Chapter 27
"Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn."
– Benjamin Franklin
Kanazawa, Japan - May 2197
In the heart of Kanazawa City, as the afternoon sun cast its golden rays over the bustling streets, Midoriya Izuku found himself stepping off the train at the local station. The air was crisp and fresh, a stark contrast to the dense urban landscape of Musutafu. He adjusted the strap of his bag and his hold on to his costume case before making his way through the crowd, his eyes scanning the surroundings with a mix of curiosity and determination.
The walk to the Urban Guard agency building was short but filled with the vibrant energy of the city. The streets were alive with the hustle and bustle of daily life, the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity that characterized Kanazawa. As he approached the agency, Midoriya took a moment to admire the structure. It was an unassuming building, blending seamlessly with its neighbors, yet he knew that appearances could be deceiving.
Entering the lobby, Midoriya was greeted by the receptionist, a young woman with a friendly smile. "Welcome to Urban Guard," she said. "How can I assist you?"
"I'm Midoriya Izuku, an intern from UA," he replied, his voice steady but polite.
The receptionist's smile broadened. "Ah, yes, we've been expecting you. Let me inform a Hero on staff about your arrival." She then glanced at a skylight which revealed the clear blue sky. "It's such lovely weather today, isn't it?"
Midoriya nodded, his expression turning thoughtful. "Yes, but I always carry an umbrella." The words, seemingly innocuous, carried a deeper meaning.
The receptionist's demeanor subtly shifted as she recognized the passcode. Without a word, she discreetly pressed a red button hidden under her desk. "You can head down the hall and take the elevator," she instructed, her tone now laced with a hint of formality.
Midoriya acknowledged with a nod and made his way to the elevator. On his way, Midoriya brought out his cellphone to send a text to Aizawa and his friends to notify them he had arrived safely.
As he approached the elevator and entered inside, the doors slid closed behind him and noticed a hidden panel to the side, its existence unnoticed by untrained eyes. While pressing a button for a secret floor, thumbprint and DNA scans were performed that immediately verified Midoriya's identity.
The elevator descended deeper than the building's apparent structure and Midoriya found himself entering a hidden underground facility, its sleek design and advanced technology a stark contrast to the world above. The doors slid open, and he was greeted by two individuals.
Agent Coulson, a familiar face, stood with his characteristic warm yet professional smile. "Welcome, Cap," he said in English, his tone welcoming. "Glad to see you made it safely."
"Thanks, Coulson," Midoriya replied, returning the smile. His attention then shifted to the woman standing beside Coulson.
She was a striking figure, standing at 170 centimeters (five-foot-seven), with an athletic and muscular yet voluptuous build accentuated by her fitted black jumpsuit. Her attire was complemented by advanced golden gauntlets and a belt adorned with gold oval shapes and a circular buckle, showcasing a black widow symbol. Her long red hair cascaded to her mid-back, framing piercing green eyes and plump red lips.
Midoriya, while acknowledging her beauty internally, sensed there was far more to her than her appearance suggested.
"Agent Romanoff, Captain Midoriya," Coulson announced.
Midoriya offered a respectful nod, greeting her with a simple, "Ma'am."
Romanoff's voice carried a distinct Russian accent as she replied, "Привет, Captain. It is an honor." Her face maintained a professional yet approachable demeanor.
With introductions out of the way, Coulson prompted them to begin the debriefing. As they navigated through the corridors of the underground facility, Midoriya observed the flurry of activity around them - agents and Underground Pro Heroes moved with intention and focus, a testament to the gravity of their clandestine operations.
Breaking the silence, Romanoff commented on the recent discovery of Midoriya. "It was quite the buzz finding you in the ice," she said, her accent giving her words a unique cadence.
"So I've heard," Midoriya replied, keeping the tone light and conversational.
A playful smile crossed Romanoff's lips as she glanced at Coulson. "I don't think I've ever seen Coulson so elated. I thought he was going to swoon over the news."
Midoriya couldn't help but chuckle at the mental image, appreciating Romanoff's humorous observation and the charming accent that flavored her words.
Coulson, a bit flustered, defended himself. "That's an exaggeration," he insisted.
Romanoff continued her gentle teasing. "Oh? Have you shown the Captain your collection yet?" she asked, addressing Coulson but glancing back at Midoriya.
Coulson admitted, somewhat sheepishly, "Well, yes."
Romanoff turned her attention back to Midoriya. "And what did you think, Captain?"
Midoriya responded, feeling a tad awkward about the subject. "I think Coulson's quite the dedicated fan."
Romanoff, undeterred by Coulson's protests, playfully inquired further. "Did you sign those trading cards for him?"
Coulson interjected, "Romanoff, that's not necessary to discuss right now."
Her eyes twinkled with amusement as she looked back at Midoriya. "They're vintage, and he's quite proud of them, as you might have noticed," she said, the humor evident in her voice.
Midoriya smiled, understanding the sentiment well. Thoughts of All Might, Yaoyorozu, and Uraraka, each a fan in their own right, crossed his mind.
As the trio approached a secure room, a series of scans and authentications preceded their entry. Inside, a room lined with screens displaying data and maps came into view, dominated by a large table at the center. Around the table sat at least a dozen agents, all clad in tactical uniforms, engaged in various tasks.
The moment Coulson, Romanoff, and Midoriya entered, the room fell into a hush. All eyes turned towards them, particularly focusing on Midoriya. Coulson took the lead in introductions.
"STRIKE Team, meet Captain Midoriya," he announced, his voice carrying a tone of pride.
At the mention of Midoriya's name, the agents promptly stood at attention and saluted the super-soldier, a gesture of respect that didn't go unnoticed by him.
"Captain," Coulson continued, addressing Midoriya directly, "this is the Special Tactical Reserve for International Key Emergencies, or STRIKE Team."
Midoriya raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Sounds like you really wanted an acronym that spelled 'Strike'."
Romanoff couldn't help but chuckle lightly at his observation, a silent agreement to his musing.
Coulson smiled briefly before continuing. "They're a counter-terrorist special mission unit of SHIELD. The best of the best." He then gestured towards the team, emphasizing their significance. "They and Agent Romanoff will be your team for this mission."
Following Coulson's cue, a man detached himself from the group and approached them. He was a well-built figure, standing at 175 centimeters (five-foot-nine) with a chiseled jawline, short black hair, and dark brown eyes, exuding an air of authority and confidence.
"Captain Midoriya, this is STRIKE's leader, Agent Brock Rumlow," Coulson introduced the man.
Rumlow saluted Midoriya, his expression one of professional respect. "Captain," he said, "it's a pleasure to meet you in the flesh."
Midoriya returned the nod, his demeanor shifting to one of seriousness. "If SHIELD's calling in its best for this mission, it must be important."
"Great observation." Just then, a sardonic voice echoed through the room's speakers, drawing their attention. A screen on the wall flickered to life, revealing a live video feed of a man seated at a desk.
"Take a seat, intern," the man, the Director of SHIELD, Nick Fury, said with a hint of irony in his tone. "We'll get you caught up to speed with how we do things around here."
Midoriya internally rolled his eyes. 'Why do I get the feeling this is going to be a running theme here?'
Musutafu, Japan
Sero, now known as 'Cellophane', attentively listened to the words of Air Jet, his mentor, as they patrolled the city. Air Jet's voice carried a note of stern guidance, "Always keep an eye on your surroundings. Every swing that takes you below a traffic light is a risk of startling a driver. That means a potential accident; maybe the driver gets hurt, maybe a pedestrian, or maybe even you."
Cellophane absorbed this advice, his focus unwavering as he swung from a light pole, maintaining a careful balance between being high enough to avoid interfering with street-level activities and low enough to gather momentum for his next leap.
Their patrol had kicked off almost immediately after a brief introduction. Air Jet, a Hero known for his rigorous schedule, seamlessly integrated practical lessons into their patrol routine. His approach was firm, yet he showed a keen ability to adapt his teaching to Cellophane's unique strengths and areas for improvement. Today's lesson revolved around enhancing Cellophane's situational awareness, a crucial skill for a Hero whose movement depended on swinging through the urban landscape.
For Cellophane, the intensity of the training was more than he had anticipated. Yet, the thrill of engaging in real fieldwork infused a sense of excitement into the learning process. Every swing, every leap brought a new lesson, a new challenge to overcome.
'And if I happen to learn a thing or two, then that's even better,' Cellophane thought to himself, a grin forming under his mask. The exhilaration of being out in the field, learning first-hand from a Pro Hero, was precisely what he had hoped for in his internship.
As he maneuvered through the cityscape, a thought crossed his mind about his classmates. 'I hope the others are having as great a time as I am,' he mused, curious about their own internship experiences but thoroughly enjoying his own.
Shibuya, Japan
The excitement on Ashido's face was irrepressible as she approached the Cloud Dancer agency. The prospect of training under someone as dynamic and vibrant as Cloud Dancer was a dream come true for her. The agency, doubling as a dance studio, exuded a retro vibe straight from the 1970s, complete with flamboyant neon colors and upbeat music that set Ashido's heart racing with anticipation.
Cloud Dancer herself seemed to embody the essence of the studio's aesthetic. She sported a modernized version of the 70s look: a green bodysuit with purple sleeves, complemented by sleek carbon-fiber armor on her forearms and calves. Her bright pink mask, rising to resemble a headband, added to her distinctive appearance. With her pink hair and infectious smile, she bore a striking resemblance to Ashido, sans the horns, skin tone, and eye color.
As Cloud Dancer wrapped up an impressive series of flips and kicks, she effortlessly caught a water bottle thrown her way, a display of skill that left Ashido in awe. "Hey, there!" Cloud Dancer greeted her with enthusiasm. "You're Ashido Mina, right? Welcome to my Agency!"
Ashido, practically vibrating with excitement, managed a bow in greeting. "Hi! It's great to be here!" she replied, her voice trembling slightly from the thrill.
Cloud Dancer, sensing Ashido's eagerness, suggested, "I'll bet! Hey, why don't you use one of our changing rooms and get into costume? I like to run my interns through their paces a bit on their first day. Watching your routine on TV is great and all, but a performance looks so much better when you see it with your own eyes."
Ashido could hardly believe how much she was already liking Cloud Dancer. She quickly changed into her costume and reemerged into the studio, where Cloud Dancer couldn't help but laugh at their strikingly similar costume colors. "Okay, I had no idea we had similar costume colors! This has to be, like, fate or something," she exclaimed, signaling another employee with a snap of her fingers. Instantly, a high-energy beat filled the studio.
"Show me what you've got, kid! Let's throw down!" Cloud Dancer challenged.
Confused but ready, Ashido tilted her head. "What, are we gonna fight? Now?"
"Not exactly," Cloud Dancer clarified, effortlessly floating into the air with the aid of her Quirk, Cloud Step, which allowed her to stay airborne as long as she maintained momentum. "We're not gonna really fight, I just want to get a handle on your moves. No acid, though; I just got the floors waxed. All I want you to do is try to tag me, and try not to get tagged by me. You picking up what I'm putting down?"
The grin on Ashido's face seemed permanent as she began her warm-up stretches. "Oh, I'm ready!" she declared, her enthusiasm undimmed by the unusual nature of the challenge.
Sapporo, Japan
Tokage Setsuna found herself at the threshold of a new chapter in her Hero journey. Her internship with the illustrious and somewhat enigmatic Hero Majestic had begun, promising to mold her unique Quirk into something extraordinary.
The location of Majestic's agency, nestled in the heart of Hokkaido's capital city, was as grand as it was secretive. The modern facade of the building, with its gleaming glass and steel, was a testament to the Hero's flair for the dramatic.
As Tokage entered the agency, she was immediately struck by the vibrant atmosphere. The lobby was spacious, filled with contemporary art and holographic displays showcasing Majestic's most notable achievements. The staff, dressed in sleek uniforms, moved with a sense of purpose and efficiency that spoke volumes of the agency's reputation.
Her first meeting with Majestic was nothing short of awe-inspiring. The Hero, known for his flamboyant costume and theatrical presence, was surprisingly down-to-earth in person. His costume, a dazzling array of colors with intricate patterns, complemented his dynamic personality. He greeted Tokage with a warm, charismatic smile that instantly put her at ease.
"Welcome, Tokage-san! I've been looking forward to working with you," Majestic announced, his voice resonating with enthusiasm.
"Thank you, Majestic-san. I'm honored to be here," Tokage replied, her voice tinged with excitement and a hint of nervousness.
Their first task was to assess and enhance Tokage's Quirk, 'Lizard Tail Splitter'. Majestic's approach was methodical yet creative, pushing her to think outside the box and explore new ways to utilize her Quirk.
As they delved into training, Majestic guided her through various exercises designed to improve her precision and control. He challenged her to maneuver her detached parts through complex obstacle courses, testing her limits and helping her discover newfound potential.
"Focus, Tokage-san. Remember, each part of you should move with intention and purpose," Majestic instructed, observing her progress with keen eyes.
Tokage, determined to rise to the challenge, pushed herself harder. She maneuvered her detached limbs with increasing finesse, a testament to her growing skill and Majestic's effective mentorship.
During a brief pause in their training, Tokage remembered her promise to a certain someone.
"Majestic-san, would it be okay if we took a selfie together? I promised someone back in Musutafu I'd send them updates about my internship," Tokage asked, a hopeful tone in her voice.
Majestic's face lit up with a broad grin. "Of course! Let's give them a glimpse of our dynamic duo!"
They posed together, Majestic's charismatic presence and Tokage's vibrant energy creating a perfect snapshot of their mentor-mentee relationship. Tokage quickly snapped the photo, capturing a moment that she knew would be cherished.
After sending the selfie to Yuto with a brief message detailing her exciting experiences, Tokage felt a warm sense of accomplishment. 'And to think there's six more days. I wonder how the others are doing… Should be some interesting stuff in the chat tonight.'
Yokohama City, Japan
Tsunotori Pony, known as 'Rocketti' during her internship, stood at the edge of the training facility, her eyes fixed on the daunting figure of Gang Orca, her mentor for the week. The vast area was marked with various obstacles and training equipment, a testament to the rigorous training regimen that Gang Orca was known for. Tsunotori's heart pounded with a mix of nervousness and excitement; she was about to embark on a training session that would push her to her limits.
Gang Orca, with his imposing presence and stern demeanor, turned towards her. "Rocketti," he began, his voice deep and commanding, "your Quirk has great potential, but to be an effective Hero, you need to refine your control and versatility."
Tsunotori nodded, her determination evident. "I understand, Gang Orca-sensei. I'm ready to learn and improve."
"Good," he replied. "Today, we'll focus on enhancing the precision and strength of your Horn Cannon. I've set up a series of targets around the training area. Your task is to hit each one using your horns. Precision is key."
As Tsunotori prepared herself, Gang Orca continued, "Remember, the battlefield is unpredictable. You'll need to adapt quickly and use your surroundings to your advantage."
The training began with Tsunotori launching her horns towards the first set of targets. She focused, her horns whizzing through the air with increasing speed and accuracy. However, the challenge quickly escalated as Gang Orca introduced moving targets and obstacles, pushing Tsunotori to think on her feet and adjust her aim in real-time.
With each successful hit, Tsunotori's confidence grew, but Gang Orca wasn't one to let his intern settle into a comfort zone. He raised the stakes, demanding faster, more complex maneuvers.
"Anticipate the movement, Rocketti!" Gang Orca instructed as Tsunotori struggled to keep up with the rapidly changing targets. "Adaptation and foresight are critical on the field."
Tsunotori gritted her teeth, her determination unwavering. She recalibrated her approach, her mind racing to predict the next move of the targets. With a swift motion, she redirected her horns, hitting two moving targets in quick succession.
Impressed but not yet satisfied, Gang Orca decided to test her endurance. "Now, let's see how long you can maintain this level of precision. Hero work is a marathon, not a sprint."
"Yes sir!"
'I wonder if Denki is training as hard as I am…' She briefly pondered before resuming her exercise.
Osaka, Japan
Kaminari Denki's internship with Voltstream, the Electric Hero, was unfolding in a way he hadn't quite expected. It was only midway through his first day, and the pace had been relentless, yet incredibly exciting. The sun hung high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the bustling streets of Osaka, where Voltstream's agency was located.
Voltstream, a Hero whose expertise in electricity manipulation was renowned, had taken an immediate and keen interest in Kaminari's development. Standing on the rooftop of a tall building, Voltstream observed Kaminari, who was attempting to channel his electricity into a focused beam.
"You're dispersing too much energy," Voltstream noted, his voice firm yet encouraging. "Remember, control is key. You need to concentrate the current, not let it scatter."
Kaminari nodded, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He focused his energy, trying to remember the techniques Voltstream had shown him. He raised his hand, sending a surge of electricity towards a dummy target across the rooftop. The electricity sizzled through the air, more focused this time, but still not quite as sharp as it needed to be.
"Not bad, but you're still holding back," Voltstream observed. "You're afraid of shorting out, aren't you?"
Kaminari hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, I mean, I've had some...unpleasant experiences with that in the past."
Voltstream chuckled softly. "That's understandable. But part of being a Hero is overcoming your limits. Let's try something different."
Voltstream led Kaminari to a setup that resembled an obstacle course, filled with targets at various distances and elevations. "This exercise will help you with precision and control under different conditions," he explained. "You'll move through the course, hitting each target with just enough power to mark it, not destroy it."
Kaminari swallowed nervously but nodded, determined to improve. As he moved through the course, he focused on modulating his output, hitting the targets with varying degrees of success. Some he marked perfectly, while others received a bit too much juice. Voltstream followed, offering pointers and encouragement.
After several rounds, Kaminari's control improved noticeably. He was learning to adjust his output on the fly, a skill that had previously eluded him.
"You're getting the hang of it," Voltstream said approvingly. "Remember, a Hero's power isn't just in the strength of their Quirk, but in how they use it."
Kaminari felt a surge of pride at the compliment. He was starting to understand the nuances of his Quirk in a way he hadn't before. "Thank you, sir!"
"Please. Denryū is fine when it's just me and you." Voltstream kindly said. "But remember, when we're on the job, we use our codenames. Understand?"
"Yes, sir, Voltstream sir!" Kaminari saluted, earning a chuckle from the Pro Hero.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, Voltstream decided it was time for a real-world application. "We've received a report of a power outage in a nearby district. It's not Villain activity, just a technical fault, but it's affecting a lot of people. Let's go see if we can lend a hand."
Arriving at the scene, they found a team of engineers struggling with a damaged transformer. Voltstream assessed the situation and then turned to Kaminari. "Think you can jump-start it?"
Kaminari looked at the transformer, then back at Voltstream. "You mean, like, use my electricity to power it?"
"Exactly. But be careful. You need to provide a steady, controlled current. Too much and you could cause more damage."
Kaminari stepped forward, his nerves giving way to determination. He focused, channeling his electricity into the transformer. At first, nothing happened, but then, with a soft hum, the transformer came to life, lights in the surrounding area flickering back on.
The engineers cheered, and Voltstream clapped Kaminari on the back. "Well done. You've just made a lot of people very happy."
As they walked back to the agency, Kaminari couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. His control over his Quirk had improved, and he had helped people in a tangible way. It was moments like this that reminded him of why he wanted to become a Hero in the first place.
Voltstream glanced at Kaminari, a small smile on his face. "You did good today, Kaminari. Keep this up, and you'll be an outstanding Hero."
Kaminari beamed, filled with new confidence and excitement for the days ahead. His internship with Voltstream was proving to be more rewarding than he had ever imagined.
Esuha City, Japan
During a warm afternoon in the bustling city of Eshua in Japan's Kansai region, Yaoyorozu Momo found herself at a small, cozy diner, sharing a table with her internship mentor Fatgum, whom she mused to herself that he looked like a giant Matryoshka doll.
Sitting beside him was a fellow intern, a senior from UA's Hero Course, Tamaki Amajiki. With a height of 177 centimeters (five-foot-ten), pale skin, unruly indigo hair, pointed ears, and thin, tired eyes partially hidden by his bangs, Yaoyorozu was curious as to why he seemed to always avoid eye contact with anyone.
The diner was alive with the aroma of various dishes, creating a homely yet vibrant atmosphere. However, the ambiance contrasted sharply with the serious conversation unfolding at their table.
Fatgum, midway through his third pizza, asked Yaoyorozu a pointed question, "So, what would you say is your, munch, biggest failing since you started your path to become a, munch, hero, Lady Thesis?"
Caught off guard, Yaoyorozu paused, her fork halfway to her mouth. She looked up from her meticulously cut slice, her gaze shifting between the casually dining Fatgum and the shy, reticent Tamaki.
Tamaki, usually soft-spoken, chimed in, showing an unexpected concern for decorum, "Fatgum, that's kind of rude."
Unperturbed, Fatgum brushed off the comment with a wave of his hand, crumbs flying. "It's a fair question."
Yaoyorozu gathered her thoughts before responding. "I think it would be my fear."
This admission seemed to surprise Fatgum, who paused his enthusiastic eating. "Really?" he queried, genuinely intrigued.
Nodding, Yaoyorozu's mind wandered back to a particularly harrowing experience. "This became apparent to me during the villain attack at the USJ."
Fatgum, his expression turning solemn, set down his pizza. "I read the report on that. Terrible what you kids had to go through. But as far as I know, you handled yourself well."
"Yes," Yaoyorozu admitted, her voice wavering slightly. She recalled the harrowing event, "I was separated from my classmates alongside Tsunotori and Kaminari in the Mountain Zone."
Fatgum nodded, showing his familiarity with the incident. "I read that report. From all accounts, it sounds like you three handled yourselves quite well, and even managed to trap and neutralize all the Villains that attacked you. So, when did you fear hold you back?"
Yaoyorozu hesitated, visibly uncomfortable.
Tamaki spoke up softly, "You're thinking about what happened against the Nomu."
At this, Yaoyorozu flinched, her gaze dropping. "Yes… There was a point where we were trapped between Shigaraki, Kurogiri, and Nomu as well as a group of nearly 50 Villains. When I tried to devise a strategy…I froze."
She sighed, a tinge of regret in her voice. "We're only alive thanks to Midoriya's quick thinking and leadership."
Fatgum offered words of comfort. "Don't be too hard on yourself." He pointed out the unique situation. "From my understanding, your classmate Midoriya is a trained soldier. I can only imagine what he's seen and experienced."
Tamaki, though quiet, added a supportive note, "And don't forget, you could have easily been killed during your first encounter with the Villains, but you came up with a sound strategy that saved you and your two classmates."
Reflecting on Yaoyorozu's words, Fatgum leaned back thoughtfully. "It sounds like you just need some old-fashioned field experience. With time and more experience, you'll not only be able to control your fear, you'll see that your decision making will be more efficient too."
Hope flickered in Yaoyorozu's eyes. "You really think it's something that can be improved with experience?"
Fatgum's response was filled with confidence. "Absolutely. You're just starting out. This is the time to learn and grow. Don't fret too much."
"Thank you, Fatgum," Yaoyorozu replied, visibly relieved.
"Now, now! No formalities," Fatgum chuckled. "We three use food to power our Quirks, so we fatties should stick together."
Her smile wavered at the unexpected comment. "F-fat?"
An awkward silence descended upon the table before Tamaki gently nudged Fatgum. "I don't think you're supposed to call a woman fat."
Realization dawned on Fatgum's face. "Oh, OH!"
He quickly apologized, his words tumbling over each other in his haste to make amends, bringing a lighter note to the serious discussion they had just now.
Kyoto, Japan
In the bustling training room of Gunhead's agency, the air was filled with the sounds of intense physical exertion and the occasional grunt of effort. Amidst the group of trainees, Uraraka stood out, moving with a grace and determination that caught even the seasoned eye of Gunhead. He had been introducing his students to the finer points of Gunhead Martial Arts, a unique blend of techniques designed to maximize the strengths of those with Quirks. As the session progressed, he couldn't help but notice Uraraka's rapid comprehension and application of the techniques he demonstrated.
"Alright, everyone! Time for a quick water break," Gunhead announced, clapping his hands together to signal the pause in training. As the trainees dispersed, he made his way over to Uraraka, who was dutifully wiping sweat from her brow.
"Uraraka, I must say, I'm thoroughly impressed," Gunhead began, his voice carrying a note of genuine admiration. "You've picked up on Gunhead Martial Arts faster than most. What's your secret?"
Uraraka, caught slightly off guard by the praise, offered a sheepish smile in response. "Thank you, Gunhead-san. I've had some combat training before... from Izu–uh, Midoriya-san. He taught me some basic Judo techniques," she explained, her tone modest yet proud of her progress.
"Ah, Yo Joe, huh?" Gunhead mused, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Well, it shows. You have a solid foundation. Keep at it, and you'll be a formidable opponent. Even Midoriya-san might need to watch out for you in the future."
Her laughter was light, tinged with a hint of disbelief. "I'm not sure about that, but thank you. I'll keep training hard."
Gunhead offered an encouraging nod, his expression serious yet supportive. "Don't sell yourself short, Uraraka-san. With dedication and the right guidance, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. Remember that."
As he walked away to attend to the other students, Uraraka took a moment to ponder his words. The thought of matching Midoriya in skill seemed like a distant dream, but Gunhead's encouragement ignited a spark of determination within her. 'Maybe someday,' she thought to herself, a newfound resolve settling in her heart. With that, she took a deep breath and rejoined the group, ready to push herself even harder.
Hosu, Japan
In the bustling streets of Hosu, Iida Tenya stood alongside the Normal Hero: Manual, both of them surveying the area with vigilant eyes. Manual, a seasoned hero known for his water manipulation abilities and his commitment to maintaining peace in Hosu City, turned to Iida with a mix of gratitude and curiosity.
"I must say, Iida-san, I'm both honored and a bit surprised you chose to intern with me," Manual began, his tone sincere. "With your abilities and the prestigious UA behind you, I would have thought you'd go for someone... higher profile."
Iida adjusted his glasses, his posture upright and determined. "Sir, while the allure of interning with a high-profile Pro Hero is strong, I believe there's invaluable experience to be gained at the street level. You're directly involved in the community's safety, dealing with situations that form the backbone of Hero work. I want to learn from that, to understand what it truly means to be a Hero in the everyday sense."
What Iida said was partially true, however, he did have an ulterior motive for coming to Manual's agency. The fact that it was based in Hosu City was the driving factor.
Manual nodded, impressed by Iida's mature perspective. "Well said. It's that kind of mindset that truly makes a Hero. Let's make sure you get the most out of this internship, then."
As they continued their patrol, Manual leading the way with confidence and Iida following with keen interest, their presence alone seemed to reassure the citizens around them. However, Iida's attention was split; every few minutes, his gaze would dart down an alleyway or linger on a shadowed corner, as if expecting something—or someone—to emerge.
'Wherever you are, Hero Killer…I'll find you!' Iida internally vowed, his armored fists clenching.
Unbeknownst to them, their movements were being monitored from afar.
Agent Williams, sitting in a nondescript van filled with screens displaying feeds from various street cameras, sighed heavily. Initially tasked with keeping an eye on Captain Midoriya, he had been re-assigned to watch over Iida at Midoriya's request—a task relayed through Agent Coulson.
"Of all the assignments," Williams muttered, toggling between camera feeds with practiced ease. "Now I'm babysitting in Hosu."
Yet, as he observed Iida's behavior, Williams couldn't help but notice the young hero-in-training's intense scrutiny of his surroundings, an action that didn't align with a simple patrol.
Williams sighed, his earlier frustration giving way to a reluctant acknowledgment of Iida's purpose. "He's really going through with it, isn't he? Hunting for Stain..." The gravity of the situation wasn't lost on him; Iida was walking a dangerous path, one that could lead to confrontation with a dangerous Villain.
Despite his initial annoyance with the assignment, Williams couldn't shake a growing sense of concern for Iida. The young man's quest for vengeance, while understandable, was fraught with peril. It was one thing to admire Iida's courage and dedication, but quite another to watch helplessly, as he potentially put himself in harm's way.
As the day wore on and evening approached, Williams continued his surveillance, his eyes rarely leaving the screens. The quiet hum of electronics filled the van, a stark contrast to the tumultuous emotions swirling within him. He knew that his role was to observe and report, not to intervene, yet he couldn't help but wish for Iida's safety.
"Be careful, kid," Williams whispered to no one in particular, his voice barely audible over the din of his equipment. "You're not alone in this fight."
With a final glance at the monitors, Williams prepared himself for a long night of coffee-fueled vigilance.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, signaling the end of their first day at various internships, the group chat featuring Midoriya's friends came to life with a flurry of notifications.
"Guys! 🌟 Gunhead complimented my melee skills!"Uraraka's text bubbled with excitement, setting a vibrant tone for the conversation.
Tokage responded with, "💪 Grl Pwr!"
Yaoyorozu was next to congratulate her. "Well done, Ocha!"
Her next response was more measured. "Today was about strategizing and resource management with Fatgum. His approach to Hero work is quite fascinating and insightful."
Tokage was quick to follow, "Quite a day for me! Never stopped moving from one situation to the next. 🏃 ️💨"
Her enthusiasm was matched by Tsunotori's lighthearted complaint, "Trying to understand all the Japanese Hero lingo is harder than I thought! 😂"
Hatsume's text was quick and in-character. "May have blwn up dvlpmnt std. All good tho👍" Another text from eccentric genius popped in, "Thx for the playdium, Yaomomo! Super baby is alive and well!"
Hatsume's gratitude was received from the heiress. "That's good to hear, Hatsume. I am happy to help 💗"
Kaminari kept the mood light, "Jump-started a down transformer today. Sparky day! " His pun intended to draw laughs, which it undoubtedly did not.
Ashido added her own colorful experience, "Got to use my acid against fake villains in training. So. Much. Fun! " Her joy was almost palpable through the screen.
Kirishima's text was short and to the point, "Hardened my resolve and my quirk today. No Villain's breaking through this! 💪"
Jiro and Sero shared insights into their own days, with Jiro noting, "Used my quirk for reconnaissance. The power of sound! 🎶" and Sero adding, "Used my tape to swing around town with Air Jet. Stickiness is key!"
Todoroki responded, his message reflecting his candid nature. "Spent the day patrolling with Endeavor. It was surprisingly insightful."
Asui's practical nature shone through in her message, "Learned about basic water rescue operations. Mostly grunt work today…"
Sero replied to her, "Don't feel bad, Tsu. It's only the first day. I'm sure things will pick up for you."
"First name basis, eh? 👀" Tokage teased.
Sero quickly responded, "I mean…Tsu says we can call her that."
"Sero." Asui texted.
"Yes?"
A few ellipses followed before the response came through, "Kero. 🐸"
"😠"
The chat buzzed with their shared excitement and more teasing at Sero's expense until Yaoyorozu shifted the focus, "Has anyone heard from Izuku today?" Her concern echoed silently in the virtual space.
Uraraka, equally concerned, added, "I haven't. Izuku, are you still busy? 👀 ❓"
Moments passed and no response came from him.
Todoroki responded, "He's probably still busy."
Uraraka replied, "Still? At this hour? Izuku don't ignore us!"
Iida's text followed, a bit of sternness in the tone, "I would let him be, Uraraka. If he isn't working, he's likely resting after a long day. We should not worry unduly. He'll reach out when he can."
Uraraka's text was short. "Ok… 😞"
"It's ok, Ocha!" Yaoyorozu tried to cheer her best friend up. "I'm sure Izuku is doing fine."
Minato, Japan
In the Roppongi district of Minato, Tokyo, the pre-dawn hours blanketed the city in a tranquil hush, interspersed with the faint sounds of life awakening. Towering majestically in this urban landscape was Might Tower, an emblem of luxury and power. Its most striking feature, a colossal golden globe adorned with dual rings, crowned the top of the skyscraper, glinting under the nascent morning light.
Might Tower, stretching skywards with over a hundred floors, was a beacon of modern architecture. Its sleek design and glass exterior mirrored the early rays of the sun, casting a serene glow in the quiet streets below. Known primarily as the headquarters of All Might's agency, occupying the upper echelons of the building, it also housed offices for numerous prestigious businesses. Even in these tranquil hours, Might Tower stood as a vigilant guardian, poised on the cusp of the city's daily hustle and bustle.
Inside the tower's spacious lobby, a lone security guard sat behind his desk on the ground floor. The guard, a man in his late forties with a slightly disheveled uniform, was engrossed in watching highlights of UA's Senior All-Star Games on a small screen.
"That Togata kid really is something else," he murmured under his breath, impressed.
His attention was abruptly diverted as a group of men entered through the glass doors. Their attire was uniform-worker boots, grey pants, grey collared shirts, and matching caps. One of the men, distinguishable by his robust build and striking red beard streaked with gray, carried a large silver briefcase in his left hand–which appeared to be made of metal plating.
"Well, well. You guys are getting an early start today…" the guard commented, a hint of surprise in his voice. He squinted at them, trying to place their faces. "Wait. Are you a new cleaning crew?"
The red-bearded man, who appeared to be the leader of the group, responded with a nonchalant tone, "S'right. Don't worry about us."
"Well the job says I kind of have to." The security guard stood up, holding a tablet for identification verification. "IDs, please?" he asked, his tone indicating that it was more a requirement than a request.
"Sure," the leader said, his voice calm. Suddenly, with a swift movement, he pulled out a pistol equipped with a silencer from his back pocket, pointing it directly at the guard.
"Wha–? NO!" the guard exclaimed, shock and fear evident in his voice.
Without a hint of remorse in his hazel eyes, the man pulled the trigger twice. The sound was barely audible, but the effect was lethal. The guard slumped down, lifeless.
"Okay, Honda, get in position," the red-bearded man ordered. Honda, a nondescript man with an intense gaze, dragged the dead guard away, preparing to don his uniform and assume his post at the desk.
"The rest of you, with me." His men, a group of robust individuals clad in nondescript gray work uniforms, followed him to the elevators.
One of the men voiced his confusion, "I still don't understand why we need over two dozen guys for this operation, Baker."
"Yeah," another chimed in. "All Might hasn't been here for a while since he took that teaching gig at UA. Doubtful he'd suddenly show up today."
"All Might isn't the concern," the red-bearded leader, known as Baker, replied, his voice stern, "But if you don't think SHIELD isn't going to try and get back what we stole, you're kidding yourselves."
Another member of the group scoffed, "That's ridiculous. They couldn't possibly know where it is."
"Fine. I'm ridiculous." Baker's tone was laced with sarcasm as they reached the elevator. The group crowded in, the briefcase still firmly in his grip. "Next stop…the All Might department."