My Hero Academia: Thunder God

While Kaminari and Todoroki were deep in discussion, strategizing for their battle against the overwhelming force that was All Might, the second exam featuring Asui and Tokoyami was already underway.

Their test lasted a full twenty-seven minutes. In the final moments, thanks to their outstanding teamwork, they managed to secure the victory by successfully handcuffing Ectoplasm.

"Hey, did anyone notice that Ectoplasm-sensei only used his legs the entire time? What happened to his hands?" Uraraka asked curiously, her tone unintentionally innocent.

"That's a secret," Recovery Girl replied with a knowing smile. "I may know a little about it, but without Ectoplasm's permission, I won't say more."

She then turned toward Midoriya, Kyoka, and the others, who still looked curious, and added, "And I'd advise you all not to pry, it would be rude."

"Ah, yes! Understood!" Midoriya nodded quickly, his curiosity immediately giving way to respect. Uraraka, Kyoka, and the others also dropped the subject.

"Well, now that Asui and Tokoyami's exam is over, next up is…" Uraraka quickly changed the topic.

"It's Team Iida and Ojiro! Look, it's starting!" Kyoka pointed toward the upper-right screen.

As soon as they turned their attention to the screen, they saw Iida and Ojiro already caught in a tough situation. The battlefield was a dusty, uneven terrain, and thick clouds of dirt and debris filled the air as the ground collapsed unpredictably around them.

"What kind of Quirk does their opponent have? Engineering robots?" Uraraka asked, confused. From what she had seen, the teacher was simply operating mechanical armor, which any normal person could theoretically do.

"That's Power Loader-sensei," Midoriya explained as he quickly flipped open his notebook. "His real name is Higari Maijima. His Quirk allows him to perfectly control mechanical constructs just by touching them, as if they were extensions of his own body. He doesn't even need prior training or knowledge of how they work."

"But according to records, it only applies to things with a mechanical structure, meaning it doesn't work on basic tools like wrenches."

"And! Originally, the hospital named his Quirk 'Mechanical Control,' but later, he changed it to 'Iron Claw' because he thought it sounded cooler!"

As soon as Midoriya finished speaking, Uraraka and Kyoka exchanged silent glances, both thinking the original name sounded way better.

"Hey, look! What are Iida and Ojiro doing?!" Kyoka suddenly pointed at the screen.

Midoriya barely had time to stash his notebook before looking up, only to immediately feel secondhand embarrassment.

"What is that pose…?" Uraraka giggled, covering her mouth.

On the screen, Iida, clad in his sleek white armor, giving him the look of a futuristic Kamen Rider was now carrying Ojiro on his back. The latter, also dressed in white but in a martial arts gi, had wrapped his legs tightly around Iida's waist while gripping his shoulders.

"Man, this is so embarrassing!" Ojiro groaned, his large tail twitching awkwardly.

But Iida ignored the complaint completely. Right now, his mind was focused on one thing, passing the exam and proving he could continue his path as a hero.

"It's starting, Ojiro! Brace yourself!"

In the next moment, the engines on Iida's calves roared to life, six exhaust vents on each leg igniting in bright red. Within seconds, the glow shifted to a brilliant blue, and he launched forward at incredible speed.

"Piston Engine: Explosive Dash!!!"

Ten seconds later.

"Iida Tenya, Ojiro Mashirao—exam conditions met."

The broadcast echoed across the training grounds, drawing the attention of Class 1-A's students, many of whom had been either resting or nervously strategizing for their own exams.

"Midoriya-kun…" Uraraka turned toward him.

"Yeah… it's my turn."

Midoriya gave her a reassuring smile before turning and walking out of the monitoring room.

"You got this, Midoriya-kun!" Uraraka called out after him, quietly cheering him on.

What she didn't realize was that her expression in that moment had been noticed by Kyoka.

Wait… does Uraraka-chan… like Midoriya…? Kyoka thought to herself.

---

Meanwhile, Midoriya had already reached the exam site, where Bakugo was waiting. Their simulated battlefield was a residential district not a cityscape with towering buildings, but an area filled with two- and three-story houses.

"Tch. Took you long enough, Deku!" Bakugo sneered the moment he spotted Midoriya.

"Uh, sorry, sorry…" Midoriya scratched the back of his head nervously. Then, his expression turned serious. "Kacchan, about this exam—"

"Save it!" Bakugo interrupted. "I already know what to do. Just shut up and follow my lead!"

"But Aizawa-sensei taught us that—"

"Izuku Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo—practical exam, ready-go!"

Midoriya barely had time to finish before the announcement blared, cutting him off. He sighed, visibly frustrated.

"Just listen for once, Deku! Do exactly what I say!"

Without another word, Bakugo bolted toward an alley between the buildings.

"This… okay, okay!"

Midoriya hesitated but ultimately followed, convincing himself, Kacchan must have a plan… right?

The two moved stealthily along the walls, staying low. As they advanced, Bakugo spoke in a hushed voice.

"Listen up, Deku. The second we run into Aizawa, I'll go in first. You? You run."

"What?! No way! That's—"

"Shut the hell up! I'm not done talking!" Bakugo snapped, shooting Midoriya a sharp glare. "Once I engage him, you attack from the other direction!"

Midoriya froze for a moment, processing Bakugo's words. Then, realization dawned.

I get it! Aizawa-sensei's Quirk only works on people within his line of sight. If we keep attacking from opposite sides, he can only erase one Quirk at a time!

He was just about to commend Bakugo on the idea when—

Suddenly, Bakugo's expression shifted.

His palm micro-explosions flickered out.

His instincts screamed at him.

"He's here! Move!"

Bakugo shoved Midoriya aside.

"Oh? You actually noticed me?"

A voice came from above.

On a nearby utility pole, Aizawa squinted down at them, his gaze sharp. His scarf fluttered in the wind as he observed them both Bakugo charging forward, Midoriya scrambling back.

"Sacrificing yourself while letting Midoriya escape… is that really your strategy?"

Aizawa leapt down with effortless grace, his capture scarf snapping toward Bakugo. His expression remained unreadable, but there was a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"Did you ever consider actual teamwork?"

"Tch! Teamwork? Like hell I'd team up with that useless nerd!"

Despite having his Quirk erased, Bakugo's combat skills were top-tier. He dodged the scarf again and again, relying solely on reflexes and agility.

In terms of raw physical ability…

He was leagues above even Todoroki.

***

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