Chapter 184 - 11-

Chapter 11: Quirk Test and Hero Training

The five friends of Class 1A were walking alongside each other as they went to class. Jiro looked at Izuku who yawned for what seemed like the tenth time already and she looked somewhat annoyed at him not going to bed.

"Dude, you look tired, did you even sleep?" asked Jiro as a group of them walked to their class.

Izuku nodded. Trying to hold 50% was a bit taxing but it wasn't too bad. He had more or less gotten the mechanics down of activating what he called Full Cowling. But he didn't want to try to activate One for All alongside other quirks. He remembered that they made them more powerful so he didn't know what would happen over time.

"Yeah, I did. I got plenty of it just nervous about our first day of class," he said rubbing his eyes.

Jiro raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue further. She had known Izuku for a while now and could tell when he was hiding something, but she also knew when to back off. His dedication to his quirks and training was admirable, even if it sometimes took a toll on him.

"You know, you should take it easy on yourself, Izuku," Momo said, her voice softening a bit. "You're doing great already, and we haven't even started class."

"Yeah, I know. I just want to do well," he said looking ahead.

Tokoyami raised a brow as he looked at him. "You know, Yagi," Tokoyami's voice cut through the chatter as his eyes met Izuku's, "you can't push yourself too much in the long run. You'll just end up burning out."

Izuku looked at him and nodded. "Yeah, I know that but still, thanks for enlightening me on the subject," he said smiling at the terrible pun he made to get to Tokoyami. Jiro snickered while Shoji shook his head.

Tokoyami gave a small, almost imperceptible sigh, his dark eyes narrowing slightly. "Why must you continue the light puns, Yagi?" he said with slight amusement.

Izuku's grin widened as he scratched the back of his head. "Guess I can't help myself. You make it too easy, Tokoyami. If I need to learn to chill you need to laugh." He felt the tension in his chest lighten just a bit, the playful banter reminding him that despite the stress, his friends were there to keep him grounded.

Tokoyami started to walk ahead a bit faster as they reached the door. "Sure, sure, whatever let's just start out the first day of class," he said opening the door to hear yelling.

"Get your feet off the desk! You are dishonoring the people who have sat there in the past," said yelled Iida at Bakugo.

"What's wrong with you, what school made you put a stick up your ass?" said Bakugo smirking as the group walked in to find their spots. Izuku made eye contact with Bakugo and his expression changed.

Izuku looked at the chair number and deadpanned. "Just great. Now I have class with him. Am I seriously sitting behind him? This is going to be amazing." he thought to himself as he sat down behind Bakugo.

Iida looked over to Izuku and smiled. "Hello there," he said marching over. Izuku was shocked at his very robotic movements, but he continued. "My name is Tenya Iida, and I wanted to congratulate you on seeing the true meaning of the test in defeating the robot to save that girl," he said.

Izuku put his hand up, "Izuku Yagi, but it was nothing. I was just doing what anyone else would."

Iida's eyes widened for a moment at the humble response, but he quickly straightened up, giving Izuku a more formal bow. "No, no! You have an incredible sense of justice and determination. What you did in that test was no small feat, Yagi. The way you rushed to rescue that girl, despite the risks, was heroic!"

"Yeah, Yagi," said Uraraka jumping out from behind him. "It was awesome the way you jumped in and destroyed that thing from protecting me," she said getting in his face. Izuku tried to get the two to back away from him, but it was futile. Bakugo continued to have that look on him as Izuku heard someone come into the door.

Izuku saw Eraserhead walk into the room…with a yellow sleeping bag? It made sense beings he was an underground hero or someone who works late into the night to fight crime. Ochaco and Iida looked to see where Izuku was staring and quickly hurried to their seat after seeing their teacher.

"Not bad. It took you all 3.46 seconds to be quiet but that's not going to be good enough," Mr. Aizawa said as he looked like his class.

"Alright just so we are clear my name is Mr. Aizawa and welcome to your first day of the hero course. I will be your homeroom teacher. Don't worry I know all of you already," he said making them slightly shiver.

"Now," Aizawa continued, dragging himself out of his sleeping bag with all the enthusiasm of someone who'd rather be anywhere else. "Before we begin anything remotely fun or interesting, let me remind you all: you're here because you've shown potential, but potential isn't enough to make you heroes. If you think coasting through this course is an option, you're in for a rude awakening. Now put these on. We will be doing a Quirk Assessment Test outside," he said leaving the room.

"A Quirk Assessment Test?" Jiro muttered, her brows furrowing as she held the uniform. "On the first day? Isn't that a bit extreme?"

"Of course not," Iida said, his voice firm and confident. "This is U.A. High School, the most prestigious hero academy! A test like this is to be expected. It's only fitting that we prove our worth from the start!"

Uraraka tugged on her tracksuit, a nervous laugh escaping her. "I thought we'd at least get some time to settle in first! But I guess we should've known. Heroes don't exactly get a lot of prep time in real emergencies."

The student ran to the locker rooms to quickly get changed. Beside Izuku, Iida adjusted his sleeves with precision, his movements brisk and efficient. "This is the perfect way to start the term. It allows us to establish a baseline for our abilities and demonstrate our commitment to becoming heroes."

Shoji, standing a few lockers down, nodded thoughtfully. "True, but it's also a lot of pressure right off the bat. Not everyone handles that well."

"That's probably why we are doing it then," said Kaminari zipping up the suit. "Seeing where some shine and others don't."

"Fair point," said Kirishima.

Soon everyone was outside as they stared at Aizawa who was waiting there expectingly.

"Good, now that everyone is here, I have a few words to say to you all," he said looking at Izuku who almost flinched under his gaze.

"Izuku Yagi. Come up here for a second," he said as he motioned him with his finger.

"Yes, sir?" Izuku asked, standing before Aizawa, who gave him a long, unreadable look.

"Catch," he said quickly throwing the ball with Izuku catching it.

"There will be many tests to the Quirk Assessment Test. I am sure that as we do this test, you all will notice it is a test that you did in Middle School. You'll be tested on various physical activities: a 50-meter dash, grip strength, long jump, sustained running, and finally, a softball throw. You're allowed to use your quirks to enhance your performance in any way you see fit. I want to see how well you can apply your abilities in a variety of scenarios. Something that you all need to understand is at UA, we have quirks, and you use the quirks. That is one of the things that sucks about the rules today that need to be trained," he said looking at Izuku.

"You placed first in the entrance exam, with it breaking records," he said looking him up and down. "How far could you throw a softball without your quirk in Middle School?" he asked him curiously.

"I'd say around 53 meters, was what it was the last time I threw one," he said examining it in his hand.

Aizawa nodded, his expression unreadable. "Fifty-three meters. Decent for a quirkless throw," he said, stepping back and motioning to the circle marked on the ground. "Now, I want to see what you can do with your quirk. Step into the circle and throw it as far as you can. No holding back. You'll be the first example."

Izuku looked at Aizawa as he held a screen. Izuku breathed in and out as he looked at the ball.

"This is where I need to utilize using multiple quirks at once. I know Blackwhip and Jolt will be useless here. The three that are best suited to use are One for All, Fa Jin, and Zephyr Rush. I can rotate my arm in a circle to build up kinetic energy to throw. I know I can't handle 100% of One for All so that will compensate for it. Then I can use wind to give the ball momentum. Good, I have a plan, time to execute," he thought to himself as he stepped in the circle.

Mr. Aizawa watched him curiously. "What have you got kid," he thought to himself.

Izuku looked back at his classmates as they all looked at him expectingly…except for Bakugo who was glaring.

"That loser," he said. "He didn't even have a quirk," he said catching the attention of Iida.

"He has a quirk," he said as they started to argue. Izuku ignored that as he started to focus. He activated Full Cowling to 50% making sure not to overdo it. He started to rotating his arm in a circular motion to build up kinetic energy.

The faint crackle of green lightning flickered around Izuku as Full Cowling activated, signaling the raw energy coursing through his body. His classmates grew quiet, watching with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. Even Bakugo's muttered complaints trailed off as all eyes turned toward Izuku.

"Rotating his arm?" Kaminari whispered. "What's he doing?"

"Something clearly," said Shoto as he looked at him confused.

"That isn't going to help him the way he thinks it is," said Toru as she put a finger to her chin even though no one would see.

Izuku could feel the pressure mounting as everyone's gaze bore into him, but he tuned it out, focusing entirely on executing his plan. He activated Zephyr Rush, and the wind started to blow in the direction he wanted it to.

With one final deep breath, Izuku planted his feet firmly and snapped his arm forward, releasing the ball with all his power of Fa Jin, One for All, and Zephyr Rush.

The force of Izuku's throw was unlike anything the students—or even Aizawa—had anticipated. The moment the ball left his hand, the air around him seemed to implode before exploding outward in a massive shockwave. A deafening boom echoed across the training field, causing the ground to rumble beneath their feet.

The sheer power sent a ripple of wind blasting outward, strong enough to knock everyone off balance. Students were blown back, shielding their faces as dust and debris swirled around them. Aizawa, who had been standing closest to the circle, stumbled backward, momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected impact.

"What the hell was that?!" Bakugo shouted; his voice barely audible over the roar of the wind as he planted his feet to keep from falling.

Kirishima, who had instinctively activated his Hardening quirk, grinned despite the chaos. "That was insane! He's got some serious power!"

"Did he just break the sound barrier?" Mina exclaimed, her voice trembling with awe as she scanned the wreckage left in the wake of Izuku's throw.

"It sure felt like it," Kaminari said, his mouth agape as he struggled to stand. "What kind of throw was that? That wasn't just raw strength—that was… next level."

Izuku, still holding his breath, couldn't quite believe what he had just done. His arm throbbed with residual energy, and he could feel the hum of his quirks lingering, like an aftershock. His heart raced in his chest as his classmates slowly regained their composure.

Bakugo's eye twitched in anger. "How the hell is this nerd so fucking strong? Did he think he was too good enough to not use his quirk when we were kids? Damn Deku!" he thought angrily. 

Izuku looked over to Aizawa who showed him his result.

"You got 2544.6 meters," Aizawa said nonchalantly, holding up the measuring device. His tone was calm, but the slight rise of his eyebrows betrayed his surprise. He'd seen impressive performances before, but this… this was on another level.

The class erupted into chaos.

"How the hell are we going to top that?" yelled Mina, throwing her arms up in mock despair, though her wide grin showed she wasn't really upset.

"…Spooky…" murmured Reiko, her normally reserved tone tinged with genuine awe. Her pale eyes locked onto Izuku as if he were a ghost who had just come to life. "That wasn't human."

The class quieted as Aizawa addressed them, his dry tone laced with a subtle undertone of challenge. "Yagi's performance is an example of what happens when you use your quirk's effectively. This isn't about raw strength or flashy moves—it's about understanding your limits and pushing past them in a controlled way."

He paused, letting his words sink in as his gaze swept across the group. "Normally, I'd dangle the threat of suspension to make you all take this seriously, but apparently, that's frowned upon now." His voice dripped with sarcasm, earning a few chuckles from the students. "Instead, I'm going to say this: you're not just competing against each other. You're competing against yourselves. Go all out, no holding back. Show me what you've got. But if you think the Hero Course is a joke, then you will be expelled."

While they were silenced by their teachers' words the students looked at each other with determination in their eyes. Everyone knew they were going to have fun but also showed everyone what they had.

IZUKU'S POV

As the tests went on, I more less…crushed them. I don't mean to brag but that is what I literally did.

When I did the grip test, it broke from my grip when using One for All. The 50-meter dash was easy as well. I got 0.6 seconds being the fastest ones of the day. Iida was second with 3.04 seconds. I did start to notice something. As the tests went on, I started to feel off. I had shortness of breath and got tired way easier than I ever did before.

I chalked it up to nerves at first, but it wasn't just that. My body felt heavy, and my vision blurred slightly at the edges. Everyone was on the softball throw now, the final test, and I was glad about it. Something was going on with my body and I needed to know. I still placed first in every test…except the ball throw. Ochaco got infinity which was…nothing should of remarkable. That Reiko girl seemed interesting though. She called her quirk Poltergeist, and she was a telekinetic like my sister. Not as strong but still pretty strong.

Thankfully, Mr. Aizawa stood in front of all of us and started to speak once more.

"Ok students listen up; this is just day one of your future. Here are all your results," he said hitting his notepad and showing them a projection. I got first followed by Momo, then Todoroki, and it just continued down the list. I looked towards Aizawa, and I started to sweat cold now. It could have been someone who had a cold brought it to the doors, and I am getting a fever now but this suck. I haven't gotten sick since I was a kid.

"Now students, this is going to be no easy walk in the park type deal. You are all trying to be heroes. If you are on the top 5 on this list, continue to be in the top five and everyone else gets inspiration from them. If you are at the bottom 5 of the list. Be better. You have potential, but potential means nothing if you don't put in the work. I know all of you have the possibility to be great but show that you can and will be great," he said with conviction in his voice.

"That's all for class today, you are dismissed and may return to the dorms. Izuku," Aizawa said, his tone neutral but sharp. "Stay for a moment."

I nodded, trying to push down the nervousness that was bubbling up inside me. As the last of the students left, I slowly approached Aizawa, trying to steady my breathing.

"Good job today, but I need to ask. Are you feeling, ok?" he asked bluntly.

I froze for a moment, caught off guard by his question. Aizawa's gaze was steady, but I could tell there was something more beneath his neutral expression—he had noticed. There was no way he could have missed it. Despite my best efforts to push through, my body had been betraying me all day. The dizziness, the shortness of breath, the overwhelming fatigue—it wasn't normal.

"I'm fine," I said quickly, trying to brush it off. "Just a little tired, that's all. The tests were intense."

Aizawa raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. "I'm sure. I noticed how you were barely keeping it together during the tests. You're not the only one in this class with high expectations," he said feeling the top of his forehead.

"Kid, you're burning up. Let's take you to Recovery Girl," he said tapping on his shoulder to move him along.

I opened my mouth to protest, but the words caught in my throat as Aizawa's hand rested firmly on my shoulder, guiding me toward the door. He didn't seem like someone who would take no for an answer, and honestly, I wasn't in the right state to argue. My legs felt shaky, and the cold sweat on my brow only made me feel worse.

As we walked through the halls, my thoughts raced. Getting sick wasn't an option right now, and I knew that I would fall behind if I did. I still wasn't one hundred percent sure what was causing this but at least I was at Recovery Girl's office.

As we reached Recovery Girl's office, Aizawa knocked sharply on the door before opening it. Recovery Girl was sitting at her desk, flipping through some papers, but as soon as she saw us, her expression shifted from casual to concerned.

"Not again, Aizawa," she said with a sigh, but she didn't waste any time. "What's going on this time?"

Aizawa stepped aside, gently guiding me into the office. "Izuku's not feeling well. He has a fever from what I can tell, but I need a prognosis."

Recovery Girl didn't hesitate. Her eyes immediately softened with concern as she motioned for me to sit down. "Come on, sit down, Izuku," she instructed, her voice calm but authoritative.

I nodded weakly, moving to the chair she had pointed to. I sat down and she put a thermometer on my head.

"Are you feeling anything else?" she asked, and I nodded. "I feel a little dizzy and my eyes blur every once in a while."

I saw her look at the thermometer. "He's running a fever—102.4 degrees," she said, her tone calm but firm. "When did you start feeling this?"

"Middle of the Quirk Application Test. I know I am not overdoing it, I've practiced what I've been doing for a while now," I said hoping I wasn't getting too sick.

Recovery Girl gave me a sharp look as she set the thermometer down. "Middle of the test, huh? And you just pushed through it instead of telling anyone? Typical stubbornness must run in the family," she muttered, shaking her head. Her tone wasn't harsh, but I could feel the disapproval laced within it.

"I didn't think it was serious," I admitted quietly, avoiding her gaze. "I thought it was just nerves or something. And don't compare me to Dad," I said trying to sound angry, but it hurt too much right now with my body aching slightly.

Recovery Girl gave a knowing hum, leaning back slightly as she folded her arms. "You might not want to be compared to him, but the stubborn streak is undeniable," she said, her tone softer now. "And whether you like it or not, pushing yourself like this isn't doing you any favors. You're lucky it's just a fever and not something worse."

I sighed, feeling the weight of her words settle in my chest. "I didn't want to let anyone down," I murmured. "The tests today... everyone was watching, and I felt like I had to prove I deserved to be here."

Aizawa, who had been leaning silently against the doorframe, finally spoke up. "Yagi," he began, his voice low but firm. "No one here doubts that you deserve to be here. You've proven that already. But pushing yourself to the point where you can't function doesn't help anyone. Least of all to you."

I nodded. "I know, I am sorry," I said as Recovery Girl walked over to a cabinet to with loads of pills.

Recovery Girl rummaged through the cabinet, her movements deliberate as she selected a small vial and a packet of pills. She turned back to me with a pointed look, her tone firm but not unkind. "Sorry isn't enough, Izuku. You need to learn from this. You can't help anyone if you run yourself into the ground."

She handed me a small paper cup with a couple of pills and a glass of water. "Take these. They'll help bring your fever down and ease some of your symptoms. But what you really need is rest."

I took the pills without hesitation, the bitterness lingering on my tongue as I swallowed them down with the water. "Thank you," I said softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

"You should be fine by tomorrow but please be careful," she said with concern. "I don't want you to come back here every chance you get," she said giving me a knowing look.

"Yes ma'am," I said as I took two pills. "According to these readings you should be able to be rid of the fever by dinner time so just try to get some rest. Aizawa can walk you to the dorm," she said as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "And remember, Izuku," Recovery Girl added, her voice softening. "Taking care of yourself isn't a weakness. Even the strongest heroes need to rest."

Aizawa nodded toward the door. "Come on, let's get you back before you collapse in the hallway. I'll make sure no one disturbs you."

I stood slowly, the medicine already starting to ease some of the heat pulsing through my body. My legs were still shaky, but I felt a little more stable now. "Thank you, Recovery Girl," I said, bowing my head slightly.

3rd PERSON POV

As sensei and student walked the halls Izuku coughed a couple of times as he looked at Aizawa.

"You know, Yagi," he said placing a hand on the back of his head. "There was a reason I selected you to be in my class."

Izuku looked up at him, surprise flickering across his fevered features. "You… chose me specifically, Sensei?" he asked, his voice rasping slightly from the cough.

Aizawa nodded, his hands stuffed into his pockets as they walked. "I don't play favorites, and I expect every student in my class to pull their weight, but you caught my attention from the beginning. Your work ethic, your determination, and your quirk—it all stood out. You remind me of someone who constantly pushes themselves to the edge, sometimes too far."

Izuku blinked, processing the rare bit of praise. "You mean Dad?"

Aizawa's lips twitched into the faintest smirk. "All Might, yes. Now yes, I understand you don't want to be compared to him because of your…situation…but I noticed that in the short time that I've seen you…you still seem to model yourself after him."

"Yeah…I try to separate All Might and the shitty father he is," he said bluntly making Aizawa glance at him but didn't say anything.

There wasn't much said after a while as they finally made it to the dorms. Izuku wiped some sweat from his brow as he looked at his teacher.

"Don't come out of your dorm unless it is necessary. No ifs, ands, or buts, about. Understand me kid," he said sternly.

Izuku nodded, his body still feeling heavy from the fever and exhaustion. "Yes, Sensei. I understand," he said, his voice quiet but resolute. He shifted his weight slightly, leaning against the doorframe of his dorm room for support.

Aizawa studied him for a moment, his sharp gaze softening slightly. "Good. Rest is your priority right now. Don't do anything to exerting."

"I won't," Izuku promised, bowing his head slightly.

Aizawa nodded, his usual stoic demeanor returning. "If you need anything, tell someone. Don't try to tough it out alone. Be ready for training tomorrow. We got something special," he said smirking slightly.

"Yes, sir," Izuku replied, his tone more genuine this time.

With that, Aizawa turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing softly down the hall. Izuku watched him go. It wasn't often that Aizawa opened up from what he could tell about him, and it made Izuku feel strangely reassured.

As he walked inside his dorm. He could get out of his gym outfit and hung it up while putting over a black hoodie with gray sweats. He was still sweating a bit, but a fever meant you needed to bundle up even if you were hot.

As he pulled the blanket over himself, Izuku groaned softly as he reached over to grab his phone, his body protesting even the small movement. His screen lit up, and he squinted at the message, his vision still slightly blurry from the lingering effects of the fever. It was from Jiro and Momo.

Momo: Are you coming to lunch? We are in the middle of the room.

Kyoka: Please come to lunch. I need someone to talk to and this Kaminari guy isn't someone I want to talk to.

Izuku's fingers hovered over the screen for a moment as he read the messages from Momo and Jiro. He felt a pang of guilt. They had been looking for him, and he was stuck in his dorm, unable to join them. He wanted to respond, to tell them that he would love to join, but he knew that wasn't possible. Not today.

He quickly typed a reply to both of them, his fingers slow and deliberate as his mind struggled to stay focused.

Izuku: "Sorry, I can't make it to lunch today. I'm feeling a bit under the weather. But I'm sure you'll be fine without me. Please, enjoy it for me."

He hit send and set the phone down, the faintest feeling of disappointment hanging over him. He had wanted to be there with his friends, to feel normal, to forget about the exhaustion and the fever for just a moment. But instead, he was left in his dorm room, alone with his thoughts.

He then felt something weird. It was a pulling feeling, and it wasn't him. Izuku dropped his phone on his bedside table as he was being pulled into his Mindspace.

Izuku stood there looking around and seeing Chase frantically pace back and forth. Izuku walked over to him as Chase was pacing, his expression tense and his steps quick. Izuku could see the frustration and concern etched deeply into his face.

"Chase?" Izuku called, his voice echoing slightly in the empty space. It was always a bit disorienting when he found himself in his Mindspace, but something about Chase's agitated movements made Izuku pause.

"Sir, you need to see this," he said he made adjusted on his notepad and transferred to the control console in the middle of the room.

It was a screen of his quirk names and balls of energy representing each quirk. It looked like One for All was unfolding like a swirling cloud of energy, its power emanating from the central node on the screen. There was a branch of energy, and it was affecting three quirks right now.

Danger Sense, Blackwhip, and Fa Jin.

"W-wait…what is it doing to the other quirks?" he said looking a little worried.

"That is the thing sir. It is…Evolving them…Awakening them," he said simply. He said adjusting the screen to show them.

"One for All is seeing the quirks in your body, and it is using its power to make them…stronger…from what I can tell. The reason you have a fever wasn't from overexerting yourself. It was from One for All evolving your quirks, and that is the thing. I don't know if it will evolve all of your quirks or just some of them," he said as the screen shifted to his other quirks.

"From what I can tell it is only affecting the quirks that you made your own that from One for All. One for All is seeing this and is making them stronger than before. This is what is bad. I don't know what it will do to your quirks or how far it will enhance them but what I do know is that what Recovery Girl. Your fever will be done when this is done evolving by the time the process is complete, but it could take some time. It's an intense shift, Izuku. The fever is a side effect of your quirks evolving, and it's not just because of physical exertion," Chase explained, his voice serious as he watched the screen carefully.

Izuku's eyes widened in disbelief. "Wait, so... One for All is actually making my quirks stronger?" He looked at the glowing orbs on the screen, now pulsing with energy, each quirk connected to One for All in a way he had never seen before.

"Yes, you won't die or anything like that. It's just unpredictable and you and I won't know what the power for the quirks will be until you use them. If this was Brain Boost, Cell Surge, or Eagle Eyes it would've been fine and you wouldn't have felt anything but because it was quirks from One for All's users that were already made stronger from One for All previously, then I don't know where it will go," he said putting a finger to his chin.

Izuku sighed in relief, knowing he would be fine, but this was still hurting him with the fever and all.

"Just be sure to limit the use of One for All right now as I don't know the side effects of what else will happen. That's what I wanted to tell you Master Izuku. You can rest in the real world now," he said.

"Sounds good, Chase, thank you," he said as he faded in and out until he was back in his bed looking at the ceiling.

"This is going to be interesting," he said as he turned over trying to get some sleep.

COUPLE HOURS LATER (1 PM)

Jiro's fingers continued their rhythmic tapping on the couch, a nervous energy building within her. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Izuku. He'd been distant lately, ever since his fever started, and it was hard to shake the feeling that there was something more going on beneath the surface. She tried to focus on the games the others were playing, but every time someone spoke, her mind wandered back to him.

Momo, sitting on the other side of her, kept her attention fixed on the game in front of her, but Jiro could tell she wasn't fully engaged. Her eyes would occasionally drift to her phone, and she would give a quiet sigh before returning her focus to the cards in her hands. It wasn't like Momo acted so distracted, and Jiro couldn't help but notice how much her worry mirrored her own.

Ochaco, sitting beside Mina, tried to keep the mood light with her usual bubbly energy. "Come on, Momo, focus! You're going to let me win if you keep daydreaming!" she teased, a bright smile on her face, but it was clear even to her that Momo wasn't fully present.

Mina, ever the optimist, chimed in with a playful wink. "Yeah, Yaomomo, we've got to beat Ochaco! She's been winning all day. It's time to let us take the crown!" She threw a few cards onto the table with exaggerated flair, but the playful atmosphere didn't quite reach the others.

The card game was meant to be a distraction, but the undercurrent of concern was too strong. Jiro glanced at Momo once more. "Momo, do you think he's okay?" she asked softly, her voice barely audible over the noise of the game.

Momo hesitated, her gaze flickering briefly to her phone before she answered. "I don't know. He said he was fine, just a fever, but it's strange."

"Yagi has a fever?" asked Asui putting a finger to her chin.

Momo nodded, her eyes reflecting a quiet concern. "Yeah, he texted us earlier."

"Well, fevers are never good," said Toru in frustration at Ochaco for placing the last card down on the table, an overdramatic flourish that drew everyone's attention for a moment.

"Yes, indeed they are quite spooky…in a bad way," said Reiko as she tucked some hair behind her ear.

Jiro sat up straighter on the couch, her fingers no longer tapping but tightly gripping the fabric of her jacket. "I know he's trying to brush it off, but it feels like there's more going on." She looked up to see Tokoyami carrying a bowl of something in his hands as he was heading towards the stairs.

"Tokoyami, you heading up to check on Izuku?" Jiro asked, her voice soft but carrying a sense of urgency.

Tokoyami paused mid-step, glancing over at Jiro. "Ah, yes," he replied, his deep voice calm yet tinged with unusual concern. "With him missing lunch and not feeling well. I thought he was in need of nourishment. And if his fever is contagious then I'll just use Dark Shadow to drop off the food."

Jiro nodded, relieved to hear that Tokoyami was taking the initiative to check on Izuku. "Good idea."

Momo giggled softly but loud enough to be heard. "Awe…you do care about him. I thought you didn't like his puns about the light and dark he always tries to tell you to get you to smile."

Tokoyami gave a rare, soft grunt at Momo's teasing, his expression remaining unreadable, though his eyes glinted with a mix of exasperation and something softer that only appeared in the company of his closest friends. "I don't know what you are talking about," he said quietly.

Momo chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement as she watched Tokoyami's reaction. "Oh, come on, Tokoyami, you can't deny it. You know he's always trying to get you to crack a smile with those 'light and dark' jokes. You might not show it, but I can tell you appreciate his company."

"Ok, I am going to go bring this to him," he said turning around quickly going up the stairs.

Momo watched Tokoyami's retreating figure with a playful smile on her face, but there was also an undeniable warmth behind her teasing. She knew how much Tokoyami cared for Izuku, even if he didn't always show it. The way he had acted just then—gruff but still willing to check on their friend—was proof enough. Still, Momo couldn't resist a bit of fun at his expense.

"Boom! I win again," said Ochaco doing some weird dance moves as she placed down her cards.

Ochaco's victory dance was met with a mix of groans and playful protests from the others. Mina rolled her eyes, though she couldn't help but smile at her friend's enthusiasm. "Alright, alright, Ochaco. You're insufferable when you win," Mina teased, leaning back in her chair.

Asui crossed her arms with a smirk. "I don't think you need any more victories today, Ochaco. You've been winning non-stop."

"Agreed," said Reiko shuffling the deck with her telekinesis.

IZUKU'S ROOM

Tokoyami knocked on the door and there was no response meaning he was likely asleep. Tokoyami hesitated for a moment before gently pushing the door open. The room was dim, with only the soft light of the late afternoon filtering through the curtains. Izuku was lying in bed, his face flushed from the fever, his body still and quiet.

Tokoyami activated Dark Shadow, and he now held the bowl of soup as it made its way over to him. He called out to him.

"Yagi," said Tokoyami as he stood by the door.

Izuku stirred slightly at the sound of Tokoyami's voice, his eyes fluttering open. He looked disoriented for a moment, blinking against the dim light. "Tokoyami?" His voice was hoarse, barely a whisper, as if even speaking required more effort than he had to give. He shifted slightly in bed, propping himself up against the pillows, though his body protested the movement. His forehead was still glistening with sweat, the fever lingering stubbornly.

Dark Shadow set the bowl on the table next to him as it stood over Izuku. "I brought you something to eat," Tokoyami said, his tone soft but insistent. "You haven't had lunch, and I thought you could use something to help your body recover."

"Thank you, Tokoyami," he said as he sat up grabbing the bowl. He looked at Dark Shadow who was still by the bed and he nodded at him. "Thanks, Dark Shadow." He gave a thumbs-up as he ate his soup. He didn't feel hungry but knowing Tokoyami he would wait till he's done.

As he ate, Tokoyami remained at the side of the room, quiet and patient. Izuku felt the weight of his friend's presence, a reassuring anchor in the midst of his confusion and fear. He could feel the tension in his body start to loosen just a little as the minutes passed, though the worry still lingered like a shadow in the back of his mind.

"I'm sorry, Tokoyami," Izuku said softly, his voice barely a whisper as he took another spoonful. "I shouldn't have worried you. I didn't want anyone to see me like this."

"It's fine, you couldn't have predicted a fever today. When will you be let out," he asked curiously.

"In a few hours. Despite how I look, I feel waaaaaay better than I did this morning," he said as he continued to eat.

Tokoyami nodded slowly, his expression softening as he observed Izuku eating, even if he seemed to be pushing through it more out of obligation than true hunger. He had always admired Izuku's tenacity, but it was clear that sometimes, it could be his greatest weakness. Tokoyami was starting to understand that Izuku didn't always allow himself to be vulnerable, to let his friends fully take part in the struggles he faced.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," Tokoyami replied, his tone steady. "But remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it. You don't have to carry everything alone."

"For someone who is always on about darkness and shadows. You sure know how to shine some light on people," he said smiling hoping Tokoyami would react.

Tokoyami paused, the unexpected pun hanging in the air for a moment. His expression remained stoic, but there was a flicker in his eyes, a small, almost imperceptible glint of amusement.

"Right, right. Are you done eating the soup?" he said trying to avoid the pun.

"Yeah, I am, thank you for the soup, Tokoyami," he said handing it to Dark Shadow.

Tokoyami took the bowl from Dark Shadow, his expression neutral but with a small, approving nod. "You're welcome, Yagi. It's good to see you eating, even if it's just a little. I'm sure it'll help you feel better sooner. See you in a few hours," he said as he walked out and shut the door. Izuku smiled at how Tokoyami was. He would get him to crack someday.

As Tokoyami walked down the stairs, he couldn't help but admire the fact that he tried to get him to laugh. Not having many friends made him what he was but Izuku was always trying to get him to smile or show a reaction that was anything but stoic. Tokoyami often found himself perplexed by Izuku's unrelenting optimism, even in the face of his own struggles. The young hero had an uncanny ability to bring warmth into the darkest corners of his life, not just for himself, but for others as well. Tokoyami didn't have many friends growing up. His quiet nature, his dark persona, had kept him isolated from others. But Izuku, with his infectious enthusiasm and unwavering kindness, had made him feel like he was a part of something—like he belonged. He may not have shown it but…he was glad to have him as a friend.

4 HOURS LATER (5 PM)

Izuku moved slowly but purposefully as he changed out of his sweat-soaked clothes, the lingering remnants of his fever finally beginning to subside. The medication Recovery Girl had given him had done its job, and though his body was still a little sluggish, he felt like a weight had been lifted. He could feel his strength coming back, but there was still an unsettling, nagging sensation in the back of his mind—the feeling that something was different, something had changed, and he wasn't sure how to handle it.

His quirks had evolved. He had felt it earlier, the strange connection to the other quirks within him, the way they surged in response to One For All's power. He didn't fully understand it, but he knew he couldn't ignore it. His strength, his potential, it was all growing beyond his comprehension. And that scared him.

But for now, he needed to eat. He was starving. He hadn't realized just how much the fever and the exhaustion had taken out of him until now. His stomach growled in protest, reminding him of just how long it had been since his last proper meal. He needed to fuel up, even if his mind kept circling back to the evolution of his quirks.

He left his room and made his way downstairs, his body still a little sore from the lingering effects of the fever, but it wasn't enough to stop him from moving. His legs were shaky, but he pushed through, determined to get something to eat. As he reached the common room, he was met by the familiar sounds of his classmates, the low murmur of their conversation, and the clinking of plates and cutlery. They hadn't noticed him yet.

Momo looked up first, her eyes lit up when she saw him standing at the doorway. "Izuku!" she said, a smile spreading across her face. "You're up! How are you feeling?"

Izuku gave her a small smile in return, still feeling a little self-conscious about his appearance. "A lot better. Thanks to everyone for helping out... and for putting up with me being out of it."

Ochaco, who had been sitting next to Mina, immediately stood as well, her usual energetic demeanor returning. "You're finally up, Yagi! How're you feeling? We were worried there for a bit!"

"I am feeling much better now, but uh, I am starving, quite literally," he said as his stomach grumbled to prove his point.

Momo's smile widened as she gestured for him to take a seat at the table. "You've definitely earned it. Come on, eat up! We've got plenty to share."

Izuku, feeling the hunger pangs intensifying in his stomach, made his way to the table, sitting down carefully to avoid putting too much strain on his still recovering body. As he looked around, he saw his friends busy with their own meals, their expressions a mix of concern and relief at seeing him up and moving again.

As Izuku devoured another spoonful of curry, he couldn't help but feel a sense of normalcy return. The rich, comforting flavors filled him, and for the first time in what felt like days, his body felt like it was truly coming back to life. Each bite gave him more energy, more strength, and for a brief moment, the unsettling feeling of his evolving quirk faded into the background.

Mina leaned over from her seat across the table, her eyes wide as she watched Izuku consume plate after plate. "Wow, Yagi, you really were starving, huh?" she said, a playful grin spreading across her face. "You're going to eat us out of house and home at this rate."

Izuku chuckled nervously, his cheeks flushing slightly at the attention. "I—uh—I guess I didn't realize how hungry I was." He shoved another spoonful of curry into his mouth, the warmth and flavor making him feel grounded once more. The discomfort from his fever and the unease about his evolving quirk seemed to melt away as he focused on eating and the comforting presence of his friends around him.

As Izuku continued to eat he talked to the majority of his class and got to know everyone's name. He continued to wonder around as he went to the kitchen to got yet another bowl of curry, he felt a hand on his arm that was place gently on him. He jumped slightly as he looked to see to was Reiko Yanagi. He thought she was pretty chill with everyone, but he hadn't had many interactions with her personally. Reiko smiled softly, her presence calm and reassuring as she looked at him. "You, okay?" she asked, her voice as quiet and measured as always. "You seem lost in thought."

Izuku blinked, momentarily surprised by her approach. He hadn't expected anyone to check in on him while he was so focused on food. He appreciated it, though. It made him feel like a part of the group, not just the one who always had to push through everything alone.

"I... yeah, I'm good," he said, his voice slightly hoarse.

"Be sure to rest for tomorrow. It is our first day of hero training," she said with a slight smile.

"I will, Yanagi," he said as he ate another spoonful of curry.

Reiko gave a small, knowing smile, clearly satisfied with his response. She gave his arm a gentle pat before stepping back, her eyes soft with quiet concern. "I'm glad to hear that." She then turned around and walked away leaving him in thought. She definitely was interesting. Izuku spent another couple of hours eating and he had come to the conclusion that when his quirks evolved, he needed lots of energy, meaning food.

Speaking of which, he should go and test them right now. He put on his shoes and laced them up, but he saw someone standing right in front of him. He looked up to see Jiro with a somewhat annoyed look.

"Hey Kyoka, what's up," he said oblivious to her growing annoyance.

"Where are you going?" she said wanting an answer.

"I was going to go and probably train," he said making her Earphone Jacks twitch.

"No…you…aren't," she said sternly.

Izuku blinked in surprise, caught off guard by her firm tone. "Huh? Why not?" he asked, his mind still focused on the urge to test out his evolving quirks.

Jiro sighed, her arms crossing as she looked at him with a mix of concern and irritation. "Izuku, seriously, you've just gotten over a fever. You've been eating non-stop, and now you want to head straight into training? You need to rest."

Izuku scratched the back of his head sheepishly, suddenly feeling guilty for his eagerness to push forward. "But I feel fine now... well, mostly."

"Good then let's keep it that way and go to bed," she said grabbing his hand and dragging him to his room.

"Come on, Izuku. You're not gonna get stronger if you burn yourself out before the first day of hero training," Jiro continued, her tone softening but still firm as she guided him back to his room. She had a determined look on her face, one that made it clear she wasn't going to let him get away with it.

"But I—" Izuku started to protest, but Jiro shot him a look that made him pause.

"No 'buts,' Izuku, Resting is just as important as training. You've gotta recover properly so you're ready for tomorrow."

Izuku's feet finally slowed as they reached his room. He was still mentally wrestling with his desire to train and his body's need for rest. Jiro let go of his hand and pushed open the door to his room.

"Kyoka," he said quietly.

"What, nerd?" she asked still a bit annoyed.

"I'm sorry," he said looking at the ground.

Jiro's eyes softened and she nodded. "It's fine. Just please take care of yourself," she said hugging him.

Izuku stood frozen for a moment, surprised by the hug, but he didn't pull away. He could feel Jiro's warmth and genuine care in her actions. It wasn't something he was used to being on the receiving end of such kindness.

"It's not fine. I didn't mean for you to worry about me," he said reciprocating the hug.

"It's alright," Jiro finally said, pulling away and looking him in the eye. "Goodnight Izuku," she said patting him on the chest as she walked to her room. Izuku sighed as he walked into his room to call it a day.

NEXT DAY BATTLE TRAINING

Izuku had been excited all day to see what the first day of hero training was going to be like. His classmates were the same way too and to his surprise his father was right at the door.

"I am coming through the door like a hero," said All Might as he walked in getting gasps from the classroom.

"God damnit. I knew it was going to happen at some point though," he thought to himself.

As All Might strode into the classroom, his booming voice and commanding presence immediately captured everyone's attention. His iconic smile radiated energy and confidence, and the class buzzed with excitement and awe. For most of the students, this was the moment they had dreamed of—the chance to be taught by the number one hero himself.

"Welcome, Class 1-A!" All Might began, his voice filling the room. "Today marks the beginning of your journey to becoming true heroes! You'll face challenges, push your limits, and learn what it truly means to stand tall in the face of danger!"

Izuku sat at his desk, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. While he was thrilled to be trained by All Might, the secret of their connection weighed on him. The idea of standing out in front of his classmates made him uneasy, but he quickly reminded himself to focus on learning and improving.

"Today's lesson is a practical one," All Might continue, pulling out a remote and pressing a button. A large screen behind him is lit up with bold letters that read, BATTLE TRAINING. The room erupted in whispers and murmurs of anticipation.

"We will simulate real hero scenarios, and you will face off against your classmates in a controlled environment. But don't worry," he added with a grin, "I'll be watching closely to make sure things don't get out of hand! Now! How about we get in these costumes," he said hitting a button as suitcases came out of the wall.

"Now go and get changed and meet me in training ground Beta!" he said as he dramatically left the room with the students excitedly getting their suitcases.

TRAINING GROUND BETA

All Might waited patiently as he waited for Class 1-A and 1-B to walk out. They would be in for quite a surprise.

He then hurt footsteps seeing Class 1-A and 1-B walking down the hall giving each other confused looks. All Might looked at everyone's choice of attire. He looked at Ichiro and Inori costumes and nodded at their choices.

Ichiro wanted to wear an outfit similar to his own and he hoped that they wouldn't notice and figure out he was his son. Ichiro stood proud at 6 feet and 1 inch tall and reminded him of himself when he attended UA. He had green eyes and his blonde hair was in between his ears and his shoulders. His build

Ichiro's hero costume reflected his straightforward and confident personality. It bore a striking resemblance to All Might's iconic design, though it had distinct modifications to avoid giving away their connection. The color scheme was a deep navy blue with gold accents, symbolizing strength and resilience. A bold, golden lightning bolt design ran diagonally across his chest, adding flair and emphasizing his dynamic presence.

The fabric was reinforced for durability, with protective padding over the shoulders, chest, and knees. Unlike All Might's classic cape, Ichiro opted for a lightweight, sleeveless jacket that added to his mobility while maintaining a heroic look. His boots were sturdy yet sleek, designed to handle intense physical activity.

A utility belt wrapped around his waist, equipped with essential tools for hero work, including grappling hooks and small smoke pellets for creating distractions. His gloves were high-tech, fitted with pressure-activated grips to enhance his strength-based quirk.

He looked over to Inori who would be him if he was a woman. Granted, not as tall obviously. She had long blonde hair and blue eyes and stood at 5 feet 10 inches tall. She had a lean but muscular build.

Inori's hero costume was a perfect balance of practicality and elegance, reflecting her analytical and focused personality. Designed with mobility and versatility in mind, her outfit emphasized both her agility and her strength.

The main color of the costume was a sleek black with silver accents running along the seams, giving it a modern and tactical appearance. The bodysuit fit snugly but allowed for full range of motion, made from a lightweight yet durable material that could withstand high-impact combat.

Her long blonde hair was tied back in a high ponytail, keeping it out of her face during battle while adding a touch of flair. The costume had reinforced shoulder guards and elbow pads, subtly incorporated into the design to provide extra protection during close combat.

She had some last-minute changes made to her costume because of her inheriting One for All making her more physically stronger and not to mention Mind's Reach. She was going to be a powerhouse in the future.

He looked over at Izuku and his smile faltered slightly but no one would notice. He had gotten here on his own and without his help and that bothered him. No matter. He would do his damnest to help him from here on out.

Izuku had been proud of his suit. His bodysuit was a vibrant forest green with black and white accents running along the seams, creating a sleek and dynamic appearance. The material was a high-performance, flexible fabric reinforced with lightweight armor plating on his torso, forearms, and legs to offer protection without sacrificing mobility.

He made and crafted a lot of the things on his suit. His gloves were the first. The gloves were gray with white accents along the knuckles, giving them a clean, practical look that complemented the rest of his costume. They weren't just for show; they were crafted with functionality and durability in mind.

With Fa Jin and now One for All flowing in his system, he needed something to reduce the impact on his arms. Yes, he had Cell Surge to heal him faster, but it still hurt. His gloves were built to have a bit of absorption in blows.

His boots were a bit more of the same, emphasizing the need for practicality without sacrificing his agility. He spent just as much time perfecting his footwear as he did his gloves. His boots were designed to handle the force of his high-speed movements. The boots were designed to provide him with maximum traction while still allowing him to make fast directional changes. They had reinforced ankle support to help with injury. He was proud of it and was ready to take on hero training.

He was interrupted from his thoughts as All Might started to speak.

"All right you bunch of newbies. I am sure you are wondering why both classes are here right? Well, that is quite simple. This is going to be joint training curtesy of both of your homeroom teachers," he said happily.

Izuku's eyes widened slightly, his mind racing with a flurry of thoughts. Joint training… that could mean working alongside the students of Class 1-B. This would be fun.

"All right hold your questions to the end of the scenario I am about to present to you all," he said pulling out some papers. Izuku looked around to see Class A and B were giving each other looks of…tension. That wasn't good. Not to mention but he saw that Inori was looking at him with curiosity and Ichiro looked pissed.

"Here is the scenario!" All Might's booming voice rang out, capturing the attention of both classes. He stood at the front of the group, his usual exuberance replaced with a more serious tone. "Here's the situation for your exercise. We've got two teams: the heroes and the villains. You're going to be split into teams of four. Two from Class 1-A and two from Class 1-B. The backstory for this mock battle is that a group of villains are hiding a weapon payload inside the building. But don't get too comfortable thinking this is just about the bomb. The weapon is fake, of course, but you don't know where it's hidden, and time is limited," he said as all students were paying attention now.

"For the heroes, you have fifteen minutes to either capture the villains or secure the weapon before time runs out. The villains, on the other hand, will win if they either capture the heroes or keep that weapon safe for the full fifteen minutes. Simple, right?"

"Now, before we start, there are a few more things to consider," All Might said, his tone turning more serious. "The villains will be given five minutes to find the weapon and set up their defenses before the heroes move in. During that time, the heroes will be given a schematic of the building to study and plan their strategy. Use it wisely. Time is your enemy."

Everyone nodded as they understood the assignment so far.

"All participants will have a role of special tape," All Might added. "The tape can be used to tie up your opponents. Once a student is tied up, they're considered captured and out of the game. This means you'll need to be careful with your movements and always watch your back. A successful capture could make all the difference in this training exercise. Are there any questions?"

No one raised their hand, and he nodded. "Good. Then let's get out teams picked," he said excitedly.

Team A: Izuku Yagi, Reiko Yanagi, Setsuna Tokage, and Shihai Kuroiro

Team B: Tenya Iida, Katsuki Bakugo, Neito Monoma, and Juzo Hunenuki

Team C: Ochaco Uraraka, Fumikage Tokoyami, Yui Kodai, and Tetsutetsu Tetsutetsu

Team D: Hanta Sero, Kyoka Jiro, Sen Kaibara, and Hiryu Rin

Team E: Momo Yaoyorozu, Mina Ashido, Ichiro Yagi, and Manga Fukidashi

Team F: Tsuyu Asui, Denki Kaminari, Itsuka Kendo, and Yosetsu Awase

Team G: Minoru Mineta, Enjiro Kirishima, Jurota Shishida, and Inori Yagi

Team H: Rikido Sato, Yuga Aoyama, Pony Tsunotori, and Ibara Shiozaki

Team I: Mashirao Ojiro, Mezo Shoji, Koji Koda, and Kosei Tsuburaba

Team J: Shoto Todoroki, Toru Hagakure, Kinoko Komori, and Kojiro Bondo

"Alright now that we have our teams. Let's pick who will be facing off first," said All Might reaching into the bin. He pulled out two balls and nodded at the result.

"It will be Team A, the heroes, and Team C, the villains," he said handing the teams earpieces. "You have time to prepare. Everyone else come to the observation room," he said as they all walked into a separate building.

As the students of U.A. High School filed into the observation room, the tension in the air was palpable. Their earpieces buzzed to life, ensuring that everyone could communicate with the teams while they were in the field. They all gathered around the large screens displaying the schematics of the building that would serve as the battleground for the first mock exercise.

Izuku was the first to speak seeing the team. "Alright, I think that we should go over quirks to get a better understanding of each other before we go in. I'll go first, my quirk is Stockpile. I am able to build and store energies to use later on," he said showing them Jolt, Blackwhip, and One for All though they didn't need to know that.

Reiko nodded as she spoke "I can imagine that will come in handy when we need a power boost in the middle of things. My Quirk is Poltergeist. I can move objects with my mind. The bigger the object, the more energy it takes, but I can be pretty precise with smaller ones. I can move things as weapons or even use them to block or defend."

Setsuna Tokage, with her characteristic grin, crossed her arms and chimed in. "I'll go next. My Quirk is Lizard Tail Split. I can create and control multiple copies of myself by splitting my body apart. The copies can act independently, but if one gets destroyed, I feel the pain. They're not exactly strong, but they're fast and can overwhelm an opponent. The more copies I make, the weaker they get individually."

Shihai Kuroiro cleared his throat speaking next. His voice was calm, almost measured, as he explained his Quirk. "My Quirk is Black. I can merge with and travel through any shadow. So long there's a shadow around, I can use it to disappear and move through the darkness undetected. I can also pull objects or people into shadows with me, though it's easier if I'm in a well-lit area first. It's useful for reconnaissance, setting up ambushes, or just getting out of a tight spot."

Izuku nodded, processing the information. "This is a pretty well-rounded team. Ochaco Uraraka has a quirk called Zero Gravity. She can make anyone, or anything, float by touching it with the pads she has on her fingers. Tokoyami's Dark Shadow is powerful, especially in low-light conditions. The shadow itself acts autonomously, growing stronger when there's less light. That could be a real problem for us if we get caught in a dark corridor or room. We'll need to be aware of our surroundings to avoid being caught off guard. He has the advantage over us because of that but what are the other quirks?"

Shihai spoke to answer him, "Tetsutetsu has a quirk called Steel. He can transform his body into steel, making him nearly impervious to physical attacks. His offensive capabilities are pretty straightforward too—he's tough and can deal a lot of damage up close. We'll need to be strategic about dealing with him because direct attacks might not be the best option unless we find a way to counteract his steel body."

Setsuna nodded, "Yeah then there is Yui Kodai. She can manipulate the size of objects with her Quirk, Size. She can make things smaller or bigger if she wants to. All I know is she can do it to non-living objects, so we are fine but still, it is a formidable quirk," she said leaning on Izuku making him blush at the contact.

"That's n-not good then," said Izuku trying to get her off him.

"Why's that?" asked Reiko tilting her head.

"Because Kodai could just shrink the size of the bomb if she wanted to. That's means were having to capture the four of them and finding the bomb would a needle in a haystack situation," he said with Setsuna smirking at his reactions.

Reiko's eyes widened at Izuku's realization. "Ah, I see. If Kodai shrinks the bomb, it could make it nearly impossible to find. We'd be chasing after a needle in a haystack, and if we miss it, the villains win simply by keeping it hidden."

"It's not an if…she likely did it already," said Shihai.

"Dang that's a bummer," said Setsuna a bit annoyed.

"Right, so we will need to take out Tokoyami first then we can go for the rest. Shihai would be good the that since there quirks are somewhat similar.," said Izuku looking behind Reiko to see there was gravel sitting around a tree and thought of something.

"Reiko you said there is no limit to how many objects you can manipulate right?," he said picking up a handful of gravel.

Reiko looked at Izuku, her brow furrowing slightly as she processed his question. "Yeah, I can manipulate as many objects as I can concentrate on. The more complex or heavier the objects, the harder it is to control them all at once. But I can handle a decent number at a time, especially smaller things like this gravel." She then realized what he meant by seeing the gravel around the tree.

"Smart thinking Yagi. There are hundreds of the small rocks right here so they are easy to control for me," she said using her quirk to get as many as she could.

"Thanks, but the plan should be Kuroiro, and I will go after Tokoyami while you start on the second or third floor of the building assuming that Tokage can float you guys up there. Once we are done with Tokoyami then we will make our way up there and help you deal with the others," he said liking the idea.

Shihai nodded, a calm and measured voice. "Understood. I'll stay out of sight while you draw him in. Once Tokoyami is distracted, I'll scout the other floors for any other threats and relay the information."

"Three, two, one…go!" said All Might through the speaker. The four of them took off. Setsuna uses some of her separated pieces to carry Reiko up to a window were they slipped in while Izuku and Shihai ran to the door staring into the dark and long hallway. One of many they would go through.

Izuku and Shihai stood just outside the entrance, the dimly lit hallway stretching out before them like the gaping maw of a monster. Shadows danced along the walls, making the corridor feel alive and unpredictable.

"Kuroiro," Izuku whispered, dropping into a defensive stance and gripping his flashlight tightly. "Stay sharp. This place is practically his territory."

Shihai smirked, his body already blending with the shadows around him. "Territory or not, he won't see me coming."

Izuku nodded, his sharp green eyes scanning the dim hallway as he crept forward. The oppressive silence was broken only by the soft creak of the old building's wooden floorboards beneath their feet. Shadows flickered along the walls, stretching and twisting with the faint light that filtered through cracks in the boarded-up windows. Every step forward felt like entering the maw of a waiting predator.

He felt Danger Sense go off and looked down the hallway. Ahead, a faint rustling echoed, followed by the low growl of something unearthly. Izuku froze, raising a hand to signal Shihai to stop. "He's close," he murmured.

From the darkness, a pair of glowing orange eyes appeared, followed by the looming form of Dark Shadow. The creature's claws scraped along the walls as it advanced, its deep growl reverberating through the corridor. Something he never said to Tokoyami is that Dark Shadow's strength can be seen in his eyes. Yellow met he was calm but strong, orange meant powerful but more aggressive, he hoped that they eyes never changed color after that.

The glow of Dark Shadow's orange eyes cast flickering light across the dim hallway. Izuku's grip on his flashlight tightened, his mind racing as he analyzed the situation. Orange—strong and aggressive, but not uncontrollable. Yet.

Shihai melted further into the shadows, his presence nearly imperceptible. His voice was a faint whisper, blending with the creaks and groans of the old building. "I'll flank him. Keep his attention on you."

Izuku nodded ever so slightly. His heart pounded in his chest, but his thoughts remained focused. "Got it," he whispered back, keeping his gaze locked on Dark Shadow's massive form.

The corridor seemed to shrink as the shadowy beast advanced, each step echoing in the oppressive silence. Izuku took a deep breath and stepped forward, raising his voice to call out. "Tokoyami! I know you're in there!"

There was a pause, then a low chuckle from further down the hallway. "Yagi," came Tokoyami's voice, calm yet edged with determination. "You are bold to step into the darkness, but it will swallow you whole."

"I'll use 20% One for All. If Chase said to limit it for a bit, then I'll do just that. I'll mix Jolt in there to out-speed him. I refuse to underestimate Tokoyami. If Dark Shadow is in a normal environment and has yellow eyes, let's say he is at 100%. I am not sure what his percentage is now but. I don't know what it is like when facing him in absolute darkness," he thought as he charged up Full Cowl to 20%.

"Dark Shadow," Tokoyami's voice echoed from the shadows, cold and commanding. "Leave no room for escape." Izuku activated Jolt to amplify his speed. He narrowly avoided a strike from Dark Shadow.

That was close. Izuku rolled to the side, landing on one knee as he kept his gaze locked on the shadowy beast. The orange glow of its eyes flickered with unrelenting aggression, and its hulking form seemed to expand in the dimly lit hallway. He could barely see that Tokoyami was struggling slightly from the sweat on his face. You had to be tough to control Dark Shadow. He couldn't imagine the strain he was going through.

"Good," Tokoyami's voice called from the darkness. "Run, dodge, struggle. The darkness will consume you in the end."

Izuku held his wrist as if he were able to snap his fingers. He held his index, middle, and ring finger ready to launch an attack to push Dark Shadow and Tokoyami back.

"Let's see how the darkness likes this," he muttered under his breath, releasing a quick flick of his three fingers.

The shockwave from Izuku's flick tore through the dimly lit hallway, kicking up dust and debris as it struck Dark Shadow. The beast let out a guttural roar, its massive form flickering and wavering like a distorted shadow on a cracked screen.

Dark Shadow reared back, claws digging into the walls for stability. The force of the attack had sent a ripple through its inky body, forcing it to shrink slightly. Izuku took the opportunity to catch his breath, his chest heaving as green energy crackled faintly along his body.

"Impressive," Tokoyami's voice echoed, calm yet tinged with irritation. "But you're only delaying the inevitable. Dark Shadow will adapt. And once it does…"

"Kuroiro, now!" Izuku called, his voice sharp with urgency.

Without a moment's hesitation, Shihai sprang into action, moving through the shadows like a predator closing in on its prey. He appeared behind Tokoyami, his body seamlessly blending into the darkness. In one fluid motion, Shihai launched himself at Tokoyami, wrapping him in capture tape before Tokoyami could react.

"Got him!" Shihai's voice was cold, yet there was a hint of satisfaction in his tone.

Izuku's eyes locked onto Tokoyami as he was swiftly restrained by Shihai, his hands bound with the capture tape. Tokoyami struggled briefly, but the tape held firm, though Dark Shadow wasn't done. Izuku had planned for this and sent large amounts of electricity from his body with Jolt to tame him.

Dark Shadow shrunk as he started to retreat next to Tokoyami. Shirai brought out a flashlight and shined it on the Dark Shadow and with orange-yellow eyes whined slightly. "Good job, Kurorio," Izuku muttered under his breath, watching as Dark Shadow's form flickered and faltered, the orange glow finally dimming to yellow. The beast let out a low whine, its aggressive posture giving way to a more submissive one. For now, they had the upper hand. Izuku looked to his left to see a light switch and turned on the lights. Dark Shadow flinched even further as All Might's voice was heard among the building.

"Young Tokoyami and Dark Shadow have been subdued!" he yelled out. Shirai and Izuku nodded at each other as Tokoyami looked defeated. "Good job you two though how did you do it," he said as he leaned against the wall.

"Kuroiro hid under Dark Shadow's shadow and waited for me to make my move. I used wind pressure to knock you back so that he would be within reach of you to restrain you," said Izuku as Tokoyami nodded.

"Smart plan, but my team is formidable," he said warning them. "We've got this," said Shihai as he and Izuku fist-bumped each other as they started to jog to try and find their teammates.

WITH REIKO AND SETSUNA A FIVE MINUTES AGO

The two of them crawled through the window as instructed and looked around at a room full of light.

"Alright, do you think Uraraka, Tetsutetsu, and Kodai are together or apart?" asked Setsuna.

"They are likely together," said Reiko calmly moving the small rocks around her like rings. "Tetsutetsu is the muscle, Kodai is likely the brains with a bit of strategy, and Uraraka is probably the wildcard in all of this. If they're working as a unit, they're going to be tough to deal with. We'll need to play it smart, hit them where they're weak."

Setsuna nodded, her expression sharp. "Yeah, that makes sense. Kodai can shrink the bomb, which gives her an advantage in controlling the environment. Tetsutetsu is nearly impervious to most physical attacks, and Uraraka's gravity manipulation is tricky. We'll need to counter their strengths before they get a chance to use them."

"Let's stick to the plan," Reiko whispered to Setsuna, keeping her voice barely audible. "We need to find them fast and take the upper hand. We can't afford to let them get comfortable."

Setsuna nodded; her expression focused. "Right. I'll go ahead and see what I can do to draw them out. You cover me, keep them from getting away."

Reiko watched as Setsuna moved with purpose, her body dissolving into pieces that scattered around the room like liquid fragments. Reiko followed suit, staying low to the ground and moving silently. The air felt heavy, quite oppressive, but the faint hum of machinery in the distance gave them a point of reference. She had her rocks ready.

After a few moments, Setsuna's voice came through their comms. "They're in the next hallway moving. They are looking around meaning that Kodai likely shrunk the bomb already. How should we proceed? This is a three-on-two here."

Tetsutetsu's head turned slightly, his steel form glinting faintly under the artificial lights. He narrowed his eyes, scanning the room with suspicion. "Did you hear that?" he rumbled, his voice low and tense.

Kodai looked up from her position near the bomb, her calm demeanor slipping slightly. "What? What did you hear?"

"I don't know," Tetsutetsu muttered, his brow furrowed as he tightened his fists. "It doesn't feel right."

Uraraka, standing near the wall, shifted uneasily. "Maybe we should check it out," she said, her voice unsure but cautious. "If they're here, we need to know before they catch us off guard."

Kodai hesitated, then sighed. "Fine, let's check it out," she said with a straight look on her face.

Setsuna grumbled, "Shit. Not now," she said annoyed. "Yanagi. They are on their way. I'll make my way back. We are strong but I seriously doubt we can do a 3 on 1, for either of us," she said starting to reform right next to her.

"Look there they are," said Tetsutetsu pointing at them.

"Fuck," said Setsuna.

"We'll distract them," Setsuna muttered, moving into position beside Reiko. "Agreed. They will likely focus on defense so let's attack," said Reiko launching her large amount of small rocks at the group of three.

Tetsutetsu moved to the front, his steel body absorbing the brunt of the attack. The rocks bounced off his metallic form, sparking faintly as they struck him. "That all you got?" he bellowed, his confident grin widening as he stepped closer.

They then heard All Might's voice throughout the building. "Young Tokoyami and Dark Shadow have been subdued!"

Setsuna smirked, "So, Yagi and Kuroiro managed to deal with Tokoyami then. That means help will be on the way," she said as Kodai grabbed a few of the small rocks laid on the ground.

"You two stand back," she said to Tetsutetsu and Ochaco. She used her quirk to then make the rock so big that it blocked the hallway from entry.

Setsuna grunted out in annoyance. "You've got to be shitting me right now," she said as she looked to see if she would get into between the rock.

Reiko and Setsuna exchanged a glance, their expressions a mix of frustration and determination. "Smart move," Reiko muttered under her breath. "But it won't hold us for long."

"No kidding," Setsuna said, her fragmented pieces floating back together as she assessed the situation. "If we don't deal with this fast, they'll either regroup or make a run for it."

"No, they won't," Reiko said calmly holding up a hand for her to stop talking. They then heard the same boom from a different area.

"She just boxed themselves in. All we can do is wait," she said as she looked at Setsuna.

"Listen, Yanagi, as much as I would like to wait, we can't. We only have so much time left," she said.

"I merely suggested we wait for Yagi as he can pack a punch against this boulder," she said knocking on it. "And the Yagi and Kuroiro will be here in a minimum couple of minutes."

"Ugh, fine," she said detaching her ears to listen for the two of them. After a minute she heard footsteps from down the hall they came, and Setsuna nodded at Reiko. The two of them looked to see it was Izuku and Shihai running towards them.

Reiko and Setsuna stood ready as Izuku and Shihai approached. The sound of their hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway, and Izuku's green lightning crackled faintly around his body, signaling he was already tapping into One for All.

Shihai slowed down slightly as they reached the massive boulder, his dark form blending into the shadows. "What's the situation?" he asked, his voice calm but serious.

"Long story short, Kodai used her quirk to block the hallway with this oversized rock," Setsuna explained, her fragmented ears reattaching to her head. "They're boxed in for now, a decently sized room and a hallway."

Izuku analyzed the situation quickly, his green eyes narrowing as he took in the massive boulder blocking their way. Sparks of energy flickered around him as he activated One for All at 20%, his mind racing to formulate a plan. "We will overwhelm and that is how we will win," he said.

Izuku stepped forward, the green lightning of One for Allcrackling around him as he focused his energy. His fist glowed faintly as he cocked it back, the hallway trembling under the sheer force radiating from his body. "Stand back," he said firmly, his sharp green eyes locked onto the boulder.

With a mighty swing, Izuku unleashed a concentrated punch. The shockwave from his blow tore through the air, slamming into the boulder with a deafening boom. Cracks spiderwebbed across its surface before it shattered into massive chunks, the debris scattering across the hallway.

Inside the room, Kodai flinched as the noise echoed through the walls. The ground beneath them shook, and small bits of debris fell from the ceiling. She glanced down at the shrunken bomb in her hands, her expression tense.

"They're in," she muttered. "Tetsutetsu, take point. Uraraka, cover me."

Tetsutetsu grinned, his steel body shimmering under the dim light. "Finally! Let's smash 'em."

Uraraka nodded hesitantly, her hands glowing faintly as she activated her quirk. "We've got this," she said, though there was a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Kodai took a deep breath, her eyes narrowing. "Just remember, we hold this position. If they get past us, it's over."

As the dust settled, Izuku darted through the gap with incredible speed, his lightning crackling as he moved. Tetsutetsu charged to meet him, his metallic fist swinging in a wide arc.

Izuku caught the fist and tossed him back to Kodai and Uraraka. The metallic hero grunted as he skidded across the floor, colliding with a nearby desk. Before the trio could regroup, Izuku smirked, his green lightning crackling as three tendrils of Blackwhip extended from his body and lashed toward them with incredible speed.

That was when Izuku felt something way different with the tendrils. He had almost forgotten that they had evolved but he didn't know what way. Before he knew it the three tendrils were around the trio as they were restrained. His three teammates went to work as they tied them up and looked for the shrunken bomb.

Shihai checked Kodai's pocket and sure enough, there was a handheld size bomb. All Might's voices boomed throughout the building. "With Team C being captured as well as the bomb being taken. Team A wins! Congratulations on doing both objectives please return to the Control room to discuss your results." he said happily.

Setsuna smirked as she untied the three of them. "Well, Yagi, looks like you are one smart cookie if you are able to come up with a plan like that and it works out," she said cooing slightly getting closer to him.

Reiko raised an eyebrow, her expression shifting to one of mild amusement as she noticed Izuku subtly using her as a shield against Setsuna's teasing. "What are you doing back there, Yagi?" she asked, her voice tinged with mock sternness.

Izuku scratched the back of his head nervously, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. "I just figured it's safer over here," he replied, clearly flustered by Setsuna's playful smirk and teasing demeanor.

Setsuna started to smile even more now as she tried to reach him. "Come on…accept the compliment and a job well done," she said.

"Well, thank you, but please stop with this," he said as the two of them walked around Reiko. Even though Reiko had a mask on she had amusement in her eyes.

"Oi, Yagi," said Tetsutetsu, his voice carrying a mix of respect and frustration as he approached. He rubbed the back of his neck, still shaking off the sting from being tossed earlier. "You're scary strong, man. Tossing me like that? Not bad at all. But next time, I'll be the one doing that."

Izuku chuckled nervously at Tetsutetsu's words, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'll try not to go too hard next time. Sorry about that, Tetsutetsu."

Tetsutetsu grinned, giving Izuku a friendly punch on the arm. "Nah, no need to apologize. That's the kind of strength we need in a hero. Just don't think I'll let it slide. I'll be ready for you next time, Yagi."

Setsuna rolled her eyes with a smirk. "Alright, alright, can we stop the macho rivalry for a minute? We've got a debrief to attend, so let's go before they get their panties in a bunch.

Izuku nodded, glad to see his teammates weren't holding grudges, despite the intense battle and glad Setsuna was off of him. He did know that he would need to test the One for All quirks later to see what was up with them and how they evolved so to speak.

The two teams were the center of attention, and the other 32 students stayed back so they could be looked at from All Might.

All Might stood at the center of the control room, his towering presence radiating energy. His bright smile glimmered even more as the remaining students gathered around. "Everyone, that was an impressive display of teamwork, strategy, and adaptability!" His booming voice commanded attention as he gestured toward both teams. "Team A showcased exceptional planning and execution, while Team C demonstrated resilience and creativity in defending the bomb. Bravo to all of you!"

"That being said I am going to have to give the MVP of this match to Young Izuku," he said pointing at him. Izuku felt a bit put on the spot but none the less accepted it.

"Now does anyone know why?" he asked the batch of students, but Momo was the first to raise her hand.

All Might pointed toward Momo, his smile encouraging. "Yes, Yaoyorozu, please share your thoughts."

Momo stood confidently, her analytical nature shining through as she spoke. "The MVP title goes to Izuku because he demonstrated a blend of strategic thinking and adaptability during the exercise. His plan effectively utilized his teammates' strengths while compensating for their weaknesses. In the beginning, we could see that he showed Yanagi the gravel on the ground to use as her weapons and shield as well as a plan to take out Tokoyami recognizing him as the strongest. He also showed strategy in using his quirk to restrain the three villains at the same time as well as securing the bomb."

Momo continued, her voice steady and confident as she addressed the room. "Overall, Izuku demonstrated leadership, quick thinking, and an understanding of both his team's and the opponent's strengths and weaknesses. His ability to adapt mid-battle. These qualities make him deserve of the MVP title."

All Might nodded approvingly, his smile broadening. "Excellent analysis, Yaoyorozu! You've hit the nail on the head. Young Izuku's strategy was indeed a key factor in Team A's victory. But remember, young heroes, teamwork, and individual effort go hand in hand. No single person wins alone."

All Might clapped his hands together to refocus the group. "Now, let's also acknowledge Team C's performance. Tetsutetsu, Tokoyami, Kodai, and Uraraka, you all showed incredible determination and creativity. Tokoyami, your use of Dark Shadow to fortify offenses was brilliant. Kodai, shrinking the bomb and keeping the bomb on your person made it harder for the enemy to locate. Not to mention you blocking the hallway to give you all more time. And Tetsutetsu, your resilience in holding the line gave your team critical moments to reposition."

All Might turned to Uraraka, his warm gaze encouraging. "And you, Uraraka, your quick thinking and use of your quirk to lighten the debris and create obstacles for the opposing team was commendable. Though you were outmaneuvered, your efforts gave your team valuable time to regroup and strategize. Remember, sometimes the smallest actions can have the biggest impact."

Uraraka smiled shyly, rubbing the back of her neck. "Thank you, All Might. I'll keep working on being more confident and proactive."

All Might's booming laugh filled the room. "That's the attitude, young Uraraka! Every battle is a chance to improve."

He straightened, his tone becoming more serious as he addressed the entire class. "Heroes, remember, these exercises are more than just practice for combat. They're a chance to understand yourselves, your quirks, and your teamwork. In the field, heroes must trust one another completely. Your performance today shows you're well on your way to becoming the best."

The class clapped enthusiastically, the energy in the room buzzing as students exchanged thoughts and compliments. Izuku looked to see some of his friends nodding at him for a job well done. He looked to the left to see Ichiro and Bakugo sitting there with angry looks on their face. He wished that this would stop. They have no one to be made but themselves for what they did to him all these years.

Izuku's thoughts were interrupted as Setsuna nudged him, her ever-present smirk firmly in place. "Earth to Yagi. You are zoning out on us already?"

He blinked and offered a nervous chuckle. "No, sorry. Just... thinking about everything."

Reiko followed his gaze to see he was looking at his older brother from what she heard. She tilted her head curiously at why he was looking at Izuku like that but shrugged it off as sibling rivalry.

"Alright, students. How about we move onto the next group," said All Might randomly trying to ball to see what teams would go next. Izuku quietly pulled out his notebook to right down everyone's matches for nods and the quirks they all had as All Might read the team names.

"The next match will be Team F versus Team J," he said. Izuku smiled as the match was about to start soon, Izuku couldn't help but feel a sense of pride for what his team had accomplished. Yet, his mind also wandered back to his own training with Blackwhip—he had to understand it fully before the next challenge. He was determined to master all of his quirks.