Chapter 4: Chapter 3: Bonds Begin to Form
The second day at U.A. High brought a fresh wave of anticipation. After the Quirk Apprehension Test, the students of Class 1-A had gotten a glimpse of each other's strengths and quirks. Kenji Saito, still adjusting to the intensity of U.A., was determined to prove himself.
As Kenji walked into the classroom, he noticed Momo Yaoyorozu standing by her desk, flipping through a notebook. Her focused demeanor and refined posture made her seem both intimidating and approachable. Kenji had barely exchanged words with her so far, but her leadership skills had been evident during the Quirk test.
A Lesson in Hero Ethics
The room grew silent as the door slid open. A familiar booming voice filled the space.
"I AM...COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!"
All Might's dramatic entrance elicited cheers and murmurs from the class. Even Kenji, who had always admired the Number One Hero from afar, couldn't help but smile.
"All Might's teaching us today?" Kenji whispered to himself, excitement bubbling beneath his reserved demeanor.
"All right, young heroes!" All Might began, his voice brimming with energy. "Today, we'll focus on one of the most important aspects of hero work: Rescue Ethics."
The class leaned forward, eager to learn.
"As heroes, your quirks are not just for defeating villains—they're tools to save lives. However, rescue work requires more than power. It demands empathy, quick thinking, and cooperation," All Might explained.
Kenji felt the weight of those words. His Quirk, Sunflare, had always felt like a weapon more than anything else. He wondered how he could apply it in a rescue scenario.
The Battle Simulation Announcement
Before anyone could ask questions, All Might revealed the main event of the day: a battle simulation.
"You'll be divided into pairs for this exercise. One team will play heroes, while the other will play villains. The heroes must secure a device hidden in the building, and the villains must protect it. The key here is teamwork!"
All Might held up a box filled with numbered cards. "Your teams will be chosen randomly. Pick your numbers!"
Kenji approached the box with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Drawing his card, he saw it read Team F.
"Team F?" a voice called out. Kenji turned to see Momo Yaoyorozu holding up an identical card. Her calm expression softened into a warm smile. "Looks like we're partners."
Kenji's heart skipped a beat. Of all the students, he hadn't expected to be paired with Momo.
"I-I guess we are," Kenji said, trying to hide his nervousness.
Their opponents were announced: Team A, consisting of Shoto Todoroki and Tenya Iida.
Kenji's chest tightened. Both were formidable, with Todoroki's dual-element Quirk and Iida's speed.
"Don't worry," Momo said, noticing his concern. "We'll come up with a strategy. Trust me."
Kenji nodded, her confidence easing his anxiety.
The Simulation Begins
The mock building was vast and dimly lit, resembling an industrial complex. Team F, the heroes, had to infiltrate and secure the "weapon" hidden somewhere inside.
"We need a plan," Momo said as they stepped into the building. "We don't know where they've hidden the device, but Iida will likely patrol the hallways. Todoroki will probably be guarding the target with his Quirk."
Kenji listened intently. Her analytical approach was impressive, and he found himself admiring her composure.
"I'll create a smoke bomb to obscure their vision," Momo continued, using her Quirk to materialize a small canister. "You can use your Sunflare to create a distraction while I search for the device."
"Got it," Kenji replied, feeling a newfound determination.
Facing Iida
As they moved through the building, the sound of rapid footsteps echoed. Iida appeared, his engines roaring as he charged toward them.
"I've found the intruders!" Iida announced, his voice firm.
"Stay behind me!" Momo shouted, creating a large shield to block Iida's approach.
Kenji stepped forward, generating a burst of light with his Sunflare. The sudden flash forced Iida to halt, shielding his eyes.
"Nice work," Momo said, tossing the smoke bomb down the hallway. Thick gray clouds filled the air, giving them cover. "Let's move!"
Together, they navigated through the smoke, staying alert for any sign of Todoroki.
Confronting Todoroki
When they reached the target room, a wall of ice greeted them, blocking the entrance.
"Todoroki's already set up defenses," Momo said, assessing the situation.
Kenji placed a hand on the ice, feeling its chilling cold. "I can melt some of this, but it'll take time."
"No need," Momo replied. She materialized a portable heater, pressing it against the ice. "We'll use this instead. It's quieter."
Kenji watched her work, impressed by her resourcefulness. "You're amazing, Yaoyorozu."
Momo paused, her cheeks turning pink. "Th-thank you. But this isn't the time for compliments."
The ice melted just enough for them to slip through. Inside, Todoroki stood guard near the device, his expression calm but focused.
"I won't let you pass," Todoroki said, raising his hand.
Kenji stepped forward. "Then we'll just have to get through you."
Todoroki launched a wave of ice toward them, but Kenji countered with a blinding flash of light, forcing Todoroki to shield his eyes. Momo used the opportunity to create a grappling hook, pulling the device toward her.
Teamwork Wins the Day
Todoroki recovered quickly, sending another attack their way. This time, Momo threw a barrier in front of them, deflecting the ice.
"We've got what we came for!" Momo shouted.
Kenji nodded, creating another burst of light to cover their retreat. They sprinted toward the exit, dodging attacks and evading Iida, who had regrouped.
When they finally crossed the finish line, All Might's voice boomed through the speakers.
"Team F has secured the weapon! Excellent work!"
The Aftermath
Back in the observation room, All Might praised their teamwork. "Young Yaoyorozu and Young Saito, your coordination and adaptability were impressive. This exercise wasn't just about power—it was about strategy, and you both demonstrated that wonderfully."
Momo smiled at the compliment, but her gaze lingered on Kenji. She felt a growing admiration for his determination and quick thinking.
Kenji, still catching his breath, turned to Momo. "Thanks for trusting me out there."
"You earned it," Momo replied, her cheeks faintly pink again.
As the class dispersed for the day, Momo found herself glancing at Kenji more often, her feelings for him beginning to blossom.
Kenji, oblivious to her growing affection, focused on his next challenge. He didn't realize that amidst the battles and training, a bond was quietly forming—a bond that might change everything.
Word Count: ~1,243