand what Aang felt back when he faced the fire lord. Despite it being the easiest way, there was a line he didn't want to cross and stuck to the morality. It's the same from the people who I have seen here, facing off against horrible villains. Despite some of them being killers, crossing that line means you are just as bad as them. I want to keep that mentality as well, to prove not just to those villains, but to myself I will never become like them."

The avatar spirit stared at the young girl for several moments before chuckling, a small smirk forming on her face. "Even with what's happened, your will and determination is still not wavering. It really does take strength to do that. It seems you really do know what your heart wants."

Katara took a breath and nodded. "Thank you."

"I do understand the urge to not kill, and if that truly is your decision, then I will respect it." Kyoshi said before raising her brow. "Perhaps… a few extra broken bones to ensure they don't retaliate?"

Katara gave a deadpan stare before laughing herself. "I'll think about it." after a few moments of both of them chuckling, the waterbender leaned back and rubbed at her arm. "Thanks… Now, I had a few things to ask about the power that I awakened that day."

"If you're going to ask for me to let you use it again, there is no need," Kyoshi answered. "You have full access to my energy now. Whenever you need to, you can awaken it yourself with more practice."

Katara was surprised hearing that, although she had to be honest and admit she hadn't tried since she'd come back to school. "I mean, that's one thing. But had another about what was said today. About facing enemies when I have so little water."

Kyoshi nodded and stepped forward. "And today, what did you lack other than water?"

Thinking back, Katara gave a small shrug. "Well, he's physically stronger, I'll admit. But… it was just his speed. I can't just outrun him when he flies around like that. And I can barely hit him when he's so maneuverable in the air and-

In that instant, Katara's mind suddenly clicked, her eyes widening as she realized something. "That… That's it."

"Hmm?" Kyoshi tilted her head in surprise at the response. "You figured something out?"

"I did…" Katara answered, giving a nod to the avatar. "I know what I am missing."

While surprised, Kyoshi gave a smile to the teen. "Then I shall leave you to it, Katara. I will see you when you need me next."

As Kyoshi faded back into herself, Katara's mind was already working it's gears. She replayed today with Bakugo moving through the sky today, redirecting himself with his quirk. For some reason, her hand rose and pressed on the injury on her chest, recalling when she battled Iktomi in the caves. The spider woman was so fast she could barely hit her, the webbing from her hand working to pull her wherever she needed to go. She then imagined what she needed to do, pulling her phone out and going through the contacts. "If anyone is similar to that, they can certainly give me ideas."

When she found the name she was looking for, she nodded as she remembered watching them train, knowing it was exactly what she needed. She quickly opened up the messenger and began typing.

Hey, If you are interested, could you give me some training?

After pushing send, she waited a little bit before the phone vibrated, opening up the message and reading it.

Me giving you training? I mean, okay. Not sure what I'd teach you. Haha. You want to meet up tomorrow?

Happy they responded, Katara figured she could ask since she wasn't tired any longer.

How about now outside?

Sent.

Bzzzzt.

Uhh… what?

Two days later

Katara felt herself smiling as she made her way to class, the practice she had been doing for the last few days opened her eyes to what she could do. The large grin on her face was certainly going noticed by her companions, both Shoto and Tenya eyeing the waterbender curiously.

"Your mood certainly appears to be quite elevated today," Tenya noted, "Anything special happen recently?"

Giving a light shrug, Katara turned to the speedster. "It's just a few things that I've been practicing recently that I never fully realized I should try. It feels good finally getting a little help doing it."

Shoto perked up hearing that. "You've been wanting to practice with others over the last few days. Did you develop a new attack?"

"Hmmmm…. Sort of." Katara gave a playful shrug. "I kind of want to surprise you when we train again today. I think you'll be impressed."

Shoto let out a soft chuckle. "Anything you do is impressive, Katara."

"Suck up…" Mineta muttered hearing the comment, although was secretly seething he didn't have a girl to say that to.

"It seems our training has been paying off for all of us," Tenya said, smiling at himself and adjusting his glasses. "I actually was able to get some tips from Tensei now that he is here over the weeks. Perhaps you may be interested in seeing my improvements from our last match."

Katara raised her brow and smirked at him. "I think that can be arranged sometime." she said as they came into class, everyone getting into their seats as Aizawa came in and got behind his desk.

"Alright everyone. Ever since the cultural festival ended, all of you have noticed the increased training that has been taking place recently. And as many of you probably inferred, that means something big is coming. And that… is today."

"Please don't be a written pop quiz. Please don't be a pop quiz…" Mina prayed to herself.

"We would've been studying if that was the test. Ribbit." Tsu responded to her friends comment.

Scratching his chin, Aizawa clicked the remote and opened the storage doors, revealing their costume boxes. "Today there will be a special test being conducted. It is best for you to come in your costumes and whatever gear you need."

While some were worried or excited of what this test was, Katara's eyes widened when she realized she didn't have hers other than her gauntlets. "My outfit… it got destroyed…" she whispered, remembering hers still had been shredded with a massive hole in the center through it. And with everything that had been going on, she'd forgotten about looking at getting it fixed.

Aizawa immediately noticed the look of shock on the waterbenders face, sighing and catching her attention. "Katara… after yours got so damaged, the support course has already been at work making a new one for you. Go and get fitted and meet us outside as well. You all have one hour."

a few looked at each other in confusion. To the time. While one student needed to get set up, that was still far more than enough time than needed. "An hour?" Momo asked. "Is there a reason to be so long?"

"Today's test is going to be quite strenuous. I suggest grabbing a snack before we go…" Aizawa sighed and shook his head. "... And if you can, perhaps use the bathroom before as well. Some of you may need it."

The comment only made most of the students' mouths fall open in confusion, while a few others shivered as their imaginations ran rampant. Katara did sigh in relief, wanting to give a thanks to whoever just made new outfits every time hers got destroyed. Looking between Shoto and Tenya, she gave a small shrug and smiled. "I guess I'll be seeing you guys out in a bit then."

"Alright, we'll be waiting for you." Shoto answered.

"You make sure your costume is up to standard, Katara!" Tenya declared with a few chops. "Don't let them shortcut around the design and be cheap!"

Katara playfully rolled her eyes at his demand. "I think they will do a good job." she said as she got up and made her way through the class and out the door, heading towards the support room once more. "Perhaps should get them a cake as a thanks." She laughed out as she approached the door. Before she could even knock, the door burst open, yelping as a head of pink hair was staring at her grinning.

"I knew I heard footsteps coming," Mei Hatsume laughed as she removed the ear piece she was wearing before jotting down into her notes. "Increasing range of hearing three fold. Check."

"Uhh… Hello again." Katara shook her head. "I was here because you had a new outfit made for me."

Mei looked up and stared at the waterbender for a moment, the gears clicking before her smile grew bigger. "Oh, Katara was it? Hell yes, we do!"

As Mei sprinted through the room to the back, Katara exhaled as she walked in now, looking over to see Power Loader turn up from his desk he was working on. "Good to see you again." He said as he stood up. "Glad to see you're doing well."

"Thank you. And thanks again for making me another outfit. After what happened, well…" Katara rubbed and looked to the side. "Well, a lot happened since then."

Power Loader waved his hand. "Don't even worry about it. After what you faced, it's truly incredible you're even here. Most pro's probably would've retired after dealing with that. This just shows you really do want to be here."

Smiling, she gave a small nod. "Thank you. With everything going on, it feels good hearing that."

Both teacher and student turned to the sound of the cart being rolled in, Katara's eyes widening when she saw multiple cases on the top. "Wait, why is…"

"Hatsume…" Power Loader shook his head in annoyance. "Is this… everything you made?"

"Hell yes it is!" Mei happily exclaimed, turning to the confused waterbender. "After your last one got destroyed, we of course made you another suit. But I couldn't help but see it needing flair, so I made another with my own twist!"

"Another outfit?" Katara asked surprised.

"Hatsume, I told you to stop making excess suits with your own designs. This is supposed to be what the students want for themselves." Power Loader grunted, sometimes impressed but also annoyed with how stubborn she could be at times.

"Why not give them options to pick from? The more the merrier as I always say!" Mei yelled out, her huge eyes staring at Katara with excitement. "Also made some upgrades as well to your gear!"

Without even asking, Katara jumped slightly as the first case was slammed in front of her and opened up, her own eyes taking in the new gauntlets and thin black gloves. "And these are different?"

"Look the same? Yes. These babies however can hold about twenty more percent water than your other set. And the gloves?" Mei gave a shrug, it's winter. "Figured was a little chilly."

Katara couldn't help but chuckle at that statement. "Well, I appreciate that."

"Gear being upgraded is one thing, but a costume…" Power loader grunted and placed his hand on the first box, lifting the lid up. "How it looks should be left to the user. Throwing in random color changes should be theirs to decide."

Inside the box, Katara saw a perfect replacement to the outfit that had been damaged by the hunters. While she figured to just take it and go, she looked up to Mei staring at her, the girl's eyes begging for her to look inside the box she was tapping herself. Figuring she would amuse her, she gave a small shrug. "I guess it doesn't hurt to see what's inside."

Mei practically squeaked in excitement as she slid the box forward. "I couldn't have someone with the deity name "Ryujin" not have some flair thrown in!"

As soon as the lid came off, Katara's eyes and mouth widened in shock from what she saw. She grabbed it and pulled it out of the box, letting it flow open to show the entire thing. As it revealed itself, her heart skipped a beat as well, the new design immediately catching her attention. The new pattern that popped from the material took her breath away, especially the small detail added to the front of the outfit, one that made her throat tighten up. She laid it back down, taking a few breaths before looking up to the other two.

"I love it…"

Power Loader was surprised by her words, while Mei's smile grew bigger in success. "I knew I had a good eye for details that you'd like!"

Smiling warmly, Katara set the outfit back into the case, taking another breath to keep herself calm. "Thank you."

Chuckling, the support teacher scratched his neck. "Maybe I should just let this girl go wild more." He said to himself as Mei basked in her success. "There is one more thing, though."

"Yep! Here we a few of the other special things thrown in as well." Mei said, spinning the cart and opening the final box, revealing what looked like a slightly darker blue waist wrap.

This was something Power Loader was involved in, the teacher stepping in now. "Kevlar infused fibers for extra protection and durability for your body. With how much you've been through, a simple vest like this can help block some serious blows." he said, picking up the item and showing the inside. He demonstrated the pockets before looking down to the box. "and storage… for these."

Inside, Katara tilted her head in surprise to what looked like two small flat steel canisters, neither much bigger than a phone. "What is it?"

Mei snickered and tapped the canisters. "Something I told you we were going to make a long time ago."

Forty Minutes later

Standing outside the main UA building, most of the UA students were already waiting for the rest, many eager to find out what this test was. Kirishima himself was shadow boxing, while Jiro simply put some music on to take her mind off the concern of what was coming. Pulling the red cape she had on, Momo sighed in relief at the warmth it brought in the chilled air, looking over to Izuku as he adjusted his gloves. "So, do you have any idea what is happening?" She asked him, earning a shake of his head.

"It's obviously a physical test, but the way he made it sound was far worse than other ones we did," Izuku suggested. "Will it be like the test we had with the teachers?"

Momo's eyes widened hearing that. "Could it? Another test against them?"

"Oh god, I don't want to deal with that again…" Kaminari whined out, thinking back to what Nezu put him and Mina through.

"So what if it is?" Bakugo barked out from overhearing them, shifting inside his remade winter outfit. "It's a hell of a lot different than last time. It won't be the same outcome."

"I can't believe you all did that," Kendo shook her head in surprise, her former class simply put through a hard physical endurance test. "I wonder how many of us would've failed back then."

"Come on, there is no chance that they would simply recreate the test again for us!" Tenya exclaimed. "They are certainly planning something more than that for us!"

As the others continued discussing what the test could be, Shoto simply listened to their suggestions. The ideas ranged from the teacher face off, to another match up with members of the big three like last time or other third years. To push themselves against some of the older students certainly sound intriguing, wanting to test how far he and the others were now. He turned to see Shoji joining the group now, but when the next person came into view, he wasn't the only one to stare in awe.

"Katara?" He whispered.

"Whoa… someone's rocking a new look." Mina whistled at what she saw.

Katara walked into view of the class, her hair tied back in a loose braid. The new blue robes she wore shone in the sunlight, the base flowing out and revealing a light teal and white wave pattern that seemed to dance as it moved. The dark leggings she wore underneath matched the gloves she wore and the short sleeves that covered her shoulders. A white etching was embroidered over the front, the design just above the kevlar waist wrap she wore. The centerpiece of the outfit however was a silver jewel etched in just below her neck line, the pattern very similar to the necklace she used to wear.

"Katara, you look stunning!" Momo exclaimed, walking over to her incoming friend. "This is beautiful!"

"A new outfit? This is certainly surprising," Tenya said, smiling and walking over to her. "The colors work perfectly!"

"Thanks. They surprised me with this option and I really liked it." Katara said, looking over and giggling seeing Shoto staring at her intently. "And what do you think?"

Shoto snapped out of his haze as she approached, swallowing the lump in his throat before nodded. "You… It looks wonderful on you. I really like it." he answered, blushing slightly when she smiled at his comment. Seeing her hair tied back again only made him appreciate her beautiful face more, his eyes looking over her outfit up close. When he saw the etched in silver pendant, his eyes widened in surprise to the item. "Is… is that?"

"Yes…" Katara said softly, rubbing her finger over the item. "I guess she thought the necklace was something I wore with my hero costume. I used images to make something similar to it." She exhaled contently. "It's kind of a nice reminder of my mother still."

Shoto smiled and gently rubbed her shoulder. "I'm glad you enjoy it… and it's nice you can still pay honor and remember her."

"I know," She said, reaching up and grabbing his hand. "It was quite a nice surprise and I am really happy with it."

As a few others came over to talk to the waterbenders new outfit, Bakugo took note of what she had said, looking at the silver gem on her chest. He felt a nudge from the side, turning to see Kendo grinning up at him. "She looks pretty good, doesn't she?" she asked.

Bakugo simply grunted and looked away. "Just a couple of waves sewed on. Nothing special."

"Uh huh…" Kendo laughed, taking a breath and adjusting the long sleeves she had on. "So… how much longer do we wait to tell her?"

Knowing what she was referring to, Bakugo exhaled and shifted the grenades on his belt. "It's about done. You can decide that."

Kendo raised her eyebrow at him, "Giving me the choice? Now I know you mustn't be feeling good."

Bakugo felt his chest tighten as she laughed and walked away, watching as she joined Katara and chatted with her. Even he was surprised by what he said, gritting his teeth in annoyance. Whatever was going through his head was pissing him off, and he needed to blow something up to get his head clear. 'God damn it! Hurry the hell up, Aizawa!'

Thankfully for him, their teacher made his way in front of the class, getting a head count and seeing everyone was there. "Alright. Now, follow me. We will be going to ground Gamma for today. Let's go."

Everyone glanced at each other as they followed their teacher down the road, curiosity growing wondering what they were getting into. After some time, they reached the large industrial looking site, the pipework and large factory like area spanning across what looked like miles. As soon as they approached the large viewing screen, they were met by three others waiting for them as well.

"All Might?" Izuku said as he saw Toshinori standing there, the skinny hero giving a nod to his successor.

Midnight gave a salute to the approaching students, the R- rated hero grinning seeing them all dressed and ready to go. "It seems they are prepared."

The final person however was the one that Katara and Tenya's attention, seeing Tensei beside the two heroes. With no wheelchair beneath himself. "Brother… you…" Tenya muttered in shock,almost dropping the helmet he was carrying.

Tensei smiled as he took a step, adjusting the cane he was leaning on.

"Tensei…" Katara said in happiness, seeing his recovery increasing more and more.

"Hey you two," Tensei responded to their surprise. "How are you doing?"

"Us? How are you? You're out of your chair!"

Shrugging happily, Tensei nodded. "Figured it was better exercise out of that thing. It's been getting better every day."

"This is amazing!" Tenya exclaimed. "Your improvement has been wonderful and now-

"Quiet, all of you…" Aizawa grunted, getting all of their attention. "Today we aren't the only ones here. You will be joined by others who will be participating in today's challenge."

"Others?" Sero asked, "You mean we-

"Oh don't be so upset we are joining you all! We can't let you have all the glory! Ahahahaa!"

The cackling voice of Monoma made a lot of the class wince, turning to see the loud mouthed blonde in front of the entirety of class B behind him. Although they seemed just as annoyed as them by their classmates yelling. "Just be ready to have to deal with some humiliation once you lose to us! It's been long enough hearing how- MMMPH!"

Shiozake's vines ensnaring the loud mouth shut him up, the teen sighing and shaking her head. "When will he ever learn?"

"Probably never…" Setsuna muttered, stretching her arms inside her tight purple bodysuit. Seeing the others, she couldn't help but grin. "Well well well, I have to say I'm surprised. I guess we may actually get to see each other go to work."

"I guess so," Katara laughed before she saw how both of their classes were all in costume, with only a few teachers here. "So, what is this test?"

Setsuna gave a shrug. "I have no clue. Vlad sensei has been kinda bland about what this is."

"Indeed I have…" Vlad King muttered at overhearing his student, the green haired girl shivering at his tone. The man in red walked over beside the class A teacher, the pair facing the confused students. "Today will be a unique test for all of you."

"Sir, if I may ask!" Tenya asked with his hand up. "Is this like our test earlier in the year? Where are the other teachers?"

"If you let me speak, I will explain," Aizawa grunted, waiting until everyone was listening, "No… this is different from the midterms test you had earlier. Midnight is here to help with taking down notes on all of you, along with All Might and Ingenium on their request. None of us here will be participating in this test against you."

As some sighed in relief, a few began eyeing the opposing class, believing they were facing each other now. Some kept it cool, with both Kirishima and Tetsutetsu giving a friendly fist bump while others grew cautious now.

"We created teams for you based upon different factors we determined, whether it be your team coordination or simply by your power and skill," Aizawa pulled out a remote and pointed at the screen, turning it on. "Here you will see who you are with." After a moment everyone turned to the screen, watching as the list of names suddenly appeared.

Team 1: Jurota Shishida, Kosei Tsuburaba and Neito Monoma

Team 2: Hiryu Rin, Yosetsu Awase and Togaru Kamakiri

Team 3: Minoru Mineta, Kyouka Jirou and Hanta Sero

Team 4: Yui Kodai, Reiko Yanagi and Juzo Honenuki

Team 5: Toru Hagakure, Denki Kaminari, Kojiro Bondo and Kinoko Komori

Team 6: Ejiro Kirishima, Mina Ashido and Tenya Iida

Team 7: Shihai Kuroiro, Ibara Shiozaki and Manga Fukidashi

Team 8:Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu, Pony Tsunotori and Sen Kaibara

Team 9: Yuuga Aoyama, Mezo Shoji and Tsuyu Asui

Team 10: Setsuna Togake, Nirengeki Shoda and Kouji Kouda

Team 11: Mashirao Ojiro, Ochako Uraraka and Fumikage Tokoyami

Team 12: Shoto Todoroki and Itsuka Kendo

Team 13: Katsuki Bakugo and Momo Yaoyorozu

Team 14: Kairi Katara and Izuku Midoriya

"Midoriya?" Katara said, turning to see him smiling her way. "Looks like we finally get to work together again."

"Yeah, same for you." he answered with a nod.

While Shoto was hoping to have been partnered with Katara, he knew it was just the set up of the test. He turned and nodded to his set partner, somewhat surprised by the choice as she was.

Bakugo and Momo both frowned and looked at one another, somehow both ending up together like their internship. "I can't seem to get rid of you, ponytail." he growled.

"The feeling is mutual…" Momo retorted and crossed her arms.

While some looked at their teammates, a few grew very confused when they saw the team five set up. "Wait…" Kaminari tilted his head as he saw he and Toru weren't with another of their classmates, but two from the other. "What's that?"

"Huh?" Kinoko from class B muttered, the mushroom girl also confused. "Wait, we aren't on a team with just our class?"

As others heard the commotion, confusion rang through the classes now, wondering about the set up. "Some from both classes together?" Tsu said as she touched her chin. "That's strange."

"And class A are the only ones with two per team?" The now free Nomona's eye twitched seeing that. "What is this? You think class A is so much better than us that you make it so we have more per team to face off?"

"The reason those teams have two per team is because of that reason," Aizawa admitted, much to the annoyance of Vlad. "These students have either the most in field experience, or their abilities are far above the others. And because of the numbers of the class, we put two smaller teams together. Also… we never said you'd be facing each other in this test."

As the students looked around in confusion, both Vlad and Aizawa glanced at each other momentarily before the eraser teacher turned the screen off and continued. "This test is pretty simple. Each team will go in one at a time, and you will do whatever you can to face off against your opponent in fifteen minutes."

"And… who is our opponent, sir?" Izuku asked.

On command, a hard impact slammed into the ground behind both classes, everyone yelping in surprise. When they turned around, however, every single person's eyes widened in shock when they saw the single figure standing up, the tall white ears pointing above her head.

"Hello kids…" Mirko laughed at the looks of fear on some of their faces, licking her lips in amusement. "...Class is in session."

Notes: Oh ho ho! here we go people! the change to the joint training arc! and who is Katara meeting with, and what was given to her?

(I know she's being incorporated a lot more... but I can't help but add my bunny goddess into the story when I can.)

We have quite the mix up to the teams, and we will see who can get through the time limit against their opponent!

Special note, a new art piece has been made showing Katara's new outfit. the link is on my profile to my deviant art.

cannot wait to see your thoughts on what you thought and how it will go down. please leave your comments/ reviews. i always love reading them.

Till next time!