"A Training Camp?!"
The three words echoed across the Conference Room.
To finalize the process of the Final Exams' practical part for various classes of the first year, Mr. Principal, Nezu, had called a meeting of the teachers.
Almost all teachers who had been a part of Class 1-A's curriculum were here.
Hearing Aizawa's proposal, which came out of nowhere even before they began discussing the Practical Exams, left them shocked.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Sand said. "First, it's not right to arrange an exclusive training camp for only Class 1-A. Second, Dr. Blessed has taken an odd liking to Class 1-A's students, always appearing next to them. If something like Hosu City happened again, who would be responsible for all that?"
Of course, Sand couldn't say outright that he didn't want Luke to be part of this, taking Dr. Blessed's help to rile up others' emotions.
From what he had heard, Luke had already unlocked one more Quirk — Reinforcement.
And, by unlocking, Sand knew that the boy must have practiced bestowing the Quirk upon Nyx enough times to let it come out in the open.
As far as Luke's training was concerned, the best way was to just let him be, Sand believed.
That boy wasn't like other students. Luke just needed time to familiarize himself with his Quirk — Bioalchemy. And that wouldn't happen if the kid kept attracting unwanted eyes to himself.
That's why the Saionji Group had pushed the Japanese Government to declare Dr. Blessed an International Criminal and State Terrorist.
Also, unknown to Luke, it was Sand who had recommended to Mr. Reijirou Saionji about putting an extensive surveillance on the boy.
Luke was getting too wild, taking risks that he didn't need to take if his life wasn't on the line.
It was time to make him remember that even though he had enrolled at UA to become a Hero, it didn't mean he could do as he pleased. He couldn't just throw away all the efforts, money, and emotions that others had put into him, on his future.
Sure enough, a grave expression settled on everyone's faces, hearing Dr. Blessed's name, Aizawa's eyes narrowing at Sand.
A similar, but conflicted expression, materialized on All Might's face as well. But, as he was in his weak form right now, it was hard to read the subtle changes in his gaze.
Mr. Principal's eyes caught the look on All Might's face anyway.
"Let's hear out Aizawa first," he suggested. "I am sure he must have a reason to suggest it."
"I have been observing Class 1-A students ever since they returned from the Hero Site Visit," Aizawa said. "I am sure all of you must have sensed it as well — they are blaming themselves for not being able to help and contribute as much as they think it was expected of them."
"Then just arrange counseling sessions for them," Sand countered. "All the more…"
"ALL the more reasons for the Training Camp," Aizawa said, cutting Sand off. "They don't need someone to lecture them about their feelings. They need a chance to let out those feelings, a platform to work on themselves, and a confirmation that they are walking forward — getting stronger.
"And they are willing to help each other out. It's better if we are there to guide them, instead of letting them do it behind our backs. They aren't children anymore. They don't need constant eyes upon them, like an overprotective, crazy mother. You'd know if you'd just look at them."
Sand's face gained a blankness. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You know exactly what…" Aizawa stared at the man.
"Alright," Mr. Principal said. "Sigh! I agree with both of you. On one hand, the Villains are indeed getting stronger, posing a threat to not only civilians, but all of us. On the other hand… we are cultivating Heroes. One day or another, they need to face these threats by themselves. And it won't happen if they aren't growing at the same pace as Villains. Right, All Might?"
Toshinori closed his eyes for a brief moment.
When he opened them up, his gaze had stabilized.
"Times are changing," All Might admitted. "There's nothing better than letting the children exhaust themselves with training to fight their insecurities. I agree with Aizawa."
As soon as All Might voiced his opinion, the others nodded as well, Sand's face gaining a frown.
"Good," Nezu smiled. "We will decide on an apt location later, but I will also include 1-B in this. Let's finalize the pairs for the Final Exams of Class 1-A."
Last term, focusing on their close-combat classes, the school had gone with testing out the students against Sand.
This time, raising the bar and keeping the real-world scenarios in mind, Nezu had decided to put the students against all teachers in pairs of two.
"I recommend Midoriya and Bakugo to be a team," Aizawa said.
All Might's lips twitched, knowing exactly what Aizawa was talking about. "I will take care of them."
Erasure Head nodded at him. "Then, let's go with Luke and Nyx with Momo…"
"No."
Everyone looked at Sand.
"What do you mean, no?" Aizawa asked. "Luke and Momo suit each other the best. Both have extremely high IQs with strategic minds. Luke suffers from social awkwardness despite his clownish behavior, which Momo counters with her extroverted personality. And she lacks confidence when facing tough decisions that involve others, where Luke can help her out."
"… They also suit each other as a couple," Midnight said, smiling.
Of course, the other teachers ignored her, their gazes passing between Aizawa and Sand.
"I have known Luke for 7 years," Sand said, looking dead into Aizawa's eyes. "No matter who you pair him with, he will match his personality to help out that kid. That's how he is. That's how he has always been. It has nothing to do with social awkwardness. The only way to test what he's truly capable of is by letting him face one of us alone."
"And you think that person should be you?" Aizawa asked.
Sand nodded. "To be honest, you are too weak. If Luke snapped…"
A wide grin planted itself on Aizawa's face, his eyes glowing, the white, binding strips flailing around him, along with his hair. "How about we find out how weak I am right now?"
Strings of sand lifted off Sand's shoulders as he grinned back. "… took you long enough…"
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