After every student had chosen their Hero name, one by one, they stepped up to the podium to share their choices. Some were shy, others proud, and a few downright theatrical—but the entire exercise was voluntary.
"Now that we're finished with Hero names, let's move on to something more critical—your upcoming workplace experiences." Aizawa Shouta's dry tone cut through the chatter like a blade. His expression remained indifferent, but the weight in his voice drew everyone's attention.
"This internship will last one week. For those of you who received offers from Hero agencies, you'll soon be getting a list of key locations and office options. Choose wisely."
He paused, glancing around the room. "As for those who didn't receive any applications, U.A. has collaborated with forty professional Hero offices across the country. You'll be able to choose from among them."
"Remember, professional Hero agencies all operate differently. Some focus on rescue. Others are built around urban defense or specialized support operations. You need to consider which direction best suits your current growth."
"Understood!" a collective chorus rang out from the class.
"I'm going to go after the villains in the city!" Kirishima Eijiro said, clenching his fists with determined energy.
"I'd like something involving flood zones," Asui Tsuyu added, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I'm curious how rescue operations work under aquatic conditions."
Aizawa added one final reminder from the podium. "You have until this weekend to submit your choices. The deadline is strict."
Everyone froze.
"Huh? The weekend? But that's only two days away!" Kirishima exclaimed.
"Efficiency," Aizawa replied flatly, brushing off the concern with a wave of his hand.
"..." No one dared to argue.
As the bell rang for lunch, the atmosphere in the classroom turned lively. Students gathered in groups, comparing lists, discussing agencies, and speculating about which offices offered the best learning experiences—or the most exciting villains to fight.
"Hey, have you guys figured out where you're going yet?" Ashido Mina asked, flipping through the stack of agency pamphlets U.A. had distributed.
She sighed, visibly disappointed. "I can only choose from the forty U.A. recommended ones since I didn't get any direct offers."
"Really? That's strange," Ojiro Mashirao said, frowning slightly. "Your grades are solid, and your combat performance is great. I thought for sure someone would send you an invite."
"I thought so too!" Ashido wailed, dramatically flopping forward onto her desk. "But nope, not even one. Not even a pity offer!"
As the other students exchanged stories, requests, and potential destinations, Madara sat quietly at his desk, distant as ever.
"Madara, do you like it?" Yaoyorozu Momo approached with a light step and leaned against the side of his desk.
Madara looked up briefly, nodding. "Yes."
But his tone carried a strange undertone—distant, almost contemplative.
Yaoyorozu noticed it immediately. Her gaze sharpened. "What's wrong?"
"It's nothing," Madara replied. He picked up a pen and casually circled something on a sheet of paper in front of him.
"Just this."
He began packing his things methodically.
"What about you?" he asked without looking up. "Any agency catch your eye yet?"
Momo shrugged. "Not yet. I plan to take some time this evening to think it over."
Curious, she snatched the paper from his desk before he could tuck it away.
"...Hero Association?" she read aloud, eyebrows knitting. "Wait a second. That's not even a Japanese agency, is it?"
"No. It's in the West," Madara said plainly, taking the paper back from her and sliding it into his schoolbag.
"The West?" Momo's voice rose an octave in disbelief. She leaned forward with both hands on his desk, eyes narrowing. "You're thinking of going overseas for your internship?"
Madara gave a single, silent nod.
"That's far," she pressed. "Are you sure you want to do this?"
"It's not a bad thing to expand your horizons," Madara said, slinging his schoolbag over his shoulder and turning toward the classroom door. "Seeing the world is a form of training, too."
Momo scrambled after him. "Wait—hey, wait up!"
Madara ignored her and continued walking.
Behind him, Momo stopped, frowning deeply. Her gaze flickered as her thoughts raced. Hero Association... could it be the one from One Punch Man?
Two days later, inside Madara's villa, the atmosphere was far more serious.
All Might sat on the couch opposite Madara, his posture unusually stiff, eyes clouded with concern.
"Young Uchiha, are you certain about this?" he asked, voice low.
Madara nodded calmly. "I've made my decision."
All Might searched his expression, but Madara's eyes remained impassive, quiet, resolved, unshakable.
"The West isn't like Japan," All Might said. "It's chaotic, fragmented. Heroes there operate under different rules, and the mortality rate among Pro Heroes is significantly higher."
"I'm aware."
"What exactly do you know?" All Might asked, clearly skeptical.
Madara tilted his head slightly. "What I need to know, I know. What I don't need, I don't concern myself with."
All Might blinked, flustered. "What kind of answer is that?!"
He exhaled slowly and pinched the bridge of his nose. "Do you even understand how dangerous it is out there? Many Heroes from Japan can't adapt to the kind of threat Western cities deal with daily. Some don't even make it back."
Madara's expression didn't change. He'd already anticipated this concern and dismissed it.
"I won't die that easily."
"You haven't been there. You don't know what it's like!" All Might's voice rose, emotional now. "Uchiha boy, I'm not trying to discourage your growth. But you need to consider whether this is worth the risk."
There was a pause.
Madara's gaze softened—just slightly. "I know you care, All Might. That's why I'm not brushing this off."
A moment of understanding passed between them.
Still, All Might pressed on. "If there's even a sliver of doubt in your mind—don't go."
"There isn't," Madara said firmly. "I want to see the world beyond this nation. I want to understand how heroes operate elsewhere—and test my limits against what they call the 'unknown.'"
All Might sighed heavily, leaning back on the couch.
"You're just like I was," he murmured, mostly to himself. "Always chasing something invisible on the horizon."
Madara didn't respond. There was no need to.
All Might looked at him one last time, eyes serious. "Just promise me you'll be careful. Don't get reckless. Don't go looking for a fight just to prove something."
"Understood."
"And don't die. No matter what."
Madara gave him a final nod. "I don't intend to."
Later that night, Madara sat alone on the balcony of his villa. The moon hung overhead like a blade in the sky—sharp, watchful.
He closed his eyes and let the night breeze brush past him.
The East had grown predictable. Even the villains felt like scripted characters in someone else's game. But the West... the West was wild, uncertain. Untamed.
Perfect.
A stage worthy of him.
"Hero Association, huh..." he muttered.
In the distance, the world turned silently, carrying him closer to his next battlefield.
---
A/N: Advanced Chapters have been uploaded on my Patreon, please do check it out, it will mean a lot to me
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