"It's… over? Just like that?"
"Those two weren't even officially U.A. students yet… and they fought like that?"
"U.A. really is a gathering place for monsters…"
"I was freezing to death just now! Even from this far away, it felt like standing in the middle of winter!"
"If we felt that much from here, what kind of attack did Shoto Todoroki take at the center…?"
"I almost feel bad for him… having to fight someone that insane…"
When the Cement Hero announced the result of the match, it was as if the students had just woken up from a dream. Conversations erupted everywhere, all centered around Shina Etsuha's overwhelming display.
Meanwhile, Yaoyorozu Momo quietly used her quirk to create a thick blanket around herself, shielding her body from the lingering cold.
No one had expected that the calm, approachable boy from earlier would become something completely different the moment he entered a fight.
"Students, settle down!" Present Mic raised his voice, cutting through the noise. "The first screening match is complete. We'll now proceed to the next phase of the assessment. As for those eliminated—you may remain and observe, but all test content is strictly confidential!"
"So this is the next test…" Etsuha stretched his body slightly, wiping the sweat from his forehead.
Teigu placed immense strain on its user's stamina. Although Shina Etsuha had fully extracted Esdeath's abilities, his physical body was still his own. This was the first time he had pushed his quirk so openly, and the battle with Shoto Todoroki had given him a clear understanding of his current limits.
Still, it wasn't a major issue. At the very least, it wouldn't affect the next stage.
From what he remembered, U.A.'s entrance evaluations included basic physical and ability tests—like running.
"Shina!"
Shoto Todoroki suddenly called out to him.
"What is it?" Etsuha turned back.
"…Was that your full power?" Todoroki asked quietly, voicing the question that had been lingering in his mind.
"No," Etsuha answered without hesitation.
Todoroki's heart trembled. Even though he had expected that answer, hearing it stated so plainly still struck him.
"…I see." He nodded slowly, then after a brief pause, added, "I hope we end up in the same class."
Etsuha blinked, slightly surprised. Then he smiled.
"Then I'll be waiting for you in Class A."
The two exchanged faint smiles.
As soon as Etsuha rejoined the group, he was immediately surrounded by curious students.
Suddenly, a tall, energetic boy dropped to the ground in a deep bow.
"Etsuha! My name is Inasa Yoarashi! Please take care of me!"
The exaggerated gesture startled everyone nearby. Even Etsuha's eyelid twitched.
"I'm Shina Etsuha… nice to meet you. And—uh… Inasa, doesn't that hurt?"
"Ah! I'm used to it!" Inasa Yoarashi grinned, scratching the back of his head.
"…I see…" Etsuha sighed inwardly. Inasa looked straightforward and innocent, but his quirk—wind manipulation—was anything but ordinary. Definitely a unique personality.
As they spoke, Aizawa Shouta approached.
"Shina, you just finished a screening match," he said flatly. "According to the rules, you're allowed to rest before the next test. Do you want a break?"
"No. I'm fine," Etsuha replied, shaking his head.
"If you lose because of fatigue, there won't be any compensation," Aizawa warned.
"I don't want to waste time," Etsuha answered calmly.
Aizawa didn't press further, though a faint glint of calculation passed through his tired eyes.
U.A.'s assessments weren't just about raw destructive power. They covered multiple aspects—and there were plenty of situations where an ice-type quirk wouldn't be advantageous. He deliberately chose not to point that out.
Let the kid stumble a little. It might do him some good.
The thought flickered across his mind, but his expression quickly returned to its usual dull, half-lidded state.
"Everyone, follow me."
Before long, the group arrived at a running track.
Seeing the confused expressions on the students' faces, Aizawa spoke plainly:
"The first stage of this assessment: an 800-meter race. The last five finishers will be immediately disqualified."
The students were stunned.
"A race? Isn't U.A. supposed to train heroes? Why something like this?"
"Running…?"
On the other hand, a few students quickly caught on. Among them, Yaoyorozu Momo's eyes sharpened with understanding.
"…So we're allowed to use our quirks during the race," she murmured.
"There are a few promising ones," Aizawa thought as he glanced at her and several others.
Then he spoke again, his tone firm:
"Don't underestimate this. As heroes, mobility and support are essential. The faster you can respond, the more lives you can save. This race has no restrictions."
He paused briefly.
"You may use your quirks freely. As long as you don't get eliminated—anything goes."
Only then did the rest of the students fully understand.
Aizawa continued:
"I'll call your names. Step forward and prepare."
"Inasa Yoarashi!"
"Yaoyorozu Momo!"
"… "
"Shina Etsuha!"