Mineta arrived at the underpass just after 3:30 PM, knowing from his reconnaissance that this was about an hour before the middle school students would start passing through on their way home from cram school. He wore a simple gray hoodie over his usual clothes, the hood pulled up to conceal his distinctive appearance while he worked.
The underpass was a typical concrete tunnel, about thirty meters long with dim lighting fixtures spaced unevenly along the ceiling. Graffiti marked the walls, and discarded cans and wrappers littered the corners. Perfect for what he had planned.
[Ultimate Training System] Mission Environment Analysis: Tactical Advantages: Limited Entry Points, Controlled Lighting, Echo Acoustics Tactical Disadvantages: Confined Space, Limited Escape Routes Recommendation: Preparedness Over Direct Confrontation
"I know," Mineta murmured to the System. "No direct confrontation."
He pulled out his backpack, filled with his carefully prepared materials: four spools of fishing line of varying thickness, his specialized sticky balls, small weights, and a few other items he'd picked up specifically for this operation.
Unlike his practice scenarios, this situation involved real people—bullies who might be physically imposing but weren't villains. Mineta had no interest in harming them; he just wanted to discourage their behavior.
For the next forty-five minutes, Mineta worked methodically, setting up what he called a "Psychological Deterrent Grid." Unlike his previous trap systems designed for capture, this one was crafted to create an unsettling experience—to make the underpass feel hostile to the bullies without them understanding why.
First, he placed nearly invisible tripwires at ankle height in specific locations, not to trip anyone, but to trigger small mechanisms that would make unexpected sounds when activated. Next, he installed thin fishing lines that would brush against the face or neck—nothing harmful, just the unnerving sensation of walking through a spider web.
Throughout the process, Mineta checked and double-checked his work.
[Ultimate Training System] Trap Construction Progress: Sound Triggers: 6/6 Complete Tactile Elements: 8/8 Complete
Visual Components: 4/4 Complete Safety Check: PASSED Non-Lethal Rating: MAXIMUM
The final touch was a series of sticky balls placed strategically on the ceiling, walls, and behind loose bricks. These weren't meant to trap anyone directly—they were positioned to create a cascading effect if triggered.
Just as Mineta finished his preparations, he heard voices approaching from the far end of the underpass. He quickly gathered his supplies and slipped into a predetermined observation position—a small maintenance alcove near the middle of the tunnel, partially concealed by shadows.
"Same spot as yesterday?" a gruff voice asked.
"Yeah, those cram school kids always come through here around 4:30," another replied.
Mineta peeked carefully from his hiding spot. Three teenage boys, all wearing the same high school uniform, strolled into the underpass. The largest one—clearly the leader—had spiky blond hair and hands that seemed disproportionately large for his body. The other two were less distinctive but moved with the practiced swagger of those accustomed to intimidating others.
"Let's see if today's haul is better than yesterday's," the leader said. "Those nerds barely had enough for burgers."
Mineta felt a pang of indignation. These weren't villains with grand plans—just garden-variety bullies preying on younger kids. He took a deep breath and focused on his plan.
The three teens positioned themselves about halfway through the underpass and settled in to wait, laughing and talking loudly. One of them kicked a can against the wall, sending it skittering across the concrete.
"Perfect position," Mineta whispered, noting that all three were standing within the area he'd prepared.
He pulled out a small remote control—a simple garage door opener he'd modified for this purpose. With a deep breath, he pressed the first button.
A faint clicking sound emanated from somewhere in the shadows, just loud enough to be noticed. The three bullies paused their conversation.
"What was that?" one of them asked.
"Probably a rat," the leader replied dismissively.
Mineta pressed the second button. This time, a soft scratching noise came from the opposite direction, followed by what sounded like something being dragged across concrete.
"There it is again," the second thug said, turning toward the sound.
"Both of you are jumpy today," the leader scoffed, but Mineta noticed he was scanning the tunnel more carefully now.
Time for phase two. Mineta pressed the third button.
One of the bullies yelped as he walked straight into an invisible fishing line that brushed across his face.
"What the—" he sputtered, batting at his face. "There's something here!"
"You're being ridiculous," the leader started to say, but stopped when he felt something similar brush against his neck.
[Ultimate Training System] Psychological Operation: Fear Induction: 27% (INCREASING) Subject Discomfort: MODERATE Tactical Advantage: BUILDING
The third button had activated small servo motors that subtly tightened some of the fishing lines, making them rise slightly to face and neck height. Nothing dangerous—just unexpected contact in the dark.
"I don't like this," the third bully muttered, taking a step back.
As he did, his foot triggered one of the sound traps. A metallic scraping noise echoed through the underpass, seeming to come from everywhere and nowhere at once.
"What is going on?" the leader demanded, his previous confidence clearly shaken.
Mineta smiled from his hiding spot and pressed the fourth button—the one he'd designated as his "finale." Across the ceiling and walls of the underpass, small objects began falling in sequence—pebbles, bits of loose concrete, and small sticky balls. They created a ripple effect of movement and sound that made it seem as if the entire tunnel was coming alive.
One of the sticky balls landed on the leader's shoulder with a soft plop. He tried to brush it off, but it clung stubbornly to his uniform.
"What the hell is this?" he shouted, now genuinely alarmed.
[Ultimate Training System] Critical Moment Analysis: Target Fear Level: 78% (OPTIMAL) Opportunity for Message Delivery: NOW Warning: Maintain Voice Distortion for Identity Protection
Mineta pulled out a small voice changer he'd bought online—nothing fancy, just enough to make his voice unrecognizable—and spoke into it. The device was connected to a small speaker he'd hidden near the ceiling earlier.
"This tunnel belongs to someone else now," the altered voice echoed ominously through the space. "Find somewhere else for your 'donations.'"
The effect was immediate and dramatic. The three bullies looked around wildly, unable to identify the source of the voice.
"Who's there?" the leader demanded, trying to sound tough despite his obvious fear. Another sticky ball landed on his arm, followed by another on his back.
"I don't like this, man," one of his companions said, backing toward the exit. "Let's get out of here!"
"I'm not afraid of some voice and cheap tricks," the leader growled, though his body language told a different story. He took a step forward, as if challenging the invisible presence.
It was the exact response Mineta had anticipated. He pressed the fifth button—the one connected to what he called the "Spider's Kiss."
Multiple fishing lines descended from the ceiling, each with a small weight attached to the end. They weren't strong enough to hurt anyone, but as they swayed and brushed against the teens, the psychological effect was devastating.
"Something's touching me!" the second bully screamed, slapping frantically at his shoulders and head.
The leader, trying to maintain his tough image, reached up to grab one of the lines—exactly as Mineta had predicted. His fingers closed around a fishing line that had been coated with a sticky ball's adhesive.
"What the—I can't let go!" he shouted, pulling harder and causing more sticky lines to fall around him.
[Ultimate Training System] Advanced Psychological Trap Effect: Fear Level: 94% (CRITICAL) Flight Response: IMMINENT Lesson Implantation: OPTIMAL CONDITIONS
"Leave now," Mineta's distorted voice commanded. "And don't return. Next time, the tunnel takes you."
That was enough. The leader, still struggling with the sticky line attached to his hand, backed away toward the exit. His two companions were already halfway out, practically tripping over themselves in their haste to escape.
"This isn't over!" the leader called back, but his threat sounded hollow even to his own ears. Within moments, all three had fled the underpass, the leader still frantically trying to remove the sticky substance from his hand.
Mineta waited five full minutes before emerging from his hiding spot, wanting to be absolutely certain they hadn't lingered nearby. When he finally stepped out, he couldn't help the smile that spread across his face.
[Ultimate Training System] Mission Assessment: Primary Objective: ACHIEVED (Thugs Deterred) Collateral Damage: NONE Civilian Safety: MAINTAINED Tactical Execution Rating: A+ Special Commendation: Non-Violent Resolution Through Psychological Tactics
He took his time dismantling his setup, carefully removing every trace of fishing line, collecting his sticky balls, and retrieving the small devices he'd planted around the underpass. By the time he finished, there was no evidence that anything unusual had occurred—except for the three bullies who would surely be spreading wild stories about the haunted underpass.
Mineta checked the time: 4:25 PM. The cram school students would be coming through soon. He pulled his hood down lower and positioned himself near the exit of the underpass, wanting to confirm that his plan had worked completely.
At 4:35, the first wave of middle school students appeared, walking through the underpass with the nervous energy typical of kids who expected trouble. They moved quickly, eyes darting around—but no bullies appeared to confront them.
A second group passed through a few minutes later, then a third. By 5:00 PM, it was clear that the thugs had abandoned their usual hunting ground.
[Ultimate Training System] Operation "Underpass Deterrent": SUCCESS Achievement Unlocked: First Real-World Victory Special Recognition: Non-Combat Resolution Charm: +0.5 (Internal Confidence Boost) Strategic Thinking: +2.3% (Practical Application) Basic Trap Design: +4.1% (Field Success Multiplier) Terrain Adaptation: +3.8% (Urban Environment Mastery)
As Mineta walked home, backpack slung over his shoulder, he felt something he hadn't experienced in a long time—maybe ever. Not just pride in accomplishing something difficult, but the satisfaction of helping others without recognition or reward. Was this what being a hero felt like?
He checked his stats:
[Ultimate Training System – Stats Panel] Stats: Strength: 6.1 (+0.1) Agility: 6.2 (+0.1) Dexterity: 8.2 (+0.3) Endurance: 6.5 (+0.1) Intelligence: 11.5 (+0.7) Charm: 6.7 (+0.5)
🪄 Skills Panel: Quirk Proficiency: 14.0% (+0.8%) Strategic Thinking: 14.2% (+2.3%) Swing Training I: 9.7% (+0.2%) Basic Manipulation: 6.5% (+0.3%) Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 5.3% (+0.3%) Basic Trap Design: 7.6% (+4.1%) Terrain Adaptation: 5.0% (+3.8%) Charm Proficiency: 5.4% (+0.4%) Social Awareness I: 4.3% (+0.4%) Confidence Posture: 22.5% (+2.7%)
🌲 Skill Tree Progress: 🔗 Mobility Tree: [Basic Balance] → 35% | [Swing Training I] → 9.7%
🧠 Tactical Tree: [Basic Strategy] → 22.8% (+4.6%) | [Environmental Analysis] → 12.5% (+4.6%) [Basic Trap Design] → 7.6% (+4.1%) | [Terrain Adaptation] → 5.0% (+3.8%)
🕷️ Sticky Arts Tree: [Basic Manipulation] → 6.5% (+0.3%) | [Variable Adhesion] → 3.2% (+0.7%) [Sticky Thread Creation] → 1.5% (+1.1%)
✨ Charm Tree: [Social Presence] → 4.3% (+0.4%) | [Confidence Posture] → 22.5% (+2.7%) [Visual Appeal] → 8.1% (+0.8%)
The system flashed a notification:
[Ultimate Training System] MILESTONE ACHIEVED "Confidence Posture" exceeds 20% threshold 1/3 Requirements Met for "The Tactician's Presence" Next Targets:
Visual Appeal 10% (Current: 8.1%) Sticky Ball Ricochet I 10% (Current: 5.3%)
[Ultimate Training System] New Achievement Unlocked: "Ghost in the Machine" - First successful psychological deterrence operation Reward: New Skill Branch Available - "Psychological Warfare" (Branching from Tactical Tree)
That night, Mineta couldn't sleep. His mind kept replaying the events at the underpass, analyzing what had worked well and what could be improved. He'd started with fishing line and sticky balls as simple tools, but today had shown him their true potential. Not as weapons, but as instruments of strategy and control.
He stared at the ceiling, thinking about the bullies' faces when they fled. There had been no physical confrontation, no quirk battle, no dramatic showdown—just careful planning and psychological manipulation.
"That's what being a hero can be," he whispered to himself. "Not just fighting villains, but outsmarting them. Preventing harm before it happens."
The System flashed one final notification before he drifted off to sleep:
[Ultimate Training System] Character Development Milestone: "From Theory to Practice" Core Value Established: Strategic Prevention Over Direct Confrontation Hero Identity: Beginning to Form Path Progress: 24% Complete
The next morning, Mineta woke early, energized despite his late night. As he prepared for school, he caught his reflection in the mirror and paused. Something was different. The changes were subtle—his posture was straighter, his eyes clearer, his expression more focused—but they were unmistakable.
He wasn't just training his body and mind anymore. He was becoming someone new.
On his way to school, Mineta took a detour past the underpass. No sign of the bullies, and the middle school students were walking through without fear. Some even lingered to chat, their body language relaxed and natural.
[Ultimate Training System] Operation Aftermath Analysis: Immediate Impact: Area Secured Civilian Benefit: Freedom of Movement Restored Long-Term Effectiveness: To Be Determined Observation: Real Heroes Often Go Unrecognized
Mineta smiled to himself. Let the thugs tell their stories about the haunted underpass. Let them spread rumors about invisible guardians and sticky ghosts. The truth was far more interesting—and far more human.
A small boy could outsmart those who relied on size and intimidation.
A rejected student could protect others without recognition.
Minoru Mineta could be more than anyone, including himself, had ever imagined.
As Mineta approached the school gates, his steps were lighter, his shoulders back with newfound confidence. Today was a new day, and for the first time since receiving the System, he felt like he was truly on the path to becoming a hero—his kind of hero.
Not through overwhelming power or flashy abilities, but through strategy, intelligence, and an increasingly creative application of his quirk.
[Ultimate Training System] Daily Objective: Continue Growth Trajectory Focus Areas: Quirk Application, Combat Readiness, Social Integration Challenge Rating: INCREASING
The path ahead would only get more difficult, but for once, Mineta was looking forward to the challenge.