Yo.
Been a while lads!
So here are the ages of the MHA characters since they're now in university.
Also, this chapter is a bit more on the relaxed side, but next chapter, we'll have more Mirko in store, don't worry.
Naruto Uzumaki: 27 years old
Ochako Uraraka: 21 years old
Tsuyu Asui: 21 years old
Fumikage Tokoyami: 21 years old
Tenya Iida: 19 years old
Momo Yaoyorozu: 19 years old
Denki Kaminari: 19 years old
Izuku Midoriya: 18 years old
Katsuki Bakugo: 18 years old
Shoto Todoroki: 18 years old
Mina Ashido: 18 years old
Eijiro Kirishima: 18 years old
Kyoka Jiro: 18 years old
Toru Hagakure: 18 years old
Yuga Aoyama: 18 years old
Hanta Sero: 20 years old
Mezo Shoji: 18 years old
Rikido Sato: 20 years old
And that's all I have to say for now.
Enjoy the chapter!
Start:
The mock-city training ground was quiet, tension filling every empty room and corridor. Naruto stood calmly on the uppermost floor of the building, arms crossed loosely as he leaned casually against a concrete pillar. Kirishima stood beside him, cracking his knuckles anxiously as they eyed the dummy bomb placed carefully in the room behind them.
"I feel kinda bad for Uraraka," Kirishima chuckled lightly, looking around the empty space, "Bakugo's strong, but his personality is… not stress free is putting it lightly."
The understatement of the century.
Naruto snickered softly, nodding in agreement. "True enough. We've been classmates for two weeks, and he's already managed to piss off everyone in class." Naruto glanced toward the stairwell thoughtfully. "He'll definitely split off from Ochako the moment they enter, thinking he can handle things solo."
"Agreed," Kirishima said, grinning as he punched his palm. "So, split up and intercept?"
Naruto smiled. "Exactly. You cover the lower floors. I'll handle the upper ones. With luck, we'll take them out one-by-one."
A simple plan, but considering who they were dealing with, they didn't need anything fancy.
Truth was, the shinobi considered the female hero to be more of the wild card rather than Bakugo as she wasn't predicable like he was.
Kirishima nodded eagerly, his enthusiasm returning. "Got it, dude. Let's rock!"
Naruto smirked lightly as Kirishima disappeared down the stairs, leaving him alone. He pushed off the pillar, walking calmly through the dimly lit upper floors, senses keen and alert.
Soon enough, quiet murmurs echoed down the hallway, a voice he immediately recognized. Peering around a corner, Naruto spotted Ochako Uraraka cautiously making her way toward his position, nervously muttering to herself.
"Oh no, why'd I have to go up against Uzumaki-kun…?" Ochako lamented, eyes scanning warily. "The strongest guy in class—this just isn't fair!"
Naruto stepped fully into view, smiling pleasantly. "Life isn't always fair, hero-chan."
Ochako jumped slightly, eyes widening as she saw him. Quickly regaining composure, she took a fighting stance. "Uzumaki-kun…or rather, villain! I won't let you win!"
Unable to rein in his amusement at her determination, he chuckled softly, "That's the spirit. But unfortunately, I can't let you pass."
Despite the huge gap in power between them, she didn't hesitate, quickly sprinting to the side much to his confusion.
Her reasoning became clear not a moment later as Ochako pressed her fingertips to a fallen steel beam, causing it to float effortlessly. With impressive force, she launched it toward him, the heavy metal shooting forward like a missile.
Naruto smoothly leapt away, the beam narrowly missing him and embedding itself into the wall behind with a loud crash.
"I was not expecting that," Naruto admitted, taken aback by her attack.
Ochako blushed faintly but quickly shook her head and glared determinedly at him. "I'm going up against the strongest guy in class. I can't hold back."
"Then what are you waiting for?" He taunted.
Naruto leapt away again as Ochako sprinted and lunged forward to him, swiftly attempting to tag him with her fingers. She cleverly made herself weightless mid-air, gaining sudden momentum to increase her speed. Naruto pivoted smoothly, her fingertips brushing mere inches from his chest.
With this kind of distance, it became a dance of movement as Ochako continuously tried to target him with her fingertips with Naruto simply moving around and away from her the entire time, staying clear of her no matter how small the distance was between them.
It was somewhat repetitive and if not for the fact that he wasn't paying attention, Naruto wouldn't have noticed how she continuously made contact with other objects that secretly floated but so feintly that no one would have thought they were floating in the first place.
And even then, some drifted up to the ceiling subtly but only when she thought he wasn't looking.
Leaping back once more just as her hand came dangerously close to touching his chest, the shinobi observed the slightly panting and slightly pouting brunette.
"You're pretty resourceful, Ochako," Naruto praised calmly, circling carefully, eyes focused yet relaxed. "But it'll take more than this to stop me."
On a separate note, everyone in class had grown accustomed to Naruto's boldness of calling them by their first name and without prefix .
Some didn't mind, like the brunette before him, others didn't take to such friendliness as kindly.
Not that it mattered to him
Ochako smirked slightly, confidence growing at his unawareness…. Poor girl. "I haven't even started yet, Uzumaki-kun."
She dashed forward again, and Naruto effortlessly evaded her attempts. But suddenly, Ochako released her quirk on all the floating objects. Chairs, desks, and boxes abruptly plunged down around Naruto, forcing him to dance swiftly between falling debris.
Not bad, Naruto thought appreciatively, swiftly weaving through her clever trap.
Taking advantage of Naruto's split-second distraction, Ochako leaped toward him once more, fingertips outstretched. But Naruto recovered instantly, smoothly sidestepping and catching her wrist gently, spinning her around.
"Almost," Naruto teased warmly.
Ochako flushed furiously, quickly freeing herself and regaining distance. She pressed her fingers to the floor itself, making large pieces of tile float upward and flung them rapidly toward Naruto like throwing knives. (I know she can't do that in canon, but she can here)
Naruto calmly weaved through the projectiles, impressed by her thinking.
Suddenly, the building shook violently, an explosive sound resonating from below. Both paused momentarily, Ochako's eyes widening.
"Bakugo," Naruto sighed knowingly. "Typical."
Coming back to what he had been thinking about, the only one who Naruto didn't address by first name was Bakugo, just because he preferred saying his name like that.
Already fed up with him due to earlier, Ochako groaned, clearly annoyed. "Bakugo-kun's so reckless…"
They both quickly refocused, resuming their mock-battle. Ochako's attacks became increasingly creative—each attempt more desperate and ingenious than the last. Naruto smoothly countered or dodged, genuinely impressed by her tenacity, though it remained one-sided.
It was around a couple of seconds later that this happened….
Another powerful tremor rattled the building, and a frantic, furious voice burst through their earpieces.
"Bakugo! Do not use those gauntlets!" Mirko's voice echoed sharply, clearly livid.
Ochako froze, eyes widening anxiously. "Wait—what?!"
Before Naruto could reply—
BOOOOOM!
The entire building quaked violently, concrete cracking loudly, ceilings crumbling rapidly above them. Ochako stumbled, losing her balance as the floor beneath her feet collapsed into jagged rubble.
But she had a bigger problem overhead… literally.
Naruto reacted instantly, lunging toward her as debris cascaded downward. Scooping Ochako protectively into his arms, he sprinted toward a nearby window. Holding her tightly, he shielded her completely, crashing through the glass and soaring briefly across open space toward the adjacent building.
Glass exploded around them as Naruto twisted in mid-air, shielding Ochako fully. They crashed into another building, skidding roughly across the floor amid raining debris and shattered glass.
Slowly opening her eyes, Ochako felt her heart pounding wildly, the rush of adrenaline still coursing through her veins. A moment passed before she realized her position—lying securely against a firm, warm chest, with protective arms gently encircling her waist.
Heat instantly flooded her face when she lifted her gaze to see Naruto's vivid blue eyes warmly regarding her, an amused but comforting smile playing at his lips.
"You alright there, Ochako?" his voice was gentle, tinged with playful curiosity.
"U-Uzumaki-kun!" she stammered, embarrassment spreading rapidly across her features. Hastily pushing herself upright, she got off him as he released his arms around but remained on the floor all the while avoiding his gaze, fumbling nervously with her costume as though to regain her composure. "Y-yeah, I'm fine… Thanks to you. You saved me."
A soft chuckle resonated from Naruto as he sat up to face her. "Don't mention it," he said warmly. Pausing for a moment, a teasing grin crept across his face. "Besides, having a cute lady sprawled on my chest was pretty nice."
Ochako's eyes widened comically as her cheeks went several shades darker. Covering her flushed face with both hands, she shook her head rapidly, voice coming out muffled through her fingers as she squeaked. "D-don't tease me like that, Uzumaki-kun! It's not fair!"
With a quiet laugh, Naruto smoothly rose to his feet and offered his hand, patiently waiting until she timidly placed her smaller hand in his. Gently pulling her up, he released her hand slowly, watching with mild amusement as she continued to avoid his gaze shyly. The dust around them settled quietly, the air calming after the chaotic interruption caused by their explosive classmate.
"Guess the battle's pretty much over, huh?" Naruto said, tone gentle as they began making their way out of the damaged building. He noted her visibly deepening frown, sensing the shift in her mood. "Something bothering you?"
Ochako let out a frustrated sigh, her eyes narrowing slightly as her irritation finally bubbled over. "It's Bakugo-kun. He just…" Her expression turned more agitated as she huffed indignantly. "He charges in recklessly, without even thinking about the consequences. And he's so rude and inconsiderate."
"I get what you mean," Naruto responded sympathetically, his voice calm and reassuring. He glanced toward the ruined building thoughtfully, understanding the depth of her frustration. "I imagine it can be hard to work with someone like that, especially when they refuse to even try to cooperate."
"Exactly!" she agreed immediately, visibly grateful that he understood her point of view. Her fists clenched slightly, eyes fixed ahead. "I know he's strong, but being strong doesn't mean you should ignore everyone else. We're supposed to rely on each other."
With a gentle smile, Naruto placed a comforting hand briefly on her shoulder, causing her to blush faintly again at the warmth of his touch. "Try not to let him get to you too much," he said softly, voice sincere and reassuring.
They continued walking back while lost in conversation, the blonde lending a sympathetic ear to the cute brunette who was understandably peeved.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
At the same time, though far removed from the chaos unfolding in Class 1-A's mock battle, the lively hum of chatter and laughter filled Class 1-B's homeroom. At the front stood Bee, currently in his alter ego, Gojo, wearing his distinctive carrot mask, his energetic voice ringing out rhythmically as he captivated his students.
"And when ya feel that hero beat, ya gotta rise and move your feet!" Bee/Gojo rhymed enthusiastically, striking a dramatic pose. His class erupted into cheers and laughter, clearly entertained by his exuberant style.
Before he could continue with his next verse, however, the classroom door opened with a confident click, instantly silencing the jovial atmosphere. All eyes shifted to the figure stepping inside, and a quiet wave of awed whispers swept through the room.
Midnight stood gracefully in the doorway, one hand resting casually on her hip, her sultry smile immediately capturing everyone's attention. Her eyes sparkled with playful curiosity as she slowly surveyed the class, eventually settling her gaze directly on Bee.
Midnight's appearance alone was enough to leave many breathless. She wore her iconic hero costume—a form-fitting, deep-purple bodysuit that clung enticingly to every enticing curve of her voluptuous body. The tight fabric hugged her generous figure, emphasizing the tantalizing swell of her large, heavy breasts, the tempting outline clearly visible beneath her sheer costume.
Lower, the bodysuit traced the sensually wide flare of her hips, curving seductively around her thick, shapely thighs that drew longing gazes from everyone who dared look.
A thin white belt cinched tightly around her slender waist, further highlighting the seductive difference between her narrow midsection and her enticingly wide hips. Black high-heeled boots added a provocative sway to her already hypnotic stride, each step accentuating the mesmerizing bounce of her curves.
"My, my," she purred, a teasing grin curling across her full lips as she sauntered forward, heels clicking softly against the tile floor. "Quite the performance, ~Gojo-Sensei~. Your students certainly look…enthused."
Even beneath the mask, Bee visibly stiffened, flustered by the alluring tone of Midnight's voice. Clearing his throat awkwardly, he rubbed the back of his neck, struggling to respond as his usual confident rhythm faltered.
"Ah, Midnight-Chan, what a pleasant surprise." Bee stammered lightly, heat rising beneath the mask. "Glad ya liked my hero rap, always aim to keep students on track."
Midnight chuckled lightly, stepping closer to Bee/Gojo until they stood merely an arm's length apart. Class 1-B watched in rapt fascination, eyes flickering back and forth between the two heroes, whispers passing discreetly between some students, and quiet laughter escaping others.
"You're so modest, Gojo-Sensei~" Midnight teased gently, leaning forward slightly, purposefully drawing attention to the inviting valley of cleavage exposed by her revealing outfit. Her eyes sparkled mischievously. "With such impressive teaching skills, perhaps you could join my class sometime. I'm sure we could improve our collaboration quite a bit…"
Oh…
Oh my…
Bee's entire posture shifted, his shoulders stiffening nervously as he gave a bashful yet earnest nod. Even his normally confident voice took on a shy undertone, albeit barely. "Collaborate, cooperate—girl, it sounds great. Any day, any time, just say the date."
A ripple of amused murmurs broke out among the students, some barely managing to hide their grins behind their hands, enjoying every moment of the unexpected flirtation.
Midnight's smile grew even warmer, her eyes twinkling knowingly as she reached out to playfully adjust Gojo's tie, causing him to tense further in embarrassed delight. Her voice lowered to a sensual whisper that only he could clearly hear, her breath warm against his mask. "I'll be sure to hold you to that promise," she teased softly, voice dripping with playful intent.
Stepping back elegantly, Midnight finally turned her full attention to the class, her expression shifting smoothly from flirtatious to professional, though her lingering smile hinted at amusement. "Now, Class 1-B, it's time for Heroic History and Art. Gojo-Sensei was delightful as always to pay attention to, but its you students who are my priority. now please open your textbooks."
The students quickly scrambled to obey, still exchanging excited, knowing glances at the exchange they'd just witnessed. Midnight paused briefly before glancing over her shoulder, offering Bee a final playful wink.
"Until next time, ~Sensei~" she purred warmly.
Bee did some weird hand gestures and bowed enthusiastically before swiftly exiting the classroom, heart pounding rapidly beneath the cheerful mask. Yet despite his embarrassment, his spirit was buoyed—energized and excited by the playful exchange.
Behind him, as Midnight took her place at the front, a few students leaned close, whispering eagerly.
"Man, sensei's got it bad!" one student snickered.
"Yeah," another replied, grinning widely. "I wonder if she'll actually get him to remove that carrot mask someday."
Laughter quietly rippled through Class 1-B, though all quickly fell silent as Midnight began her lesson, effortlessly commanding their attention once more.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The atmosphere in Principal Nezu's office was calm and inviting. Late afternoon sunlight streamed gently through the expansive windows, casting the cozy space in soft shades of amber. Comfortable plush chairs surrounded a polished wooden desk, where Nezu poured freshly brewed tea into porcelain cups, handing them carefully to Naruto and Bee.
"It's truly a pleasure to finally meet you face-to-face, Naruto-kun," Nezu began warmly, his tiny, intelligent eyes sparkling with genuine curiosity. "I've heard much about you from Bee-sensei here. How are you finding your experience at U.A. so far?"
Taking a careful sip, Naruto smiled appreciatively at the rich flavor. "I've been enjoying my time here. my big brother also happens to make the classes especially enjoyable when he teaches.."
Bee laughed heartily behind his banana mask, giving Naruto an affectionate nod. "Appreciate that, bro! Gotta keep things fresh and flowin', makes learning easy-going!"
A soft chuckle escaped Nezu as he nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Bee-sensei's unique charisma is precisely why our students respond so well. And what of your other instructors, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto paused thoughtfully. "They're impressive in their own ways. Mirko-sensei can be… intense, but I admire her dedication. She certainly keeps things interesting."
"That she does," came Nezu's amused reply as he gently ran a paw along his pristine white fur, absently smoothing it down. "I trust everyone here has been welcoming?"
"Absolutely," affirmed Naruto, his eyes following Nezu's meticulous grooming gesture. "By the way, Principal, your fur is remarkably well-maintained. I must ask what's your secret?"
Nezu's eyes lit up with visible delight, clearly pleased by the compliment. "Why, thank you, Naruto-kun! It's all about careful routine. First, a gentle brush every morning to remove tangles, followed by a blend of specialized oils to keep it soft and glossy. It's quite therapeutic, really."
Bee stifled a chuckle, sipping his tea quietly, amused by Nezu's enthusiasm. Leaning forward slightly, Naruto appeared genuinely intrigued. "I can imagine—it certainly shows."
The pleased principal smiled appreciatively, setting his cup down carefully. His expression then subtly shifted, becoming more playful yet probing. "Now, while grooming talk is delightful, I've been meaning to ask—have you heard about the recent sightings of that elusive villain, Sukuna?"
Naruto's posture remained relaxed, exchanging a quick glance with Bee. "An interesting question. Is there any particular reason you're asking me in particular?"
"Mere curiosity is all." Nezu responded smoothly. "I'm just curious to know of how up to date my students are with the news and villain sightings, and how informed they are in general."
"Understandable" was the simple, short, yet understanding reply.
Naruto then took a moment to think before saying. "Yeah, I read something recently. Wasn't there a report placing him in Thailand?"
"There was," Nezu replied, eyes bright with interest. "He's become quite the international mystery in the past year, hasn't he? What are your thoughts on his… unique methods?"
Considering the question carefully, Naruto sensed the careful intellectual dance Nezu was initiating. "Personally? I find him interesting. He certainly breaks the mold of a typical villain."
Nezu leaned back, nodding thoughtfully. "Agreed. Unlike most villains, Sukuna hasn't harmed civilians nor caused permanent damage. His antics are mischievous pranks, disrespectful of the law certainly, yet oddly harmless. Still, rules exist for good reason."
"Exactly," Naruto concurred, noting the nuance behind Nezu's words. "Though he's not malicious, laws maintain society's balance. Even harmless rebellion can cause unintended chaos."
Bee watched quietly, sipping tea slowly, enjoying their subtle exchange.
Nezu's eyes glinted mischievously, fully cognizant of the careful game they played. "Hypothetically speaking, of course… what do you suppose his ultimate goal might be? Fame? Influence? Or something deeper?"
Shrugging casually, Naruto maintained his neutral expression, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips. "Who knows? Maybe he's simply testing boundaries, challenging society's norms to see how far he can push. Or it could be something as absurd as trying to intrigue a romantic crush, there are many possible reasons."
"Interesting theories," remarked Nezu, nodding approvingly. "And hypothetically again, if Sukuna were to infiltrate a prestigious institution—say, U.A.—wouldn't that be a fascinating dilemma?"
Naruto chuckled softly, responding calmly. "It would certainly be daring. But with heroes like Mirko, yourself, and Bee around, he'd be taking quite the risk."
Bee snickered openly this time, clearly entertained by the underlying irony, while Nezu hummed thoughtfully, enjoying the playful intellectual fencing immensely.
"Indeed. But that raises another question: What would Sukuna hope to gain from infiltrating a school of heroes? Knowledge, perhaps? Insight into hero society?"
Leaning back comfortably, Naruto's expression remained thoughtful yet neutral. "Maybe. Or perhaps even Sukuna admires heroes in his own strange way. Inspiration can come from unexpected sources, even for villains."
Nezu laughed lightly, clearly impressed by Naruto's wit and subtlety. "Marvelously put, Naruto-kun. It's rare to meet someone your age so thoughtful. Villains are typically painted in black and white, yet you see shades of gray."
"Thanks, Principal," Naruto smiled appreciatively, eyes briefly meeting Nezu's in shared understanding. "I've always believed most things aren't quite as simple as people make them out to be."
"Wise words," Nezu agreed, eyes sparkling with appreciation. "Sukuna's situation indeed highlights the complexity of heroics. His acts, though playful and essentially harmless, provoke thoughtful questions about law and morality, right and wrong, and so forth. Can he for example be deemed evil when he's proven to be harmless, albeit disrespectful of the rules?"
Naruto nodded, genuinely enjoying the subtle yet meaningful conversation. "True. It's easy to categorize people, but harder—and more meaningful—to understand why they act as they do."
Bee, observing quietly, finally interjected with a playful chuckle. "Y'all got me thinkin' deep thoughts here—gotta be careful, or my head's gonna spin clear!"
Laughing warmly at Bee's humor, Nezu clearly appreciated the conversation's depth and friendliness. Leaning forward, he addressed Naruto earnestly once more, the knowing gleam in his eyes still present.
And Nezu could clearly see the enjoyment and amusement in Naruto's own gaze.
It was clear that Naruto that Nezu knew that Naruto knew that Nezu knew of the secret.
"Naruto-kun, it truly delights me to see students like yourself engage deeply with such topics. I greatly appreciate your perspective."
Naruto bowed slightly in acknowledgment. "The pleasure's all mine, Principal."
"Well, I've kept you both long enough," Nezu announced appreciatively, smiling warmly. "Bee-sensei, thank you for joining us as well."
Bee gave a cheerful thumbs-up, smiling broadly beneath his mask. "Anytime, Boss! Always happy to chill and spill. Though I still believe it to be a bad idea to call me Bee in school."
"Non-sense!" Nezu chirped enthusiastically. "I'd know if someone were to come close to the office."
Glancing at the clock, Naruto set down his empty cup with polite regret. "I'm sorry, Principal, but I should probably head out—I've got another class soon."
"Of course," Nezu replied warmly, standing politely. "Feel free to visit anytime. Conversations like this make my day brighter."
Rising smoothly, Naruto offered a respectful bow. "The feeling is very mutual."
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
It was a couple hours later.
The soft golden glow of the café lights provided a warm, inviting atmosphere as the group from Class 1-A settled comfortably around a spacious table near the window. Gentle chatter and quiet laughter filled the space, blending naturally with the soft background music. Holding the door open, Naruto allowed his classmates to walk ahead, observing them with quiet amusement as they entered.
Ochako stepped through just ahead of him, drawing Naruto's subtle attention. She had chosen to wear a flattering, casual outfit—a snug cream-colored sweater that accentuated her generous curves, outlining the soft, appealing swell of her ample chest beneath the gentle knit fabric.
Her face was undeniably charming; heart-shaped and framed by short, chestnut hair styled neatly, accentuating her delicate and inviting features. Wide, expressive chocolate-brown eyes paired wonderfully with soft, slightly flushed cheeks and naturally pouty lips.
But it was her lower body that truly captivated Naruto's appreciative gaze; her dark skirt clung enticingly to her full, rounded hips, drawing attention to her plush, generously thick thighs that pressed softly together with every gentle step. Naruto quietly admired the alluring shape of her curves, noting the gentle, inviting softness of her midsection—a subtle, appealing pudge.
Noticing his gaze, Ochako offered a shy smile, cheeks lightly tinted pink as she softly brushed her hair behind one ear.
Naruto smiled back gently, acknowledging the brief moment of mutual awareness before stepping inside, letting the door swing closed behind him.
Everyone quickly found their seats around the large table, relaxed and eager to unwind after the day's taxing mock battles.
"Man, today's battles really took it out of me," Denki groaned dramatically, leaning back in his chair. "I'm still feeling chilled from Todoroki freezing the whole building instantly. Iida, we didn't even get a chance!"
Iida straightened his glasses, sighing slightly in resignation. "I barely had time to move before the floor was ice. An instant victory is impressive, though admittedly embarrassing."
Laughter rippled gently around the table, easing the group comfortably into conversation. Mina leaned forward excitedly, her eyes bright. "Yeah, Todoroki's crazy strong. Did anyone else notice how calmly Hagakure walked out after? Like she just went for a casual stroll."
Tsuyu nodded thoughtfully, placing a finger to her chin. "Ribbit, it seems Todoroki-chan's strength caught even her off guard. She barely got to participate at all."
Izuku chuckled quietly, rubbing his neck sheepishly. "Well, compared to Bakugo-kun, Todoroki-kun at least didn't risk blowing the entire building down…"
Naturally, that exciting topic instantly roused discussion between the students who came here.
Between Tsuyu, Momo, and Fumikage who were especially cynical of his move, to Denki, Izuku and even Kirishima who was on the receiving end of that blast coming to the defense of the explosive hero student.
Ochako let out a frustrated sigh, lightly shaking her head. "Honestly, Bakugo-kun really made things difficult today. I still can't believe he just ignored Mirko-sensei like that."
Naruto gave her a sympathetic look, nodding slightly. "That sounds about right for him. Though you still managed to come up with some impressive moves yourself, Ochako."
She blushed gently, smiling in quiet appreciation. "Thanks, Uzumaki-kun, but it felt like I was just barely keeping up the whole time."
"You were creative, though," Fumikage interjected in his usual composed manner. "Adapting mid-battle isn't easy, especially against someone clearly stronger. Mirko-sensei likely noticed that as well."
Momo softly agreed, thoughtfully twirling a strand of her long hair. "Even if some battles ended quickly, everyone did their best in difficult circumstances. It was admirable."
A comfortable silence briefly settled before Izuku hesitated, glancing uncertainly around the table. "Speaking of Mirko-sensei…what do you all think about the expulsions from two weeks ago? No one really talked about it much."
The atmosphere around the table immediately shifted, becoming subtly tense. Several glanced downward, discomfort evident in their expressions.
Tenya eventually broke the quiet first, voice calm and thoughtful. "It was harsh, but Mirko-sensei clearly had her reasons. Hero work is extremely demanding, and not everyone can meet those standards."
Mina sighed softly, leaning her cheek against her palm. "I know it's practical…but seeing Mineta-kun and Ojiro-kun so devastated really hurt."
Denki shifted uncomfortably, nodding in reluctant agreement. "Yeah, I mean, Mineta was a bit weird, but still…seeing someone get their dream crushed like that was pretty rough."
A gentle frown crossed Momo's features, her voice gentle yet firm. "That's true. But I believe Mirko-sensei did it precisely because she cares about our safety. It's better they find out now than face something worse later."
Ochako glanced downward, her expression soft yet troubled. "I just can't help wondering if there could've been another way. Maybe extra support or guidance?"
Folding his arms loosely, Naruto's tone became gently serious. "She wasn't being cruel. Mirko-sensei understands real heroism better than most. It was about protecting them, not punishing them."
And it was the truth.
If Mineta or Ojiro or Koda had been put in a real-life situation with a villain, either they would die or the people around them, or most likely both.
Her decision to expel them may have been harsh but it was the right one. And deep down, pretty much everyone on the table understood that grim reality.
Though a few weren't quite so accepting of it, Naruto noted as he noticed the subtle clenching of Izuku's fist.
Quietly interjecting, Tsuyu's usual calm tone carried a hint of sadness. "Ribbit. I just wish we'd had more time to say goodbye or something. It all felt so sudden."
Beside her, Fumikage nodded slowly, his deep voice calm yet empathetic. "Abrupt as it was, it made a strong point. Heroes carry enormous responsibility—Mirko-sensei wanted us to truly understand that."
Hagakure sighed quietly, rubbing her arm. "Still, it's scary to think anyone could just be cut like that, isn't it?"
Recognizing the lingering tension, Mina suddenly brightened her tone, lightly tapping her fingertips on the table. "Okay, enough depressing stuff. I wanna hear why you guys decided to become heroes in the first place!"
Relieved smiles spread across the group, grateful for the shift toward lighter discussion. Eijiro immediately brightened, eagerly clenching a fist. "Easy one for me! Heroes inspire people by being strong and dependable—I wanna be that person who never lets others down!"
"That's very like you, Kirishima-chan," Tsuyu noted warmly. "For me, seeing people safe and happy is the best feeling. Hero work just fits who I am."
Tenya straightened up proudly, adjusting his glasses. "For myself, it's continuing the honored tradition of my family. Being heroes is something deeply important to us all."
Izuku rubbed his neck shyly, cheeks faintly pink. "Um, mine might sound childish, but…I just always admired All Might. I guess I wanted to help others the way he did, with a smile."
Quiet laughter filled the table, gently reassuring Izuku that his reason was perfectly acceptable. Momo then added her own perspective gently, eyes sincere. "I felt responsible to use my abilities to help others. If I can protect even one person from suffering, it's worthwhile."
Finally, attention shifted to Ochako, who flushed softly under their expectant gazes. She hesitated briefly, then quietly spoke, eyes lowered shyly.
"My reason's probably a little different," she began hesitantly. "I became a hero…mostly for the money."
Mina blinked in surprise, as did everyone else which prompted Ochako to quickly continue, nervously clarifying. "I know how it sounds! But it's because I want to support my parents. They've always worked so hard, and money was always tight… Becoming a hero seemed like the best way to make sure they wouldn't have to struggle anymore."
There was a thoughtful pause before gentle smiles appeared around the table. Naruto regarded her warmly, his voice calm and genuine. "That's actually really admirable, Ochako. Wanting to support your family is something you should be proud of, not embarrassed by."
Iida firmly agreed, nodding sincerely. "Uzumaki-san's correct. Your reason shows how compassionate and responsible you truly are."
Ochako smiled shyly, clearly touched by their support. "Thanks, everyone. That means a lot."
Conversation continued to flow easily afterward, the group comfortably settling into relaxed chatter once again.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The streetlights cast faint pools of amber along the empty sidewalks around U.A., the campus quiet beneath the calm night sky. Naruto stood casually near the school's outer wall, hidden by shadow, his gaze fixed briefly on the familiar banana mask in his hands. With practiced ease, he slipped it on, adjusting the black sunglasses over the comically shaped disguise.
His posture shifted subtly, becoming more relaxed yet confident, a faint smirk playing at his lips beneath the mask. Without a sound, he easily scaled the perimeter wall, landing softly inside the school grounds, comfortable and unhurried, as if taking a casual evening stroll rather than breaking into a prestigious hero academy.
As he walked forward, Naruto let out a quiet breath, his voice light with quiet anticipation as he murmured to himself:
"Well, let's see how you handle tomorrow's surprise, U.A."
End.
Hope you all enjoyed it, this chapter was relatively chill and relaxing.
Figured we could use some of that considering the events of last chapter.
And that's all for now.
Take care lads.
Peace.