PLUS ULTRA!
The voice of Present Mic blasted through the classroom like a sonic explosion.
"GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE! TODAY WE ARE GOING TO LEARN ABOUT IRREGULAR VERBS! CAN YOU FEEL THE EXCITEMENT?!"
"This is..." Ren murmured as he slumped into his seat. "Too lively."
Kaminari, sitting next to him, nodded fervently.
"Bro, do you think if I electrocute myself right now I could stay unconscious until class is over?"
"Tempting," Ren admitted. "Though Aizawa sensei would probably punish us for wasting heroic potential."
"ANY VOLUNTEERS TO CONJUGATE GO IN THE PASTO PARTICIPLE?!"
Momo's hand shot up before anyone else could blink.
"YES, YAOYOROZU!"
"The opportunity for excellence has gone if we do not seize it immediately," she replied with an impeccable British accent.
Ren whistled softly.
"Damn, she sounds like she was born in Buckingham Palace."
"Right?" Kaminari whispered in admiration. "She probably speaks like five languages."
"Six," Jiro intervened from the seat behind. "I heard her speaking French with an exchange student yesterday."
"EXCELLENT! PERFECT PRONUNCIATION!"
The class continued in that deafening tone. Ren took the opportunity to practice something more useful than irregular verbs. He half closed his eyes and extended his telepathy, brushing against nearby minds with delicacy.
Boredom. Confusion. Sleepiness. Momo's absolute concentration.
It was like changing channels on a television. With each attempt, his control improved.
"Hey, Hayashi," Kaminari whispered. "Are you sleeping with your eyes open? Because if so, teach me."
Ren opened his eyes fully.
"Just thinking that this is not going to help me against villains."
"Good point," Kaminari nodded seriously.
"Your grammar is incorrect, villain! Surrender!" Ren imitated a heroic voice.
Kaminari had to bite his fist to keep from laughing out loud.
"KAMINARI KUN, DO YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO SHARE WITH THE CLASS?!"
"N NO, SENSEI!"
"THEN PAY ATTENTION! YEAH!"
Finally, the lunch bell rang like celestial music.
"REMEMBER TO PRACTICE YOUR PRONUNCIATION AT HOME! YEAH!"
"I think my ears are bleeding," Ren muttered as he left the classroom.
"Mine already gave up," Kaminari replied. "I only hear a constant ringing."
******
The UA cafeteria was impressive. Spacious, modern, with varied food stations and that smell that promised to soothe the fiercest hunger.
Ren lined up behind Kirishima, who was debating animatedly with Kaminari.
"I am telling you the chicken is better, bro. Lean protein. Pro heroes eat chicken."
"But red meat has iron," Kaminari argued. "And iron is good for... electricity? I think."
"That is copper, you idiot."
Ren smiled as he selected katsu curry with rice.
"You know, Kaminari? If you want to improve your electricity, you should eat more fish. Omega 3 for the brain."
Kaminari looked at him with shining eyes.
"Really?"
"I have no idea," Ren admitted with a smirk. "But it sounded good."
"You are a jerk!"
Kirishima laughed.
"Bro, he just made that up completely and you believed him instantly."
"It sounded scientific!" Kaminari defended himself.
"Everything sounds scientific if you say it with confidence," Ren said with feigned wisdom.
He paid for his food and looked for a place to sit.
"Hayashi kun! Over here!"
Hagakure's invisible voice called him from a table by the windows. Ren walked over and found Toru, Momo cutting her food with precision and etiquette, Ochako devouring her lunch as if it were her last meal, and Inko sitting at the end with an unusually bright smile.
Interesting, he thought as he took a seat next to Momo. What has you so happy today?
"Hayashi kun, did you survive Present Mic?" Toru asked.
"Barely. I think I lost part of my hearing."
"I thought it was just me," Ochako said between bites. "My brain was trying to escape through my ears."
Momo let out a delicate sigh.
"Present Mic sensei has very... dynamic teaching methods."
"Loud," Ren corrected with a smile. "The word is loud, Yaoyorozu san."
"Effusive," Momo insisted with dignity.
"Traumatic," Toru added.
The girls laughed. Ren took the moment to subtly extend his telepathy toward Inko to read her mind.
Today is the day. All Might is going to give classes. He is going to be here. I cannot believe I am going to take classes directly from him.
Ren began to smile. Bingo.
"Hey, Inko san," Ochako said with curiosity. "You look very happy today. Did something good happen?"
Inko almost dropped her chopsticks, her face turning red instantly.
"H happy? I... I am just glad to be at UA. That is all."
"Mmm hmm," Toru did not sound convinced. "I know that tone of voice. It is the one from someone keeping a juicy secret."
"I am not keeping any secrets!"
Ren decided to intervene before Inko collapsed from embarrassment.
"Maybe she is just excited for the afternoon classes. We have Basic Hero Training today, right?"
Momo nodded enthusiastically.
"That is right. It is one of the most important subjects. I wonder who the instructor will be."
Inko's face lit up for a second before she managed to control herself.
"Yes, it must be someone... incredible."
Terrible liar, Ren thought with amusement.
"Do you know something we do not, Inko san?" Ren asked in a casual tone. "Because I would swear you are about to explode with excitement."
"I I do not know anything!"
Toru laughed.
"She definitely knows something."
Ochako leaned over the table with interest.
"Come on, Inko san. We are friends. You can tell us."
"It is just... well..." Inko fidgeted with her hands. "I am just sure it will be a great class. That is all."
"I bet it is someone famous," Toru said. "Like Endeavor. Or Best Jeanist."
"Or it could be Midnight," Ochako suggested.
Momo nodded.
"Midnight sensei teaches Hero History. But for Basic Training we would need someone with direct combat experience."
"How about Eraserhead?" Ren proposed, knowing the answer.
"Aizawa sensei is already our main teacher," Momo pointed out. "It would be redundant."
"Besides, he hates attention," Ochako added. "He does not seem like the type who wants to teach two classes."
Inko still had a contained smile, as if she had a balloon of happiness about to burst inside her.
"Whoever it is," Ren said while taking a bite of his curry, "I hope it is someone who can really teach us."
"Like you with your suit and your weird sense of fashion?" Toru joked.
"Exactly like me with my suit," Ren replied without shame. "Except I actually am going to teach by example."
Momo raised an eyebrow.
"Did you already see your suit, Hayashi kun?"
"Maybe."
"And it is...?"
"Yellow. Very yellow."
Ochako laughed.
"Like rubber ducky yellow or lemon yellow?"
"Legendary hero yellow."
"That is not a color," Toru pointed out.
"It is now."
Ren decided to change the subject before the girls got too interested in his wardrobe choice.
"Hey, Yaoyorozu san, have you already thought about how you are going to use your Quirk in combat? Creating things in the middle of a fight must be complicated."
Momo's eyes lit up. She loved talking about strategy.
"I have been considering several options. Depending on the type of exercise, I could create support tools or defensive equipment for the team. Shields, non lethal weapons, communication gear..."
"Can you create radios?" Ochako asked with interest.
"If I know the exact molecular composition, yes. Although more complex electronic devices require more concentration."
"That is incredible," Toru said. "I can only make myself invisible. I cannot create things out of nothing."
"But invisibility is perfect for reconnaissance," Ren noted. "And for surprise attacks. No one can block you if they cannot see you coming."
Toru practically bounced in her seat.
"Exactly! That is why I chose a suit that maximizes my invisibility. Gloves and boots so I can interact with things without being detected."
"It is a good strategy," Momo agreed. "Every Quirk has its niche."
"And you, Hayashi kun?" Ochako asked. "How do you plan to use your telekinesis in combat?"
Ren considered his answer carefully.
"I am not entirely sure yet.... But having the ability for the enemy not to see my attacks is already a start."
"Sounds useful," Ochako admitted. "But it must be mentally exhausting, right? I get very nauseous when I abuse my Quirk."
"That is why I only use it when necessary," Ren said with a smile.
While Momo continued explaining her ideas, Ren practiced expanding his telepathic reach. He brushed against the minds of nearby students at other tables.
I need to finish that math homework...I hope I get paired with Todoroki in training...This food is delicious...
It was like tuning into different radio stations. With each attempt, the control improved, but he also felt the onset of pressure behind his eyes.
I need to practice this more, he thought. But I cannot force it too much or I will end up with a migraine.
"Hayashi kun, are you okay?" Momo asked with concern. "You look a bit distracted."
"I am fine," he replied with a smile. "Just thinking about training."
"I am nervous too," Ochako admitted. "It is our first real combat class at UA."
"It will be great," Toru said with confidence. "We all have incredible Quirks. What could go wrong?"
"Never ask that," Ren warned. "It is like inviting disaster."
"Superstitious, Hayashi kun?" Momo asked with a playful smile.
"Realistic. Every time someone says what could go wrong, everything goes wrong."
"That is just a coincidence," Momo said.
"Or it is the universal law of drama," Ren replied. "You choose."
The girls laughed. Inko finally worked up the courage to join the conversation.
"I... I am also nervous. But also excited. It is our chance to show what we can do."
"You are going to be great, Inko san," Ochako said with an encouraging smile. "Your Quirk is super powerful."
Inko's face turned red.
"T-thank you, Uraraka san."
Ren observed Inko with curiosity. She radiated determination mixed with nervousness. The weight of One For All must be enormous, especially knowing that All Might had chosen her personally.
Poor girl, he thought. So much pressure and she cannot even tell anyone.
The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.
"It is time!" Toru exclaimed. "Hero Training!"
The group stood up and walked back to the classroom. Ren noticed that Inko practically bounced with every step.
Aizawa was already in the room, wrapped in his yellow sleeping bag.
"Sit down. Fast."
The class obeyed. Ren sat in his usual place while Aizawa unrolled himself with the energy of a man who has given up on life.
"This afternoon you have Basic Hero Training. I will not be the one teaching this class."
Confused murmurs ran through the classroom.
"Then who...?" Kaminari began.
The door burst open.
"I AM... COMING THROUGH THE DOOR LIKE A NORMAL PERSON!"
All Might appeared in all his golden glory, filling the door frame with muscle and charisma. The absolute silence lasted exactly two seconds. Then, chaos.
"ALL MIGHT!" "THE SYMBOL OF PEACE!" "I CANNOT BELIEVE IT!"
Ren sat quietly while the class lost their collective minds. Iida was trembling with heroic ecstasy. Ochako had her hands over her mouth. Even Todoroki's eyes had widened slightly.
Of course it is All Might, he thought. Fortunately, so far almost everything is happening as it should.
He noticed that Inko did not act surprised. She smiled with the look of someone who can finally share a wonderful secret. Although it was no surprise to Ren to find out All Might would be the tutor for this class, that did not take away the awe of meeting one of the best characters from the anime in real life.
"Young students!" All Might declared. "It is an honor to be your teacher! Together we will forge the future of heroic society!"
Kirishima practically jumped out of his seat.
"All Might sensei! It is an honor to have you as a teacher!"
"The feeling is mutual, young Kirishima!"
Ashido raised her hand frantically.
"All Might sensei! Are you really going to train with us?"
"Of course! And for your first lesson, we will perform TRAINING COMBAT EXERCISES!"
The class vibrated with anticipation. All Might pressed a button and the side walls slid away, revealing numbered compartments.
"THESE ARE YOUR HERO SUITS! Designed according to your specifications! Go change and meet me at Training Ground Beta!"
The boys locker room was an organized chaos of several guys trying to change simultaneously.
"My briefcase is stuck!" "Has anyone seen my boots?" "Kaminari, that jacket is inside out."
Ren found his compartment: number seventeen. He opened the metallic briefcase carefully. There it was. His homage to the most iconic bald hero in the universe.
A simple, bright yellow suit. A one piece jumpsuit, white gloves, a short white cape, and red boots. The Saitama suit.
If I am going to be bald, he thought as he changed, at least I will do it with legendary style.
"Whoa, Hayashi!" Kirishima appeared at his side with his own red and jagged suit. "That suit is cool! You look like a classic superhero!"
"Thanks, Kirishima."
Kaminari, struggling with his jacket, whistled.
"Simple but effective. I like it. And that cape gives it a dramatic touch."
"Capes are always epic," Ren agreed while adjusting his white gloves.
Sero, wrapped in his black suit with tape dispensers, nodded in approval.
"The cape is key. All the great heroes have capes."
Todoroki passed by with his perfectly fitted suit. He stopped for a moment to observe Ren's outfit.
"It is a functional design," he commented in his neutral tone. "No unnecessary things that can get in the way during combat."
"Exactly what I was looking for," Ren replied. "Nothing they can easily grab, burn, or freeze."
"Smart."
Even Bakugo, with his aggressive black and orange suit, grunted.
"At least you do not look like a complete idiot."
"Coming from you, Bakugo, that is practically a compliment."
"Shut up, baldhead!"
"Jealous of my shiny head, Bakugo?" Ren ran a hand over his bald head with exaggerated pride.
"AS IF I CARE ABOUT YOUR STUPID HEAD!"
Kaminari laughed.
"Bro, you just admitted you care."
"I DID NOT SAY THAT!"
"Totally did," Sero added with a grin.
Bakugo grunted and stomped away, small explosions coming from his hands.
"One day he is going to explode," Kaminari commented.
"Technically he already explodes," Ren pointed out. "It is his Quirk."
"I mean explode emotionally."
"Oh, that will probably happen tomorrow. Or in five minutes. With Bakugo you never know."
Once ready, they went out to the hallway where the girls were already waiting. And wow. The female suits were functional, yes, but also... tight.
Thank you, UA designers, Ren thought as his gaze discreetly scanned the group. They do good work.
Momo looked elegant in red with a generous opening for her creation Quirk. Ochako was adorable in her pink and black space suit. Toru was invisible but her suit of gloves and boots floated in the air. Ashido looked incredible in her multicolored suit that complemented her pink skin. Jiro had a rocker look that fit her perfectly.
And then there was Inko. Her suit was simple: green and white, completely functional, designed for free movement. However, worn by Inko, she looked objectively attractive; it adhered softly to her hips, highlighted by a red belt that accentuated her waist.
Definitely not the same Inko from the original anime, Ren observed.
"Everyone looks incredible!" Ochako exclaimed with enthusiasm.
"Hayashi kun, your suit is very... yellow," Toru commented.
"It is the color of power," Ren replied with confidence.
"Or of a banana?" Ashido joked.
"A very heroic banana."
"And the cape?" Jiro asked. "Is it not a bit... old fashioned?"
"Capes never go out of style," Ren declared with exaggerated drama while making his cape billow. "They are a timeless classic."
"If you say so," Jiro smiled.
Momo was watching him with an expression that was hard to read.
"It is a very... unique design, Hayashi kun."
"Is that a compliment or a polite way of saying I look weird?"
Momo blushed slightly.
"It is a compliment. Yellow suits you."
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu san. Your suit looks great too. Very elegant."
Momo's blush intensified. Inko approached, adjusting her green gloves.
"I am nervous," she admitted. "What if I mess up the exercise?"
"We are all going to mess up," Ren said honestly. "It is our first real combat training. The important thing is to learn."
"Hayashi kun is right," Ochako agreed. "Besides, we have All Might as a teacher. It could not be better."
Inko's face lit up.
"Yes... you are right."
The group walked toward Training Ground Beta amid animated conversations. Ren positioned himself strategically to walk near the girls, discreetly enjoying the view.
Thank you, universe, he thought with satisfaction. This reincarnation has its benefits.
"Hey, Hayashi," Kirishima said from behind. "Are you nervous?"
"A little," Ren admitted. "But also excited. It is our chance to see what we can really do."
"That is the spirit!" Kirishima gave him a pat on the back that almost made him stumble. "Let's shine!"
"Easy on the strength, bro. You haven't even activated your Quirk yet."
"Oh, sorry."
All Might was waiting for them at Training Ground Beta, a massive urban city replica with buildings, streets, and complex structures.
"SPLENDID!" he greeted them. "You all look heroic!"
"All Might sensei!" Iida raised his hand with military formality. "Could you explain the rules of the exercise?"
"Of course, young Iida!"
While All Might explained the rules of the indoor combat exercise, Ren took the opportunity to do one last telepathic reconnaissance. He extended his consciousness subtly, brushing against the minds of his classmates.
Kaminari: I am going to shine!Ashido: This is going to be fun.Kirishima: I have to be manly.Yaoyorozu: Strategy. I need to think of a strategy.Bakugo: I am going to crush them all.Inko: All Might sensei is here. I have to show that his choice was right.
A headache struck, pulsing behind his eyes. Crap, he thought while making an involuntary grimace. I am overdoing it.
"Hayashi kun, are you okay?" Momo asked at his side with concern.
"Perfectly," he replied with a smile. "Just excited for the training."
Momo smiled slightly and nodded.
"Me too."
Interesting, Ren thought. Even with a headache, it works.
All Might finished his explanation and looked at them all with his characteristic smile.
"NOW! LET US DIVIDE THE TEAMS AND BEGIN!"
Ren felt the excitement run through his veins as he adjusted his white cape. It is showtime, he thought with a smile. Let us see what I can really do.
The training was about to begin. And Hayashi Ren did not plan on holding back.
****
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