Updated: 2/5/2025

A Young Girl's Dukes

Once again Special thanks toLorelei, Drkshadow, and newcomerYertosaurusfor beingthe true heroesof this story.Couldn'thave done it without you three!

The Center of Attention: Invisifist, Hero Student, 1-A Seat # 16

Bursting with joy and anticipation, I confidently strode towards the locker room with my briefcase in hand. This was the moment I had been eagerly awaiting since receiving my acceptance letter — my chance to don my Hero costume! With an exuberant smile on my face, I breezed past some of the girls who were getting dressed. It was fascinating to see how each one had their own distinctive style, with Kyoka sporting a sleek purple and black jumpsuit and Tsuyu rocking a bright green and yellow ensemble. As for me, I couldn't wait to unveil my own unique design.

I couldn't contain my excitement as I marveled at the stunning details of each costume. With a wide grin on my face, I confidently pulled out my own hero outfit — a dazzling display of hot pink and gold, complete with form-fitting curves and metallic accents. As my classmates scrambled to try on their costumes, I effortlessly slipped into mine, tossing off my boring school uniform. With ease, I zipped up the bodysuit and donned the included gauntlets and light-up boots from my custom briefcase. Proudly admiring myself in the mirror, I knew that no one could outshine me at this party.

With a swift movement, I pulled on my gloves and connected the controls to my belt. My boots were securely tied and I couldn't help but smile at the bold, bright colors reflected in the mirror. I knew they would turn heads and make others take me seriously as a hero. As I turned my wristbands, watching my suit change hues, I couldn't contain my grin — it was all exactly how I wanted it. For once, I felt like a true superhero, ready to conquer any challenge that came my way. Glancing at my classmates, I saw some of the girls tinkering with their gear, no doubt just as thrilled as I was to finally be donning our hero costumes. With enthusiasm bubbling inside me, I knew this class was going to be absolutely amazing.

Stepping out of the locker room revealed that unlike the other day with Tanya leading the charge, the girls were the ones to take longer to leave.

I flipped a switch on my gloves and smiled as all the eyes of the class flicked over to me.

It works~

I took a moment to admire the various colors everyone was wearing.

"HaHa! You all look like heroes!"

All Might's boisterous laughter drew everyone's attention.

"They say that clothes make the pros, young ladies and gentlemen, and behold, you are the proof! Now there is plenty of time to admire each other later… it's time for combat training."

With those words he gestured to a small building outside the entrance of the mock city we held our entrance exam in.

"That is where everyone will wait for their turn to start the training. Inside one of the buildings is a briefcase containing a slip of paper. Teams of two will split up to either defend the briefcase or take it from the other team. As the defenders you cannot open the briefcase, doing so will automatically have you fail. The attackers, your goal is to take the paper from the briefcase and exit the building, if the paper is destroyed you lose."

All Might looked over everyone before continuing.

"Your teams have already been made, inside of the waiting room is a list of the matches. If you are listed on the top you're up first, so hurry back so I can direct you to the correct building."

With his piece said All Might blinked over to the building and held open the door for us. Now fifty feet away his loud voice echoed out to us, "Now. Shall we get started, you buncha newbies?"

I eagerly scanned the class list, my eyes landing on Tanya next to my name. We were up against a guy with an ice quirk and a six-armed boy named Shoji. Second in line, I turned to see if the short girl was nearby.

I spotted her in the back corner, her back pressed against the wall. When our eyes met, I couldn't help but give her a friendly wave. As I made my way towards her, I admired her unique Hero costume, which was a blend of a dress and the old Japanese Self Defense Force uniform. She held an armored cap in her hand, letting her blonde hair be seen. Her dark green kevlar jacket cinched at her waist with a belt and flared out into a dress-like skirt, paired with black boots and a helmet to complete the army-inspired look. The only visible part of her face were her shining blue eyes, as the rest was covered by a sleek black neck gaiter.

As I approached, Tanya welcomed me with a grin and took in my outfit with obvious admiration. "Nice costume, Toru," she remarked.

Feeling mischievous, I clenched my gloved fists to activate the controls for my color-shifting suit. Tanya's already bright neck-light seemed to glow even brighter as she hummed in awe.

Whatever she was thinking she kept to herself as she snapped right back into business mode. "Well we aren't first, but we are second. We are up against Todorki and Shoji. What do we know about them?"

Tanya, not waiting for a reply, started to list the various abilities of the two boys. I couldn't help but zone out as she rattled off theoretical scenarios. Did she really memorize everyone's powers after just two days of class?

While she got lost in her thoughts, I glanced around at the other groups scattered about the room. Kyoka looked totally annoyed as Kaminari was busy showing off his muscles next to her. Poor girl, right? At least she wasn't stuck with Mineta, like Yaoyorozu was. She looked so awkward in her short shorts and low-cut shirt, sitting next to the little purple guy who was practically drooling. She didn't seem like the type who enjoyed that kind of attention, so I was super curious about why she chose that outfit... Anyway, back to Tanya!

"I've got it!" she chirped, her confidence radiating. "With Shoji's strength and Todoroki's ice, they're either gonna wall off the room—using Shoji to keep track of us and set more traps while reinforcing the ice—or they'll use the ice to weaken the walls and Shoji to break through them. Todoroki will be on support duty while Shoji takes us on." She seemed so sure of her analysis, so I just nodded along eagerly.

Before she could go on, All Might burst back into the room, somehow weaving around everyone to stand right in front of the monitors, grabbing everyone's attention with his signature catchphrase.

"I am here… To start the lesson!"

With a snap of his fingers the lights in the room dimmed and he pulled out an oversized handheld radio.

"The Hero team has five minutes to maneuver and set up defenses for their briefcase. The Villain team will stay outside until the five minutes are over. Then the fifteen minute timer will start."

All Might cheerfully switched on the radio and announced to the Heroes - Bakugou and Ida - that their time was starting now. Right on cue, the screens that had displayed the different teams and matchups switched to show various angles of the inside of a building. The biggest screen was focused on Bakugou and Ida, who appeared to be having a silent argument with each other. Tanya immediately shot her hand up next to me, full of energy and confidence. All Might noticed but waved his hand dismissively. Undeterred, Tanya pouted slightly and lowered her hand.

"There will be time for questions later, Young Yamada. If you are worried that I will not be able to hear your classmates — Fear not! When you are set to go and have your match, you will be given one of these!"

All Might pulled out some blue and red earbuds. He turned his head and gestured to reveal he had a larger but similar earbud in his ear as well.

"The earbuds are configured in such a way to have you only able to hear your team mate, but I can hear and talk to everyone."

All Might tilted his head slightly, a curious expression on his face, before confidently pressing the button on the side of the earphone—

"You cannot hide the briefcase, you must keep it near your person until the villains engage with you."

His eyes confidently scanned the room, ensuring everyone's attention was on him as he likely cut into whatever plans Ida and Bakugou were concocting over the radio. I took a moment to admire the flamboyant costumes of the two as they bantered energetically.

Bakugou's ensemble was essentially a striking black bodysuit with bold red gauntlets and knee-high boots. He sported a dramatic facemask with oversized eye holes, embellished in black with vibrant orange and red spikes. Around his wrists were massive green grenades, perfectly complementing his explosive quirk.

Ida's outfit was reminiscent of a retro robot knight from one of those classic shows, like Astro-Mechs! His head was entirely encased in a shiny silver helmet adorned with wings, and his armor boasted intricate details of mufflers and exhaust pipes. He moved with purpose, chopping his arms emphatically to underscore whatever points he was trying to make.

The two continued their silent squabble on the cams until All Might gave them a friendly reminder that they had just one more minute. Suddenly, the fiery boy let out a loud shout and stomped off, leaving Ida behind, who kept gesturing with his arms in a chopping motion. I turned my attention to the hero team, Midoriya and Uraraka.

Uraraka's costume was absolutely adorable! It was a bright pink and white bodysuit with a high collar and a cute utility belt. The suit was snug, but around her joints, it puffed out a bit, giving her a charming old doll-like appearance. She accessorized with large pink wrist guards and stylish white high boots. Topping it all off, she wore a pink helmet with a visor that covered her whole face.

Midoriya's costume stood out from the rest of the class with its unique material. It was made from a dark green cloth, unlike the thinner threads everyone else had. Even with the different material, it looked impressively crafted, featuring noticeable black pockets and a large hood with adorable bunny ears that covered his face and head.

The duo stood right outside the building entrance, with Uraraka doing some energetic stretches next to Midoriya, who seemed lost in his own little world, muttering away and not noticing a thing. Honestly, if I didn't know any better, I'd think Uraraka was trying to grab his attention with all that enthusiasm—oh wait, she's totally doing that, isn't she? Oh, bless her heart! But don't you worry one bit, Hagakure—Love Master Extraordinaire—is on the job! Just as if the universe was on my side, Midoriya glanced over at his teammate just as she straightened up from a toe-touch, and—oh my gosh—he turned beet red, flailing his hands all over the place! I heard a little snort of laughter behind me and couldn't help but stifle my own giggle.

"And the Hero team can begin!"

A moment passed as the Hero team sprang into action—Ochako was all energy, giving an enthusiastic fist pump and silently cheering on the masked bunny with confidence. Midoriya, brimming with determination, gently stopped the girl from moving forward and pointed excitedly to the second-story window. In no time, they were both floating with Ochako's quirk, soaring through the air with ease and grace. Meanwhile, Bakugou was striding purposefully through the building, his sharp senses on high alert as he listened intently for any signs of movement. When the team Pink Bunny bumped against the second-story glass, Bakugou spun around with a fierce snarl, immediately facing the direction of the noise. I tried my best to keep up with the lively scene unfolding on the various cameras, but three minutes later, it was Bakugou poised at a corner, Ida confidently holding the briefcase and pacing briskly in a room, and the team Pink Bunny making their way through the expansive building with steady determination.

Since we couldn't even hear what they were chatting about, my attention drifted. I glanced around and noticed that most of the class felt the same way, either whispering to their teammates or fiddling with parts of their hero outfits. When I looked back at Kyoka and Kaminari, I saw that Kaminari had abandoned his flirty attempts and was now tinkering with his metallic belt, pulling out batteries from the small pouches and—zap! Right, he has an electricity quirk, how cool!

Next to him, Kyoka stood in her black and purple jumpsuit, her mind seemed miles away as she absentmindedly twirled her jack with one hand, her arms crossed over her chest. Her outfit's yellow headphones hung around her neck, forgotten. I absolutely love her leather jacket with the music notes—it's perfect for that punk rock vibe she's rocking!

Ignoring the rest of my classmates, I decided to scope out the competition. Todoroki and Shoji caught my eye. Both were focused on the screens, with Shoji, the larger of the two, turning his spare limbs into multiple eyestalks to check all the screens at once. Imagining those turning into fists made me pause for a second. Well, I'm definitely going to have to stay on my toes and outsmart him!

Todoroki stood there with his usual calm demeanor, his arms confidently crossed over the chest of his snazzy asymmetrical blue and white bodysuit. The left side of his suit was a crisp white while the right side was a vibrant light blue, clashing playfully with his half-red hair. Next to Soji, he might not seem as imposing, but let's not forget those massive ice pillars he conjured for the long jump. He's definitely the powerhouse of that team!

Just as I was about to brainstorm with Tanya on how we were going to tackle these two, I noticed the buzz in the air as everyone perked up, eyes glued to the screens. Turning to look, I saw a countdown ticking away, twelve minutes left, and Bakugou hot on Midoriya's trail through the building. My eyes quickly spotted a slightly singed Uraraka dashing up the stairs to the third floor, where Ida was.

I leaned over to Tanya and chirped confidently, "Catch me up! What did I miss?"

Tanya turned to me and raised a brow before continuing, "Well. Bakugou was waiting at the staircase and jumped on Midoriya with an explosion. Midorya pushed Uraraka out of the way and then when Bakugou came at him again Midorya flipped him on his back. He told Uraraka to run and is now leading Bakugou away from the girl. He is probably going to knock out Bakugou as soon as he is in a room that is far enough away from the staircase."

I nodded enthusiastically, mentally upgrading Midoriya's strength ranking in the class! I mean, I knew he was strong from that epic ball throw, but who knew he could fight too? I totally thought he was just a glass cannon type. The chase was on, with Bakugou giving it his all, trying to slow down Midoriya with explosions. But guess what? He ended up slowing himself down instead! Midoriya was dodging like a pro, weaving around corners and rolling under explosions, like he had some super sense about where they'd land without even looking! Meanwhile, Uraraka finally discovered the room where Ida was, and she stealthily snuck inside. Ida must have heard her, though, because he started striking dramatic poses and pointing right at her. And then, boom, the next chase began! Ida zoomed out of the room with Uraraka hot on his heels, racing as fast as she could. This exhilarating action continued for another minute before All Might chimed in again.

"The Villain team has only eight minutes remaining!"

Uraraka halted her pursuit of Ida in one of the rooms, deciding to take a curious glance around. Her eyes sparkled as she spotted a gigantic box and dashed over to it with enthusiasm. Ida seized this opportunity to catch his breath, appearing to burst into a theatrical laugh—until it abruptly ended when he saw the girl effortlessly lift the massive fifteen-foot metal box and plop it right in front of the door. The camera wobbled as the concrete beneath the box fractured. The girl was positively glowing with confidence. You go, girl!

"I wonder what her weight limit is." the shorter girl muttered next to me.

I do as well, I refuse to not be the strongest girl in class!

Mina spoke up from the side towards All Might, "So… There is a fifteen minute timer, and the hero team has no idea where the briefcase is. Sure Uraraka found it with Ida, but that is only because he wasn't really trying to hide… The Hero team is at a huge disadvantage here."

All Might took a second to respond, "Real Pro Heros have to outwit villains on a daily basis. Especially when the odds are not in our favor. That's life. As a hero it is our job to fight on despite that!"

With newfound confidence from his words, the class eagerly nodded and turned their attention back to the thrilling fights. Ida, unable to find an escape route, played an energetic game of keep away with Uraraka, who was cheerfully picking up any debris she could find to chuck at the speedy hero-in-training. Bakugou and Midoriya, taking a break from their intense battle, were engaged in a spirited exchange, with Bakugou animatedly shaking his gauntlets while shouting at Midoriya. Another minute ticked by, and Uraraka, still keeping a keen eye on the panting Ida, said something into her earpiece. Midoriya's response seemed to trigger an explosive reaction in Bakugou, who suddenly erupted into a fit of shouting, aiming his gauntlet dramatically at Midoriya.

"Bakugou, stop–" All Might yelled into the mic, as the crazed explosive boy charged Midoriya who stood tensed ready to meet him head on.

Admirable! But from how the fight was unfolding, it more resembled an eager wolf pouncing towards its prey! Suddenly, the cameras fizzled and popped as a dazzling wall of fire whooshed toward the ever-energetic Bunny Boy! The room became a playground of swirling smoke, while All Might tuned into the playful chatter coming from the radio. When the smoke decided to play hide-and-seek and vanished, there was a gigantic hole near Midoriya, who had expertly hopped out of harm's way! The floor was a tad bit less fortunate, crumbling beneath the triumphant Bakugou.

Seeing that his target survived, he aimed his other gauntlet at the boy. Midoriya was yelling something, and despite whatever he said Bakugou's crazed grin didn't waver.

"Bakugou, If you use that again you will—"

Bakugou's hand's earlier had light up with small explosives seemingly in preparation, but they were nothing compared to the wall of fire and smoke that exploded from his hands towards the bunny boy, who this time was charging right at him.

Then the cameras shut off.

All around the room there were gasps and coughs as we all heard the explosion from here.

All Might disappeared a moment later.

"... Did Bakugou just kill Midoriya?" Mineta asked from the front, his voice shaking.

There was a dry chuckle from beside me, and Tanya looked over the class, "For his own sake he better hope not… Now everyone keep calm, and wait to hear back from our teacher… We are at U.A. I doubt that they would allow someone with bad intentions into the hero course so don't think badly of your fellow classmates."

Most people nodded, though there were a few who seemed a bit reluctant to agree. I was one of them, of course! A minute or so passed, with everyone either wide-eyed in shock at what they just witnessed or tapping their feet impatiently for any updates. That's when Mineta's squeaky voice piped up, "So… Can we all agree to not go that hard in our matches?"

As if. If you were my opponent—

"That would be counterproductive to being a Hero wouldn't it?" Tanya interrupted my thoughts.

"If you want to be a hero, villains are not going to take it easy on you are they? Try your hardest and don't hold anything back… Now that isn't to say you should kick someone that is on the ground, we are here to be heroes not villains after all. But don't you dare not try your best in these tests… What as the school motto again? Say it with me—"

"Plus Ultra! Well said Young Yamada."

The door swung open and All Might returned. Behind him, Bakugou, Uraraka, and Tenya walked or stumbled in with various scuffs and bruises beginning to form on the visible parts of their costumes.

"Now I'm sure you all have questions, but first things first, young Midoriya is currently injured but that was due to his own quirk breaking a few bones in his hand, he will make a full recovery and be able to review the lesson when he returns."

Some of the class let out a breath of relief.

"For your awareness all heroic lessons are recorded for teacher review so he will not miss anything. Before we open this up to the class to discuss what went well and did not in this trial let me begin by explaining why the hero team lost."

"Wait the Heroes lost? How? Villains always lose— and Ida had the briefcase at the end!" Mineta calls out.

"As much as we would all love to believe that the villains always lose, we must face reality: sometimes they do win. Even when captured and jailed, villains might have already achieved their goals," All Might declares, turning to the class with resolve. "Take a moment to reflect on this. A single civilian harmed, a building damaged, or an injury to you—these are victories for the villains. A hero's true triumph lies in preventing any harm from occurring in the first place." All Might's voice is firm, yet filled with hope, as he looks at the group with a determined gaze.

"Villains can and do triumph occasionally. It's crucial for you to understand the villain's perspective because they are human beings, too. What motivates someone to choose villainy? How close do you think some of your beloved heroes have come to crossing that line? We've placed heroes on a pedestal as paragons of virtue and light, but remember, we are all human, and humans can have flaws." All Might turned from the class to focus on the three students who had followed him inside.

"Young Bakugou."

The boy merely scoffed in response.

"Young man, I must remind you that in this class, I am not just any civilian you might encounter outside. I am your teacher, and I remain the Number One Hero. My achievements deserve respect." All Might addressed Bakugou firmly, watching as the young man's face cycled through various emotions before he stood tall, meeting All Might's gaze with defiance.

"Though not perfect, this is a marked improvement. We'll delve into presentation and public awareness later in the year, so I won't mark you down for behavior right now. However, I will say that your conduct today is the reason you lost."

"What?!" Bakugou's hands sparked with his quirk, but All Might fixed him with a stern glare.

Bakugou's quirk simmered down, though he was visibly seething.

"There is no justification for what occurred today. You disregarded a specific directive from me, which could have endangered a classmate's life. You were warned, and you even stated what?"

"…"

"If I don't hit him, he won't die."

The class gaped at Bakugou, who turned his head away, feeling the weight of their judgment.

"That action could have led to a casualty through excessive force. As heroes, the use of deadly force is a grave matter. As a student, your decision to resort to it, even in defense of your objective, makes me consider suspending your use of support gear until you demonstrate ethical responsibility."

All Might pressed a few buttons to display moments when Bakugou's support items were utilized. "As your teacher, here's some advice. Those support items are quite bulky. You might want to consider a smaller sweat storage model. It will reduce property damage and potential for excessive force, while offering you a lighter unit for swifter movements."

He waited a moment for his words to be registered before turning towards us.

"Does anyone have any thoughts about how his use of quirk was also dangerous overall for everyone if this was a real scenario."

The class looked around and I could feel Tanya wanted to say something but held herself back. I pushed the shy girl forward and All Might turned to her.

She turned her head slightly but then raised her hand. All Might nodded at her and she spoke, "His quirk was causing the building to collapse. Depending on where he hit he could have caused the building to blow up the entire block."

"Excuse you Tweety!" The explosive boy was outraged and at the insinuation, but a hand on his shoulder from All Might prevented him from moving.

"His quirk could have triggered a chain reaction if it had struck the right support beam or main pillar. Not to mention, he was operating without full visibility. As heroes, when entering a villain hideout, we are venturing into an unfamiliar environment. We are unaware if the villains have brought explosive materials in, or if there are any hostages present. Even when defending a location, such as in this scenario, there could be civilians on other floors."

"Explosives are generally used by authorities to breach a door and are then set aside for smaller tools like tasers or batons. Explosives tend to cause excessive damage. This is why the military during wartime handled explosives with caution. For example, in World War Two, bombs had to be handled with extreme care, with factors such as temperature being considered. Whether too hot, too cold, during an earthquake, or the speed of transport, everything was monitored as anything could trigger a bomb. We need to be conscious of what our abilities can do and how they might impact everything around us," Tanya explained, pointing to the damage Bakugou caused, which All Might displayed on the screen behind him.

The once eight story building, now displaying a large hole in the wall, and the upper floors mostly a hollowed shell.

"Flawlessly explained, Young Yamada. Young Bakugou, your Quirk is undeniably powerful, but today it showed us that true heroism sometimes means holding back. Remember, sometimes saving lives or protecting what matters most requires you not to use your Quirk at all. Even your homeroom teacher, Mr. Aizawa, exemplifies this when he patrols and fights without relying on his power most nights."

All Might then turned to Tenya. "Young Tenya, you might also consider exploring a new approach to your uniform and support gear. I see you proudly carry on your family's legacy with the Shining White Knight look. That heroic image harks back to a classical era of valor, but I must point out—despite my many conversations with your brother—that a bulky design can hinder your speed. Imagine the sleek silhouette of a racing car, the rush of the air past a streamlined form. Today, anyone could hear your footsteps and see you if the sun hits your gear just right. You're a brilliant, radiant beacon, but as a speedster, exploring a sleeker design might help you harness the true essence of your power."

With a swift flourish of his marker, All Might sketched a quick contrast—a car cutting through the wind versus the boxy shape of Tenya's current costume. "Study the heroes of old, the classical champions who embodied swiftness. It's perfectly fine to break from family tradition in pursuit of greater strength."

He shifted his focus. "I'd also recommend learning the art of relaxation. Burnout is a serious concern for every hero. You don't have to shoulder the entire burden of the world at once. Embrace heroics day by day. Our line of work often means taking rotating shifts—you won't always be on duty unless an extraordinary situation demands it. Always remember to care for yourself as well as others."

Turning to the last student, All Might continued, "Now, Young Uraraka, I truly have little criticism for you. Your Quirk is exceptionally well-suited for the situation at hand, though your execution could use a bit more finesse. Perhaps you might consider additional physical training—self-defense and dynamic movement classes—to enhance your agility during combat. There are excellent clubs after school for further growth, and I'll post the list in your homeroom after today's lesson."

All Might then addressed the entire class, "I know you're curious about the finale. Let me explain: Young Midoriya, among all the students in the first round, managed to hold back his Quirk the longest. In a masterful move, his final act—the precise gesture of 'slapping the air'—redirected Bakugou's explosive force upward. This controlled burst broke through five floors of concrete, sending Ida tumbling downward. Thanks to the clear communication he maintained with Uraraka, she was mostly unaffected, swiftly grabbing the briefcase and leaping out through the now open windows."

He paused, giving every student a moment to envision the heroic scene, before turning his encouraging gaze toward Tanya and me. "For the upcoming groups, please remember: consider property damage, the measured use of force, and the thoughtful application of your Quirks."

With a bright smile and a resounding thumbs up, he declared towards me and Tanya, "You're up!"

I clenched my fist in a burst of inspirational energy and roared, "Let's go!"

The Argent Voice: Echo, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #6

Earlier

I prepared myself to open my briefcase with a sigh.

As I handled the latches, a sense of anxiety and irritation crept in. I was well aware of what was inside, having spent considerable time debating the design with Mita. I'd like to believe I retained the strength and discipline of my previous life, but the prospect of wearing the uniform made me realize I lacked the discipline to be happy about things I didn't want to do.

Taking a deep breath, I finally opened the briefcase to reveal the neatly folded uniform. I quickly assessed the contents: Padded shirt, armored jacket, helmet, visor, boots, and pants.

I paused to examine the uniform, noting the familiar green jacket and trousers, with the epaulets on the shoulder a dull silver and lacking insignia, the memory of my former rank only in my mind.

The final design of the uniform was a compromise between what I managed to negotiate with Mita and what I had to concede… mostly the latter.

The outfit included a jacket and pants crafted from a synthesized kevlar/wool blend typical of modern hero attire, presented in a dark green color with a fitted waist and tailored cut. The jacket featured a high collar and four front pockets, with silver-tone buttons lining the front.

The pants included several pockets and were intended to be tucked into boots for ease of movement. I noted their functionality in the margins, as feminine clothing often has too many 'vanity pockets' for my preference.

To complete the ensemble, I would wear black combat boots, a black leather belt, and a silver-tone buckle.

Beneath the jacket, for additional protection, I had a replica of my old flight suit, a padded shirt with long sleeves providing support to my wrists and elbows. It was secured with a red neck scarf, in line with the Japanese uniform tradition of my current residence.

The headgear was designed to distinguish it from the standard army helmet, featuring a peaked cap with the brim turned up on one side, reminiscent of my previous life's officer's cap but adorned with an imperial star and a red streak instead of the Reichsadler I was accustomed to.

I paused, my hand hovering over the uniform, aware that I had no option. Refusing to wear something I specifically requested would certainly attract attention. I had to put it on and face the day, despite my reluctance.

With a final heavy sigh, I retrieved the jacket from the briefcase, feeling the coarse kevlar fabric beneath my fingers.

As I removed the jacket from the briefcase, I was taken aback to find it reaching down to my knees. My eye twitched slightly upon discovering the sketch taped underneath the spot where the jacket had been. The final design had been submitted as requested, but with some unapproved edits from Mita. The jacket was actually a dress, flaring out into a skirt, with the belt meant to cinch the waist of the jacket-dress.

I frowned at the situation. I never liked wearing feminine clothes, despite the few occasions I was required to wear the formal dress uniform in my previous life or when the Princess chose to dress me up for war propaganda photos…

I never did get to keep those dresses afterward.

As I put on the jacket, I felt the uniform's weight on my shoulders, symbolizing the duty and responsibility of a hero. The armor could be lighter, but it serves its purpose.

I checked myself over, ensuring all the parts were correctly in place.

What will happen to this uniform when I'm no longer in the course? Will I get to keep it? If so, I should frame it as a reminder of the complex and challenging times I live in now, another obstacle from Being X overcome.

With that thought, I followed my classmates outside, letting their conversations surround me.

Now

All Might led us to a building that looked almost identical to the one that Bakugou destroyed last round.

When we arrived outside, All Might pulled a briefcase from… somewhere nearby and handed it to me.

He moves incredibly fast at times.

He handed Toru and me two blue earbuds and a building map along with the briefcase. We headed inside quickly, leaving the other team and All Might outside.

Toru—Invisifist followed behind me silently—her bright costume outshining the lights…

"Toru, hit the lights as we pass them—turn it all off." "Okay!"

It's nice to have subordinates that don't questi— "So why are we doing that?"

Never mind, "Our goal is to prevent the retrieval team from getting what's in this case, yes? So, the longer it takes them, the better. Anything we can do to slow them down, even briefly, is worth it."

By the way her costume moved; I assumed she was nodding along.

We continued through the halls, Toru walking alongside me. At the same time, I looked at the map and directed Toru to all the light controls, turning everything off as we moved up.

By the time All Might declared we had one minute remaining, we were on the fifth floor. I turned to the center of attention and almost closed my eyes as even in the dark, with only the windows giving light, she was bright.

Honestly, I would prefer it if it didn't do that. Toru's outfit is a brightly colored and eye-catching outfit that makes her stand out like a sore thumb. She wears a color-changing, currently hot pink and gold bodysuit with glittering metallic accents. The suit is form-fitting and emphasizes her curves, giving her even more of an attention-grabbing appearance.

She was also wearing a pair of large boots with flashing sparkling lights to further enhance her visibility. Her arms are bare; however, she is wearing two large blue gloves with a large bracelet and thin wires connecting to her back from the bracelets- Which, from her earlier demonstration, controls all the lights…

"Toru… Can you turn off all the lights and everything?" Hopefully she could actually blend in with the walls or something.

I wasn't expecting a giggle in response to that.

"Oh… I can do soooo much more." She clicked a button, and I couldn't help the sharp grin that almost split my face.

She would make an excellent hero in the future if she thought of this already.

I told her what I came up with.

Shoto Todoroki, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #15

I observed the artificial office edifice before me, my eight-limbed associate poised alongside.

When All Might guided us to the structure and provided the earbuds, he explained our role as villains, which was somewhat unsatisfactory. Nevertheless, he advised us to consider it as an exercise in heroism, retrieving stolen assets.

My classmate beside me interrupted my contemplation, "So what's the plan—" I cut him off, "You will remain in the rear while I encase the room in ice. Once they are immobilized, we will secure the briefcase." It is a straightforward and efficient strategy, one that will undoubtedly demonstrate my capabilities to All Might.

"What do you mean stay back? We need to work together."

No. "Your involvement would merely impede the process. Therefore, just adhere to my direction." It is a rudimentary task. I surveyed the surroundings for alternate points of entry and elected to pursue Midoriya's plan of the second-floor window.

"Right… I'm going to help you whether you like it or not." You will simply hinder my efforts, so...

"And the Villain team can start!"

"No, you're not." As All Might's voice faded, my attention shifted to my hand.

I shot a wave of ice to the front door. Promptly locking the entrance with my ice. I fashioned an ice pillar beneath me, elevating myself to the second floor. The window, conveniently unlocked, allowed for a straightforward entry.

Upon entering the building via the second story, I commenced my task.

The subdued lighting suggested the enemy opted to extinguish the lights. From such conduct, it is reasonable to deduce they intend a surprise assault.

Recalling their attire, I anticipate Yamada might succeed. The luminous lights and garish material on Hagakure will be conspicuous even under these muted conditions.

I proceed with measured care through the dimly lit area towards the door, discerning only the faint thud of Soji's fist impacting my ice outside.

With ice at the ready, I opened the door to the hallway—not a soul in sight. I cautiously extended my gaze to the right—nothing. I crouched and peered to the left—nothing.

My footsteps resonate through the vacant space as I methodically inspect and clear each room on the floor before ascending the staircase.

It was upon reaching the fourth floor that I detected it. A gentle rustling. Swiftly, I retreat to a corner, my training instinctively engaged, eyes scanning the right side, chill seeping in as I prepare my ice—eyes flitting from shadow to shadow with each cautious glance around the corner—never at a consistent height.

A door comes into view—not entirely shut—a trap.

I advanced with measured steps, entering the adjacent room through the open doorway.

Facing the wall, I quietly counted down, calming my breath.

This was the moment.

The opportunity to demonstrate to All Might and my father that I could succeed without relying on his fire. That—

Why am I feeling so... fatigued...

Before my eyes could fully process her presence, I detected her—a low, barely audible hum resonating from a diminutive figure crouched by the doorframe. I unleashed the ice I had been preparing towards the indistinct silhouette.

Everything faded to black as my eyes closed, but a curse rang out, and suddenly, my energy was restored, leaving me momentarily unsteady.

What was that—

Driven by instinct, I pivoted sharply, sensing an attack—a fist—glancing past me, narrowly missing. I swiftly regained composure and sent forth a wave of frost.

I perceived its presence before it became visible—a frosted, white fist collided with my cheek, sending me reeling. Recognizing the strike, I scarcely had time to block another jab aimed at my nose.

I managed to lift my leg just in time to intercept the impending kick.

What ensued was a barrage of erratic, untrained punches and kicks from the faintly visible figure of Hagakure, whose presence was betrayed by a delicate frost.

Her relentless assault hindered my attempts to retaliate with ice, yet the subtle veil of snow provided enough visibility to track her movements, despite her suit's attempts at camouflage.

Invisifist, exploiting her stealth and the element of surprise, persistently sought an opportunity to land a more decisive blow.

Sloppy.

Recalling my training, I deftly maneuvered around her crude strikes, seeking to unbalance her and create an opening to freeze her.

In the midst of this exchange, I succeeded only in reactivating her suit, with its distracting array of lights and sparkles.

It dawned on me that I had neglected the presence of a third individual in the room. Time seemed to decelerate as my heart rate accelerated—a resonant pulse filling the confined space.

With a sudden surge of energy, I narrowly evaded a kick as Invisifist and Echo retreated into the shadows, leaving me stunned.

I pursued the direction of Yamada's sounds, expecting them to lead me to her easily. Yet, as her singing ceased, I was greeted only by an empty hallway and an adjacent open room.

Cautiously, I approached the doorway, staying just beyond reach. Listening intently, I was met with a derisive snort in response to my efforts.

I surveyed the scene, my senses heightened, striving to ascertain their whereabouts.

As I listened intently, the faintest sound of Invisifist's giggling reached his ears. "You can't hide from me." I called out towards the room.

"Who says I am hiding?" came the taunting voice of the Invisible girl.

I narrow his focus based on where the sound is. She should be right behind the door. Making up my mind, I kick open the door and freeze. Everything.

The feeling of victory washed over me as the form of the girl became visible in a block of ice.

I kept my cold arm on her, slowly thickening the ice and ignoring her complaints. Looking around as I froze her, I asked, "Where is the briefcase?"

"Right—" just as a sharp pain flared in my head, and I found myself abruptly on the floor. "HERE!"

Before I could fully comprehend the situation, another impact struck my head.

And yet another.

Then—

Darkness.

The Center of Attention: Invisifist, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #16

Minutes earlier

Tanya—Echo— had this fabulous plan, and I just knew it was going to lead us to victory! The idea was simple: we'd stash the briefcase in the corner, and I'd plop down on it, covering my ears. As soon as anyone popped in, Tanya would sing them to sleep with her magical voice. If that didn't work, I'd swoop in and knock them out from behind.

But, surprise, surprise—it didn't go as planned.

I spotted Todoroki coming down the hallway right away, thanks to my makeshift chair that gave me a perfect view. When he ducked into the room next to ours, we switched up the plan.

I gave Echo the signal, passed her the briefcase, and snuck into the room behind Todoroki as he psyched himself up.

Suddenly, I felt this serene feeling wash over me. I plugged my ears, almost yawning, but when Todoroki sent a wave of ice toward Echo, I sprang into action!

For a second, I was stunned when he dodged, but I quickly went for him again. My knuckles stung from cracking his nose, so I added a little kick—

I barely ducked as he swiped at me, ice shards glistening across my arms.

I glanced over to see Echo clawing at her arm stuck in the icy doorway.

Todoroki seemed distracted, so I took another swing at him.

Pay. Attention. To. Me.

I clicked my wrists and turned all my lights back on, and the next few moments were a rush of adrenaline and energy, hurling punches and jabs at Todoroki.

Frustratingly, he kept deflecting my attacks and spinning out snow, frost clinging to my now-flashing outfit. I made sure he couldn't point his palm at me, constantly moving and swinging.

Then I heard a crack and saw Echo had broken free from the doorway. Her bright "Let's go!" was my cue to follow her.

With a final kick at Todoroki, I dashed out of the room. Echo pointed to our original hiding spot as she sprinted down the hallway, and I dove into the room.

This is so exciting!

That stray thought nearly made me laugh, but I kept my cool.

Letting loose and fighting—who knew I'd love it this much?

"You can't hide from me."

I giggled, "Who said I was hiding?"

I'm the star distraction, after all!

Then, everything turned icy.

A blast of cold air slammed into me, making me stumble. Before I could fall, something caught me—only for a numbing chill to spread up my legs. I shivered, realization hitting me. Ice. Todoroki had frozen me in place, his beam of cold thickening the walls around me as I struggled.

"Where is the briefcase?"

My gaze flicked upward just in time to see Tanya, small but fierce, hoisting the briefcase high above her head.

Adrenaline kicked in, and I could practically feel the satisfyingthudbefore it happened—

"Right—HERE!"

The briefcase cracked against Todoroki's skull with a sickening smack. He crumpled instantly. Tanya didn't hesitate, swinging again, then a third time for good measure.

"Uh. Tanya?" I chimed in, watching her lift the briefcase once more.

She paused mid-swing, tilting her head with an innocent blink. "Yes?"

"Didn't you say something about not kicking people when they're down?"

Her cheeks flushed crimson, and I couldn't help but burst into laughter, despite the circumstances.

She huffed and turned to me, muttering about getting me out of the ice. She barely had time to chip away at the frozen casing before the room shifted. A presence—massive, fast—came barreling toward us.

Shoji.

The towering boy rushed in like a force of nature, and Tanya barely had time to spin before he was upon her. Unlike Todoroki, Shoji wasn't going down with a well-aimed smack to the skull.

Tanya didn't run.

Shelunged.

She ducked under Shoji's first swing, twisting on her heel and aiming a sharp kick at his side. It barely made him flinch. His multiple arms lashed out, and she weaved between them, swift and determined. She struck out again, this time swinging the briefcase, but Shoji caught it mid-air, yanking it from her grasp with raw power.

Tanya didn't let go.

She held onto the handle, using the momentum to launch herself upward. For a split second, she was eye level with him, aiming a wild punch straight for his face.

Shoji's counter was brutal.

One of Shoji's arms snatched Tanya from midair, while another swung her around, slamming her into the nearest wall. She let out a sharp gasp as her body crumpled to the floor, yet somehow—against all logic—she still clung to the briefcase with a death grip.

I shouted her name, but all she managed was a weak groan, dazed but unwilling to let go.

Shoji stood tall, the briefcase firmly in his grasp, and attempted to shake Tanya off like a stubborn leech. He pulled, twisted, even tried to pry her fingers away, but she refused to budge. A flicker of frustration crossed his face.

Then, with a resigned sigh, he simply turned and bolted.

Tanya's body dragged across the floor, her hands still wrapped around the case like her life depended on it. She yelped, kicking and scrambling, but Shoji didn't slow down.

"Well. Shit."

Before either of us could react, All Might's booming voice cut through the commotion.

"The Hero Team wins!"

The Argent Voice: Echo, Hero Student, 1-A Seat #6

I followed closely behind the shivering and wet Toru, rubbing my side.

After we exited, All Might handed each of us a towel, and a stretcher-bearing robot transported the unconscious Todoroki to Recovery Girl.

Fortunately, no one commented on my use of the briefcase—though, in all fairness, it should have been anticipated when untrained students were placed in a battle royal against each other.

Aside from Toru's light teasing, I doubt I'll hear much more about it.

Shoji offered an apology at the exit, but I dismissed it gracefully. While it did bruise my pride to be defeated so easily, it does serve to demonstrate to the teachers that I'm perhaps not cut out for this line of work.

Upon returning to the room, we found everyone engaged in an argument, and, as before, All Might attempted to capture everyone's attention by flexing.

"Why do the girls keep losing?" Mina complained, crossing her arms.

"Todoroki had a superior quirk in this instance."

"Yes, but Tanya and Toru managed to take him down in the end! They should have won."

"They overlooked their opponent. As did the rest of you. This assignment is not a two-against-one scenario. Yamada's team's downfall was forgetting Todoroki had support or the potential for backup," All Might interjected, and the class finally noticed our presence. "Young Shoji, what do you think could have been improved?"

Shoji crossed his arms, "I believe I did well, considering the circumstances. Just like the previous team, Todoroki disregarded me and decided to fight one-on-two, leaving me at spawn. This forced me to attempt to sneak in alone and hope for the best. While we still won, in a real situation, I could have been ganked by the two if they were waiting at the checkpoint."

"Whoa, gamer, bro," Denki whispered to Kirishima, who nodded.

"The fact that your teammate abandoned you because of his 'Superior' quirk ultimately led to his downfall," All Might nodded. "All quirks can be powerful students. Throughout my life, I have seen many quirks do amazing things. I remember a quirk that allowed someone to turn on lights simply by touching them. Sounds like a 'weak' quirk, doesn't it? However, when that individual attached a light to a glove, they became LazerPoint. With that glove, they committed several bank, museum, and store robberies with minimal casualties and damages, other than some blindings and dismemberments."

All Might looked over the class while talking,

"Your quirk is just a tool. Using items to hone your ability or using things to help you get by does not make you weak, nor does the lack of support gear make you strong. Your homeroom teacher uses tools, Midnight uses tools, Present Mic, Snipe, the list is endless. Do not ever put down a fellow hero or villain for the tools they use; that will be your own downfall." All Might said to the student before turning to look at Toru.

"Hagakure, where do you think your team went wrong?"

The suit moved in exaggerated motion as she waved her arms. "We got a bit too fixated on the enemy right in front of us, didn't we? Once Echo had Todoroki all sorted, I should have helped more to get me out of there and had me keep an eye on her back. That way, no surprises for us! I was just too busy laughing." Toru said, signaling to the scene.

"Well said. It is important to remain aware of your surroundings while staying focused on the present dangers. You encountered an enemy but overlooked the knowledge you already possessed. Despite being aware that the team had two opponents, you forgot about Young Shoji. Nonetheless, you did a commendable job neutralizing the target you did have. Your invisibility effectively conceals your strength, my dear. I would suggest leveraging that." With a nod, he turned to me, "Young Yamada, do you have anything else to add?"

"I should have been better prepared for the second opponent. I was distracted while attempting to free Toru and failed to notice the sound of Shoji approaching due to my lack of awareness. It was an oversight that cost my partner the win." I maintained a neutral expression and tone, despite feeling frustrated. How did I lose that fight? If it had been a real situation, the outcome could have been dire.

What a waste.

The only positive aspect is that it demonstrates effort despite failure.

"It's not necessary to feel disparaged." All Might, apparently having seen what I am feeling, "Although your quirk suited the situation, you and Young Hakagure were both outmatched in strength. I think the two of you would make excellent underground heroes. Despite the odds being against you, you used your quirks effectively." Despite the words of encouragement, I could see Toru beside me tightening her gloved fist, "Keep in mind that you and your classmates are still learning. It does not matter whether you have a Hero family member or previous training... at U.A., you are still learning from the ground up."

He spoke more sternly for a moment, "The bad habits you may have formed prior to coming here will also have to be worked on." I recalled how he must have watched me beat Todoroki's head in on the ground and clenched my jaw.

With a smile, All Might turned to address the rest of the class, "We are all here to enjoy what we do. Laugh, smile, and crack a joke. It is the best kind of hero that makes the people around them feel safe and distracts them from the horrors around them. Heroes of today were shaped by classic hero stories from the early years of quirks. There will be more information about those heroes in history."

"Now with that said, next teams! You're up!"

I sighed, approached a chair, and sat down.

The remainder of the matches turned into intense contests, highlighting which class members had the potential for improvement. The two animal mutants, Tokoyami and Asui, faced off against Kirishima and Sero. Asui demonstrated the versatility of her "Frog" abilities by swiftly scaling the building walls.

However, Tokoyami's Dark Shadow secured the victory for their team.

The following match featured Kaminari and Jiro against Yaoyorozu and Mineta.

During this match, Kaminari exhibited his scattered focus. He spent most of the round chatting with Kyoka, who was uninterested. After the scantily clad Creati used a cannon to breach their room, Kaminari discharged enough electricity to short-circuit himself.

Even Mineta used his adhesive hair balls more effectively, managing to catch and immobilize Kyoka's earphone jacks.

Note to self: Do not touch Mineta's balls. They are not bouncy; they are sticky.

The final match of the day was Ashido and Aoyama against Sato and Koda.

Koda spent the match following Sato's lead, trying to evade Ashido's Acid and Aoyama's laser attacks. This match lasted the longest of the day. Eventually, Ashido used her acid as a lubricant to slide faster than the two tired boys could run, quickly catching up to them.

At some point during the matches, Midoriya returned with his hand in plaster.

Overall, the "Villains" won almost every match.

"Great effort, everyone!" All Might announced, standing amidst the students with an approving smile. His blue eyes sparkled with pride, and his blond hair danced in the afternoon breeze. "Remember, heroes aren't made in a day. It's a journey of perseverance and grit."

His words were met with assenting nods and murmurs from the students, their faces etched with respect and admiration for the number one hero.

"But before you all head off," All Might added, turning his attention towards his son, who was resting on a chair, "Midoriya, Yamada, I believe you two have a unique task to undertake; make sure to head straight there after changing!"

Right. I looked over to Izuku who nodded towards me.

"We remember, All Might," Izuku confirmed for us.

"I hope you two see this as a chance to learn," All Might advised, his tone firm but supportive. "Heroism isn't just about combating evil. It's about aiding others, collaborating effectively, and absorbing lessons from your errors."

I nodded, already accepting the inevitable, "We understand, All Might."

With that, All Might gave a final nod and said to everyone in his booming voice, "Strive to be the best heroes you can be, just as you would in our training sessions. Remember, Plus Ultra!"

And he quickly disappeared through an open window.

The class followed and headed to our respective changing rooms.

The atmosphere in the locker room was much calmer than the last time we showered after exercise. Everyone, in varying stages of exhaustion, made their way to the showers to wash off the sweat—Yaoyorozu once again produced soap and towels for everyone with her quirk. I suppose I will soon have a collection of these overly soft towels.

Fortunately, I didn't have to share my shower this time. Within a few minutes, I was waiting outside for Midoriya. With a wave goodbye to Kyoka and Toru, we proceeded toward the lunchroom.

Midoriya remained quiet, adjusting his cast and keeping an arm's length away as we walked. I chose not to disrupt his thoughts. Instead, I focused on unlocking my phone to message Mita.

I looked at the modern smartphone, a sleek device that still felt unfamiliar despite my understanding of its functions. I missed the straightforwardness of a simple radio. Pressing the side buttons brought up the vivid, high-definition display. Icons and notifications started appearing.

Back in my day, we just had a knob to turn on the radio.

Sliding my finger across the screen once, then twice, I unlocked the phone. Clicking the red box with a small four in its corner opened the messaging app, showing a list of various texts.

Clicking the top one labeled Bestest Caretaker 3, I noticed that Mita changed her name again and my eye twitched.

-We are going to talk when you get home, Young Lady.

-Getting in trouble on the first day

-With a boy, no less!

-I'm so proud 3

…How do you delete these things?

I placed the phone in my pocket, choosing to ignore it for the moment.

Upon arriving at Lunch Rush, we were informed that before working on the wall for our detention, we would be attending a meeting with the class presidents from each course and year.

Lunch Rush guided us to the meeting room, which was filled with the quiet buzz of conversation as students gathered. Midoriya, standing next to me, adjusted his tie nervously, his hand wrapped in bandages from today's exercise. I realized I needed to help him relax.

"Midoriya, take a deep breath. You're representing our class; let's make sure we do well."

Remembering this, he seemed to regain his composure, clenching his fists slightly.

Well, good enough.

I led us to our seats near the front. Shortly after, the upper-class president arrived, her bright blue hair standing out in the formal setting. Despite her distinctive appearance, she appeared to be a typical popular high school student. "Thank you all for coming," she said, her voice carrying through the room. "We're here to discuss our roles and plans for the upcoming sports festival and introduce ourselves to the new presidents of our underclassmen."

There was a general murmur of agreement. I noticed Midoriya tensing up again, so I gave him a small nudge to help him refocus.

The upperclassman continued, "Traditionally, the top scorer of the hero course entrance exam delivers the opening speech. However, this year's top scorer might… not… be the best choice for this occasion." A light round of laughter followed as I recalled they were referring to Bakugou.

It seemed Aizawa had informed them of his attitude.

"We need someone who not only scores high but also embodies the qualities of a hero. After today, we have the perfect candidate."

Her voice rose slightly as she spoke, exhibiting confidence in her delivery.

Suddenly, all eyes were on us. I turned to Midoriya, observing how the attention affected him, although he maintained a composed expression.

Realizing he wasn't going to speak up, likely due to nerves, I offered him a supportive smile. "Midoriya," I said, catching his eye, "you managed the lunch alarm incident very well. You're a strong leader and capable hero. You should give the opening speech."

Midoriya took a moment before standing and addressing the room. "I accept," he stated, his voice steady, "I will do my best to represent us all in the opening speech."

With his piece said, the room gave quiet applause. The upperclassman beamed at him, clapping her hands together. "That's settled then!" she exclaimed. "With Midoriya as our speaker, I'm sure this year's sports festival will succeed!"

The meeting went on, with Midoriya remaining quiet, likely pondering the speech he needed to prepare for in a few weeks.

The meeting was primarily an introduction session. The upperclassman introduced herself as Nejiro Hado, and the student representatives from Class 1-B introduced themselves: Itsuka Kendo and Yui Kodai. I attempted to remember names from the other courses, but mainly focused on the general education presidents, as they would be my superiors in the future: Kuwabara Kazuma and Yusuke Urameshi. Notably, there were no second-year hero student presidents because the class had been suspended for a year. I'd have to investigate that further.

After the brief meeting, we proceeded to Lunch Rush's cafeteria.

Upon entering, we found the room filled with at least ten students from various departments, all seated at tables with expressions of guilt and annoyance.

Lunch Rush, who had seemed friendly earlier, now stood at the front of the room with a more serious demeanor, arms crossed.

Seeing the teacher, Midoriya adopted a similar expression to the other students and sat at one of the long tables, his head bowed. I sat next to him, waiting.

Lunch Rush acknowledged our presence with a nod and addressed the room.

"Alright, listen up, you lot! You're here because you caused chaos in the lunchroom. Today, you'll be serving detention by fixing the mess you made. You'll be repainting the wall that was destroyed."

Lunch Rush indicates the newly reconstructed wall, thanks to Cementoss. The previously damaged section is now a plain gray surface, awaiting a new layer of paint.

"You'll work in pairs. Each pair will be provided with paint and brushes. Don't even think about slacking off or using your quirks, or I'll have you peeling potatoes for the rest of the year!"

Speaking softer, Lunch Rush gestured to a bowl beside him, "Your partner assignments will be chosen randomly. No complaints."

He moved around the room, instructing each student to select a slip. Midoriya glanced around, somewhat apprehensive, observing the other students as they unfolded their papers and announced names.

I picked up his mutterings next to me, "Please, let it be someone who won't make things worse."

I just looked down at my paper, IZUKU MIDORIYA written in bold.

Well, "Looks like luck is on your side, Midoriya."

Izuku's eyes widened in surprise.

Lunch Rush claps his hands, bringing attention back to him.

"Alright, you've got one hour. Get to work. If it's not done, you all will come back tomorrow."

The pairs swiftly separate, collecting paint cans and brushes. We move to an unoccupied section of the wall, pausing briefly to observe it.

Not wanting to waste any time, I picked up a brush and said to him, "Let's get started. Consider it training. A hero should always step in and restore order after a disaster."

Midoriya exhales deeply. With a resolute nod, he picks up a brush.

"You're right. Let's do our best and make it right."

Together, we dipped our brushes into the paint and started working. I concentrated on the lower half of the wall for no specific reason, while Izuku worked above me. Other students moved around, repairing different parts of the cafeteria that had been damaged. As time passed, we worked together in sync, our brushstrokes merging into a unified display of new color.

It was a rather relaxing way to end the school day.

AN:

Yertreally put in the work for me. 3