Mina was practically glowing with post-victory energy, gesturing wildly as she recounted every detail of the battle to anyone who would listen.
"And then I surfed my own acid like it was a giant wave! Can you believe it? It was incredible!" she exclaimed excitedly. "Hayashi-kun! Did you see the part where I went through the ceiling? My heart was beating so fast!"
"I saw every second," Ren nodded. "And the way you coordinated the final attack was perfect. Ashido-san kept all the attention while Hagakure-san positioned herself strategically."
Toru moved in a way that suggested she was making a dramatic bow.
"I appreciate your faith in my combat skills, Hayashi-kun. Though honestly, I was terrified that Aoyama-kun would detect me at any moment."
"But he didn't," Ren pointed out. "That is what matters."
Before they could continue the conversation, All Might's amplified voice boomed through the observation room.
"ATTENTION, YOUNG STUDENTS! We have a unique situation for our final battle of the day. Due to the odd number of remaining participants, we will adjust the traditional format."
Curious murmurs spread through the room. All Might continued with his characteristic enthusiasm.
"The final match will be a SPECIAL CHALLENGE! Two heroes against three villains! This simulates real-world conditions where heroes frequently face superior numbers!"
"That sounds brutal," Kaminari murmured from his position near the front.
"ON THE HERO SIDE, WE HAVE YOUNG KAMINARI AND YOUNG SERO!" All Might announced. "AND DEFENDING THE BOMB AS VILLAINS: YOUNG MINETA, YOUNG KIRISHIMA, AND YOUNG KODA!"
Kaminari looked excited. Sero gave him a supportive slap on the shoulder as they both headed toward the preparation area.
"This is going to be interesting," Momo commented near Ren. "Kirishima-kun, with his hardening, is a natural tank. Combined with Koda-kun's size and Mineta-kun's sticky spheres, they have a formidable defense."
"But Kaminari has area-of-effect electrical power," Ren countered. "If he can use it effectively, he could incapacitate all three simultaneously."
"If he can control it," Momo added skeptically. "I have noticed he tends to short-circuit when he uses too much electricity."
She was right. Ren had seen in the anime how Kaminari became temporarily brain-dead after exceeding his limit. It was a considerable weakness.
The battle began with Sero and Kaminari entering the training building cautiously. The screens showed the three villains positioned strategically around the bomb on the fifth floor. Mineta had created a minefield of his purple sticky spheres covering the floor. Kirishima was hardened and ready to physically intercept any attacker. Koda was silent as always, likely preparing to use his animal communication Quirk if necessary.
"Sero-kun is using his tape to move along the walls," Tsuyu observed with interest. "That avoids the traps on the floor, ribbit."
On the screens, Sero was indeed swinging from wall to wall like Spider-Man, avoiding the floor entirely. Kaminari followed him from below, staying close to the walls where there were fewer sticky spheres. They reached the third floor without incident. Then, Mineta decided to make his move.
"Take this!" the small grape boy shouted, throwing multiple spheres from the top floor.
The purple spheres rained down. Sero tried to dodge them with his tape, but one stuck his left arm against the wall.
"Dammit!" Sero groaned, pulling uselessly. "It is super sticky!"
"Sero!" Kaminari ran toward him, but stepped on a sphere that had fallen to the floor. His foot was instantly stuck.
Kirishima appeared on the stairs, his skin completely hardened in his rocky red form.
"Sorry, bros! But we have to win this!"
He charged toward Kaminari. The electric boy panicked, releasing a massive discharge of electricity in all directions.
"INDISCRIMINATE SHOCK!"
Electricity exploded from his body like lightning. Kirishima was hit head-on; his hardening protected him from major damage, but the electrical conductivity made him scream in pain as he was blasted backward. The electricity traveled through the metal walls of the building, surging up to the fifth floor where Mineta and Koda were standing near the bomb.
"GYAAAAAAH!" Mineta shrieked as the electricity reached him.
The small grape boy was completely fried. His body jerked violently before collapsing to the floor, smoke literally rising from his purple hair. His skin had taken on a slightly charred tone. Koda, being much larger, absorbed more electricity. He fell to his knees, trembling but conscious.
The alarm sounded before anyone could fully recover. Sero, taking advantage of Kirishima being dazed and the fifth-floor defenders being incapacitated, had used his free tape to launch himself directly toward the bomb. He touched the metal surface just as the residual electricity finally dissipated.
"THE HERO TEAM WINS!"
The observation room erupted in a mix of laughter and applause. On the screens, Mineta was still on the ground, unconscious with his hair scorched.
"Poor Mineta-kun!" Ochako giggled. "He looks like a raisin!"
"More like a charcoal grape," Jiro added with a smirk.
"Kaminari-kun's strategic sacrifice was brilliant," Momo analyzed professionally. "He knew his indiscriminate discharge would leave him vulnerable, but he bet on Sero-kun being able to capitalize on the distraction."
Ren nodded in agreement. It had been a chaotic but effective victory. Recovery Girl was already running toward the building, likely to treat Mineta's electrical burns and the overload of Kaminari, who now had that blank expression on his face.
"Wheeey..." Kaminari made happy sounds, but he clearly was not processing coherent thoughts.
All Might appeared on the screens, helping Kirishima to his feet.
"A STRATEGIC VICTORY THROUGH PERSONAL SACRIFICE! THAT IS TRUE HEROIC SPIRIT, YOUNG KAMINARI AND YOUNG SERO!"
The students began to disperse, talking animatedly about the day's battles as they headed toward the locker rooms to change back into their school uniforms. Ren was about to follow them when he felt a sudden weight hanging off his right arm.
"Hayashi-kun!" Mina's voice rang directly in his ear. "We won! We should go to a cafe or something to celebrate! Buy cake! Sweet drinks! Everything!"
"That sounds amazing," Ren admitted with a genuine smile. "I completely accept."
He turned, looking for other classmates. Momo was talking to Jiro near the exit; Tsuyu was stretching alone in a corner.
"Yaoyorozu-san, Asui-san," Ren called out to them. "Do you want to come with us to celebrate?"
Momo blinked in surprise at the invitation. Tsuyu simply tilted her head with curiosity.
"To celebrate?" Momo asked.
"Yes!" Mina practically shouted. "We are going to a cafe! It will be super fun! Say yes, Yaomomo!"
"Yaomomo?" Momo repeated with slight embarrassment.
"It is your new nickname!" Mina declared with absolute confidence. "Do you like it?"
"I... suppose it is acceptable," Momo replied, clearly not knowing how to process the sudden nickname.
"Sounds fun, ribbit," Tsuyu said in her neutral tone. "I accept the invitation."
At that moment, Ren saw Inko walking back into the observation room from the infirmary. Her previously fractured finger looked completely healed thanks to Recovery Girl's Quirk.
"Inko-san," Ren called her before she could walk away. "Do you want to come with us? We are going to a cafe to celebrate."
Inko stopped, turning toward him with visible surprise in her green eyes.
"Me? Are you sure? I do not want to be a bother..."
"No bother at all!" Mina let go of Ren's arm and practically jumped toward Inko, taking her by the hand. "You are coming with us and it is non-negotiable! You fight incredibly, you are super cool, and I want to get to know you better!"
"B-but I..." Inko tried to protest weakly as Mina literally dragged her back toward the group.
"No buts!" Mina declared. "You are officially part of the celebration group!"
Momo, seeing the group was growing, spoke in her characteristically formal and polite tone.
"If we are all going together, I can provide transportation. My family has a vehicle available that can pick us up."
"Really?" Ochako, who had been watching the conversation from a distance, approached with curiosity. "What kind of vehicle?"
"A limousine," Momo replied as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
"A... limousine?" Toru repeated slowly. "Like the ones in the movies?"
"Yes, exactly like those," Momo confirmed, not understanding why everyone was looking at her with awe.
Kirishima, who was walking past toward the locker rooms, overheard the conversation.
"You guys are going in a limo? That sounds super cool! Can I come?"
"We have room," Momo nodded.
"Ah, but I have to help my mom with something this afternoon!" Kirishima hit his forehead. "What bad luck! Have fun, guys."
Several other students were invited, but they all had prior commitments. Homework. Extra training. Family responsibilities. Ren noticed Ochako standing slightly apart from the group, looking conflicted. Her body language screamed that she wanted to go, but something was holding her back.
The money, Ren realized immediately. Ochako comes from a low-income family. She is probably worried about the cost.
He stepped closer to Momo, leaning in to whisper in her ear.
"Yaoyorozu-san, Uraraka-san probably wants to come but is worried about the money. Could you...?"
Momo's eyes lit up with immediate understanding. She nodded once with determination and headed straight for Ochako.
"Uraraka-san," she said in her kindest voice. "I would love for you to join us. And do not worry about the cost. I will cover everything for everyone."
Ochako blinked.
"What? No, I cannot let you do that, Yaoyorozu-san. It is too much..."
"I insist," Momo interrupted firmly. "Consider it my contribution to the team celebration. Everyone fought incredibly today. It would be an honor for me to treat my classmates."
Ren, seeing that Ochako still looked ready to decline, stepped in.
"Yaoyorozu-san, you do not have to pay for everyone. I can cover my part and..."
Momo took him by the arm, pulling him slightly to the side. She whispered quickly into his ear.
"If I only offer to pay for Uraraka-san specifically, she will refuse out of pride. But if I pay for everyone, it becomes a general gesture and she can accept it without feeling singled out."
Ren blinked. That was surprisingly sophisticated social logic.
"I was planning to pay for Uraraka-san discreetly," he admitted in an equally low voice.
"And I appreciate your chivalrous gesture," Momo replied with a small smile. "But trust me on this. My approach will work better to preserve her dignity."
Ren considered for a moment, then nodded with respect.
"You are right. Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san."
Before Ochako could formulate another protest, Mina shouted with pure excitement.
"YAOMOMO IS PAYING FOR EVERYTHING! THIS IS INCREDIBLE! We can order whatever we want!"
"Ashido-san, please do not go too overboard!" Momo protested, though her tone sounded more resigned than genuinely annoyed.
Mina was already dragging an embarrassed Ochako toward the locker rooms, eager to get the party started.
"Come on, come on! We have to change fast!"
The vehicle waiting at the UA entrance was exactly what Ren expected from a family as wealthy as Momo's: shiny black, incredibly long, with tinted windows and a presence that screamed luxury in every square inch. A chauffeur in a formal suit opened the back door as the group approached.
"Welcome, Miss Yaoyorozu and your guests."
Mina was the first to climb in, followed by Toru, whose floating uniform disappeared into the vehicle. Ochako climbed in with careful, reverent movements, clearly terrified of breaking something. Tsuyu and Inko entered more calmly. Ren was the last one in, and when he entered, he found an interior that was basically a mobile living room. Cream-colored leather seats formed a semi-circle. There was a small bar with drinks. The windows had screens that could show entertainment. The ceiling had LED lighting that changed color.
"This is..." Ochako looked at everything with wide eyes. "Incredible. Completely incredible."
"It is so soft," Mina stroked the leather seats. "Can I live here? Is that possible?"
"The limousine is for temporary transportation," Momo replied with slight amusement. "Not for permanent residency."
Tsuyu was exploring the drink bar with curiosity.
"They have bottled water from at least five different brands, ribbit. Why does anyone need so many water options?"
"Different minerals and pH levels," Momo explained seriously, completely unaware that Tsuyu was likely being rhetorical.
Inko sat silently, her hands in her lap, looking around in awe. Ren sat next to her, offering a reassuring smile.
"Impressive, right?"
"It is... a lot," Inko admitted in a soft voice. "I have never been in anything like this."
"Me neither," Ren confessed. "But Yaoyorozu-san is generous. She appreciates the company more than showing off wealth."
Inko nodded, relaxing slightly. The limousine began to move smoothly. The ride was incredibly comfortable, without feeling any of the typical bumps in the road.
"So, where exactly are we going?" Ren asked.
"There is a cafe my family frequents," Momo explained. "Excellent quality, quiet atmosphere, and a diverse menu. You will like it."
They arrived fifteen minutes later at an establishment that looked exactly as Ren imagined a cafe frequented by the elite would look: elegant but discreet facade, large windows with delicate curtains, and decorative plants at the entrance. The group entered, and Ren noticed immediately that the staff recognized Momo. A waitress approached with a professional smile.
"Miss Yaoyorozu, what a pleasure to see you. Your usual table?"
"We will need something larger today," Momo replied politely. "There are seven of us."
"Of course. Follow me, please."
They were led to a large table near the windows overlooking a small garden. They sat down, with Ren ending up between Mina and Tsuyu. Momo was across from him with Ochako and Inko at her sides. Toru occupied the head of the table, her uniform floating over the chair.
The menus arrived, and Ren saw Ochako pale slightly at the prices. Momo, noticing, spoke immediately.
"Remember, order whatever you like. Today we celebrate."
That seemed to break the final tension. The girls began talking animatedly as they checked the menus.
"I cannot believe All Might is our hero training teacher!" Mina was practically bouncing in her seat. "The Symbol of Peace himself is going to teach us! It is like a dream!"
"I am still processing it," Ochako admitted with evident enthusiasm. "We are going to learn directly from the number one hero!"
"It is an incredible opportunity," Momo added thoughtfully. "His combat experience is unparalleled."
Inko had a small smile as she listened. Ren noticed the particular glint in her eyes when they talked about All Might. It makes sense, he thought. She is his chosen successor. She must admire him enormously.
"Midoriya-san," Ren addressed her directly. "You looked incredible fighting Bakugo today. You looked super heroic."
Inko's face flushed instantly.
"It was not that big a deal! I just did what I could..."
"Are you kidding?" Toru interrupted with an excited voice. "You used Bakugo-kun like he was a punching bag! It was amazing! And that green explosion at the end! My heart almost stopped!"
"The control you showed was exceptional," Momo added with professional approval. "You modulated your power perfectly to maximize impact while minimizing damage to yourself."
"Well... I trained a lot," Inko admitted shyly. "My Quirk requires a lot of practice to not destroy my own body."
The drinks arrived. Ren had ordered a simple iced coffee. Mina had something pink and likely incredibly sweet. Tsuyu had ordered green tea. Momo had black tea with a hint of lemon. Ochako had ordered hot chocolate. Inko had a cold fruit drink.
As they drank and talked, Ren noticed something. A particular scent floating from where Mina was sitting. It was sweet and fruity, like ripe peaches mixed with something tropical. He leaned slightly toward her, keeping his voice low and discreet.
"Hey, Mina-san, are you wearing a fruit perfume?"
Mina froze mid-sip. Her eyes widened. Her face went through several shades of pink before settling on a bright red.
"I-I... it is... um..." she stammered, looking around as if searching for an escape route.
"Mina-chan?" Toru's voice sounded curious. "Are you okay?"
"IT IS A NEW SHAMPOO!" Mina practically shouted. "A new shampoo I bought! With a tropical fruit scent! Nothing else!"
Ren nodded with understanding.
"It smells good. The scent is pleasant."
"Really? Thanks!" Mina relaxed slightly, though her face remained notably flushed.
Internally, she was having a complete panic attack. If he only knew it is my new natural lubricant ability, she thought with absolute horror. But no. I will keep that an absolute secret until the day I die. No one can ever know.
The conversation flowed naturally toward the topic on everyone's mind.
"Speaking of impressive battles," Jiro had mentioned before they split up, "Todoroki-kun is an absolute monster. Did you see how he froze the entire building?"
"It was terrifying," Ochako admitted. "I do not think any of us could beat him in a direct fight."
"Hayashi-kun, what do you think? Could anyone here beat Todoroki-kun?" Momo asked him directly.
Ren considered his answer carefully before speaking.
"Honestly, I think there are two girls here who could definitely defeat Todoroki under the right circumstances: Uraraka-san and Midoriya-san."
Everyone looked at him with evident surprise. Inko choked violently on her cold drink. The icy liquid went down the wrong way, causing what was clearly a massive brain freeze.
"M-me? Beat Todoroki-kun?" Ochako looked completely incredulous. "Hayashi-kun, he froze an entire building in seconds. I can barely make things float!"
"You can barely make things float?" Ren repeated with genuine disbelief. "Uraraka-san, your Quirk is gravity manipulation. Do you have any idea how absurdly powerful that is?"
Ochako blinked. "Is it?"
"Gravity is one of the four fundamental forces of the universe," Ren explained with growing enthusiasm. "You literally control one of the most basic interactions of physical reality. That is incredible."
Momo nodded in immediate agreement.
"Hayashi-kun is right. Gravity can affect anything with mass. That includes Todoroki-kun's ice."
"Exactly," Ren continued. "His ice is powerful, but it is still physical matter. If you make it float or alter its center of gravity, it loses its effectiveness. And he himself has mass. You could make him float and completely eliminate his ability to maneuver."
Ochako's eyes widened gradually as she processed the implications.
"I... never thought of it that way. I always considered my Quirk something simple and straightforward."
"It is anything but simple," Ren assured her sincerely. "You just need to practice more creative applications. The power is there. You just have to learn to use it strategically."
A small smile began to form on Ochako's face. There was a new spark in her eyes, as if she had just discovered possibilities she had never considered before.
"Thank you, Hayashi-kun. That... really means a lot."
Ren then turned to Inko, who had finally stopped choking but still looked completely embarrassed.
"And Midoriya-san, you have so much raw strength that you could pulverize everyone at this table if you wanted to. You are incredibly powerful."
Inko's face turned even redder.
"That is... I do not... thank you, Hayashi-kun."
But there was genuine happiness in her expression. She was clearly pleased by the recognition.
"By the way," Mina said suddenly with evident curiosity, "Hayashi-kun, how is it that you are completely bald? You are too young for that, aren't you?"
All the girls turned to look at him with renewed interest. Ren sighed dramatically, placing a hand over his heart in a theatrical gesture.
"It is a tragedy of epic proportions. Unfortunately, I was born this way. Life betrayed me from the start, denying me the basic right to hair that everyone deserves."
"You were born bald?" Toru asked with surprise. "Is that possible?"
"Apparently so," Ren replied with mock solemnity. "I was robbed of my destiny to have beautiful hair. I never got to experience the simple pleasure of a bad hair day."
"But it is so shiny!" Mina laughed. "You could use it to reflect sunlight and blind enemies!"
"Tactical advantage," Ren nodded seriously. "The Ultimate Sun Reflection Attack."
Tsuyu tilted her head thoughtfully.
"Actually, baldness can be aerodynamic, ribbit. You reduce wind resistance."
"Exactly what I always say," Ren smiled. "I am basically a model of evolutionary efficiency."
"More like a model of genetic disaster," Mina joked.
"Ouch! How cruel!"
The table erupted in laughter. Even Inko laughed genuinely. The food arrived shortly after. Ren had ordered a club sandwich. Mina had pasta with pink sauce. Tsuyu had ordered a large salad. Momo had salmon with vegetables. Ochako had ordered katsu curry. Inko had a mixed tempura plate. Toru, invisible as ever, had ordered a parfait that was now mysteriously disappearing spoonful by spoonful.
******
Author's Note:
I know my MC isn't everyone's cup of tea. After all, this story features mind control and some pretty immoral acts—let's be real, the protagonist is a total piece of trash lol. Because of that, I want to see if there's enough interest to keep this journey going.
This week will be our "litmus test." If we hit a solid amount of Power Stones, I'll keep the story alive. If not, I'll likely wrap it up and focus on my other projects. I get it; the idea of a perverted bald guy running loose in the UA isn't for everyone!
By the way, in case you missed the subtext: Ren officially had his "first time" back in Chapter 23... if you know what I mean wink wink.
A few quick updates:
Corrections: I fixed the mistake regarding Saitama's gloves in the upcoming chapters (got mixed up with the suit colors, my bad!).
Support: If you're enjoying the chaos, please leave a Review! It helps a ton.
Extra Chapters: Want more? Check out Patreon.com/shurazero for bonus content.
Bottom line: this is a make-or-break week for me as an author. To sweeten the deal, if we hit 10 reviews (from unique readers, of course), I'll drop two bonus chapters! Your support is what keeps this story growing—thanks for everything, everyone
Every Power Stone helps keep this story from falling into oblivion. Love you all!