Even before opening my eyes, I could sense the warmth of the sunlight filtering in through the gap in the tent, the gentle chirping of birds outside immediately caught my attention. Blinking a few times to clear the lingering haze from my vision, I took in my surroundings with a growing sense of recognition. There, sitting patiently by my side, was Kacchan - head drooping on his chest and eyes closed in light doze, who I now recalled had been there for me all night. The memories came flooding back - the debilitating headache, the nausea that had led to vomiting, and Kacchan's unwavering presence and care throughout it all. I remembered the intense pain and how Kacchan had come to my aid and spoken to me in a tone so uncharacteristically gentle and soothing. It was a side of him that I hadn't seen in years, not since we were kids playing together in the park.

I could vividly recall that day when we were having a friendly running competition, and I stumbled and fell, scraping my knee badly and breaking down into tears. For the fact, I am still a cry baby. Without hesitation, Kacchan had rushed to my side, completely ignoring our competition, his usual brash demeanor melting away as he fussed over my injury and did his best to comfort me. In that moment, Kacchan had been like an older brother, his rough edges softened by genuine concern. I had always treasured those rare instances when Kacchan's tough exterior crumbled, and I was able to glimpse the caring person underneath.

Now, as I watch him dozing, I couldn't help but wonder what had prompted this latest display of tenderness. Was it simply a result of Aizawa-sensei's threat? Or was there something more to it? I can't say for certain, but I found myself longing for the days when Kacchan's kindness had come more freely, untainted by our quirk status.

I sat up quietly and sighed in relief. The headache had finally subsided. However, the dull ache in right shoulder and arm remained. I cleared the space to gently lay Kacchan onto the spot I just vacated. The moment my hands made contact with his shoulders, his eyes flew open, his body tensing as he prepared to push me away. But then, recognition dawned on his face, and he visibly relaxed, if only slightly.

"You're up" he said, his gruff voice cutting through the silence.

"Yes" I replied, nodding. "You can rest here. I am sorry I didn't woke up for my shift."

"Hmm. How is your headache?" he asked, easing into supine position to catch some sleep.

"It's gone now but my shoulder is still hurting a bit. Thank you for helping me last night. I will.." Kacchan rolled his eyes and cut me off.

"Ugh, don't mention it. Just remember that I saved your sorry ass last night and you owe me big time. Besides, I didn't exactly "help" you with your headache, I just...you know, did what the old hag do whenever I am down. Don't get it twisted. Now, get the fuck out. Just because you brought this tent, doesn't mean you own it. I am going to sleep here and you will do whatever the fuck you want outside of this tent. GO"

With that, he turned away from me and closed his eyes. I couldn't help but smile like an idiot. It doesn't matter what he said. Just a week ago, he would have undoubtedly reacted with his trademark explosive rage, shouting at me to "Go home and DIE, you fucking bastard!" But last night, something had changed. His words had come out soft and gentle, almost dreamlike in their uncharacteristic tenderness. It was so strikingly different from the Kacchan I knew, the brash and unyielding force of nature who never held back his contempt, that for a moment I actually wondered if someone had kidnapped the real Kacchan and replaced him with an alien imposter.

I took the clue box sitting atop his bag with me. Now that I am feeling better, I was determined to read each page with meticulous attention to detail. The last page proved to be the jackpot. It precisely explained the location of the coveted prize, how to find it and the quickest route back. I knew from the handwriting that this clue has been setup by Aizawa sensei. I couldn't help but wonder just how far Aizawa sensei was willing to go to help us succeed, to watch us complete this assignment together. This last page read:

Now, here are your clues to complete the assignment:

You are currently in the Southern side of the Kinnigan Hill. The prize is hidden at the peak of the mountain. Follow the winding path from the left of Apple Orchard that leads to the summit. The path will take you through a dense forest of cedar trees.

As you climb, you'll notice the surrounding trees gradually thin out. The thinning of the forest canopy will allow your gaze to travel unobstructed, revealing the wide, sweeping vistas that stretch out before you. The summit, which was previously obscured, will now come into clear view. You need to pay attention to the craggy outcroppings and crevices dotting the landscape. It is in these rugged, hard-to-reach places that you must now focus your search, for this is where the elusive Hoesiacnea shrubs thrive.

These hardy plants, with their sturdy, woody stems, have adapted to take root in the smallest of gaps and fissures in the rocky terrain. You need to look for the distinctive twin Hoesiacnea specimens that are said to grow in a peculiar, almost mirror-like formation. The prize is hidden beneath one such pair of shrubs.

As for the shortest way to come out of the hill, I'll give you this hint:

Once you've retrieved the prize, make your way back down the mountain by following the stream that originates from the snow-capped peak. Be careful, as the stream will lead you to a treacherous waterfall. Use the rope to safely reach the stream's banks below, then continue downstream. This will guide you to the village of Do-Ja. Once you arrive at the sole police station there, your assignment will be complete.

However, be aware that Kinnigan Mountain is home to several wild animals that can be quite aggressive. You'll need to be cautious when navigating the terrain.

You'll need to use your wits and your Quirk abilities to navigate this treacherous terrain and avoid these wild animals. I expect you BOTH to return with the prize TOGETHER.

With these highly detailed instructions, it won't take more than a few hours for us to return home. We are just a couple of hours late. I don't even know if it will affect our scores or not but I can't help the feeling of mix emotions.

I'm happy that I'll soon be able to see my Mom and friends again, eager to tell Mom all about the exciting experiences I've had here. I can practically picture the scene - reuniting with Iida, Todoroki, Kirishima, Mina, and Uraraka, each of them reacting in their own unique way. Iida kun will no doubt lecture me about my shortcomings, ever the diligent voice of reason, while Todoroki kun will offer his quiet praise for managing to complete the assignment without any major incident. Kirishima kun will undoubtedly tease me relentlessly, his boisterous laughter filling the air, and Mina will be bursting with curiosity, eager to gossip about every last detail. And of course, Uraraka will fuss over me, concerned that I haven't been taking proper care of myself.

Yet, I also can't help but feel a pang of sadness, knowing that in just a few short hours, everything will revert to the way it was before. Kacchan's fleeting concern for my wellbeing will vanish, and we'll likely never have another civil conversation, our dynamic forever defined by the history between us. I am very grateful that I got to see the old Kacchan that I had all but forgotten existed. I will always cherish these rare memories, and sincerely wish I could see this softer side of Kacchan more often in my life beyond this assignment.

I got up and started preparing myself for the day. About an hour later, Kacchan emerged from the tent, looking haggard with prominent dark circles under his eyes.

"Good Morning, Kacchan. It's too early. You can sleep a bit more" I said. He stretched and rubbed his eyes to shake off the sleepiness.

"Wha-? Who cares about sleep? Let me remind you that we have an assignment to complete and we're already running late. I won't let you hold me back today. I don't care if you DIE but I am not staying here another moment" he replied and started getting ready. I took this as my cue to wrap the tent. I winced every time I had to use my right arm which was constantly throbbing. I already had my breakfast so I took the last pain relief medicine I had. Although, it won't do much but take the edge of the pain away. It doesn't matter now though, as I will be home before I know it.

As I stood there, bag on my back, ready to depart, the sudden appearance of Kacchan behind me startled me, causing my heart to skip a beat. "What are you doing?" he questioned, his voice laced with that familiar gruff tone. Caught off guard, I quickly explained that I was preparing to leave, just as he had instructed. However, his response took an unexpected turn, as he thrust his own bag into my hands and snatched up mine instead. "You carry that. I'll carry yours. Now, come on. We've got to get moving," he commanded, turning on his heel without waiting for my reply.

I was left perplexed, wondering why Kacchan had insisted on this peculiar bag swap. Why does he want to carry my bag? I have to keep a close eye on him more than ever. What if he checks my bag and finds my lucky charm? Damn it, I can't let that happen. I hurried to pick up his bag and follow after him, bombarding him with questions, only to be met with stony silence. After a while, I stop asking him anything altogether. What's the point in asking if I am not going to get any reply?

We followed the path indicated by the clue and soon, the towering cedar trees came into view. However, the terrain gradually became more challenging, the path growing increasingly steep as we ascended. At times, it grew so precipitous that we had no choice but to grasp the sturdy tree trunks to maintain our balance and stability. The strain on my body became increasingly apparent, and I found myself needing to pause and catch my breath after navigating each new section of the steep incline. The pain in my arm steadily intensified, a burning sensation, spreading over my chest and back seemed to worsen with every step.

Just as I was beginning to struggle to keep up with Kacchan's pace, I suddenly heard him call out my name. Realizing I had fallen behind, I engaged Full cowling to increase my speed, determined not to lose sight of him.

"What's wrong?" he huffed as I finally caught up to him. Bent over and panting heavily, I replied "You are...way...too fast. I..*cough*..had to take breaks...to catch my breath."

"Amazing! I'm the one carrying your heavy bag and dealing with a burning pain in my leg, yet you're the one who needs to catch your breath?" he said venomously. "Great! could you be any more pathetic? I'm trying my hardest to keep up the pace, but you keep slowing us down."

"I'm sorry...Kacchan" I managed between laboured breaths. "Can we take...a small break?"

"Are you deaf or what? We are not gonna waste our time now that we are so close. Man up for once and move."

I looked up at him and pleaded with my eyes. I didn't want to accept it but after using my quirk, I could feel the nausea rising, the pain in my chest making it agonizing to draw a full breath.

"Tsk. Fine, but this is the last break you will be taking today. Got it?"

I nodded gratefully and slumped against the tree trunk, clutching my aching arm, I focused on steadying my breathing, willing my stomach to settle. The pain was excruciating, radiating up through my shoulder and down to my fingertips. I don't know why the pain medication isn't working. As the nausea subsided, I opened my eyes and asked shakily for some water.

Glancing down, I noticed fresh blood seeping through the bandages and i shakily asked for my bag to change it. With trembling hands, I carefully unwrapped the soiled dressing, wincing as the movement tugged at the raw, inflamed skin. I cleaned the wound as gently as I could, gritting my teeth against the stabs of pain, and wrapped it again, hoping the pressure would help stem the bleeding.

As I worked, I stole a sideways glance at Kacchan, who lay a short distance away, his back turned to me - no doubt upset that I had become a burden, slowing him down when we needed to keep moving.