Work Text:
The city of Fukuoka got a sudden attack from a Nomu, something that's been introduced a few times now. The event was both a rattling experience to the citizens of Japan. Reports say the High End Nomu, named Hood, broke into the restaurant the two top Heroes were dining in. Endeavour was thrown through multiple skyscrapers, being pushed beyond his limits, terrifying most of those watching.
As the battle escalated into the skies above Fukuoka, flames lit up the horizon while civilians could do nothing but watch and hope. Even with support from Hawks, it became clear that this was no ordinary enemy; The Nomu adapted, regenerated, and continued to evolve mid fight, forcing Endeavor into a corner unlike ever before. For a moment, it seemed as though the new Number 1 Hero would fall. But in a final, desperate push past his limits, Endeavor unleashed everything he had, burning hotter than ever before, to completely incinerate the Nomu.
The attack, later identified as “Prominence Burn,” reduced Hood to nothing, ensuring it could not regenerate again.
When the flames cleared, Endeavor remained standing, barely, bloodied, exhausted, and scarred, he raised his fist to the sky. A silent message. A promise. That he would endure.
Across Japan, the image was broadcast live. For some, it was reassuring. For others, it was unsettling. Unlike All-Might, this victory had not looked effortless. It had been a struggle, one that revealed just how dangerous the world had become.
----
As the Autumn weather was transitioning to the cool Winter breeze, Class-1A returned from their work studies back on school grounds to exhibit new skills and abilities, having All-Might conduct the class for the day while Aizawa Sensei and Present Mic were away with an undisclosed absence.
It was incredible to see everyone's improvement, and now it was time to put it to the test with a training gig instead of breaking down the robots on the flat ground space.
Random draws were made creating teams of five using student's alphabetical numbers;
- Ida, Ojiro, Yaoyorozu, Kirishima (Team A)
- Asui, Koda, Sero, Jiro (Team B)
- Shoji, Mineta, Kaminari, Hagakure (Team C)
- Sato, Aayoma, Ashido, Tokiyami (Team D)
- Midoriya, Uraraka, Bakugou, Todoroki (Team E)
“Again!?” Bakugou’s gaze narrowed, almost as if burning holes at the back of Midoriya and Todroki’s heads. His jaw clenched, head almost bursting with frustration—Always stuck with Shitty Nerd and Half n Half bastard, this is fucking infuriating!
Midoriya didn’t dare look back, it was one thing being put in a group with Bakugou during the Work Studies exchange; a professional environment—less “killing-explosiveness” and more of just “explosiveness”.
He just thanked fate that he’s been seeing Bakugou’s palm against his face less often.
Ignoring the obvious killing glare from Bakugou, Midoriya waved over Uraraka, “Uraraka-san!”
She waved back, passing a nod and walking over.
“I’ve been using black whip a whole lot better!” Midoriya exclaimed, bowing a bit too fast, “so, thank you- for that time!”
Uraraka laughs, waving her hand around, confused at first, “That time? Oh! That!? Psssh—That was ages ago!”
Her laughter turned into a giggle, smile growing softer, “thank you, but seriously, your blackwhip inspired me to use a new technique with wires.” She gestures to her wrist cuffs, opening a compartment where the cables shot out carefully within arms reach.
“I know they’re kinda short, and can’t use them like Sero’s tape but…” she trailed off, her gaze fixed on her hand, gently closing the compartment, and staring back at Midoriya. She nods her head, “We’re going to ace this training run! You’re not the only one who’s gotten stronger, Deku-kun!” She spoke, confidently, a fist extended out.
Midoriya returned the fist bump, a small smile on his face, “Of course!”
The two then were pushed apart, as Bakugou passed between them, back curved in a way that resembled a shrimp, albeit his head held high. “Out of my way, Extras!” He demands, making his way to Todoroki, who was merely minding his own business.
”I’m sick of you pretending you’re all that Icy Hot! You’re lucky we’re teamed together, other wise I would’ve exploded you to a crisp,” Bakugou states, rubbing his palms together. It would’ve looked intimidating if he hadn’t used his mask to push his hair out of his face, or have his hero suit set like a turtle neck, with a collar covering half his face—if the narrator would dare; they’d say that he resembles a Pomeranian.
”Young Bakugou,” All-Might called out, “Enough with threatening your teammates, move to your station!”
”Don’t tell me what to do!” Bakugou barks back, veins protruding on his forehead. He continues cursing and stomping to position.
"The work studies hadn't gotten through Bakugou-kun, huh Deku-kun?" Uraraka whispered, slightly leaning towards him. Midoriya nods in response with an exasperated breath.
----
Minutes later the ground was filled students flung around, sliding, dodging and attacking the training robots (who's ridiculously been doubled in size since moments ago), all while saving the dummies that react to certain tones/movement; a student in the Hero Support course created to make rescue training more... "realistic", it's something they wanted to have test runs with first years to see what might need to be worked on to tweak or label it as obsolete. The student overlooking them was a recent transfer Business Studies into the Support Course, Hajime Dai.
—
Name: Dai Hajime
Quirk: Lens Magnification - He can adjust his eyes to see as far as he needs, although if he over does it his eyes strain and dry up which can cause permanent damage such as loosing his sight.
—
Hajime watched as a particular blonde shouts at one of the dummies, and nearly blows off the head. He felt his soul almost leave his body—What was I expecting, not everyone will take the dummies seriously, he told himself. But it didn’t make it hurt any less.
[Team E]
Uravity was given the role defence; making debris weightless and flinging out of the way of the dummies.
Great Explosion Murder God Dynamite, and Todoroki were mainly offence; destroying the robots strategically, while Deku did both— he used full cowling and his strength to land the hits he can, while aiding Uravity with evacuating/rescuing the dummies.
It wasn’t long when someone across the field had chided about the training run being easy, and ruins it for everyone, because somehow the robots have drones dropping smoke bombs and deploying reinforced shields on themselves.
Another challenge? And it’s a smokescreen bomb and stronger defence for the enemy? Deku thought, swiftly dodging a metal arm emerging from the thick smoke, that slammed into the ground, pushing the screen away just to see a bit more of the surroundings, only to be strengthened more opaque.
”You think smokescreens can stop me!?” A voice roared, followed by explosions above, the impact shoving the thick clouds away, restoring vision. “Pathetic!”
”DIE METAL BRAIN!”
None needed to turn heads, it was Great Explosion Murder God Dynamite constructing his dramatic entrance, Deku swore he could still hear the voice echoing in his ear—a wonder he still has the capability to hear—nonetheless he continued to sprint and evade the attacks caused by the huge machinery.
Deku circled the area, attempting to spot another dummy to rescue— however he noticed Todoroki in the distance idle, though in a rigid but slouched stance; ice and flames bursting out of him.
”Todoroki-kun!” He shouts, “Are you okay!?”
When Deku didn’t get a response, or an acknowledgment, he began to dash towards the idle hero.
Another smokescreen exploded in the area, and Deku inhaled a ton, the chemical stinging his senses— a harsh round of coughing before shaking it off.
The robot’s metal hand appears once more, this time on a collision to strike Todoroki. It was both worrying and frustrating that he hadn’t moved an inch.
”Todoroki-kun!” Deku shouts again, inching closer— and it seemed to snap whatever trance Todoroki was in, his head turning towards the threat, hand raised and extended, a wave of ice shards stretch that gets shattered almost immediately.
When Todoroki braced for impact, none came, except a faint warmth and an embrace. He peeked through an eye, finding himself in Deku’s arms, as the hero continued to hurtle and bolt dogging debris, carrying a friend to safety.
Across the grounds, Uravity and Great Explosion Murder God Dynamite witness the action. The two stunned for a second, returning to their respective roles in seconds. But both share the same thoughts, one more aggressive than the other: That (shitty) shameless bastard is (fucking) enjoying it!