The week at U.A. High School had been nothing like Daichi Ishigami expected. While the days blended together into a familiar rhythm of textbooks and drills, what stood out was the way his classmates — his soon-to-be heroes — carried their personalities into every interaction. It wasn't just the technical learning of how to wield quirks for hero work, but the little moments in between: the lunch breaks, the teasing, and the candid conversations that showed the true colors of each of his classmates.
Classes started early every day, and the majority of the first period was spent in classrooms learning everything from standard math and science to hero regulations. Daichi had anticipated this mix of regular schoolwork and hero training, but it still took some getting used to. However, it was during lunch that he truly started to see his classmates for who they were outside the drills.
The cafeteria was large and crowded, buzzing with the energy of students discussing everything from their latest workout routines to the latest rumors about pro heroes. Daichi, however, wasn't the loudest or the most attention-grabbing in the room, and neither was he particularly shy. But there was a subtle tension in the air as he made his way to the table where the Class 1-A students had started gathering.
Kaminari was already there, his usual grin plastered across his face. "Hey, Daichi! You know, the cafeteria food's actually pretty good here. But I bet it's not as good as my cooking! You should totally come over and let me show you sometime."
Daichi raised an eyebrow. "Cooking, huh? I'm not sure if I trust someone who fries an egg and calls it a culinary masterpiece."
Kaminari's eyes widened in mock horror. "You wound me, Ishigami! I'll have you know I make a mean ramen. Seriously. You can't get anything better than my instant noodles."
Across the table, Jiro rolled her eyes and leaned back in her chair, her earphone jacks hanging down her front like some kind of strange necklace. "If you want to call instant noodles 'cooking,' go ahead," she said, her tone dry. "But don't drag me into it."
Despite her words, she gave Kaminari a teasing look, as though she was prepared to listen to whatever he came up with next. That was Jiro — always sarcastic, a little cynical, but with a sense of humor that meant you couldn't take her too seriously.
"I guess we'll just have to see about that," Daichi said, taking a seat next to her. "But on one condition — no instant noodles."
"Deal!" Kaminari agreed with a dramatic fist pump.
Daichi glanced around the table, taking in the personalities of his new classmates. The group was a study in contrasts. Momo Yaoyorozu sat across from him, already nibbling thoughtfully on a salad as she browsed through a textbook. Ever the overachiever, Yaoyorozu never wasted time. She was the go-to girl for anything academic, and she rarely left things to chance.
"So," Daichi began, nudging her slightly, "you know a lot about hero costumes and their designs, right? I'm curious, what's your take on how to improve mine?"
Yaoyorozu looked up with a smile. "Well, for starters, the flexibility of your suit's fabric is key. I've read about how some heroes opt for adaptive suits that respond to their quirk needs. You might want to consider something like that."
"Adaptive suits? That's actually a pretty good idea," Daichi thought aloud. His quirk wasn't something you could directly build a suit around, but perhaps he could work with Yaoyorozu's idea to create something more functional. "I'll look into that. Thanks."
Meanwhile, across the table, Mina Ashido and Hagakure were discussing the best ways to handle certain camping situations. Mina, ever the bubbly spirit, was energetic as always, bouncing from topic to topic. Her voice was upbeat, full of life, and it was hard not to get swept up in her enthusiasm.
"So, like, camping isn't just about sitting around a fire, right? There are all these cool survival hacks we could use, like... using your quirk to clean water or—"
"You're starting to sound like a survivalist, Mina," Hagakure quipped, her voice light and teasing. "Next thing you know, you'll be giving us a lecture on bear traps."
"Hey, I've got skills!" Mina shot back with a grin, her eyes sparkling. "I could teach you how to catch fish without a rod. I'm basically a master of improvisation."
"That's great and all, but if we're talking about camping, I'm more worried about keeping everyone alive," Hagakure teased, poking Mina's shoulder lightly. "Like, for real, if there's a bear, I'm pretty sure I'm the first one running."
Meanwhile, Tokoyami was in the corner, his dark figure almost blending into the shadows. If anyone was the embodiment of mystery in Class 1-A, it was Tokoyami. He barely contributed to the conversation, instead choosing to let his mysterious, almost gloomy presence fill the gaps. Still, once in a while, he'd drop a comment that made you think twice.
"The shadows of this world are vast," Tokoyami muttered cryptically, earning a confused look from some of the others.
"What are you talking about?" Kaminari asked, squinting at him.
Tokoyami didn't respond immediately, his voice deep and calm as he said, "Darkness will always find its way to the surface. Just as the sun rises, it's only temporary before it falls again."
Mina laughed nervously, glancing at Daichi, who was also trying to figure out where Tokoyami was going with his words. "Uh, right. Sure, Tokoyami. The darkness is strong today. Can we get back to camping?"
Shoto Todoroki, who had been silent through the entire exchange, finally lifted his head, his cold blue and red eyes scanning the table. He wasn't antisocial, but he didn't seem eager to jump into group conversations either. His voice, when he spoke, was blunt and direct.
"I don't like camping."
"Well, that's a mood," Kaminari said with a laugh, raising his eyebrows at Todoroki. "What's wrong with camping? It's about connecting with nature! What do you do, just sit inside your house all day and brood?"
Todoroki's eyes narrowed slightly, and his lips twisted into a flat line. "Nature is unpredictable. I prefer things that are controlled."
The rest of the group exchanged glances, with Jiro giving a small, knowing smile. She was the one who understood Todoroki's need for control the most. He wasn't the type to let his guard down easily.
Kirishima, the ever-optimistic, "manly" presence in the room, tried to lighten the mood with his own brand of energy. "Hey, if it makes you feel better, we can just call it 'survival training!' We'll be like a team of heroes going on a mission!"
"Yeah, exactly!" Kaminari added, nodding in agreement. "We'll conquer the wilderness, one tent at a time!"
Despite the teasing and playful exchanges, the group was surprisingly cohesive. There was a sense of camaraderie between the members of Class 1-A, even if they didn't all get along all the time. They were still a team — or at least, they were slowly becoming one.
The conversation shifted toward heroes. Daichi listened in as everyone discussed their favorite pro heroes, some more enthusiastic than others. Kirishima was quick to gush over his idol, Crimson Riot, while Yaoyorozu shared some detailed thoughts on the top heroes' strategies and how they used their quirks effectively.
"Who's your favorite hero, Daichi?" Mina asked, her eyes sparkling. "Got anyone in mind?"
He paused for a moment before answering. "I've always admired Endeavor for his strength, but there's something about All Might... his optimism and what he stands for. It's inspiring."
"Yeah, All Might is legendary!" Kaminari agreed. "He's got the whole 'symbol of peace' thing down to an art."
Just then, Bakugo grunted and slammed his tray down onto the table, his eyes glaring as he looked at Daichi. "First place, huh? Just wait. I'm gonna take back that spot fair and square. I'll be the one who becomes the No. 1 hero. Don't forget that."
Daichi, unfazed, met Bakugo's fiery gaze. "We'll see about that."
Before Bakugo could fire back, Midoriya walked into the cafeteria, and Bakugo's ire immediately shifted to him. He shot Midoriya an accusing glare, muttering under his breath, but Midoriya only smiled awkwardly.
Aizawa's voice suddenly rang through the room, cutting through the noise. "Alright, enough chatter. It's time for the physical test."
The day was still young, but the bonds were already forming. It wasn't just about being heroes. It was about understanding one another and growing as a team.