Nemuri leaned back in her seat with elegant grace, crossing one leg over the other in a way that caused several male eyes on the bus to briefly drift in her direction. Mineta was practically salivating in his seat a few rows back.
"So, Hayashi-kun," Midnight said with a casual tone and a shrewd glint in her blue eyes, "I am curious about something."
"About what, sensei?" Ren responded cautiously.
"Nezu asked me to supervise the freshmen during off-campus activities," she explained while toyed with a lock of her purple hair. "But I wonder just how prepared the new Class 1-A representative really is to handle unexpected situations."
Ren felt his stomach tighten slightly. This was not just a casual conversation. Midnight was evaluating him.
"What kind of situations are you referring to, sensei?"
Midnight's eyes sparkled with clear amusement.
"Let's say we are at a training facility and something goes wrong. As the representative, how would you handle that situation?"
The entire bus seemed to fall silent. All the students were paying attention now. Kirishima had turned completely in his seat to look at Ren. Momo had an analytical expression on her face. Even Bakugo had stopped grumbling and was listening with feigned attention.
Ren took a deep breath. This was his chance. Midnight had just given him the exact excuse he needed to prepare the class, and no one would suspect a thing because he was simply responding to a teacher's hypothetical scenario.
Don't get too excited, he warned himself. If you sound too prepared, they will get suspicious.
"Well, sensei," Ren began carefully, "I think the first thing would be not to panic and to evaluate the available resources."
"An interesting start," Midnight nodded with approval. "Continue."
Ren turned slightly in his seat so he could see Momo across the aisle.
"Yaoyorozu-san, as the deputy representative, what do you think our top priority would be if normal communications weren't working?"
Momo blinked, clearly surprised to be included so directly in the conversation.
"Reinforcements," she answered without hesitation. "Without communication with the outside, there would be no way to ask for help. That would leave us completely isolated."
"Exactly," Ren nodded. "Then we would need some form of backup communication."
He turned to Momo again, trying to look as if he were thinking out loud rather than executing a pre-conceived plan.
"Your creation Quirk... could you make something like that? Some kind of radio or transmitter?"
Momo's eyes widened slightly as her brain began to work on the technical problem.
"I could create an emergency radio transmitter. I would need a few minutes, but if I use shortwave frequencies with independent batteries, it would be very difficult to jam."
"Perfect," Ren smiled. "That would be our first line of defense."
Kaminari raised his hand enthusiastically from his seat.
"Hey, I could help with that. My Quirk generates electricity. If the batteries run out, I can recharge them."
"Good idea, Kaminari," Ren nodded.
Bakugo let out an audible scoff from his seat.
"Are we really wasting time on this hypothetical crap? When something goes wrong, I'll just blow up whoever is causing trouble."
Several students tensed up. Bakugo's reaction was perfect; it gave Ren a reason to keep pushing the topic without appearing paranoid.
"And if someone is injured while you are blowing up villains, Bakugo?" Ren asked with a sharper voice than usual. "Or if there are multiple threats in different locations? You can't be everywhere at once."
There was a tense silence. Even Bakugo seemed surprised by the tone. Midnight intervened softly, though there was approval in her voice.
"Hayashi-kun is right. Teamwork is not optional in professional heroism, Bakugo-kun. Even All Might needs support sometimes."
Bakugo grunted but did not argue further. Ren seized the moment. His heart was beating fast, but he kept his voice controlled.
"Yaoyorozu-san," Ren addressed Momo, "is there any way to track people? If someone gets separated from the group in a large area, we would need to find them fast."
Momo sat still for a moment, clearly processing the request.
"Miniaturized GPS trackers with short-range transmitters," she murmured thoughtfully. "I would also need to create a central receiver. It is technically complex but feasible. What range would you need?"
Crap. Ren had not thought about technical specifications because the anime never mentioned those details.
"Uh... what do you recommend? I'm no tech expert."
Momo thought about it for a second.
"For a large training facility, five kilometers would probably be enough. And with batteries that last at least twelve hours to cover a full day of activity."
"Sounds perfect. Could you do it?"
"It would take me maybe twenty minutes to manufacture the entire system for the whole class."
"You're amazing, Yaoyorozu-san," Ren said with genuine sincerity.
The blush that appeared on Momo's cheeks was noticeable even under the dim light of the bus. Sero leaned forward from his seat with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, Hayashi, I didn't know you were so strategic. Where did you learn all this?"
"Video games," Ren replied immediately. "Strategy games. You know, resource management, team coordination, that kind of stuff."
"Really?" Kaminari looked excited. "Which ones do you play?"
"Various ones," Ren answered vaguely. "But this isn't about my hobbies. The point is that if something goes wrong, we need to think as a team, not as individuals."
Midnight let out a soft, melodic laugh.
"Well, well. Hayashi-kun has really thought this through. Is there anything else in that head of yours?"
"A few things," Ren admitted. "Like... identifying what each person does well. For different roles."
He turned in his seat, trying to look as if he were improvising instead of reciting a mental plan.
"For example, Iida-kun, you are the fastest in the class. If we need someone to carry a quick message between separated groups, or if we need a distraction against slow enemies, you would be the first choice."
Iida straightened up with obvious pride, his arms moving in that characteristic robotic gesture.
"I perfectly understand my strategic role, Hayashi-kun! I can guarantee that I will fulfill my responsibilities with maximum efficiency!"
"I knew I could count on you," Ren smiled.
The bus hit a bump, causing everyone to bounce slightly in their seats. Mineta almost fell out of his seat and had to grab the headrest. When everything stabilized, Ren continued.
"Ashido-san, Asui-san, Hagakure-san," he looked toward the three girls. "Your Quirks have something in common."
"Really?" Mina leaned forward with evident interest. "What?"
"Versatility for dynamic situations. Acid to create paths or block routes, amphibious mobility for aquatic terrain, and invisibility for reconnaissance. Together, you could control information and movement on the battlefield."
Toru practically vibrated with excitement in her seat.
"Finally someone recognizes that my Quirk is useful!"
"Your Quirk is extremely valuable in the right context," Ren assured her. "You just need to think strategically about how to use it."
"It makes sense, kero," Tsuyu added in her characteristic neutral tone.
Ochako raised her hand shyly.
"What about me, Hayashi-kun?"
"Uraraka-san, your zero-gravity Quirk is probably one of the most versatile we have," Ren said. "You could move heavy debris for rescues, make injured teammates easier to transport, or neutralize large enemies."
Ochako's eyes widened with evident surprise.
"Do you really think my Quirk is that useful?"
"Absolutely."
Kirishima could not contain himself any longer.
"Hey, Hayashi! You can't forget about me, bro!"
"Your hardening Quirk makes you perfect for defense," Ren responded. "You could protect more vulnerable teammates or break physical barriers. You are basically a living shield."
"THAT IS SO MANLY!"
Inko, who had been listening quietly, spoke in a soft voice.
"And me, Hayashi-kun?"
Ren looked directly at her. He had to be careful here.
"Midoriya-san, your strengthening Quirk gives you raw physical power that surpasses almost everyone in the class. You would be ideal for direct confrontations against large threats. Heavy artillery."
Inko blushed deeply but nodded with visible determination in her eyes. Jiro raised a hand from her seat.
"What about those of us with Quirks that are less... obvious for combat?"
"Your sound amplification Quirk is perfect for long-distance communication and detection," Ren answered. "You could hear threats approaching before anyone else. That makes you our early warning system."
Jiro's eyes widened slightly.
"I hadn't thought of that."
"And Shoji-kun," Ren continued, "your multi-arm Quirk gives you multi-directional reconnaissance. You could watch several directions simultaneously. Combined with Jiro, you would be a nearly perfect detection team."
Shoji nodded with his usual calm expression.
"That makes sense."
Bakugo had finally had enough.
"AND WHAT ABOUT ME, BALDY? ARE YOU GOING TO IGNORE THE STRONGEST STUDENT IN THE CLASS?"
Thanks for asking, Bakugo, Ren thought with internal relief. You saved me from having to mention you and looking like I was sucking up.
"Your explosion Quirk gives you massive destructive power and aerial mobility," Ren said with a neutral expression. "You would be ideal for high-impact attacks, clearing areas of multiple enemies, or providing fire cover. Aerial bomber."
Bakugo grunted but did not seem dissatisfied with the evaluation. Midnight was smiling now with clear satisfaction, her fingers drumming softly against her thigh.
"Hayashi-kun, I must admit I am quite impressed. You have evaluated the individual capabilities of your classmates with remarkable precision for someone who has been at UA for less than a week."
Was I too good? Ren felt a shiver run down his spine.
"Video games teach a lot about team strategy, sensei," he replied with a smile he hoped looked casual. "Plus, I've been paying attention in Quirk classes."
"Clearly," Midnight replied with a tone Ren couldn't quite interpret.
There was a moment of awkward silence. Momo broke it by clearing her throat softly.
"Hayashi-kun, if you really want me to create those devices, I should start now. They will take a considerable amount of time."
"Can you do it while the bus is moving?"
"I can try. My Quirk only requires proper concentration."
"Then go ahead, Yaoyorozu-san."
Ren leaned back in his seat, trying to look relaxed while his mind raced at a thousand miles per hour.
Was I too obvious? Does Midnight suspect something? No, it's impossible for her to know about the attack. No one knows except the League of Villains.
But maybe she thinks I'm weird. Or paranoid. Or that I'm trying to impress her.
Momo had closed her eyes, her expression concentrated. Small sparks of light began to glow on her exposed skin as her Quirk activated. The entire bus watched in fascination as objects began to materialize from her arm. First was a small rectangular device that looked like an old portable radio. Then, small chips the size of coins began to appear.
"Impressive," Kaminari whispered. "Her Quirk is so cool."
"It's incredibly versatile," Jiro added. "She can basically create any tool we need."
Sero leaned forward.
"Hey, Yaoyorozu-san, can you create food with your Quirk?"
"Technically, yes," Momo responded without breaking her concentration. "But consuming organic objects created by my Quirk is not recommended. The molecular structure might not be completely stable."
"Ah, I see. So no emergency snacks."
"I'm afraid not."
The process continued in relative silence. Ren watched nervously, torn between admiration for Momo's Quirk and anxiety about what was to come.
I did everything I could, he reminded himself. I gave them communication tools. I gave them trackers. I identified strengths. I did more than anyone would expect.
But will it be enough when Shigaraki and the Nomu appear?
And what if someone dies because I didn't do enough?
And what if I'm wrong and there is no attack, and now everyone thinks I'm a paranoid weirdo?
After about fifteen minutes of concentrated work, Momo had created a functional emergency radio transmitter along with several small GPS chips and a receiver device that showed a rudimentary screen.
"Finished," she announced with evident satisfaction as she handed the devices to Ren. "The transmitter works on shortwave frequencies that are difficult to jam. The GPS chips have a range of about five kilometers and their batteries will last at least twelve hours. The receiver will show the location of each chip as a dot on a simple grid."
Ren examined the devices with genuine respect.
"Yaoyorozu-san, this is incredible. You really are brilliant."
"It's just a practical application of technical knowledge," Momo murmured modestly.
Midnight laughed softly.
"How modest. Yaoyorozu-chan, you just created a complete emergency communication and tracking system in fifteen minutes while the bus was moving. That is well above the level of a freshman student."
"Thank you, Midnight-sensei."
Ren began to distribute the GPS chips among his classmates. Each student received one with instructions to keep it in their hero costumes.
"Remember, this is just practice for a hypothetical scenario," Ren reminded them as he passed out the chips. "But it's good to be prepared anyway."
"This is like a real spy mission!" Mina exclaimed enthusiastically while tucking her chip into her costume belt.
"It's very practical, kero," Tsuyu commented while examining her chip. "If there is ever a real emergency, this could save us."
I hope so, Ren thought grimly.
Even Bakugo accepted his chip without complaining, though he grumbled something unintelligible about stupid exercises for extras. When everyone had their GPS chips, Ren returned to his seat next to Midnight.
"Well done, Hayashi-kun," she said softly. "You transformed a hypothetical exercise into real practical preparation. That shows initiative and advanced strategic thinking."
"I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page, sensei."
"Of course," Midnight responded. "Though I wonder if there is something else you aren't saying. You seem to have a level of concern for safety that is unusual for someone your age."
Ren felt a shiver of alarm run down his spine. Was Midnight suspecting something? Had he been too obvious?
"It's just that I take my role as representative seriously, sensei," he responded carefully. "I don't want to let my classmates down."
Midnight studied him for a longer moment before smiling and leaning back in her seat.
"I think Nezu will be pleased when I report on your performance today."
The bus had been driving through the outskirts of the city for the last few minutes. Now it began to slow down as a massive structure appeared on the horizon. It was a giant dome. White and blue. It was impressive even from a distance.
"Woah," Kaminari pressed his face against the window. "What is that place?"
"It looks huge," Sero commented.
"It is very big, kero," Tsuyu added.
The bus finally came to a complete stop in front of the dome's entrance. Aizawa woke up, or stopped pretending to sleep, from his seat in the front.
"Everyone out," he ordered. "Behave yourselves."
The class began to get up and move toward the bus exit. Midnight stood up with fluid grace, stretching in a way that definitely caught the attention of several students.
"Welcome, my dear students," Midnight announced with a dramatic voice and arms outstretched toward the dome, "to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint. Or as we like to call it at UA..."
She made a dramatic pause.
"The USJ!"
There were excited murmurs among the students.
"It looks amazing!"
"What kind of training will we do here?"
"This is going to be epic!"
Ren stepped off the bus with his legs slightly shaking. Now that they were actually here, the reality of the situation hit him with full force. This was not a hypothetical scenario.
Calm down, he told himself as he tried to control his breathing. You did everything you could. You gave them communication tools. You gave them GPS trackers. You identified everyone's strengths. You did more preparation than anyone would expect from a freshman.
But will it be enough?
Momo approached him as they walked toward the dome entrance.
"Hayashi-kun," she said softly, "are you okay? You look a bit pale."
"I'm fine," Ren lied. "Just nervous about the training."
"It's natural to be nervous," Momo assured him with a small smile. "But you did an excellent job preparing the class for any contingency. You should feel proud."
"Thank you, Yaoyorozu-san."
If only you knew, Ren thought as he looked up at the massive dome. If only you knew that I wasn't preparing the class for a hypothetical exercise. I was preparing them for a real villain invasion that I'm almost certain will happen today.
And if I'm wrong and nothing happens, then I just looked like a super-prepared representative. But if I'm right...
Midnight walked to the front of the group, her heels clicking against the pavement.
"Alright, my little heroes-in-training," she announced enthusiastically, "get ready for an unforgettable educational experience. The USJ has multiple simulated disaster zones where you will test your rescue skills in extremely realistic conditions."
"Sounds exciting!" Kirishima shouted.
"I hope there are explosions!" Bakugo added with violent enthusiasm.
"You always hope for explosions, Bakugo-kun," Tsuyu commented dryly.
The massive doors of the dome began to open with a pneumatic hiss. Ren took one more deep breath.
Here we go, he thought. Whatever is going to happen, at least I did my best to prepare us.
I hope it's enough.
Please, let it be enough.
****
Author's Note:
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Power Stone Challenge!
Unfortunately, we were just shy of our goal last week, but don't worry! I'm back with a new, more achievable challenge.
The Goal: If we hit 800 Power Stones this week, I will immediately release 3 bonus chapters this Sunday to kick off the new week!
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Thank you all for the incredible support. Let's hit that goal!