Izuku sat stiffly, his back pressed against the cool metal seat of the bus, trying to focus on anything other than the growing unease gnawing at his insides. Sweat trickled down the side of his face, and he wiped it away with the back of his hand, but the tension in his body refused to dissipate. The engine's low hum vibrated through his feet, a steady, monotonous noise that only heightened the anxiety in his chest.
The conversations around him blurred into a distant murmur, the voices of his classmates melding together in a sea of sound barely registered in his mind. They talked about the usual things—hero quirks, strategies, the rescue training that awaited them—but Izuku couldn't focus on their words. He was too preoccupied with the gnawing sensation in his gut, a feeling that something was terribly wrong.
The atmosphere on the bus was oddly serene, like the calm before a storm. It reminded him of the quiet that settles over everything just before the rain starts to pour, that heavy stillness in the air that makes your skin prickle. The smell of rain, though absent, lingered in his mind, a phantom scent that only added to his unease. It was the kind of day where the world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for something to break the silence.
Izuku's thoughts drifted to the last time he had been on a bus. The memory of the beast crashing through metal and glass, the screams, the blood—flashed through his mind like a cruel reminder of what could happen again. His fingers tightened around the edge of his seat, knuckles turning white. He doubted they were in any real danger this time, but the thought wouldn't leave him. Every bump in the road sent a jolt through his body, and every shadow cast by the passing trees made his heart skip a beat.
He glanced out the window, trying to calm himself by focusing on the passing landscape. The trees blurred together in a wash of green and brown, the occasional streak of sunlight piercing through the thick canopy above. It should have been soothing, but it only tightened the knot in his stomach. His eyes traced the path of the light, following it until it disappeared into the dense forest beyond. It felt like he was trying to catch something just out of reach, something that kept slipping through his fingers.
Izuku's gaze flickered to his classmates. They were relaxed, chatting and laughing, unaware of the storm inside him. Even Uraraka, who sat nearby, looked content as she engaged in light conversation with Asui. Izuku envied their ability to let go of their worries, if only for a moment. How could they be so calm when every instinct in his body was screaming at him to be on guard?
He caught a glimpse of Todoroki, sitting a few rows ahead, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. Something about Todoroki's presence made Izuku uneasy, like a looming shadow that was always there, just at the edge of his vision. Todoroki seemed so sure of himself, so controlled, which only made Izuku more aware of his internal chaos.
The bus hit a bump, jolting Izuku back to the present. He clenched his fists, trying to ground himself in the here and now. He needed to get a grip. This wasn't like him—losing focus, letting his mind spiral into dark places. He had trained for moments like this, trained to keep his emotions in check, to stay calm under pressure. But today, everything felt off, like the world was tilting just a little too far to one side. Minutes stretched into thirty as they wound their way toward the training site. Izuku's thoughts continued to race, bouncing from one fear to the next, each more irrational than the last. He could feel the heat behind his eyes intensifying, a familiar pressure he desperately tried to ignore. Not here. Not now.
The sound of laughter brought him back. Kaminari had cracked a joke, and the other students were laughing, their voices light and carefree. It was a stark contrast to the turmoil inside him, and for a moment, Izuku felt disconnected, like he was watching everything from a distance.
"You know, I don't think Bakugou would be a popular hero," Asui's voice cuts in. Izuku faced her. For some reason, Izuku wanted to hear the conversation.
"He's too angry and loud," she continued.
"What did you say, Froggy?" Katsuki roars. He's wearing the same costume he wore during the combat trials. He only had one of his gauntlets.
"What did you say, Froggy?" Katsuki snapped, glaring daggers at her.
Asui blinked slowly, unfazed by his outburst. "I said you're too aggressive to be popular," she repeated calmly. "People might find you scary."
"Who cares about being popular?" Katsuki retorted, crossing his arms. "All that matters is being the strongest hero."
Kaminari leaned in with a grin. "But isn't part of being a hero about inspiring people? You know, giving them hope?"
"Exactly," Kirishima chimed in. "And maybe smiling occasionally wouldn't hurt, Bakugou."
Katsuki scoffed, turning away. "I don't need advice from you extras."
Sitting a few rows ahead, Minato turned his head slightly to join the conversation. "Strength isn't just about power, Bakugou," he said thoughtfully. "A hero's true strength comes from their ability to connect with others."
Katsuki shot him a sharp look. "And what would you know about it, pretty boy?"
Minato smiled mildly. "Perhaps not much, but I've seen how people respond to kindness. It can be just as powerful as any quirk."
Izuku observed Minato carefully. Something about him didn't sit right. His demeanor was calm, almost too perfect. Izuku couldn't shake the feeling that Minato hid something behind that easy smile.
"You're one to talk about strength," Katsuki sneered. "You couldn't even keep up in the combat trial."
Minato's eyes flickered momentarily, a hint of amusement crossing his face. "Maybe not, but I learned a lot from it."
"Like what?" Sero asked, leaning over the back of his seat.
Minato glanced briefly at Izuku before replying. That some people can surprise you. Even without a flashy quirk, they can be formidable."
Izuku felt Minato's gaze and met his eyes briefly before looking away. Wary of the attention, he tightened his grip on his backpack.
"Are you talking about Midoriya?" Uraraka piped up, her eyes bright. "He was amazing during the trial!"
"Yeah, Deku was awesome!" Kirishima agreed, giving Izuku a thumbs-up.
Izuku felt heat rise to his cheeks. "I just did what I could," he mumbled.
Minato nodded. "Indeed. It was impressive."
Katsuki clicked his tongue in annoyance. "Don't make me laugh. Deku's just a quirkless loser pretending to be a hero."
The bus grew quiet. The tension was palpable.
"That's not fair, Bakugou" Asui said softly. "Midoriya has proven himself."
Katsuki's eyes narrowed. "Stay out of this."
Izuku took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. He didn't want this attention, especially not from Minato. There was something about how Minato watched him that set off alarm bells in his mind.
"Let's change the subject," Iida interjected, adjusting his glasses. We should focus on the upcoming rescue training."
"Agreed," Yaoyorozu added. "It's important we all work together."
The conversation shifted, but Izuku couldn't shake his unease. His instincts told him to be cautious around Minato, and how Minato acknowledged his abilities felt more than casual observation. It was as if he was being analyzed.
Izuku gazed out the window, letting the chatter fade into the background. He needed to stay focused. Whatever lay ahead at the training site, he had to be prepared.
"Midoriya," Minato's voice broke through his thoughts.
Izuku turned to find Minato now sitting beside him. He hadn't even noticed him move.
"Yes?" Izuku replied cautiously.
"I was wondering," Minato began, his tone polite, "where did you learn to fight like that?"
Izuku hesitated. "I... trained a lot."
Minato smiled slightly. "Self-taught?"
"Something like that."
"It's rare to see someone without a quirk hold their own so well," Minato continued. "You must be very dedicated."
Izuku shrugged, uncomfortable with the probing questions. "I just work hard."
Minato's eyes searched his for a moment. "Hard work pays off, doesn't it?"
"Yeah," Izuku replied shortly.
There was a pause before Minato spoke again. "I hope we get to train together sometime. I'd like to learn more about your techniques."
Izuku forced a small smile. "Maybe."
Minato stood up, giving a slight nod. "I'll see you around, Midoriya."
As Minato returned to his seat, Izuku exhaled slowly. He didn't trust Minato. Something about him felt off—his interest seemed too pointed, too deliberate. Izuku resolved to keep his distance.
"Everything okay, Deku?" Uraraka asked softly.
Izuku managed a reassuring nod. "Yeah, just thinking about the training."
She smiled encouragingly. "You'll do great. I'm sure of it."
"Thanks."
As the bus pulled up to the training facility, Izuku gazed out the window, his eyes widening at the sight before him. The Unforeseen Simulation Joint—USJ—stood majestically against the horizon. It was an enormous dome-shaped structure, its sleek metal exterior glinting under the midday sun. Surrounding the main building were meticulously landscaped grounds dotted with trees and interwoven with winding paths that led to various entrances.
The sheer scale of the USJ was awe-inspiring. Its design blended futuristic architecture with practical functionality, creating an environment where heroes could train for any imaginable disaster scenario. Massive letters spelling out "U.S.J." adorned the front, and beneath them, the motto: "Prepare for the Unexpected."
The students filed off the bus, conversations fading as they exited. A cool breeze rustled the leaves of nearby trees, carrying the scent of fresh grass and a hint of ozone from the high-tech equipment housed within the dome. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation.
Aizawa led the way toward the main entrance, his hands casually tucked into his pockets. Standing at the doorway was Thirteen, the Space Hero. She was clad in a pristine white suit resembling an astronaut's gear, complete with a sleek helmet that hid all facial features.
"Welcome to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint," Aizawa announced, his voice steady. "This is where you'll be honing your rescue skills in realistic disaster scenarios."
Thirteen stepped forward, offering a polite bow. "It's a pleasure to meet you all," they said warmly, their voice modulated but gentle. "As Aizawa-sensei mentioned, the USJ is designed to prepare you for various emergencies—from natural disasters to large-scale accidents."
The students gathered closer. Izuku felt a flicker of that earlier unease but pushed it aside.
Thirteen continued, "Before we begin, I'd like to share something important. As aspiring heroes, your quirks are incredible gifts. They can save lives but also cause harm if not used responsibly."
"Take my quirk, for example," gesturing to herself, "Black Hole allows me to suck in and disintegrate anything. In a rescue scenario, it can remove hazardous debris or create safe passageways. But if misused, it could easily harm innocent people. Remember, your quirks are not just weapons. They're tools. Tools to protect, to save, and to make a positive impact. Always be mindful of how you use them."
Aizawa said, "Inside the USJ, we've simulated various disaster zones. Floods, fires, earthquakes—you'll encounter them all. This training is designed to challenge you. Stay alert and work together."
He pauses momentarily, "Any questions?"
There were none. Aizawa nodded.
Thirteen pointed toward the entrance, her gloved hand sweeping in an inviting arc. Izuku noticed the subtle gesture and tilted his head, catching Aizawa making a quick sign with his fingers—three. It was so brief that he might have missed it if he hadn't been paying attention.
"Let's head inside," Aizawa instructed.
They followed Thirteen through the towering double doors, which slid open smoothly to reveal the vast interior of the USJ. The inside was even more breathtaking. A sprawling landscape stretched before them, divided into distinct zones, each meticulously crafted to replicate different disaster environments.
To the left is a mountainous region with jagged peaks and rocky terrain. Ahead is a mock cityscape with towering buildings, some visibly damaged and leaning precariously. To the right is a massive body of water with artificial waves crashing against a manufactured shoreline. In the distance, they could see areas engulfed in controlled flames, thick smoke rising into the air but dissipating harmlessly before reaching the dome's ceiling. In the center is the plaza decorated with a magnificent water fountain. The center plaza had paths that led to every zone in the USJ.
The dome arched high above, a network of steel beams and glass panels allowing natural light to filter through. It felt as though they had stepped into an entirely different world.
"Whoa," Kirishima breathed, eyes wide. "This place is insane!"
"Indeed," Yaoyorozu agreed. "The level of detail is extraordinary."
Thirteen led them to a central platform overlooking all the zones. "From here, you'll be dispatched to different areas based on the training exercise. Each zone presents unique challenges that test your abilities and decision-making skills."
"Your objective is simple: save as many 'victims' as possible while navigating the hazards. Prioritize safety—both the victims' and your own." Aizawa says.
Thirteen added, "Communication and cooperation are key. Use your quirks wisely and think critically about the best approach to each scenario."
A sudden chill ran down Izuku's spine as they prepared to divide into teams. He couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The air felt heavier, and a strange stillness settled over the facility.
Before he could dwell on it, a dark mist materialized on the central plaza below them. It swirled and expanded, forming a cloud that crackled with ominous energy.
"What's that?" Kaminari asks.
Aizawa's eyes narrowed. "Everyone, stay back."
From the swirling mist, figures began to emerge—dozens of them. Menacing silhouettes stepped forward. Their appearances varied but were unified by a sinister aura. Leading them was a man with white, unruly hair, his pale skin contrasted by the dark clothing adorned with numerous disembodied hands gripping his body.
"Villains?" Tsuyu whispered, her gaze fixed on the intruders.
The man raised his head, revealing a twisted smile beneath the hand covering his face. "So this is the famous U.A. High School," he drawled, "I expected more security."
Aizawa moved before the students, his capture weapon—his scarf—unfurling as he jumped to meet the villains in the plaza. "Thirteen, protect the kids. This is not a drill."
"Everyone, gather together and prepare to evacuate!"
As the massive group of villains march into the central plaza,
The mist coalesced into a humanoid form, bowing mockingly. "I'm afraid we can't allow that," it said in a deep, echoing voice. "We are the League of Villains. We've come to meet All Might. It seems he's not here, but perhaps we can still have some fun."
The students' faces flickered with panic. Izuku's heart pounded in his chest. The earlier unease now made horrifying sense.
"How did they get in?" Yaoyorozu exclaimed, her voice tight with fear.
"No time for that," Aizawa snapped. "Thirteen, get them out of here!"
Before they could move, the mist expanded rapidly, tendrils of darkness reaching out and enveloping the students. The world around Izuku warped, the USJ dissolving into a swirl of shadows.
"Stay together!" Iida shouted.
Minato felt a pulling sensation, like being sucked through a vortex. He tried to grab hold of something—anything—but his fingers closed around empty air. The darkness swallowed him whole.
When the disorientation subsided, Minato found himself falling. The wind rushed past him as he plummeted toward the water. He hit the surface with a splash, the cold shock snapping him fully alert. Water shot up his nose, and his side flared with pain. It took him two seconds to compose himself, then another to start swimming.
Breaking the surface, he gasped for air, sputtering as he trod water. He looked around frantically. He was in the middle of the artificial lake—the Shipwreck Zone. Around him, dilapidated boats and debris floated, and villains slowly surrounded him.
How unfortunate, he thought.