Chapter 67: Final Exams:
Yeah, that's right. Double upload, whose the best? I AM.
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With only one week left until the end-of-term test, the tension in Class 1-A was at an all-time high.
Inside the classroom, groups of students were frantically discussing the test, some more worried than others.
"Man… I haven't studied at all!" Denki Kaminari groaned, slumping onto his desk dramatically.
"Me neither," Mina Ashido admitted, looking equally exhausted. "How could we?! We've been dealing with attacks, training, internships—it's been one thing after another!"
"Indeed," Fumikage Tokoyami added, his arms crossed. "Even I must admit, focusing on academics has been difficult amidst the chaos."
Across the room, Rikido Sato nodded. "It's going to be harder than the midterms."
Nearby, Minoru Mineta, the only one who didn't seem even remotely stressed, leaned back in his chair with a smug grin.
"Yeah, and don't forget—there's also an exercise test, too," he added in an exaggerated, sarcastic tone. "Tough luck for you guys."
Denki and Mina glared at him instantly.
"Why are you so calm?!" Mina snapped.
Denki pointed at him accusingly. "Don't tell me you're actually… smart?"
Mineta grinned, rubbing his chin smugly. "I mean, I don't like to brag, but… yes. Yes, I am."
"That's so unfair!" Mina wailed. "How is the pervert of the class actually good at school?!"
"I feel betrayed," Denki muttered.
As the room filled with groans of frustration and impending doom, Izuku Midoriya (who held the fourth-highest grade in the class) stepped in to encourage his struggling friends.
"Come on, guys! You can do it! I want all of us to go to the forest lodge together!" Izuku said earnestly, pumping his fists.
Standing beside him, Tenya Iida (ranked second highest) nodded in agreement, adjusting his glasses. "Midoriya is correct! We must all do our utmost to succeed—none of us should be left behind in remedial school!"
Todoroki, standing near them, crossed his arms. "Honestly, if I had attended class normally since the beginning, my grades wouldn't be so low."
Denki immediately turned to glare at him. "Do me a favor, Todoroki. Mind your words."
"What do you mean?" Todoroki asked, genuinely confused.
"Nothing, never mind, it's fine," Denki sighed.
...
At the front of the room, Momo Yaoyorozu stood gracefully with a proud yet reserved expression.
"If anyone needs assistance with their studies, I would be more than happy to help," she offered, ever the diligent Class Representative.
Several classmates immediately perked up at the offer.
"Really? Thank you, Yaoyorozu!" Mashirao Ojiro said, relieved.
"Yeah, I could use the help!" Kyoka Jiro admitted.
"Same here!" Hanta Sero raised a hand.
Momo's cheeks turned slightly pink at the overwhelming response. "Ah—well, I'll do my best!"
From the side, Eijiro Kirishima watched with admiration. "Man, you're really virtuous, Yaoyorozu!"
Before Momo could respond, however—
"WHAT?!" Katsuki Bakugo slammed his hands on the desk, scowling fiercely. "I'M virtuous too, DAMN IT!"
Kirishima blinked, startled. "Uh… yeah, sure, man."
Bakugo growled, eyes narrowing. "No, screw that—I'll tutor you myself! Until you BLEED if I have to!"
Kirishima, instead of looking afraid, just grinned confidently. "Well, I expect no less!"
Mina, watching the whole thing, just sighed. "Why are our smartest classmates all… so intense?"
Meanwhile: Kurokami's Relentless Training
Elsewhere, far from the chatter of Class 1-A, Kurokami Tenshin was completely absorbed in his training.
His short but well-built figure moved fluidly, each motion executed with precision and control. Sweat glistened over his sculpted muscles as he performed Kata, his body moving through the motions instinctively.
Kata—a method of structured martial arts training—helped him refine his movements without thought, forcing his muscles to act on memory alone.
Normally, this kind of training wasn't difficult for him. But that's why he always wore his weighted martial arts gi—a custom-made black outfit that made every movement feel like he was wading through heavy water.
It was perfect for growth.
As his body moved automatically, his mind wandered.
"How do I get stronger?"
It wasn't a simple question.
His current abilities included:
Expelling Ki energy in various forms.Using Ki to enhance his physical stats.Using Ki to fly.
That was good. But it wasn't enough.
"This growth rate is too slow…" Kuro thought, his brows furrowing. "When was the last time I had explosive growth? Right… when I was in actual danger."
A thrill of realization rushed through him.
"If I stay in my comfort zone, I'll never reach the next level."
Suddenly, his muscles burned, the exhaustion catching up to him.
He paused.
His breathing was ragged. His body was aching.
But his eyes burned with determination.
"Whew…" he muttered, shaking out his arms. Then, rolling his shoulders, he set his stance again.
"Let's do this a few more times."
Without hesitation, he launched into the next set of Kata, each movement sharper than before.
As he trained, his resolve only grew stronger.
"I'll find the next step. No matter what it takes."
[Auther: I myself want to know, do you guys have any suggestions for what power-up, Kuro gets next? I don't plan on doing anything with his 'forms' for a bit but if you request it, sure.]