[Hall 1-A]
[Point of view: Third person]
The classroom was charged with emotion.
All Might, standing tall, radiated confidence. His gaze swept the classroom with excitement, lingering only a second longer on Akemi before continuing.
His smile never faltered, soaking in the excited murmurs of his students, after a few more seconds, he raised his hand.
The slight murmur of some students instantly dissipated.
-Welcome... to the heroic preparation studies!
His voice echoed off the walls of the classroom, filling the students with excitement and anticipation.
-And for today's class... we'll build your heroic foundations through testing!
He stepped back and, with a dramatic movement, held up a white card.
In it, a word stood out in bold red letters.
BATTLE.
The students' eyes lit up with anticipation.
Some leaned forward, eager.
Others clenched their fists, ready for what was about to happen.
But, amidst the sea of expectations and excitement, two smiles stood out among all.
They were Bakugo and Hades.
Bakugo's was fierce, full of arrogance and determination. His eyes burned with the promise of proving his superiority.
Hades's... was cruel, cold and with a desire to hit.
"She looks like young Usagiyama..." All Might thought, hesitating slightly as he remembered and compared both smiles.
Akemi, who was sitting near him, glanced at the boy.
-Hades, stop smiling like that.
The boy looked at her out of the corner of his eye without losing his expression.
-You look like you're going to kill someone.
Hades didn't respond, there was no need since his simple expression said more than words.
All Might, pushing the comparison out of his mind, coughed lightly and extended both arms, a vibrant energy in his voice.
-And to start your first fitting... we've prepared the costumes you submitted in your applications!
The students were startled with excitement.
Some let out small cries of joy, while others hurriedly stood up.
At that moment, the left side of the classroom began to vibrate with a mechanical sound.
The walls slowly opened.
From inside, four rows of five suitcases each emerged from hidden compartments, perfectly aligned and numbered.
The students' eyes widened in amazement.
"Find your names on the back of your suitcase and go change!" All Might exclaimed with a laugh. "After all, the suit makes the hero!" Hahaha!
And with the same great energy with which he had arrived, he left the classroom.
-See you at Beta Training Camp! Don't delay, future heroes!
The door closed behind him. For a few seconds, no one moved.
Until, suddenly, the excitement in the class overflowed as they guessed the contents of each of the suitcases.
-Our suits are here!
-I'll finally be able to see how manly mine turned out!
-I hope you did it the way I imagined!
-Mine will definitely be the brightest!
The comments grew louder as the students ran to find their respective suitcases.
Some gently pushed others in their impatience. Others simply laughed among themselves as they moved through the crowd.
Hades, for his part, was preparing to join the tide of students when, out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something strange.
Akemi hadn't moved.
While everyone was excitedly searching for their outfits, she stood there, holding her backpack with both hands.
She didn't look worried.
She didn't look doubtful.
She looked... happy, excited, and her eyes were shining with impatience.
Hades frowned slightly at this.
"Hey, Akemi," his tone was direct. "Aren't you going to pick up your suit?"
She did not respond with words.
Instead... he smiled.
A big, wide smile filled with restrained emotion.
And without warning...
He ran out of the classroom.
Hades followed her with his gaze until she disappeared completely.
"She's weirder than usual..." he whispered, sighing tiredly.
But he didn't have time to worry about that.
There was still something important he had to do.
His suit was waiting for him.
Hades strode forward through the crowd.
The students came and went, each carrying their suitcase with obvious enthusiasm.
Until finally, he found her.
It was large, black, with silver details.
And at the front, two elements stood out.
A double-digit number engraved in shiny silver.
"Am I number twenty here too?" he grumbled, turning the suitcase over and looking at his name framed in the same color as the number.
His lips curved into a slight smile.
There it was.
The suit Akemi had designed for him.
The suit that would make him look like a god.
With a firm hand, he lifted her effortlessly.
Around him, his teammates were leaving one by one, eager to see their own equipment.
And with one last glance at the number on his suitcase... he followed the rest of the students, moving forward calmly as excitement and anticipation filled the air.
...
The halls echoed with the voices of young heroes in training, each eager to see the costume that would represent them in combat.
When we arrived at the locker room, the place was already a hive of activity.
Some students were already trying on their costumes, inspecting every detail with enthusiasm.
Kirishima adjusted a pair of red gear-shaped shoulder pads, testing their mobility with a couple of jerky movements.
Iida struggled to put on his metal armor, his posture rigid as he secured each piece.
And then, his gaze fell on Todoroki.
The two-toned boy was already ready.
His suit was completely white, spotless, and on his right side a layer of ice was coming off, creaking slightly as he moved.
Without saying a word, he calmly left the locker room.
Hades watched him out of the corner of his eye as he left, curiously shaking his hips more than usual.
He raised an eyebrow, but didn't pay much attention to it as she dismissed it, remembering that half her body was frozen.
Besides, I had something more important to do.
It was time to see his own suit.
Arriving at a secluded spot, he left his suitcase with the number 20 emblazoned on the lid.
A feeling of annoyance filled him as he looked at the number, but he shook his head and with a swift movement, released the locks and opened it.
And there it was, his suit.
Just seeing him made her blood boil with excitement.
"Yes, yes, yes! Finally!" Haruto shouted in his mind, vibrating with excitement. "Open it wider! I want to see everything!"
Hades allowed himself a smile.
Carefully, he took out the first piece: the black pants.
They were loose-fitting, with a tactical design that allowed unrestricted mobility.
On the sides, two crossed belts secured them to his waist, giving him a more imposing air.
-Wow, it smells new! I never thought I'd have... that we'd have our own hero suit...
A few small tears slid down Hades's tear ducts, sharing the sentiment, he quickly shook his head and wiped the small tears away with his forearm.
But, when he was in his emotional moment, he heard a slight stifled breath that made him immediately twitch.
It was strange, he quickly looked around, to check that there were no annoying glances, but when he noticed that there was no one there, he forgot what happened.
He pulled down his pants and slid them down his legs, securing them with the pair of belts.
-They're not bad...
-Yes, they look amazing!
He continued with the undershirt.
It was black, tight-fitting, made of a flexible but durable material.
The fabric clung to his torso, hugging every muscle without being uncomfortable.
Haruto let out a whistle.
-Hey, we look good.
-The best is yet to come.
Hades turned his attention to the armor.
It was a single piece that was secured at the shoulders.
Their plates were black with red details, joined together by thick black leather straps that fit over their chest and back.
And most importantly, the hood was integrated into the armor.
It wasn't simply a loose garment, but an extension of the design, made of a thick fabric that fell naturally over her head when she wore it.
Hades held her in his hands for a moment.
It was heavy, solid, and most of all, it was real.
With confident movements, he slid into the armor and began adjusting the straps.
First on the chest, ensuring the plates stayed firm.
Then on his back, feeling how the entire structure merged with his body.
The plates on his forearms were as follows.
They slid on with slight difficulty, bumping into each other, but he adjusted them with their internal straps until they were securely fastened.
They were heavy, yes.
But that didn't matter.
Finally, he put on the thick leather fingerless gloves, reinforced at the knuckles.
They were firm, comfortable, perfect for combat.
-Well, well, we look amazing! Stunning!
But the last thing was missing.
The mask.
It was black with an air filter on each side.
It was simple, but in its simplicity, he found beauty.
With a fluid movement, he placed it over his face.
The air inside felt a little restricted, but it wasn't a problem.
Just a minor detail.
He turned to the mirror.
And what he saw...
It was exactly what I expected.
His reflection was intimidating.
Dark.
Lethal.
He looked like a living shadow, something out of a futuristic fantasy.
Haruto burst out laughing.
-This is amazing! We look like real heroes!
Hades couldn't help but smile.
His expression was hidden behind the mask, but his gaze shone with absolute satisfaction.
He finished putting on his shoes and, with confident steps, left the dressing room.
....
As he walked forward, Hades couldn't help but sigh.
The excitement of having put on his suit was still lingering in his chest, but now that he began to move, some details became apparent.
The first thing he noticed was the pants.
They felt too loose on the legs.
At first he didn't think much of it, but with each step, the weight and movement felt uncomfortable.
Then he understood the reason for the belts.
-Tch, I guess this will fix them.
He took one of the side belts and tightened it a little.
The fabric fitted slightly to her leg, giving her better mobility.
Not perfect, but sufficient.
The next detail came when he tried to raise his arms.
When he tried to lift them above his head...
The plates on his shoulders prevented him from doing so.
He couldn't raise his arms straight up without the armor hindering him.
"That's a problem..." he muttered, rolling his shoulders to check how much leeway he had.
He could move them enough to strike and defend himself, but not enough to lift anything above his head comfortably.
But the biggest problem was the hood.
I hadn't noticed in the cold air of the locker room, but now that I was walking through the halls...
The heat was unbearable.
-Damn... How the hell can it be so hot?
He gritted his teeth, resisting the temptation to take it off.
He had decided to use it when Akemi showed it to him and he had to use it.
He breathed with slight difficulty through the mask and continued walking firmly.
Or at least, that's what I thought.
Because in his concentration, he took a wrong path.
He didn't realize it until he felt a tug on his arm.
Something held him tightly.
His reflex was to turn around sharply, frowning.
And then, her eyes widened in surprise.
-Akemi?
....
[Beta Training Camp]
The sun shone brightly over the training ground.
The students waited excitedly, exchanging glances and comments about their costumes.
Expressions ranged from admiration to curiosity.
Some felt safe, others somewhat uncomfortable.
But one thing was clear: This was the first step toward their futures as heroes.
However...
There were two notable absences.
Akemi and Hades weren't there yet.
Despite this, the emotion was too strong to dwell on that detail.
The students began to inspect each other's costumes.
Some with emotion.
Others with surprise.
Soon the conversation became more lively.
All Might, for his part, looked at his students with a proud smile.
Each of them had designed their costume to reflect their abilities, personality, and vision as heroes.
In a forceful tone of voice, he raised a fist in the air and exclaimed:
-You have five minutes to prepare! Make sure everything is in order before the battle test!
The students spread out slightly, some stretching, others adjusting their gear, and some simply inspecting their classmates' outfits with curiosity.
The first major presence to attract attention was Yūga Aoyama.
His outfit was impossible to ignore.
He was wrapped in shining silver armor with gold details, evoking the appearance of a medieval knight.
On his back, a royal blue cape fluttered, giving him an air of nobility.
On her navel, she wore a silver stud with gold details.
But the most peculiar thing was his red glasses, whose shape extended upwards like wings.
The murmurs were not long in coming.
"Wow, it does sparkle," Kaminari commented, squinting at the light reflecting off the armor.
"It looks like something out of a medieval fantasy movie," Jirou said, with a slight, amused smile.
Aoyama, oblivious to any criticism, posed with one hand on his waist and the other blowing a kiss in the air.
-Hehe~! The brilliance of elegance is my greatest weapon!
Iida, always serious, nodded approvingly.
-Armor is a great option for defense. However, doesn't it limit your mobility?
Aoyama put a hand to his chest, indignant.
-Never! My flash is as swift as the wind and as beautiful as the cosmos!
Kirishima laughed heartily.
-He looks tough! Very manly!
Tokoyami, arms crossed, watched him silently before murmuring:
-It shines too bright for the battlefield.
Aoyama grimaced, but he didn't lose his composure.
-My light will blind my enemies before they can attack me!
Aoyama took a couple of steps forward, but the stiffness of his armor made him move awkwardly.
A faint metallic "clank" sounded as the plates collided with each other.
-...Maybe it needs a little adjustment.
Some laughed softly, as Aoyama continued to show off his shiny armor.
In contrast to Aoyama's ostentatious armor, Mina Ashido's costume was much simpler but striking in its own way.
Form-fitting, her green suit had irregular purple spots scattered across the body, giving it a vibrant and chaotic look.
It was sleeveless, leaving her toned arms exposed.
On her shoulders, a pair of yellow straps held a white fur ornament, adding a somewhat rebellious and carefree air.
The final touch was her white mask, which contrasted with the pink of her skin and made her look even more expressive.
"Wow, Mina, that outfit is so cool!" Uraraka exclaimed, smiling excitedly.
Mina spun around with a big smile.
-I know, I know! I wanted something that felt light and fun, like me.
"He looks comfortable," Sero commented, arms crossed.
"And she's striking! She looks like a comic book superhero!" Kirishima added.
Mina flexed her arms confidently.
-Of course! But it's not just for looks, my suit is designed to allow my Quirk to work flawlessly. No sleeves, nothing to get in my way, so I can throw acid without worry!
"It makes sense," Jirou said, nodding.
"It's a practical design," Tokoyami commented, his tone neutral.
Mina smiled widely, satisfied.
-Exactly! Besides, I look amazing!
Her excitement was contagious, and several of her classmates smiled along with her.
Meanwhile, All Might looked on proudly at the young heroes' enthusiasm.
The time to prepare was still running out.
In contrast to Aoyama and Mina's flashy outfits, Tsuyu's was more functional and suited to her quirk.
A tight neoprene suit covered her entire body, reminiscent of those worn by scuba divers.
The vibrant green color predominated the design, but it was accompanied by black and gold stripes that ran straight across her torso to her thighs.
He had thick white gloves.
Her legs were protected by tall black boots, made of the same material as her suit, with golden "V"-shaped stripes decorating them.
However, what was most striking were its feet, which were shaped like a frog's, designed to improve mobility and grip.
To complete his look, he wore huge gold glasses with green lenses, which gave him a mechanical but also cartoonish air.
The reactions were not long in coming.
"It looks like a real water hero costume!" Uraraka commented excitedly.
"It looks comfortable and practical," Jirou added, examining it with interest.
Tsuyu blinked slowly and nodded.
-Exactly. My suit is designed so I can move easily in the water and on land. Plus, the suit's material wicks away moisture, so it doesn't stick too much when I get in the water. Kero.
"Wow, that's a good idea," Sero commented.
"But those glasses..." Kaminari said, tilting his head.
-I like them. They help protect my eyes when I jump or swim.
Kirishima gave a thumbs up with a smile.
-Very manly! I like how everything about your suit has a purpose.
Tsuyu smiled slightly.
-Thank you.
Meanwhile, Aoyama tried to strike a pose in his armor, but almost lost his balance.
Mina laughed, and Tsuyu just tilted her head curiously.
The enthusiasm in the group continued to grow.
After seeing Aoyama's suit, Iida's seemed to share a similar idea.
White armor covered much of his body, giving him an imposing and elegant appearance.
However, unlike Aoyama, his design was more minimalist and focused on mobility.
He had no large shoulder pads, just thick gauntlets that protected his arms up to the wrists.
Under the armor, he wore a black suit with white stripes on the sides, which allowed him greater flexibility.
His lower body was less protected, with no armor on his thighs, but his boots were massive, designed to highlight the exhaust pipes on his calves, which were part of his Quirk.
On his head, he wore a white helmet that completely covered his face, but with ample space for the eye area, ensuring good visibility.
The comments came in immediately.
"Wow, Iida, you look like a real gentleman!" Uraraka exclaimed.
"Or rather, a robot from a mecha series," Kaminari joked, arms crossed.
"It's imposing, but... are you sure you can move well with that much weight?" Jirou asked.
Iida stood at attention with a firm posture and spoke in his usual serious tone.
-Of course! My suit is optimized for my Quirk! The armor is lightweight, yet durable, and my boots are designed to withstand the speed of my Engine.
Kirishima nodded approvingly.
-That's amazing, bro! Very manly!
Iida raised a hand in a gesture of gratitude.
-Thank you! Efficiency is key on the hero's journey!
Tokoyami watched him with interest.
-A pragmatic design. Although the helmet makes you look less expressive.
-That's not a problem. A hero should demonstrate his determination with actions, not facial expressions.
"Ohh, how intense," Mina commented, smiling.
Sero scratched the back of his neck.
-Although I hope it's not uncomfortable to wear it all the time.
Iida was silent for a moment.
-...I'm considering making minor adjustments to it.
Everyone let out a slight laugh.
The next outfit to attract attention was Ochako Uraraka's.
Unlike the imposing designs like Iida's or the striking ones like Mina's, his seemed simpler at first glance, but it had a curious design.
It was a one-piece suit, similar to Tsuyu's in structure, but made of a different material.
The predominant color was black, but it had pink details on the chest and shoulders, which gave it a more distinctive and friendly look.
However, what was most striking were the accessories that complemented the outfit.
On her wrists, she wore large, circular pink ornaments, which seemed to be more than just decorations.
A thick belt of the same color surrounded his waist, giving him a more futuristic look.
Her boots were enormous and reached her knees, with a design that stood out for its wide heel, ensuring stability without compromising comfort.
But the most striking element was its visor.
A helmet with a pink frame and clear glass, resembling an astronaut's helmet, completely covered his face, giving him a playful, technological look.
The reactions were not long in coming.
"Ochako, you look like a space traveler!" Mina exclaimed excitedly.
"More like a cartoon astronaut," Kaminari added with a smile.
Ochako laughed and raised her arms proudly.
-Exactly! I wanted my suit to have an astronaut feel, since my Quirk is about gravity and all that.
Iida nodded approvingly.
-A well-thought-out concept! Your costume reinforces the idea of your ability.
Tokoyami narrowed his eyes.
-But those heels...
"They're more stable and comfortable than they look!" Ochako replied, jumping slightly.
"I don't know, those rings on your wrists remind me of classic superhero rings," Sero commented, pointing at them.
"Oh, yeah! They're important." Ochako raised her hands and looked at her bracelets with a smile. "They help me release the tension from my Quirk's motion sickness faster with the acupuncture points."
Uraraka looked genuinely excited.
Although her outfit looked simple, every part had a purpose.
And with each suit that was presented, the anticipation for the training grew.
The next costume to stand out was Mashirao Ojiro's.
Unlike other more technological or colorful designs, his maintained a traditional essence that fit his fighting style.
He wore an all-white martial arts "gi," designed to allow full, unrestricted mobility.
One of the most notable details of her outfit was the large opening in the back, allowing her long, muscular tail to move freely.
The suit had an open chest area, showing off his trained torso, making it clear that he was confident in his physical ability.
In addition, he wore a wide black belt, similar to those used in disciplines such as karate, highlighting his mastery in hand-to-hand combat.
The reactions were not long in coming.
"Wow, Ojiro! You look like a martial arts master from an action movie," Kaminari commented, nodding in admiration.
"Your suit reflects your fighting style well," Iida added, adjusting his gauntlets.
Mashirao smiled modestly, wagging his tail slightly.
-Yes, I preferred something simple and functional. The important thing is that it doesn't get in my way in combat.
"It feels more traditional compared to the others," Tokoyami said, crossing his arms. "It doesn't have as many frills or technology, but in its simplicity, there's power."
Mina nodded vigorously.
-Yes! Also, that opening in the back for your butt is great. Does it bother you, or do you feel like it moves well?
Mashirao swung his tail naturally.
-It moves perfectly. If I were covered, it would affect my balance in combat.
Sero laughed and pointed to the open part of his chest.
-It also seems like you want to show off your muscles.
Ojiro laughed softly and shook his head.
-Not at all, it's just that this way I have more mobility in my arms.
His outfit wasn't the most striking, but it reflected his essence as a fighter.
When Kaminari made his appearance, his outfit exuded a casual and rebellious air.
He wore a black leather vest, decorated with white lightning bolts on the sides, giving it an electrifying aesthetic.
Under the vest, he wore a simple white T-shirt, allowing him comfort and ease of movement.
His pants, black with white stripes running down their entire length, added a striking contrast that emphasized his style.
"Hey, Kaminari, you look like a rock star in that vest!" Mina exclaimed, with an amused smile.
"Hah, really? That was the point!" Kaminari replied with a confident smile, running a hand through his hair.
"It doesn't seem to offer much protection, though," Iida commented, crossing his arms.
"I don't need it!" Kaminari laughed. "I'm confident in my speed and that no one will want to get near a Taser with legs."
"That's if you don't go too far and end up all fried," Sero joked, causing Kaminari to put on a defeated expression.
-Do you still remember that...?
-Hahaha, how could I forget! It was before I entered the UA, after all.
Despite his casual appearance, his suit allowed for ample mobility and a style that matched his electric personality.
On the other hand, Kirishima wore an outfit that reflected his indomitable spirit.
His bare chest highlighted his physical condition, revealing his endurance and confidence in his Quirk.
On his shoulders, he wore large red gears, giving him a more rugged and aggressive look.
His spiky red hair looked even wilder, complemented by a black mask that covered only the sides of his face, leaving his mouth completely exposed.
One of the most notable details was his red belt with a large "R" in the center.
His baggy black pants had a red ripped fabric decoration falling over them, giving them a fierce, somewhat tribal feel.
To complete the outfit, he wore reddish-brown boots that looked sturdy and combat-ready.
"Kirishima, you look amazing! That suit screams 'manliness' all over the place!" Kaminari exclaimed excitedly.
"Of course! A real man should show himself strong and ready for battle!" he replied, pounding his fist into his palm.
"I don't know if the suit or that smile of yours is more intimidating," Tokoyami commented, arms crossed.
"All he needs is a roar and he'd look like a street fighter," Sero joked.
Kirishima laughed out loud, enjoying the comments.
"This suit represents me perfectly! I'm going to show what I'm made of in this battle test!"
His attire not only reflected his personality, but reinforced the image of a strong, resilient hero ready to protect others.
When Koji appeared in everyone's sights in his hero costume, the color combination immediately caught their attention.
Her form-fitting outfit was predominantly yellow, with a red design on the chest that resembled a decorative belt.
The most striking feature of the suit was the large white jaws in the center of its chest, resembling the fangs of a wild creature.
His pants were short, ending at his thighs, allowing him greater mobility.
To complete her outfit, she wore yellow shoes with red trim, ensuring a uniform design.
"Wow, Koji! That suit really stands out!" Kirishima commented with a smile.
"It looks comfortable," Tsuyu added, analyzing the suit's mobility.
Kōji just nodded with a small smile, without saying a word.
"Those jaws on your chest look great!" Kaminari commented with a laugh.
Although Kōji did not speak, his expression reflected that he was satisfied with his suit.
Satō was next, wearing a completely yellow full-body suit.
The tight material highlighted his muscles, showing the power of his physique.
On his hands, he wore thick white gloves, ready to withstand his own blows.
A white belt with several pockets adorned his waist, suggesting that he kept things in them.
Her outfit extended to her head, completely covering her face, leaving only her lips exposed.
"Whoa, Satō, you look like some kind of masked wrestler!" Kaminari commented in surprise.
"Or rather, a classic comic book superhero," Ochako added excitedly.
"Your suit is very practical. It seems designed to maximize combat durability," Iida said, analyzing its functionality.
"Yes, and it helps me when I have to make sudden movements," he replied confidently. "Although I need to get used to the mask, I'm not sure how much it will affect my peripheral vision."
"As long as you can throw those monstrous punches, I think that won't be a problem," Sero joked.
Satō smiled, feeling ready for the test.
Next was Shōji, the first impression he gave was strength and discipline.
Her sleeveless shirt was a light blue shade, which contrasted with the dark blue details that decorated her upper body.
The most striking feature of its design was the six white dots on its abdomen, arranged in two rows of three, almost as a reference to its multiple arms.
His face was covered by a tight-fitting mask, leaving only his eyes and the top of his nose visible.
The material seemed durable, ensuring protection without sacrificing mobility.
He combined his outfit with light blue pants, adorned with dark blue stripes on the sides, and reinforced boots of the same tone.
"Whoa, Shōji, your outfit looks impressive," Mina commented, inspecting the details.
"He reminds me of a ninja," Sero said with a smile. "He looks agile and practical."
"Your mask... is it just for design or does it have some special function?" Iida asked curiously.
"It's just design, but it also prevents enemies from reading my expressions," he explained in a calm voice.
"That's great," Kirishima commented admiringly. "It's clearly designed for stealth and direct combat."
Shōji nodded, not showing much emotion, but inside he felt satisfied with his uniform.
Jirō was the next to show off her hero outfit, and immediately her style gave off a rebellious and carefree air.
He wore a black leather vest, similar to Kaminari's, but shorter and tighter, giving him a more punk look.
Under the vest, he wore a loose-fitting salmon-pink shirt, the hue of which contrasted with his dark trousers and carefree attitude.
He completed his outfit with thick, black shoes, along with lightweight white gloves, designed more for comfort than protection.
But what really stood out in her look were the details on her face and neck.
A black choker was proudly displayed, accompanied by a black hairpin that kept part of her bangs in place, while two small triangles of red makeup under her eyes gave her an edgier, more striking vibe.
"Jirō, you look amazing!" Mina exclaimed, approaching excitedly. "That's a super rebellious look."
"Nah, it's just something light for me," he replied with his arms crossed, downplaying it.
"But he has personality," Tsuyu commented in her calm tone.
"And those triangles... are they for something special?" Ochako asked, tilting her head curiously.
Jirō smirked, shrugging his shoulders.
-I just thought it looked good.
"Your vest and Kaminari's look similar," Kirishima noticed.
"Yes, but mine is better," he replied with a confident smile, giving Kaminari a mocking look.
"Hey!" he protested. "Mine's cooler!"
"Sure, sure," she replied sarcastically, adjusting her choker.
When Sero appeared in everyone's view in his hero suit, his design stood out for its simplicity and functionality.
The suit was fitted to the body, composed of a combination of black and white, which gave it a clean and modern look.
Her white boots reached almost to her knees, with gold trim on the top and soles of the same color, giving her a slightly stylized look but without losing practicality.
On her shoulders, a pair of yellow shoulder pads stood out, adding a small touch of volume without restricting her mobility.
But what was most striking was his yellow helmet, designed in a way reminiscent of a roll of adhesive tape, in honor of his Quirk.
The black visor covered his face, giving him a more enigmatic air.
"Hey, Sero, you look like some kind of super duct tape knight!" Kaminari joked at the sight.
"Well, that's the idea, isn't it?" he replied with a confident smile, touching his helmet.
"Your design is pretty good," Iida commented, crossing his arms. "It doesn't seem to have any unnecessary elements."
"Yeah, but this helmet's a little tight," he murmured, adjusting it. "I don't want it to cut off my circulation or do anything serious."
"You look great anyway," Mina said with a big smile. "It looks like something out of a science fiction movie."
Sero gave a satisfied thumbs up.
-I try.
When Tokoyami was next, there was no doubt that his aesthetic matched his presence perfectly.
His black cape was the first thing you noticed. Wide, enveloping, and flowing, it covered him almost completely like a large poncho, giving him the appearance of a walking shadow.
Beneath the cloak, his attire remained just as somber, with slightly loose black clothing that allowed him to move freely without losing the dark and elegant style that characterized him.
Her black boots had no unnecessary embellishments, just enough to give firmness to each step.
"Hey, Tokoyami, you look like you're straight out of a dark fantasy novel!" Ochako commented excitedly.
"As it should be," the bird boy replied, crossing his arms under his cloak. "The shadows are my ally and my strength."
"Doesn't all the warmth bother you?" Jirou asked, watching him.
"The cloak of night never weighs," Tokoyami murmured solemnly, while several drops of sweat appeared on his head.
The sun was beating down hard that day.
"Whatever that means... be careful, you're getting steamed," Mina whispered, holding back a laugh.
When Todoroki came next, his outfit looked practical, yet imposing.
It was completely white, highlighting his image of someone cold, distant and calculating.
On his back, he carried a sort of pale yellow backpack, a subtle but striking detail in the minimalist uniform.
However, what really stood out was the layer of ice that covered his entire right side, forming a natural armor that made him look like a winter warrior.
"Whoa, Todoroki, that looks amazing," Momo commented, with an admiring smile. "You look like an ice knight or something."
Shoto didn't respond. He nodded slightly and looked away.
"Doesn't all that ice stuck to your body make you cold?" Sero asked curiously.
Shoto shook his head.
"He must be used to it, thanks to his gift," Iida deduced in his analytical tone. "It's an elegant, minimalist suit."
Momo looked at Shoto closely, noticing his more pronounced silence than usual.
His suit, sober and elegant, conveyed exactly what he was: an ice prodigy with the blood of number two running through his veins.
It was all roses and praise, but when Hagakure's turn came, there was a slight silence... because, well, there wasn't much to see.
The only visible part of her outfit was a pair of light blue gloves with white palms and pink details on the wrists, as well as simple white boots.
"Toru! Your costume is amazing!" Mina exclaimed, laughing.
"I know, right?!" Hagakure's floating voice replied excitedly. "It's so light, it doesn't even feel like I'm wearing anything!"
Ochako crossed her arms and commented in a low voice.
-Well... technically... you're not using much.
-Exactly! That's why it's perfect!
"Must be quite convenient for stealth," Tokoyami commented approvingly.
All Might nodded, maintaining his smile as he took a quick look at the report on Hagakure's suit.
-Yes, it is an appropriate choice to maximize your ability.
"The only thing I'd like is for it to have more shine or something," Hagakure commented. "Maybe some nice accessories... though I wouldn't see them."
"Do you want to be stealthy or stand out?" Jirou asked, raising an eyebrow.
-Both!
The group just sighed, after all Hagakure was still Hagakure.
When Bakugo appeared in everyone's field of vision in his suit, the atmosphere immediately changed.
Black, green and orange.
Those colors dominated his suit, making his presence as intense as his attitude.
His sleeveless, slightly fitted suit showed off his toned physique, but the most striking thing was the orange X on his chest, giving him an aggressive and striking image.
The large grenade bracelets on his arms stood out for their size and intimidating design, and his green gloves with orange palms complemented the destructive look.
His baggy black pants had green straps on the sides, ensuring he could move freely.
On his legs, he wore metal knee pads and black boots with orange soles that looked as tough as he was.
Finally, his black mask gave him a more ferocious look, complemented by the black and orange explosion decorations behind his head, as if even in his design he wanted to make clear his explosive nature.
"Tsk, what are you extras looking at?" he snapped, annoyed by the stares.
"That looks badass!" Kirishima said excitedly. "It suits you perfectly."
"It's loud and very bright," Tokoyami commented without emotion.
-That's the idea, crowface!
Kaminari patted him on the back.
-Man, you look like a walking bomb!
-Well, move away if you don't want to explode at me, idiot!
All Might nodded with a tight smile upon hearing Bakugo's comments.
The boy grunted, paying little attention to the comments. He didn't need anyone's approval.
He knew his suit was perfect.
When Momo Yaoyorozu was finally put in the spotlight with her outfit, several glances immediately averted.
Her outfit was a mix of elegance and functionality, but the first thing that jumped out was how revealing it was.
The red color predominated in the suit, with a fitted design that left much of her torso exposed.
She wore a yellow mini skirt, which was complemented by thin white detailing in lines along the suit.
On her lower back, she had a leather bra where she carried a large bound book.
Finally, she wore small red heels, a detail that, although stylized, raised doubts about its practicality in combat.
The group had mixed reactions to seeing her.
"Hey, Momo... isn't your outfit... too open?" Kaminari asked, scratching the back of his neck, looking away.
"It's designed to maximize the efficiency of my Quirk," he replied naturally, not noticing the discomfort of some.
Jirou looked away, blushing slightly.
-It's definitely... daring... and unfair to some...
"But you look amazing, Yaomomo!" Mina exclaimed with a big smile. "Like a sophisticated and confident heroine!"
Kirishima nodded, though trying not to stare too much.
-If it's the best way to use your Quirk, I guess it makes sense...
Bakugo snorted, crossing his arms.
-Hah. With that suit, the villains will be distracted before you do anything.
Momo was a little confused by the comments, but decided to ignore them. To her, her suit was just another tool.
-It doesn't matter what it looks like, just that it's efficient.
All Might cleared his throat slightly, trying to remain serious.
-It's a pretty flashy design, but if it allows Yaoyorozu to use her Quirk without limitations, then it's functional... But I would recommend you find a solution to that kind of thing, you're still a minor after all.
The comments gradually died away as the five minutes passed.
But then, someone noticed the absence of two people.
"Have you seen Akemi-chan and Hades-san?" Ochako asked, looking around.
"Now that you mention it," Hagakure added, looking around. "I haven't seen them at all, except when they were in the locker room."
[5 minutes ago]
The hallways were quiet, but among the shadows, two figures stood out.
One vibrant green and the other black with red details, staring at each other for a few moments.
Hades, who had had enough of the girl's pastel green, broke the silence.
-Akemi...?
Her gaze slid over his suit: light green, with white details, a red belt and matching shoes.
Its transparent visor partially hid its face, but the most striking feature was the long, rabbit-like "ears" on its head.
She smiled at him nervously, twirling herself around a little.
"Haha... yeah... what do you think? Do you like what you see?" she asked in a light tone, but underneath was a hidden vulnerability.
Hades watched her for a moment, saying nothing. Then, slowly, he gave her a thumbs-up.
Simple and direct, an unadorned approval.
Akemi felt a warm feeling in her chest and let out a soft, yet shaky laugh.
Her smile widened, but small tears were beginning to glisten in her eyes.
-You know... my mom was the one who made it from scratch.
The silence between them became heavy.
Akemi looked down, staring at one of her gloves, her voice softening with each word she spoke.
-I guess this must have been the suit I was supposed to get in my other life... but I never got to see it.
A drop fell on his glove, followed by another.
Her shoulders shook as she silenced the sob that struggled to break through.
Hades said nothing at first.
His expression remained firm, but inside, a strange, nagging feeling stirred in his chest.
I knew what she meant.
I knew that if they hadn't intervened, Inko would have ended up dead in that mall.
-You have it now... and that's what matters.
His voice was a deep, almost caressing murmur as he moved toward her with slow, measured steps.
Akemi looked up, her red eyes shining with a mixture of surprise, gratitude... and something else, an emotion that choked her with silent tears.
Hades stopped in front of her, shrugging before looking away, as if the words he was about to say weighed more than he was willing to admit.
"If you like it, use it. There's no more thinking to be done," he murmured. "Your mom made it with all the love she feels for you. And even though she couldn't give it to you before... what matters is that it's here now, with you."
The hallway fell silent, but something deeper than words floated between them, something that felt like an invisible thread drawing them closer, as subtle as a whisper, as strong as an unbreakable bond.
Akemi blinked, and although her tears didn't stop, her smile widened with sincerity.
-Yes you're right.
Without thinking much, she approached and hugged him for a fleeting moment, it was light, barely a touch.
Hades tensed immediately, his body rigid at the contact.
But he didn't push her away.
When Akemi pulled away, her eyes shone with excitement.
-Come on, we don't want to keep the others waiting!
Hades snorted in slight exasperation, but without protest, he began to walk beside her.
As they walked down the hallway, the boy felt something strange inside him.
Something warm.
Something annoying.
He shook his head quickly, thinking about how uncomfortable it was to carry all the weight on his shoulders.
At this, Akemi looked at him out of the corner of her eye, analyzing the costume.
-It suits you, Hades-kun.
-I know, although it is annoying to use it for a long time.
"Haha... well... we should visit the pink hurricane later..." Akemi began, her eyes lighting up with an idea. "Hey, what if..."
....
[Currently]
All Might coughed lightly to get everyone's attention.
The students looked at him, expectant for his words, but the hero raised an eyebrow when he noticed two absences.
-I see two students are missing-
Before he could finish, two figures emerged from behind, walking with overwhelming confidence.
One of them was wearing a light green suit, with a red belt and a metal muzzle that simulated a wide smile.
His long green ears stood out imposingly, moving slightly with each step.
The most striking thing, however, was the black whips that wrapped around his body with an imposing air.
They clung firmly to his arms, as if they were natural extensions of his being, while several more emerged from his back, waving with an almost wild dynamism.
But that wasn't all.
Small emerald rays crackled around him, running through his figure with an electric glow, highlighting every fiber of his suit and giving him an even more overwhelming presence.
The other was a figure shrouded in shadows, his black suit with crimson details seeming to absorb the light around him.
Dark plates reinforced his arms, and a hood covered much of his face, revealing only a pair of sapphires that projected an icy gaze hidden behind the blackness.
A dark mask sealed his mouth, accentuating his features.
But the most striking thing was the sword resting on his right shoulder: a colossal weapon forged from pure bone, with an irregular edge on one side.
They both advanced without hesitation, projecting an imposing presence. Their footsteps echoed with a silent threat, attracting glances filled with curiosity and mild concern.
All Might blinked, looking at Akemi with special attention.
"Now we're all here!" he continued, without losing his enthusiasm.
His gaze fell back on the girl, noticing every detail of her outfit, the most striking thing was the green static next to the black whips, but what caught his attention the most were the long ears and the metallic smile.
It was obvious.
It was an imitation of himself.
He held back a smile and looked away, whispering softly:
-The inspiration is a bit obvious...
Akemi didn't answer him, but her smile trembled slightly.
Her eyes shone with suppressed emotion and the vestiges of tears.
This suit... was a symbol of what could have been and what will now be.
On the other hand, Hades's outfit was completely out of place with the vibrant atmosphere of the others, as was Tokoyami.
Black, red details.
A dark mask.
He walked as if none of this mattered to him, with the greatsword resting on his shoulder.
The students couldn't help but murmur when they saw him.
"Does he look like a villain, or is it just me?" Kaminari muttered, tilting his head.
"It just... looks very sinister..." Jiro said, arms crossed.
"His outfit reminds me of a dark fantasy mercenary, I like it," Tokoyami commented with some interest.
"Why is he wearing a hood and mask? It's not like he needs to hide," Sero whispered.
-You're wearing a helmet with a black visor, it's not very different, kero, I think it looks good.
-Ah... you... you're right...
"You look great, Hades-san!" Ochako and Hagakure shouted, their voices overlapping the whispers of the others.
"Uuh, you look intimidating, God," Mina commented, hands on her hips.
Hades ignored every comment, but he kept the last comments in his pride.
He lowered his sword and made her disappear with a jet-black sphere.
All Might clapped to get everyone's attention back.
"Excellent, we're all here, so..." he smiled energetically. "Let's begin the first indoor team battle test!"
The reactions were immediate.
"Indoor battles..." Sato muttered.
"In teams?" Shoji finished.
Iida raised his hand, but All Might continued speaking before he could intervene.
"Neutralizing villains is usually done in the open, but... Those are mostly small potatoes!" he mocked.
The students blinked, confused.
"Uh... French fries?" Uraraka whispered, disbelief etched on her face.
"You see, most major criminal acts happen in close quarters," All Might explained, his tone now serious. "Kidnappings, hostages, imprisonment, the black market... any true villain plays his cards in an environment where he has the advantage."
The students exchanged glances, understanding the point.
-For this test, you will be separated into heroes and villains, working in teams of two.
The idea of fighting in random teams began to generate murmurs.
"How will the teams be decided?" Iida asked formally.
All Might shook a metal box, grinning widely.
-At random!
Chaos broke out immediately.
Murmurs among the students increased after All Might's explanation.
The idea of fighting in teams of two and simulating a battle in a closed, strategic environment generated a mixture of excitement and tension.
Hades remained silent, his arms crossed.
Although his mask hid his expression, his eyes shone with curiosity and a certain disdain.
On the other hand, Akemi kept smiling with a slight trembling in her hands.
He still had the warmth from the previous moment in his chest, his hand unconsciously touching the material of his suit.
It was real, her mother had made it, for her.
But...
His mind, treacherous as ever, reminded him of a phantom pain in his abdomen.
A burning sensation slowly spread as the memory of a great explosion returned to his eardrums.
But his grief went unnoticed by all those present who were excited.
"That sounds amazing!" Kirishima exclaimed, excited.
"Villains and heroes? Yeah! Like in an action movie," Kaminari added, pounding his fist into his palm.
However, others did not seem so enthusiastic.
"This means we'll have to fight in a confined environment," Yaoyorozu muttered, placing a hand to her chin in an analytical gesture. "It will depend not only on our individual skills, but also on how we work with our partner."
"Exactly, young Yaoyorozu!" All Might said with a smile. "Teamwork is key. It's not just about being strong, but also about utilizing your environment, thinking quickly, and adapting."
Iida, who still had his hand raised, cleared his throat loudly.
-All Might-sensei, with all due respect, how will the teams be assigned? Based on our abilities, compatibility, or will it be completely random?
All Might laughed carefreely.
-Good question, young Iida. But... as I said before, it'll be completely random! Hahaha!
Dismay gripped the group.
"Hey!" several people said at the same time.
"That doesn't make sense!" Bakugo exclaimed, frowning. "What if we bump into someone who's in our way?"
"Then this will be your test, young Bakugo." All Might gave him a smile, but his eyes were more serious. "A hero can't always choose who he works with. In real life, when there's danger, you'll have to adapt to the partner you have, not the one you want."
Bakugo made an annoyed face, but didn't say anything else.
Meanwhile, Hades glanced at Akemi.
-That it's random could be a problem... - he murmured in a low voice.
Akemi turned her head towards him, with a lopsided smile.
-Worried about separating, Hades-kun? That's very nice of you.
He snorted and looked away.
-I just prefer a fight with someone competent.
Akemi smiled wider.
-Me too. But... remember, I know the results, and unfortunately, we won't be on the same team.
On the other hand, Ochako, still with concern on her face, raised her hand somewhat timidly.
"Will there be a threat of expulsion if we fail?" Her tone expressed a mixture of nerves and determination.
All Might shook his head, maintaining his smile.
-Not this time, young Uraraka.
Hearing that, Ochako breathed a sigh of relief.
-Can we just send them flying?
-How will the test be based? Do we have to take them all down?
But before All Might could respond, Aoyama raised his voice, completely oblivious to the conversation.
-But more importantly! Does my cape look cool?
The shine of his suit reflected the light, causing some students to squint at the sudden glare.
All Might burst out laughing, visibly entertained by his students' energy.
"Ahhh, I can't hear you all talking at once!" he exclaimed, raising both hands in an exaggerated manner. With a dramatic gesture, he took a folded piece of paper from his belt and unfolded it with a theatrical movement. "Listen carefully, young people!"
The murmurs ceased instantly.
-In this training, the villains must protect a nuclear bomb that will detonate in 10 minutes. The heroes must infiltrate the building, locate the bomb, and neutralize the villains before it is detonated.
The silence was broken by a general murmur.
"That sounds super serious!" Kaminari exclaimed.
"A nuclear weapon?" Sero asked, blinking several times. "That sounds a little... excessive, doesn't it?"
"Bah! It's just a drill!" Kirishima exclaimed, pounding his fist against his chest in excitement. "That makes it more realistic and exciting!"
"It sounds dangerous though... Kero," Asui muttered.
"It is," Tokoyami agreed, arms crossed.
"If the heroes manage to grab the bomb or immobilize the villains with yellow tape, which will be provided beforehand, they'll win," All Might continued. "If the villains manage to hold out until the countdown ends or eliminate the heroes, they'll win."
The burden of proof fell on the students. It was a much more realistic scenario than they had expected.
Meanwhile, Momo was still looking sideways at Hades.
She was worried that she would have to fight him.
Bakugo, with his typical defiant expression, began to chuckle, looking at the palm of his hand.
"Tch... 'Neutralize,' huh..." Her tone had a dangerous edge. "Just say it already, whether we can blow the opponents away or not."
All Might laughed, but noticing the seriousness on the boy's face, he cleared his throat and raised a hand in a sign of calm.
"No wild explosions, young Bakugo!" he warned with a smile that tried to look firm. "This is a practical exercise, not a street fight, besides..." he continued, raising his gaze to rest on the black-clad boy. "That applies to you too, young Hades!"
Both teenagers sighed heavily upon hearing their names called with a warning in between.
"Just like it's supposed to be!" Iida added enthusiastically.
All Might nodded, ready to let the conversation go, and pointed at the metal box next to him.
-Okay, let's form the teams!
With a jolt, the metal box emitted a soft clinking sound, drawing everyone's attention.
-In this box I have several balls with pairs of letters from "A to J".
The students gulped. Luck would decide their classmates.
All Might smiled enthusiastically.
-Let's see who will work with whom! Come forward without fear and grab a ball.
The students approached the metal box one by one, taking out a ball at random.
The murmurs grew as they discovered their teammates.
Team A: Hades & Momo
The atmosphere immediately became tense when Hades and Momo looked at their respective balls and saw that they had the same letter.
Momo pursed her lips for a second, feeling a pang of discomfort. She knew Hades hated her; his cold gaze and the way he ignored her made it clear it wouldn't be an easy cooperation.
On the other hand, Hades let out a sigh of frustration, bringing a hand to his face.
-...Fuck.
It was the last thing I wanted.
Team B: Tsuyu & Todoroki
"Kero... Looks like we'll be together," he commented, looking at Todoroki with his typical serene expression. "But remember, I don't handle the cold well, and I might go into hibernation if I'm too close."
Todoroki nodded, not saying much.
Team C: Kaminari & Aoyama
"Oooh, bright and electrifying! What a glamorous combination!" Aoyama struck a dramatic pose, his cape shimmering in the light.
Kaminari let out a nervous laugh.
-Haha... yeah, sure, brilliant...
Team D: Bakugo & Akemi
Bakugo raised an eyebrow at the ball in his hand and then looked at Akemi.
She, for her part, watched him with a neutral expression, but inside her thoughts suddenly sped up and spiraled out of control.
Bakugo growled.
-Tsk. Don't get in my way.
Akemi didn't respond, she couldn't, she was confused, her mind racing.
Team E: Iida & Jirou
"Young Jirou! It will be an honor to work with you," Iida said, bowing with his usual energy.
Jirou rolled her eyes with an amused smile.
-Sure, little motor.
-Mo... little motor?
Team F: Ochako & Kirishima
"This is going to be amazing, Ochako-san!" Kirishima fist-bumped in excitement.
"Yes! We'll give it our all!" he responded with similar enthusiasm.
Team G: Ojiro & Tokoyami
-Hmm... a balanced duo -Tokoyami nodded approvingly.
Ojiro smiled slightly, adjusting his tail.
-It seems we can complement each other well.
Team H: Mezo & Hanta
"A mobility and strength kit!" Hanta winked at Mezo, stretching his tape a little.
Mezo just nodded silently, observing the rest of the class.
Team I: Hagakure & Rikido
"Great, let's do our best, Sato!" Hagakure waved her arms in the air in excitement.
Sato nodded firmly, keeping his expression serious.
Team J: Koji & Mina
-Hello... Hello... -Koji murmured shyly.
"Stop being so shy, man. Let's have some fun!" Mina declared, patting him vigorously on the back.
All Might clapped loudly to regain the students' attention.
-All right, everyone! Now that the teams are ready, let's move on to the second round of voting!
The students stood at attention, ready to receive instructions.
Some looked at their companions with confidence, others with discomfort... and others, like Hades and Momo, simply seemed resigned.
With his characteristic energy, the number one hero waved his hands as if somehow amplifying the excitement in the air, similar to that of American showmen.
And taking out a new pair of boxes labeled: Heroes and Villains, he began to stir the contents, increasing the tension.
He glanced at the nervous teenagers, paused for a second, and pulled out two balls with different letters.
A big smile appeared on his face, as he announced:
"The first team to go out will be Team A as the heroes against Team D as the villains!" All Might shouted excitedly, while the rest of the students looked sideways at the aforementioned.
The teams were announced, and although All Might's words filled the air, a cloud of doubt began to form over Akemi's head.
The sudden change in fate, the fact that her team had reconfigured itself so unexpectedly, had left her more than a little confused.
And worst of all, she had to work alongside Bakugo, the one who almost killed her in the same exercise.
At that very moment, Akemi felt as if the weight of the world had fallen on her.
His mind began to spin rapidly:
Why did the teams change? Was it because Hades was on the field? Did his presence have something to do with it? Is this the butterfly effect? Will chance always be random? That means...
Thoughts came and went, and Akemi found herself caught in a spiral of questioning.
Deep down inside, there was something that didn't quite fit.
As his mind wandered through those confusing thoughts, Bakugo didn't waste a second.
With his usual attitude, he tugged at Akemi to hurry up and walk towards the building.
The anger emanating from him was palpable, and his sharp tone of voice made Akemi flinch.
"Damn it, Deku!" he roared, glaring at the building. "Don't stand there like an idiot! We have to protect that stupid bomb and beat those extras!"
Akemi gulped, not responding, as she followed Bakugo.
Despite her inner turmoil, she forced herself to stay focused.
There was something inside her that told her she couldn't let that uncertainty overwhelm her.
This was the time to act.
But the weight of teamwork, especially with someone like Bakugo, felt heavier than before.
Since her strategy, the one she had planned for her fight against him, had gone down the drain.
On the other hand, Hades, looking at Momo from afar, couldn't help but think about how she had become the center of attention in the class because of a test.
The hatred he felt for Momo remained intact, and although there was a part of him that wanted to forget the past, old wounds will never heal.
The memories from his childhood days, when Momo had humiliated him, were still as fresh as if it were yesterday.
I didn't want to be with her.
And although Haruto wanted a reconciliation with Momo, Hades didn't see it the same way.
-O... Hey...
When Momo tried to approach the boy to speak to him, he didn't hesitate for a second and immediately turned around, turning his back on her, and starting to walk in the opposite direction.
His temperament led him to ignore her, to make it clear that there was no room for her in his life.
"Don't talk to me, Momo," his words were sharp, with a subtle venom that betrayed all the disdain he felt.
From a distance, Hagakure, who was watching the interaction, couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, intrigued and confused.
Something didn't fit between those two, but before he could think about it further, he looked at Tsuyu, with his usual calm, while extending his tongue in a precise way to stop Hades's progress.
"You're going the wrong way, Kero," he said, pointing in the opposite direction with a calm smile, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Hades, without animosity, but with some surprise at the intervention, looked at her out of the corner of his eye.
It was as if the noise of the world faded away for a moment, just so he could receive a simple help.
"Thank you, mortal frog," he said, in a grateful tone, before turning and heading down the right path.
-Call me Tsuyu.
-Thank you, deadly frog... Tusyu?
The girl watched him with a small smile and a blank expression as he walked off with her stoic companion.
...
All Might took a pair of yellow ribbons and extended them towards Momo, his signature radiant smile adorning his face.
-Young Yaoyorozu, these will be your tools to neutralize the villains. Use your wits, teamwork, and skills to defeat the enemies before the bomb explodes!
Momo took the ribbons delicately, feeling their rough texture between her fingers.
It was a simple object, but it symbolized victory if they managed to use it correctly.
His eyes traveled, instinctively, to Hades's back, who was already walking away.
He walked with a firm step, paying no attention to what was happening around him.
With his mind entangled in an internal discussion.
"We should try to get along, after all revenge is never good," Haruto said, in a calm tone, as if it were the most logical thing in the world.
"You're a fool if you think that," Hades growled to himself. "What you're saying is stupid considering what he did."
-But resentment won't get us anywhere.
-And weakness neither.
-Forget the resentment and become his friend!
"Never!" Hades shouted, determined to ignore the internal debate as he continued down the hallway.
Momo had watched him walk away, her chest tightening with a feeling she couldn't immediately identify.
Her mind involuntarily took her back to a memory she had tried to bury.
The image was clear, painfully vivid.
A smaller, thin, blond boy, unable to defend himself, being brutally beaten by his bodyguards.
She was just standing there, not intervening, not doing anything, almost enjoying the spectacle.
I knew it was wrong. I knew there was no excuse for what happened that day.
He never thought he would see that boy again, much less in a place like this.
-Don't worry, young Yaoyorozu.
All Might's deep voice abruptly brought her out of her thoughts.
His large hand rested gently on her shoulder, transmitting a comforting warmth.
"Young Hades may be violent on the outside, but in the short time I've seen him, I can assure you he's a good person," he said, smiling with that confidence that seemed to move mountains. "Also, don't be afraid of him. Hahaha! I've seen young Midoriya controlling him with blows! You can do it too if you try it with a firm hand!"
Momo felt a chill run down her spine. Control him with blows? Try to tame Hades like a wild beast?
"But... now that I think about it, young Midoriya described him in just one sentence," he continued, massaging his chin, trying to remember. "He was... Oh, yeah, I call him a Tsundere boy! Hahaha."
Everyone turned their heads towards their teacher upon hearing such information.
Many raised an eyebrow, others nodded slightly, now understanding many things.
Momo, for her part, trembled slightly and nodded hesitantly.
Deep down, he knew that if he tried, all he would achieve was to bring about his own death.
He sighed and headed for the stairs, the echo of his footsteps resonating in the empty hallway as his mind tried to organize his thoughts.
When he reached the halfway point, he encountered a peculiar scene.
Hades stood at a crossroads, his index finger extended and waving back and forth.
He stared at both paths as if they were an impossible enigma to solve.
And then she heard him whisper to himself.
-Right or left... left or right... of a little seaman from Mr. Pingüe...
Momo watched him for a moment, undecided. Despite its appearance, the scene had something ridiculously childlike about it, which she strangely found charming.
He took a deep breath and decided to speak.
-It's on the right.
Hades didn't seem to immediately recognize the voice. He simply nodded and decided to speak.
"Thank you," he said and walked away without paying any further attention.
Momo watched him walk away, a strange feeling settling in her chest.
There was no rancor in his response. There was no annoyance. He simply accepted her help and moved on.
Maybe... just maybe, there was still a small chance to make amends for the past.
....
Hades walked calmly, his mind calculating every possible scenario of the battle to come.
I knew Akemi's black whips would be annoying.
Not only would they give him mobility, but they could also restrict his movements.
Bakugo, on the other hand, was a completely different problem. His explosions were unpredictable, and while his physical resilience was incredible, getting hit directly by an explosion still wasn't a smart option.
The first thing he did was discard his sword.
He didn't know how to activate his special ability, and without it, he was little more than a heavy piece of bone. Using it as a shield was possible, but if the weight slowed him down too much, it would be more of a hindrance than an asset.
The gauntlet was his best option.
He could absorb the energy from blows he received and return it as an explosion. This meant he could use Bakugo's strength against him.
But there was one problem left... his partner.
Hades thought about Momo for a moment.
And then he discarded it.
I didn't need his help. Not now, not in a million years.
If there was a day when I would agree to work with her, that day there would be chickens with more muscles than the smiling blond.
As he moved forward, the light grew brighter, revealing the enormous artificial city.
Concrete and metal structures rose up all around, simulating a real urban center. Abandoned cars, empty streets, buildings of varying heights... all designed for combat simulation.
But what really caught his attention were the clusters of red buildings in the center.
They were the largest, standing out from the rest.
There was no doubt: I had to go to one of those.
Hades smiled, pleased to find his destination.
If he got in quickly, he could start the fight before Akemi and Bakugo were ready.
But before he could take a single step, All Might's voice boomed through the speakers installed throughout the city.
-Heroes and villains will have five minutes of planning time! Good luck, future heroes!
Hades clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"Tch. Wasting time on this..." He sighed and extended his right hand. A black orb of energy emerged from his palm, and a dark crack opened in the ground in front of him.
From inside, a small figure emerged, shaking the dust from its bones.
"Time to get to work, boss!" he exclaimed in his squeaky, enthusiastic voice, raising his bony hands in an awkward salute.
Hades looked at him seriously.
"Listen, we don't have much time. Akemi and Bakugo aren't idiots; they'll take advantage of anything they can."
Larry crossed his arms, tilting his skull as if in thought.
-So what's the plan?
Hades looked toward the red building, his eyes narrowed.
-First, I want you to explore the area. Make sure there are no traps or some idiot waiting to ambush us on the lower floors.
Larry nodded and ran off quickly, his bones making a slight "clack-clack" with each step.
Hades, for his part, closed his eyes for a moment.
If I was going to do this, I'd do it alone.
Momo could do whatever she wanted. He wouldn't stop her.
But it wouldn't help her either.
Momo, for her part, watched from a distance, her brows slightly furrowed.
Hades summoned his skeleton without even looking at her, as if she wasn't there.
It wasn't the first time someone had ignored her in a combat situation, but there was a big difference between not listening and simply treating her as if she didn't exist.
She pressed her lips together and approached calmly, trying to appear serene.
-Hades-san, we should discuss a plan before we go in.
He didn't answer.
He didn't even look at her.
Instead, he looked at the buildings surrounding the one he had to enter.
"We know Akemi has the black whips. They're fast and can restrict our movements if we're not careful," he began, standing a safe distance from the boy.
Hades clicked his tongue and muttered to himself.
-...A headache with the air of an octopus.
Momo took this as a sign that she was listening and continued.
-Bakugo is explosive, literally. His fighting style could be explosive too, but-
-Then it won't stop.
Momo blinked.
-That?
Hades looked at her out of the corner of his eye, his expression one of utter disinterest.
-If all it does is explode, it only goes straight. No problem.
Momo gaped for a moment.
-Isn't that a problem? He's one of the strongest students in the class! If we don't take his explosions into account, he could-
-I'm not interested.
Hades cut off his sentence bluntly and turned completely around, walking forward, looking at the small skeleton peeking out of one of the windows.
Momo clenched her fists.
The nerve with which he ignored her... it was frustrating.
But beyond that, it was incredibly reckless.
He took a deep breath, trying not to lose his patience.
-Okay, if you don't want to discuss Bakugo, let's talk about the bomb.
Hades paused for a second.
And Momo seized the moment.
-Most likely on the eighth floor. If we try to enter from the main door, they'll be waiting for us.
Hades said nothing, but his jaw tensed slightly.
He was absorbing the information and Momo could see it.
But instead of acknowledging or discussing it, he simply remained silent.
Momo continued.
-If instead we try a side entrance or even go up from the outside, we could-
-Go if you want.
Again.
Cutting her off in the middle of her sentence.
Momo frowned.
-Are you telling me to do whatever I want?
Hades looked at her emotionlessly.
-Yeah.
Momo felt a shiver of rage run down her spine.
She wasn't used to being treated like that.
Even her father, who despised her for her birth and her choice to be a hero, acknowledged her existence.
Hades, on the other hand, acted as if she were annoying background noise.
He took another deep breath, forcing a professional smile.
-Fine. Then I'll do what I think is best.
Without Hades noticing, his hands began to glow with his Quirk.
A metal staff slowly began to form in his palm.
If that arrogant man thought he could do everything on his own, she would prove him wrong.
Momo looked at the staff in her hand, seriously contemplating using it, after remembering All Might's words.
"Don't be afraid of him. Young Midoriya controls him with blows! Hahaha."
He gripped the handle of the cane.
Would it really work?
Could she just hit him over the head and expect him to obey her?
"No... I don't think it'll work," she whispered, sighing wearily and relaxing her fingers, feeling the cold metal against her skin.
He knew they didn't have a friendly relationship, he knew she wasn't like Midoriya who could hit him for no apparent reason.
If you attacked him for no reason, he would most likely simply defend himself without hesitation.
And while it wouldn't kill her, it would definitely hit her back.
"No... I need a better strategy," she thought to herself, analyzing her options.
I could create a harpoon and climb outside the building.
It would be a quick and efficient entry, but...
Akemi was a problem.
If she tried to infiltrate alone, Midoriya would intercept her before she even reached the sixth floor.
Unless...
"...Hades made enough noise to get his attention," he whispered, glancing at the boy.
Yeah.
If he let him walk in like a bull in a glass shop, Bakugo and Akemi would be forced to confront him immediately.
And in the meantime, she would have enough time to sneak to the bomb.
-That will work!
She nodded to herself, making a decision.
At that moment, All Might's voice once again echoed through the speakers.
-Remember, this is combat training! You can give it your all, but I'll intervene if things get out of hand!
-You have one last minute left, young heroes!
Momo looked up and looked at Hades, who still seemed lost in thought.
At that moment, little Larry appeared, running back towards his summoner.
The skeleton held its own skull with both hands, making sure it didn't fall.
"Boss!" he exclaimed, stopping right in front of Hades. "I found no traps."
Hades nodded slightly, without emotion.
Larry continued.
-I also discovered that the bomb is on the eighth floor.
"Who's guarding her?" Hades asked bluntly.
-The boss!
Hades clicked his tongue.
-A headache.
Momo crossed her arms, feigning disinterest.
-And Bakugo?
Larry scratched his jaw with his bony hand.
"I don't..." he began, but as he looked at the girl, his whole body began to vibrate, almost as if he were afraid. "You're... you're... you're..." he murmured, hiding behind Hades's legs, who looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
Momo kept her expression neutral, but inside...
-That's weird... What's wrong with that little one?
Hades raised his right arm, still watching as the little skeleton seemed to be scared.
The plates of his armor strained with a dull creak as he muttered:
-Cadaver equipment.
In an instant, Larry disappeared in a swirl of dark energy.
Immediately, his right forearm was covered by a solid bone gauntlet.
The design was twisted. The bones fused together as if they were alive, creating a sturdy, leather-based structure.
The palm area was hollow, a reminder of its ability to reflect damage received.
But, the first thing Hades noticed the moment he used the gauntlet, was the discomfort it caused him.
The plates on his suit got in the way when he tried to move his hand.
He frowned, trying to adjust them, playing with the inner straps of the plates.
But in the end, he gave up.
With a grunt, he ripped off the plates that were bothering him and dropped them to the ground.
"I need a better design..." he thought, feeling relieved to have freed those plates.
Momo watched him out of the corner of her eye.
His eyes fell on the fallen plates.
For a moment, his mind worked in the background, analyzing the structure of the material.
-If you wear equipment on your arm, then you should...
Instinctively, he took out his notebook and began looking for the page on carbon fibers.
By combining a more flexible and lightweight material, he could design a shield that would provide greater protection.
That would be useful later.
But before I could go any further into the idea...
All Might's voice boomed loudly through the speakers.
-Let the first game of the day begin!
Hades gave Momo one last look.
But something changed.
Suddenly, his posture relaxed.
The harshness of his expression softened.
When he opened his mouth, his voice no longer had the same edge it had before.
-Be careful, Momo.
She blinked, confused.
That wasn't Hades's cold voice.
"I'll go ahead," his tone was warmer, softer. "I'll distract everyone while you look for the bomb."
Momo felt a chill run down her spine.
-Is this your second personality again?
But before he could ask, Haruto smiled calmly.
-Could you help me, please?
For a moment, Momo didn't know how to react.
Everything about Hades—his demeanor, his body language, his voice—had changed in a matter of seconds.
His second personality was a completely different person.
But sooner rather than later, the boy's cold gaze returned with greater intensity than before, as he walked towards the building.
Small murmurs escaped his mouth.
-Stupid Haruto... I wanted to tell her to fuck off...
[2 minutes later]
Every step Hades took echoed on the narrow concrete staircase as he ascended at a steady pace.
His senses were on high alert, scanning every corner of the environment for any anomalies. However, the testing building was plunged into an eerie silence.
He was too calm.
His fingers tightened inside the bone gauntlet as a chill ran down his spine. Something didn't fit.
By now I should have heard footsteps, breathing, a hint of movement... but there was nothing.
Then, just as he set foot on the last step...
BOOM!
An explosion erupted directly against his torso.
The impact caught him completely off guard. The force of the shock wave threw him to the opposite side, causing him to lose his balance.
His body was thrown violently, crossing several door frames and crashing into a wall.
CRASH!
The sound of cracking concrete echoed through the hallway as his back hit the solid surface.
He felt a sharp pain run through his ribcage, stealing his breath.
He clenched his jaw, trying to sit up, he could feel the coppery taste of his own blood gurgling on his tongue.
He tried to take a deep breath, trying to ease the nausea he felt, but something was choking him.
His mask was stuck firmly to his nose and mouth, preventing him from breathing properly.
With a sudden movement he tore it off and threw it to the ground without hesitation.
Then he spat out the blood that made him nauseous and looked up.
Amidst the dust raised by the crash, an arrogant laugh cut through the air.
-HA! What a disappointment! I thought you'd at least dodge the first one, you damn walking corpse.
Hades stared at him, still catching his breath, and saw the silhouette of his attacker emerging from the smoke.
The orange flashes of sparks illuminated his expression of pure confidence.
With his fists clenched and a twisted smile on his face, he approached with firm steps, like a predator who had already secured his victory.
"What's wrong? Have you given up yet?" he said mockingly, impatiently pounding his right fist against his left palm. "Get up, we're just getting warmed up."
Hades didn't answer him immediately.
His chest was still burning from the initial blast. Although the gauntlet had cushioned some of the impact, he could still feel the burn on his skin beneath the suit.
The pain was real, the anger too.
But he didn't have time to process it.
Bakugo was already on the move.
With an explosion under his feet, he closed the distance in an instant.
-Don't fall asleep, idiot!
BAM!
He raised his fist, aiming for his jaw.
Hades raised his arm to block, but Bakugo's speed caught him off guard. Before he could react, the blond twisted his body and drove a knee straight into his ribs.
CRACK!
The pain was sharp, like a hammer blow piercing his side.
BOOM!
Another explosion, this time in his abdomen.
The impact sent him staggering back several feet as his back hit a column.
Bakugo left no room for recovery. His offensive was constant, aggressive, and relentless.
Blow after blow, explosion after explosion, it was all part of a perfectly executed lethal dance.
A right punch followed by a short burst for extra impact.
A quick turn and an elbow to the stomach.
A kick to the knee to destabilize.
And just as Hades tried to take control of the fight with a counterattack, Bakugo had already changed angles.
It was like fighting a storm.
Erratic and unpredictable.
But then, something changed.
The gauntlet on his right arm began to vibrate more intensely.
Within the bone structure, I could feel the heat building up.
Every blow he received...
Every explosion that hit his body...
Everything was being stored.
Hades let out a heavy exhalation and looked down for a moment, flexing his fingers inside the gauntlet.
The energy inside was like a hungry beast, waiting for the exact moment to be released.
Looking up, her eyes met Bakugo's.
The blond had noticed the change in his posture.
A confident smile formed on his face.
"Oh, it's already loaded, huh?" His tone was mocking, but there was a hint of malice in his eyes. "Akemi told me."
Hades raised an eyebrow, wiping the blood dripping from his split lip with the back of his hand.
-Oh?
Bakugo clicked his tongue and raised his right hand. Golden sparks jumped between his fingers.
"You're a fucking human battery." He stepped forward, twisting his wrist. "You absorb blows and return them with explosions."
He raised his other hand and the sparks increased.
-But tell me something, you fucking necromancer...
With a sudden movement, Bakugo used his explosions to propel himself backward, gaining distance in a single instant.
His palms now glowed with a fierce energy.
His sadistic smile widened.
-How much can you absorb... before it breaks you?
Hades remained in his position, breathing slowly. His side ached, his jaw burned, but his gauntlet pulsed with power.
He flexed his fingers inside the gun, feeling the throbbing vibration.
"Let's find out, you idiot!" he exclaimed with a blood-tinged smile.
Then, Hades attacked.
His right fist shot towards Bakugo's face with ferocious speed, looking to connect a direct hit.
But it was nothing more than a feint.
At the last instant, he diverted his trajectory and used his momentum to twist his torso, throwing his left elbow with all his force.
The metal plates of his hero suit reinforced the impact, transforming his elbow into a steel battering ram that could break bones.
But Bakugo wasn't a rookie.
-Don't even think about it, you damn corpse!
At the exact moment before impact, an explosion in his palm propelled him backward, knocking him out of the elbow's path with a roar of fire.
Hades barely frowned, waiting for that reaction.
And he acted without hesitation.
Taking advantage of the momentum of his spin, he lifted his leg forcefully and launched a brutal kick at the blond's chest.
Bakugo didn't have time to react.
THUD!
The impact echoed throughout the hallway.
The air was knocked out of his lungs as he was thrown several meters backward, his back hitting the concrete floor with force.
For a second, the hallway was silent, except for the sound of the two combatants' heavy breathing.
Then, Hades raised his right arm.
The bone gauntlet emitted a reddish, almost incandescent glow.
The accumulated heat vibrated inside him like a volcano about to erupt, burning his skin nearby.
The muscles in his arm tensed as his voice echoed with a war roar.
-Eat this, bug!
The explosion broke out.
A torrent of raw energy emerged from the palm of the gauntlet with devastating force.
The fiery blast roared like a rampaging dragon, advancing with terrifying speed towards Bakugo.
But the blond didn't let himself be caught.
His eyes widened in fury, and in an instant, he used a series of rapid-fire blasts from his hands to propel himself to the side, narrowly avoiding the attack.
BOOM!
Hades' blast hit the wall behind Bakugo, reducing it to rubble in a single blow.
When the dust cleared, the sky was visible through the huge hole in the building.
The structure shook for a moment, as if the impact had weakened its foundations.
Hades lowered his trembling arm slowly, the gauntlet smoking after releasing all the pent-up energy.
-Tsk. I failed.
But before he could catch his breath, Bakugo appeared at his side with dizzying speed.
BOOM!
A short burst propelled him to his side, putting him at point-blank range.
CRACK!
An explosive punch hit him directly in the ribs.
Hades grunted, his body buckling from the impact. Pain lanced through his side like a burning knife.
Bakugo's mocking laughter was the next thing he heard.
-You suck at using explosions, moron!
He gritted his teeth and charged forward, his fists slicing through the air with fierce aggression.
Each hit was a projectile in itself, a combination of speed, accuracy, and calculated explosions.
BAM! BAM!
Hades blocked the first blow with his gauntlet, but the impact still shook his arm to the bone.
The second blow hit him right in the stomach.
BOOM!
It wasn't a big explosion, but enough to make him take a step back, feeling the fire burn against his suit.
Bakugo's blows were relentless.
Right hook, liver punch, a straight punch to the chin. Each one had the force of a bullet.
But Hades was adapting.
Despite the pain, despite his right arm trembling from the overload of the gauntlet, he began to read Bakugo's patterns.
The blond was a fast hitter, yes. But he wasn't as fast as he was at the beginning.
The kick from before had affected his speed.
Noticing this, Hades growled softly and dodged a right hook, tilting his body at the last instant.
He counterattacked with an elbow to the side.
Bakugo blocked with his forearm, but Hades was already moving again.
His foot swung in a low, swift arc.
WHAM!
A sweep hit Bakugo's leg, knocking him off balance for a split second.
Hades did not hesitate.
He took advantage of the opening and landed a punch straight to the face.
THUD!
Bakugo grunted as his head whipped to the side, his foot dragging against the ground to steady himself.
But the bastard laughed.
"Not bad, trash." He licked the blood from his lip.
And then it exploded.
BOOM!
An explosion in his palm propelled him like a missile, ramming him into Hades at point-blank range.
CRACK!
The impact shook him as if he had been hit by a train.
The air left his lungs as they both crashed through a hallway wall, rolling through debris.
Hades spat out dust, his right arm still vibrating with pain.
Bakugo stood up first, his breathing ragged, his eyes burning like embers.
"Come on, asshole," he growled, raising his fists. "Stand up and fight!"
Hades breathed deeply, feeling the burning in his right arm.
Each blow he'd received had accumulated energy in his gauntlet, and now the heat pulsed with an almost unbearable intensity. Yet he couldn't allow himself to rest.
In front of him, Bakugo flexed his fingers impatiently, his palms trembling with a faint orange glow.
His red eyes shone with a mixture of rage and emotion, and a fierce grin spread across his face.
"What's wrong? Are you tired yet?" he taunted, leaning forward slightly, ready to attack at any moment.
Hades, instead of responding, began to move slowly around her.
His steps were calculated, measuring the distance, looking for an opening.
The gauntlet was still warm, its bone structure vibrating with stored energy. If he could unleash another blast, he could level the fight.
Bakugo narrowed his eyes.
"Are you trying to analyze me?" he growled. "Don't make me laugh. Fight already!"
Taking a step forward, he threw an explosive punch straight at Hades's face.
But Hades saw it coming.
With a swift movement, he dodged to the side and counterattacked with a right jab. However, it was a feint.
Just before impact, he twisted his body and threw his elbow with all his force, using his suit's plates as reinforcement.
The attack was aimed directly at Bakugo's face.
But the explosive was already waiting for him.
BOOM!
A mild explosion erupted beneath his feet, propelling him backward just in time to avoid the impact.
In the air, he spun around and prepared another attack.
Hades didn't give him a chance.
Taking advantage of Bakugo's exposed position, he launched a brutal kick that landed squarely in his chest.
But he already expected it.
He crossed his arms and took the full blow, causing small explosions to stabilize his fall.
Hades did not hesitate.
His gauntlet glowed with heat, pent-up energy about to be unleashed.
He raised his fist and, with a war cry, released all the accumulated explosion.
....
TO BE CONTINUED.