-3rd Person POV-

With his rank firmly among the top ten Japanese pro heroes, Gang Orca's presence here was nothing short of formidable. The menacing and ruthless persona he could exude and the sheer bulk of his figure radiated an aura of strength that could intimidate anyone, even fellow heroes.

Now, Gang Orca and his contingent of henchmen advanced swiftly, the rhythm of their march growing louder as they closed in on the first aid station. There was hardly a moment to strategize. Tatsuya's muscles tensed, his stance low as he braced himself, instinctively sliding into a combat-ready position. His eyes narrowed, assessing the fast-approaching threat with a sharpened focus.

"Get everyone to safety!" Shindo's voice rang out as he dashed past, determination etched in his expression.

"Shindo, wait!" Tatsuya called, his voice laced with urgency. The reckless move caught him off guard, and he felt an instinctive need to intervene.

But Shindo didn't stop, merely throwing a glance over his shoulder. "Do it! Get them as far away from the villains as possible!" he repeated, his tone leaving no room for hesitation.

Tatsuya's jaw clenched as he looked wary between the oncoming threat and the scattered civilians. He wanted to believe in Shindo's abilities but doubted whether the Ketsubutsu student's tremor attack would do much to their opponent. The tactic might scatter the henchmen but against a pro hero of Gang Orca's caliber? That was another matter entirely.

Shindo positioned himself several yards away from the first aid station, crouching with his hands pressed to the ground, determination gleaming in his eyes. "I'll start hammering away at the henchmen at one-second intervals," he muttered to himself, his voice barely audible over the mounting tension as he activated his Quirk.

Cracks splintered outward in an intricate web, spreading with fierce momentum across the field. The tremors increased, lifting chunks of rock and debris, causing the henchmen to stumble as they lost their footing on the unsteady ground.

"Weren't expecting that, were you?" Shindo's grin flashed with confidence, his energy exuding a cocky thrill as the impact rippled through his foes.

But his victory was short-lived. A chilling shadow fell over him as Gang Orca loomed, unaffected and unimpressed by the tremors. The orca-like pro was upon him in an instant, his menacing stare unwavering.

"Nice try," he growled, voice vibrating with a sinister calm just before he unleashed an ultrasonic wave straight into Shindo's face.

The powerful sound reverberated at a brutal pitch, and Shindo's eyes rolled back as his body went limp, dropping onto the fractured ground with a hollow thud, his expression vacant. The sight left the other examinees frozen with shock, each painfully aware of the raw power that had just been displayed.

"A single rear guard to hold us back? You've underestimated me," Gang Orca announced, his voice deep and resonant. His tone was almost scolding, as if mocking the examinees' attempt to resist, his gaze sharp as he surveyed the scene, daring any of them to step forward and prove themselves.

Gang Orca turned his imposing form toward the examinees scrambling to get the injured away, his heavy footsteps sending vibrations through the ground with each menacing step. His intense gaze swept over them, calculating, as a smirk curled on his lips. Frozen in fear, the bystanders instinctively shrank back, but his instincts flared just as he took another step forward. A faint shift in the air—a nearly undetectable rush from his right—signaled an incoming attack.

Gang Orca pivoted around, ready to unleash another ultrasonic blast toward the threat. But before he could fully turn, the attacker darted in low, diving beneath his outstretched arm in a swift, agile movement. The pro hero's eyes narrowed, catching only a fleeting glimpse of dark hair and fierce determination as his opponent closed the distance instantly.

Before Gang Orca could react, a sharp impact struck his shin. The force was enough to cause a slight shift in his balance, but he barely flinched, his muscular frame absorbing the blow with little more than a grunt. He glanced down, finding Tatsuya preparing for a follow-up strike, his face set with intense determination.

As the wolf boy's fist swung towards Gang Orca's chin in an uppercut, the pro hero brought his massive arm down to intercept the blow, his palm meeting Tatsuya's knuckles with a resounding smack. The sound rang like a clap of thunder, a sharp reminder of the stark contrast between their strengths.

"So, you've chosen to fight, Akiba," Gang Orca sneered, unfazed by the impact.

A sharp inhale hissed through Tatsuya's gritted teeth as he tried to pull his arm back, feeling a jolt of frustration when he found his wrist clamped in Gang Orca's iron grip. The orca-like hero's fingers coiled around his fist like a steel vise, unyielding and immovable. Gang Orca twisted Tatsuya's wrist just enough to send a subtle message: breaking free would not come easily. It was a powerful display of dominance, leaving no doubt about who controlled the moment.

The wolf boy's eyes briefly widened as he registered the strength in Gang Orca's hold. Heat radiated from the pro's massive hand, sinking into Tatsuya's skin as an intimidating reminder of the raw power he was up against. It sent a surge of unease through him, but he quickly tamped it down, focusing instead on his next move.

"But that was a mistake on your—" Gang Orca began, his voice dripping with condescension, but the wolf boy seized the moment, cutting him off with a swift knee strike aimed at the hero's face. The force of the blow caught Gang Orca off guard, staggering him back just enough to break the tension of their standstill.

Seeing his chance, Tatsuya slashed at the orca-like hero's hand with his claws. A slight grimace flashed across Gang Orca's face as he registered the pain, loosening his grip just enough for Tatsuya to free his captured arm. The wolf boy staggered back, heart pounding, but eyes locked on his opponent, ready to strike again at a moment's notice.

Gang Orca glanced down at the fresh claw marks on his hand, a subtle irritation darkening his gaze. His eyes narrowed when he looked back up, locking onto Tatsuya with intense, assessing scrutiny. Both stood still for a beat, neither willing to make the first move. It was like an unspoken challenge hung between them, a silent dare to test each other's resolve. But then, something shifted—the faintest rustle in the air from their right.

In an instant, Gang Orca pivoted to his left, his instincts kicking in as he detected the attack before it came into view. With practiced precision, he unleashed another ultrasonic wave, the force of it shattering an oncoming ice wave into bits.

Tatsuya's gaze tracked the icy remnants to their source, spotting the familiar figure standing poised and unwavering. "Todoroki," he murmured under his breath.

"Akiba, are you evacuating? We'll help!" a voice called out from across the field, capturing Tatsuya's attention.

Turning, he spotted Ojiro, Ashido, and Tokoyami sprinting toward him; their expressions steeled with purpose as they closed in from Todoroki's left. The wolf boy shifted his focus between Gang Orca, now focused on Todoroki, and his three approaching classmates. Without hesitation, he dashed forward to meet them halfway.

Ashido grinned as they neared. "Todoroki's quick, but we managed to catch up!" she said, her tone light but her stance battle-ready.

"Where did you guys come from?" Tatsuya asked, curiosity tinged with relief.

Ojiro lifted his tail, pointing to the left. "We found some injured by the river. Most of the others went straight into the city, so we covered the outskirts, hoping we wouldn't miss anyone who needed help. Yaoyorozu and Asui stayed behind to search for survivors, but we couldn't stand by and watch these villains do this."

"Perfect." Tatsuya nodded, swiftly piecing together a plan as his gaze shifted across the field, taking in the first-aid station and the small groups of civilians in various stages of evacuation. His attention then flicked to the intense standoff between Todoroki and Gang Orca.

Todoroki's resolve was unwavering as he continually unleashed icy waves, each attack aimed to keep Gang Orca and his henchmen at bay. The orca-like pro could repel the attacks with his ultrasonic wave, but the henchmen weren't so lucky as the ice crawled over their legs, cementing them in place.

A rush of adrenaline urged Tatsuya to jump back into the fray, to stay and fight alongside Todoroki, especially now that Gang Orca's sights were set on him. But his gaze fell on the civilians again, the original purpose of their exam pulling him back to the present. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to remember the objective, no matter how every instinct urged him to stay.

"I don't like leaving mid-battle," he admitted, his voice edged with reluctance, "but saving the civilians comes first."

Ojiro, Ashido, and Tokoyami nodded in silent agreement, their expressions mirroring his own resolve. None of them wavered, knowing that the path to becoming a true hero wasn't about personal victories but ensuring that the people they'd come to protect and those standing beside them walked away safely.

"Your power is nothing," Gang Orca declared, a calm menace in his voice as he stood firm, meeting each of Todoroki's relentless waves of ice without breaking a sweat. His posture remained steady, unyielding even as ice crawled toward him in aggressive waves, only to shatter and fall harmlessly away from his solid stance.

Todoroki's gaze sharpened, his breath fogging in the air. "Guess I know why he's number ten," he muttered, frustration flickering in his eyes. He had been concerned with how long he could sustain this assault, pushing his ice to the limit against such a formidable opponent. Suddenly, he felt the air pressure around him shift sharply, a gust nearly knocking him off balance. "This wind..."

"I'm gonna blow you evildoers away!" Yoarashi's booming voice echoed through the battlefield as he descended, his arm outstretched as he unleashed a powerful blast of wind. The gale tore across the ground, creating shockwaves that shattered Todoroki's ice and flung Gang Orca's henchmen into the air, scattering them in every direction.

"A second villain attack. Man, they really pulled out all the stops for us, didn't they?" Yoarashi shouted enthusiastically, a fierce smile lighting up his face as he reveled in the rush of the simulated battle. That excitement stopped dead as he and Todoroki noticed each other.

Tatsuya's ears twitched as he caught the familiar voice. He glanced back, recognizing Yoarashi's towering form hovering above with his Shiketsu High uniform stark against the sky, framed by the whirlwind he had conjured. "Yoarashi." Despite the distraction, the wolf boy's grip remained firm as he held a civilian securely in his arms, focused on the priority at hand.

"Good timing," Ojiro remarked as he moved past Tatsuya, a civilian clinging tightly to his back. "We can keep evacuating while the strong attackers hold them back."

"Yeah!" Ashido chimed in, her grip gentle yet steady as she took a young child by the wrist, guiding him swiftly but carefully to safety.

Together, they continued pulling civilians out of harm's way, their determination reflected in each other's eyes as they made the most of their comrades' strength holding the villains back.

Near Gang Orca, Todoroki and Yoarashi locked eyes, tension hanging thick between them. Their expressions were equally unamused, each seeing the other as an unwelcome interference. Remembering the intense look in the Shiketsu student's eyes in their prior conversation, Todoroki set his gaze on Gang Orca once more.

"Why don't you go help with the first aid station instead? Your Quirk would be good for that. I'll take care of him," he said, not hiding his impatience as he raised his left arm towards the orca-like pro.

Yoarashi's scowl deepened, his eyes narrowing as he brought his arms in close, bracing himself. The air around him thickened with a mounting force, the wind gathering like a storm ready to break. His posture spoke volumes—he had no intention of backing down.

Gang Orca's eyes shifted, assessing his opponents. "Here they come," he thought, lowering himself into a battle-ready stance, his muscles tensing as he readied to meet their combined force.

Todoroki moved first, flames erupting from his left side in a fierce, blinding wave aimed at the orca-like pro. Yoarashi released his wind with explosive force in sync, the gust spiraling toward their shared target. Yet, as the attacks merged mid-air, they clashed instead of combining, the fire scattering in Yoarashi's gust and the gale dispersing Todoroki's flames. Both blasts veered off course, missing Gang Orca entirely and scattering wildly around him.

"Huh? Where are they aiming?" a henchmen asked, bewildered by the unexpected outcome.

"Why'd you use your flames? The heat makes the air rise up!" Yoarashi demanded, his voice laden with frustration as though Todoroki had deliberately undermined his efforts.

Todoroki's face darkened, his eyes blazing with irritation. "Because he didn't fall to my ice earlier. You ruined my shot on purpose, didn't you? Using your wind to blow away my fire!"

Further away, Tatsuya faltered mid-step, barely able to believe his ears as the heated argument reached him. "You can't be serious!" he thought, an unspoken urge to shout reaching his throat as he saw precious seconds slip away.

"You blocked me so you'd get all the glory!" Yoarashi countered, his anger punctuated by the wind around him stirring.

Todoroki's mouth twisted into a frown, baffled by the accusation. "What? Why would I do something like that?" His voice held a hint of exasperation, his mind elsewhere as he tried to understand Yoarashi's hostility.

Yoarashi's face hardened, and his expression was intense with resentment. "Why wouldn't you?" he shot back, his voice cutting like a blade. "Hatred's in your blood! You are Endeavor's son!" The statement hit with the force of a physical blow, the unspoken resentment Yoarashi harbored spilling into the open.

Todoroki's scowl deepened as he narrowed his eyes at the Shiketsu student. "What the hell has been up with you this whole time?" he demanded, turning fully to confront him. "My old man's got nothing to do—" His words were abruptly silenced as a thick, grey blast struck his shoulder, the gritty substance immediately hardening into a cement-like block, immobilizing his arm.

"Like my Cement Gun? Good luck tryin' to move when that hardens up," a henchman remarked, the gun on his arm letting smoke out of one of its holes as it remained aimed at the heterochromatic male.

"This is outrageous. I can't believe you're arguing," Gang Orca scoffed, his voice laced with disdain. He closed his eyes as if to block out the spectacle of their discord, but the disappointment radiating from him was unmistakable. Watching the supposed heroes quarrel instead of fighting seemed to deepen his contempt as if confirming his low expectations of their generation.

Suddenly, Todoroki was forced to raise a wall of ice to shield himself as the henchmen fired their Cement Guns in their direction. The concrete bullets hit the surface of the ice with a series of heavy thuds, splintering on impact. Each strike sent shards flying as Todoroki gritted his teeth, his irritation momentarily redirected towards fending off the barrage. His makeshift shield grew under his focused glare, holding fast despite the onslaught.

"This has everything to do with your cold-blooded father," Yoarashi countered hotly, a spark of anger flashing in his eyes. In an impressive display, he twisted his body mid-air, letting bursts of wind lift and guide him out of reach as more cement bullets whizzed past. "To me, heroes should be full of passion. They bring hope and inspiration to people with the fire burning in their hearts. They care!"

For a fleeting moment, Yoarashi's mind drifted back to a distant memory that had haunted him since childhood. He recalled the day he first saw the Flame Hero towering before him like an indomitable force. He had approached the hero with a board clutched in his tiny hands, his heart pounding with admiration. But when he'd tried to ask for an autograph, the hero's response had been anything but kind. With a single, dismissive motion, Endeavor had swatted his board aside, leaving him in stunned silence. The impact of that moment lingered painfully in his memory.

"It was a shock to meet your father because the only thing I could see in his eyes was an insatiable anger aimed at the entire world," Yoarashi said bitterly, the memory vivid in his mind.

Another memory surfaced—the day of the U.A. recommendation test, when he'd immediately recognized Todoroki in the crowd. He'd been taken aback, unable to ignore the familiarity of that cold, piercing stare. "And then, at the entrance exam, I saw you," he continued, his voice laced with resentment, "and I knew who you were immediately." He clenched his fists, his frustration as fresh as it had been that day. "Because when I said hello, your eyes were the same as his!"

"You think we're the same? Don't be ridiculous." Todoroki's voice was low but sharp, his tone carrying an edge that seemed to slice through the air between them. "You're a fool. I'm nothing like him."

As Todoroki remained pinned behind his ice wall, his heart began to feel hot as he contemplated his feelings toward his father. He knew deep down that he was still carrying hatred for Endeavor. At the same time, he didn't want his emotions and Yoarashi's words to distract him from the exam.

"Hmph." Gang Orca's disappointed voice broke through, his gaze cold and contemptuous. "A villain in front of you, and you've done nothing." His words felt like an accusation, striking both boys like a gavel's blow, the weight of judgment clear in his tone.

"You and your father are the only heroes I can't accept!" Yoarashi's voice rose with an almost explosive fury, his passion cresting like a wave about to crash. "You don't deserve the title! Understand? Now, move!"

Without another word, Yoarashi summoned the full force of his Quirk; his hands thrust forward as he launched a gust of wind directly toward Gang Orca. Yet again, however, Todoroki moved in sync, unleashing his flames simultaneously, the two attacks colliding violently in mid-air.

Yoarashi's face twisted in frustration as he saw the gale and flames veer off-course. "Again? Are you kidding me?!" he shouted, his voice exasperated.

But there was no mistaking the horror dawning on both their faces as they watched their attacks spiral out of control. Todoroki's fire, whipped by Yoarashi's wind, was now barreling straight toward Shindo, who regained consciousness and was utterly defenseless in its path.

"No! He'll be incinerated!" Todoroki's thoughts screamed as panic tightened his throat. His mind spun, frantically grasping for a way to halt the blaze, but the flames were already too far gone, and a sinking dread seized him as he realized there was nothing he could do to stop them in time.

Just as the flames bore down on Shindo, a flash of green lightning appeared out of nowhere, streaking across the field. In the blink of an eye, Izuku darted in, snatching Shindo from the ground and hurtling out of harm's way, his form crackling with raw energy.

"Dammit!" Izuku's face twisted with fury as he turned on them. "WHAT ARE YOU TWO DOING?!"

Izuku's furious shout reverberated across the battlefield, making Todoroki and Inasa freeze mid-bicker, but it wasn't enough to jolt them back to their senses. Before either could even react, a shadow loomed into Todoroki's space. They turned to see Tatsuya's expression blazing with anger.

With swift, unyielding force, the wolf boy drove a sharp kick into Todoroki's side, catching him completely off guard and stumbling backward. Yoarashi flinched, surprised by the unexpected intervention, but one look at Tatsuya's face and any protest he might have had died in his throat.

The tension between them thickened as Tatsuya's glare burned into them, his normally stoic gaze now filled with unmistakable fury. His clenched fists shook, and he held himself taut as if barely restraining from another blow.

"You... you absolute dumbasses!" he finally spat, his voice filled with contempt. "Do you even get what you're doing right now? People out here need us, and you're both too busy throwing your egos around to notice!"

Todoroki looked up, shock mingling with a growing understanding of Tatsuya's fury. Yoarashi's eyes widened, the weight of the wolf boy's words sinking in as he realized the consequences of their actions.

"This exam isn't about proving who's stronger or getting the glory. We're here to save people," Tatsuya snarled, his voice like steel. "If you two can't let go of your stupid rivalry, you're not fit to be heroes!"

The battlefield fell into a tense silence as Tatsuya's words sank in. Todoroki and Yoarashi felt the sting—not just of his kick on the former, but of the bitter truth he'd thrown at them. The weight of the wolf boy's accusation pressed on their shoulders, making them realize just how foolish their feud appeared amidst the destruction around them.

Todoroki's gaze drifted to Yoarashi, something stirring in his memory. He looked at the Shiketsu student as if truly seeing him for the first time. "This guy... he beat me at the recommendation exam." His mind reeled as he pieced it together, remembering Yoarashi's power and intensity. "Why didn't I remember him sooner? He's so loud and obnoxious... but back then, I wasn't really seeing him. I only wanted to reject that bastard." Todoroki's mind whispered the unspoken name, heavy with contempt. "I wasn't thinking about anything else."

Meanwhile, Gang Orca's gaze narrowed, his patience wearing thin. "Enough of these games," he growled, his tone laced with menace. Taking advantage of Todoroki's distraction, he lunged forward, his massive hand reaching out.

"Behind you," Tatsuya warned, jumping back to gather distance.

Todoroki noticed the movement only a split-second before Gang Orca's fingers would have wrapped around him, narrowly dodging to the side.

"First, I'll stop the wind!" Gang Orca roared, suddenly shifting his focus upward. With practiced precision, he released an ultrasonic wave aimed directly at Yoarashi.

The sound struck Yoarashi like a physical blow, forcing a scream of pain from his throat as the air attack dissipated. His body went rigid before he tumbled out of the sky.

Todoroki stared in shock as Yoarashi lay motionless, unable to comprehend how quickly the Shiketsu student had been struck down. But before he could move, he felt a crushing grip wrap around his own throat, lifting him clean off the ground. Gang Orca's face loomed close, his dark eyes glinting with grim satisfaction as he tightened his hold.

"You reap what you sow!" Gang Orca snarled, his voice a harsh whisper in Todoroki's ear. The next instant, the sharp pulse of the ultrasonic wave hit him, sending his senses spinning. Every nerve felt ablaze as the sound rattled through his skull, rendering him defenseless.

As Todoroki writhed under the attack, Gang Orca's henchmen took the opportunity to advance toward the evacuees and hero students in the distance, undeterred by the faltering defense. The sense of helplessness thickened as the examinees scrambled to hold their ground against the oncoming threat.

Gang Orca released his grip with a look of cold detachment, letting Todoroki fall to the ground in a crumpled heap. "Now then, I'll finish off the wind-user and continue with the attack," he murmured with chilling calm.

Without a second glance at Todoroki, he turned, his strides purposeful as he closed the distance toward the downed Yoarashi, who lay sprawled on the ground, still recovering from the agonizing effects of the ultrasonic wave.

But just as Gang Orca closed in on the downed Shiketsu student, a sudden pressure seized his legs from behind. Gang Orca's expression hardened as he was sent stumbling toward the ground, his massive form crashing to the earth with an earth-shaking impact. The "villain" roared in frustration as his eyes shot up, scanning the area for the source of the unexpected attack.

Tatsuya straightened, his gaze unflinching as he held his ground, challenging the formidable villain with a quiet intensity. "You're not getting anywhere near him," he said, his voice a low snarl as he stepped forward, planting himself firmly in front of Gang Orca. His posture was tense, poised to strike at a moment's notice.

Gang Orca's eyes flashed with a mixture of irritation and surprise. He hadn't expected someone so young to have the audacity to interfere with him, much less be capable of throwing him off balance.

But the orca-like pro hero wasn't one to be intimidated easily. He rose from the ground, shaking off the disorientation of the trip. "You're brave, Akiba. But foolish," he warned, his voice thick with menace. "You think you can take me on?"

"It's not a matter of whether I can defeat you or not," Tatsuya declared, his voice steeled with unwavering resolve. "It's a hero's job to risk his life to protect those who can't protect themselves!"

Without hesitation, Tatsuya launched himself forward, his body a blur as he surged toward Gang Orca, fists clenched with fierce intent. The muscles in his arm coiled as he threw a punch, aiming directly for the massive villain's side. His knuckles struck with a solid thud, the impact reverberating against Gang Orca's thick hide. Though his blow wasn't powerful enough to topple the orca-like pro, it forced the towering figure to take an unexpected step back, a flicker of surprise crossing Gang Orca's face at the ferocity of Tatsuya's strike.

Gang Orca's dark eyes narrowed, his expression turning cold and contemptuous. "Great speech, but it won't save you," he sneered, his arm rising as he prepared to slam his heavy fist down on the wolf boy.

The massive limb descended with bone-crushing force, but Tatsuya sprang to the side just in time, the fist narrowly missing him and smashing into the ground where he had stood only moments before. The earth trembled under the impact, dust and debris scattering around them as Tatsuya skidded to regain his footing, already calculating his next move.

"Thanks to earlier, I managed to get a good read on him," Tatsuya thought, his eyes darting over Gang Orca's hulking frame.

He recalled that the villain hadn't worn those reinforced gauntlets whenever he was on the field. They had to be similar to the binding restraints used by teachers in the practical exams—perhaps a necessary measure to keep Gang Orca's immense strength in check.

"Even without those restraints, he's always had enhanced physical prowess because of his Quirk," Tatsuya mentally deduced, his mind racing. "If his upper body is durable, then..." He glanced down at the orca-like pro's legs. "His legs are likely his weak spot!"

Just as Tatsuya was putting his plan into motion, Gang Orca turned, his eyes locking onto the wolf boy with a predatory gleam. The villain's jaw opened, and Tatsuya knew precisely what was coming. The wolf boy dove to the side again, his body twisting in mid-air as the piercing wave blasted the area he had just occupied. His heart hammered from the narrow escape, but he landed in a controlled roll.

Undeterred, Tatsuya sprinted toward Gang Orca, keeping his body low to the ground. The earth felt solid beneath his feet, grounding him with each step as he approached with purpose and precision. His eyes remained locked on his target, intent on exploiting the weakness he'd identified.

As Tatsuya closed in, his claws extended in a deadly arc. He slashed at the side of Gang Orca's ankle, the sharpened edges of his claws slicing through the tough hide. Gang Orca's mouth twisted in a grimace as he let out a pained, guttural hiss, the unexpected sting from the attack searing through his leg.

But the pro had no time to process the pain; a sudden impact landed squarely against the wounded area, pressing sharply against the fresh marks Tatsuya had just carved into his skin. Gang Orca staggered forward, thrown off balance as his injured leg buckled under the pain and pressure.

Before he could regain his footing, Tatsuya took advantage of the opening to land a powerful kick to the orca-like pro's back. The force of the blow sent a jolt through Gang Orca's body, forcing him forward and driving him to his knees, momentarily knocked down by the unexpected attack.

Gang Orca glanced back over his shoulder, catching Tatsuya poised defensively, his stance low and balanced, ready to strike or evade. Tatsuya's sharp gaze revealed his awareness, but Gang Orca had a trick up his sleeve. He swept his cape around in a wide arc with a calculated flick, aiming to obscure Tatsuya's vision and throw him off guard. The dark fabric billowed suddenly toward him, forcing Tatsuya to raise his arm defensively to shield his face, bracing against the unexpected maneuver.

As the cape brushed across his arm, a sharp sense of danger flared in Tatsuya's instincts. Reacting on pure reflex, he ducked and rolled away just in time to avoid a powerful swipe from Gang Orca's massive arm, the strike whistling past where his head had been only moments before.

Tatsuya's eyes narrowed as he leaped into the air, twisting over Gang Orca's outstretched arm with the agility of a predator in pursuit. He angled his leg for a fierce kick aimed at the pro hero's face.

Gang Orca, however, anticipated the strike. His other arm rose with precise timing, intercepting Tatsuya's kick with a solid block. Tatsuya's foot connected with the gauntlet on the orca-like pro's thick forearm, the impact sending a jolt back through his leg.

Clicking his tongue in frustration, Tatsuya pushed off with his other leg, using the force to launch himself backward and out of Gang Orca's immediate range before the pro could attempt to grab him.

In that moment, a sudden blaze erupted around Gang Orca, forming a fierce, spiraling wall of fire that coiled upward. The flames roared and crackled, casting jagged shadows across Gang Orca's form as he struggled to brace himself against the intense heat.

Tatsuya's sharp gaze darted toward the downed forms of Todoroki and Yoarashi. Despite their battered states, their combined Quirks had merged to create the blazing vortex that now imprisoned Gang Orca.

"Even after taking an ultrasonic wave head-on, they're still able to control their Quirks," Tatsuya thought, a flicker of reluctant admiration crossing his mind as he absorbed the sheer force of their attack. The flames surged higher, their searing heat palpable even from where Tatsuya stood.

Within the fiery cyclone, Gang Orca narrowed his eyes toward Yoarashi. "His strength and accuracy have decreased, but his incapacity wasn't complete. He's barely able to control his Quirk," he noted, his calculating gaze shifting to Todoroki. The ice-and-fire student lay motionless but continued to channel raw heat into the vortex, amplifying its ferocity. "And this one is adding raw power to Yoarashi's attack. This won't make up for their foolishness earlier, but it's not a bad start."

In the distance, Gang Orca's henchmen began to notice the shift in the battle. One of them pointed frantically toward the vortex, his voice tinged with alarm. "Hey, behind us! The boss is trapped in some kinda fire tornado!" he shouted, panic spreading among the group.

"He's an orca, so he's super weak when he gets dried out!" another henchman exclaimed, his voice rising above the chaos. "Forget the wind! We need to stop the flames before they take him out!"

Acting quickly, the henchmen turned their Cement Guns toward Todoroki, their singular focus now on extinguishing the blazing attack. They began firing in rapid succession, streams of cement arcing through the air toward the motionless student. But Todoroki, despite his prone position, managed to summon a protective ice wall. The shimmering barrier formed in time, the cement splattering harmlessly against its surface.

One of the henchmen froze in disbelief, his weapon trembling. "No way! Todoroki used both sides!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with shock and awe at the young hero's resilience.

"Should we fall back and regroup?" another henchman asked, his panic mounting as the flames roared louder behind them.

"Look out!" a third henchman shouted suddenly, his warning coming too late. A streak of green lightning bolted toward them from the corner of their vision.

Izuku crashed into their ranks with a broad, devastating kick, knocking several of them to the ground in one mighty strike. The henchmen scattered, their formation breaking apart under the force of his intervention.

The henchmen still standing quickly regrouped, their Cement Guns aimed squarely at Izuku. But Ojiro and Tatsuya sprang into action before they could fire, systematically dismantling their ranks.

Ojiro lashed out with his powerful tail, coiling it around one henchman's arm and spinning him in a wide arc. The hapless attacker's Cement Gun discharged wildly, spraying his own allies with sticky cement and taking several of them out of the fight.

Meanwhile, Tatsuya moved like a whirlwind, darting between opponents with feral precision. Each punch and kick he landed sent a henchman crumpling to the ground, some knocked out cold from the force of his strikes. The wolf boy's ferocity left little room for counterattacks, his movements both ruthless and efficient.

"Nice moves," Izuku remarked as the trio converged, standing back-to-back amidst the chaos.

"Ojiro, how are things with the civilians?" Tatsuya asked, scanning the battlefield for any lingering threats.

"The injured have all been evacuated, and reinforcements should be here any minute now!" Ojiro replied, his voice steady despite the adrenaline coursing through him. The three stood shoulder to shoulder, a wall of determination against the encroaching tide of henchmen.

"Hey, guys! Ya miss me?" Ashido's cheerful voice rang out as she and Tokoyami joined the fray. Ashido spun gracefully, launching corrosive streams of acid that melted the henchmen's weapons, while Tokoyami's Dark Shadow roared to life, swatting enemies aside with brutal efficiency.

"We're here to help!" Tokoyami declared, his tone dark and resolute as Dark Shadow shielded him from a barrage of cement shots.

"Don't let up! Mow them down!" one of the henchmen barked, rallying the remaining forces. They formed a haphazard line and began firing a chaotic volley of cement rounds toward the heroes.

Suddenly, a long tongue shot out of nowhere, slapping the henchmen with swift, wet smacks. Then, Tsu appeared at the edge of the fray, her camouflage fading as she emerged.

"Asui—er, Tsu! When did you sneak over here?" Izuku asked, startled by her sudden and stealthy arrival.

"I've been training my frog skills and finally reached a new level of control. Camouflage, that's my new special move," Tsu replied, her tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with pride.

"Wow, Asui," Ojiro exclaimed, visibly impressed. "Are you done with the search and rescue already?"

"For the most part," Tsu replied before her expression turned serious. Her eyes flicked past Ojiro, spotting movement. "Look out!"

Ojiro whipped around just in time to see a group of henchmen lunging toward him. Before he could react, a mass of hair shot out from the side, striking the attackers and sending them sprawling.

The hairy student from Shiketsu High strode into view, his thick locks extending in all directions like writhing vines. "I sent Inasa here to help, but it's a disgrace to our school's name," he declared, his voice dripping with irritation. "There should be no enemies left!"

"So strong," Ojiro murmured in awe as he watched the hairy student incapacitate several more henchmen with practiced ease.

"Yeah," Tsu said, her tone equally impressed.

"We're not done yet!" Tokoyami barked, charging forward with Dark Shadow leading the way. His determined shout snapped Ojiro and Tsu out of their momentary stupor, and they quickly dove back into the fight, rejoining their classmates to drive back the remaining henchmen.

Sweat poured down their faces, mixing with the dust and grime that clung to their skin. Despite their exhaustion, their eyes remained fixed on the cyclone of wind and fire they had created. Each second endlessly stretched as they clung to the hope that their combined efforts would be enough to contain the orca-like pro.

"A cyclone prison of wind and fire," Gang Orca's deep, resonant voice cut through the roaring flames, calm yet taunting. "Not bad. An ordinary villain would give up, weep, and beg for mercy." His words carried a weight that pressed down on the two young heroes, challenging their resolve. "But what would you do if your desperate trap was not enough?"

From within the vortex, Gang Orca raised a water bottle he had pulled from his utility belt, the liquid sloshing inside. With deliberate movements, he poured the water over himself, the droplets sizzling into steam as they met the heat of the flames. The moisture revived him, sharpening his predatory presence. "You must always be planning your next move," he lectured, his tone almost instructional, as if addressing students in a classroom rather than adversaries on a battlefield.

Suddenly, Gang Orca released a blast of his ultrasonic wave, the sound cutting through the cyclone with a booming resonance. The fire and wind tore apart in its wake, scattering embers and ash into the air as the flames dissipated and the winds howled one last time before dying. The pro stepped forward, unharmed, his imposing figure emerging from the fading inferno like a creature born of destruction.

"So... what now?" Gang Orca asked, his voice low and serious as he fixed his unyielding gaze on the two downed students. The challenge in his tone was unmistakable, daring them to find a way to stop him now that their strongest move had failed.

Todoroki and Yoarashi felt the weight of his words as though a physical force pressed down on them. Their bodies were battered, their reserves wholly drained. Every muscle in their frames ached from overexertion, and their Quirks had been pushed to their absolute limits. For all their strength and determination, they had nothing left to hold Gang Orca back.

As Gang Orca's outstretched hand reached toward Todoroki, the air around them suddenly shifted. From opposite sides, Izuku and Tatsuya appeared in a flash of movement, their figures cutting through the haze of the battlefield. Fierce determination etched across their faces, they lunged at the orca-like pro in a synchronized aerial attack.

"Get away from those two!" Izuku shouted, his voice firm and commanding. His leg swung in a powerful arc, aiming a sharp kick at Gang Orca's side. The pro shifted slightly, raising his forearm to intercept the attack with a resounding thud. Simultaneously, Tatsuya drove his fist toward the pro's opposite side, but Gang Orca's other arm shot up to block, halting the punch in mid-air. Both attacks were stopped effortlessly, the tension crackling like static between the combatants.

A loud, blaring alarm suddenly shattered the tension like glass against stone. Tatsuya and Izuku froze for a fraction of a second, their focus breaking as they registered the unexpected interruption. The piercing noise reverberated across the battlefield, abruptly stopping the action.

"Um, yeah, so, at this time, all of the HUC members who were deployed have been rescued from the disaster zone," Mera's voice echoed over the intercom, his tone as monotone and nonchalant as ever, completely at odds with the heightened tension on the field. "It may seem anticlimactic, but with this, the Provisional Licensing Exam has officially been completed."

It was as though the battlefield had frozen in time for a moment. Izuku and Tatsuya hovered in their fighting stances, their attacks still poised for a follow-up. Both turned their heads toward each other, disbelief flashing in their eyes. The sudden shift from adrenaline-fueled combat to an abrupt announcement felt surreal like the world had been flipped on its axis.

"It's over?" Izuku asked, his voice tinged with relief and confusion, his stance relaxing ever so slightly as the weight of the fight began to ebb.

Tatsuya furrowed his brow, an irritated growl rumbling low in his throat. "Are you serious? Things were just getting good," he thought, his fists still clenched tightly at his sides.

"After we tally the scores, we'll announce the results here in the arena," Mera explained. "Anyone injured should go to the infirmary. The rest of you are free to change clothes and wait wherever you like."

The announcement signaled the end of the intense battle, and the scattered hero students began to regroup, most seeking out their classmates amidst the thinning crowd. Murmurs of speculation and subdued laughter floated through the air as they tried to mask their anxiety about the upcoming results. Some cast nervous glances toward their peers, others wore expressions of quiet confidence, but all felt the weight of the moment.

Not far from the arena's center, Gang Orca's henchmen huddled around their leader. Their usual bravado had dimmed, replaced by sheepish expressions as they shuffled awkwardly. "Sorry, boss," one finally said, scratching the back of his neck. "I guess we didn't do our job all that well, huh? And that restraining gear must've made it pretty hard to move."

Gang Orca raised a finger to his face, scratching at his cheek as he mulled over the events that had just unfolded. His sharp, analytical mind replayed the final moments of the battle, his gaze briefly flicking to the gauntlets on his arms. Jagged cracks snaked across their surfaces—a testament to the power behind their strike. "No," he rumbled at last, his deep voice carrying a note of reflection. "The gear wasn't the problem."

He paused, his gaze distant as he considered his next words. "Akiba was quite formidable, even on his own. Also, that tower of flame was an inspired attack." His tone grew graver as he recalled the resilience of Todoroki and Yoarashi despite their battered states. "And with Midoriya and Akiba's surprise counter once I'd been weakened..." Gang Orca flexed his arm slightly, the cracks in his gauntlets catching the light. He let his voice trail off, the corners of his mouth twitching in what might have been the barest hint of a smile. "We might have had a hard time if the test went on. Even lost. Hmph."

The henchmen exchanged glances, their earlier uncertainty giving way to a reluctant admiration for the students they had been testing. For a pro hero like Gang Orca—known for his unrelenting approach and high standards—to admit as much was no small thing.

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-Tatsuya's POV-

After changing back into our school uniforms, we all gathered once more in the arena. The tension in the air was palpable, a silent storm of nerves and anticipation that seemed to grow heavier with every passing second. We stood before a raised platform where Mera awaited us, stationed behind a podium placed to the right of a massive screen.

"Okay," Mera began, his flat tone doing little to calm the collective unease. "Everyone, thanks for your hard work in today's exam. Now, before I announce the results, I should probably explain the way we evaluated you." He adjusted his glasses with a practiced flick, his gaze scanning the crowd before continuing. "Between HUC and us at the Public Safety Commission, we use a two-fold demerit system to determine your total scores. In other words, we were assessing how few mistakes you made while handling a crisis situation."

A murmur rippled through the students, the weight of his explanation only adding to the mounting tension. Mera gestured toward the giant screen behind him. "Anyway, the names of those who passed are listed here in alphabetical order. Keep my words in mind as you search the screen for your name." With that, the screen flickered to life, displaying the list of those who had passed the exam.

The crowd surged forward instinctively, eyes darting across the glowing text as people began scanning for their names. "Wow. A lot of people passed," Shoji remarked, his calm voice in stark contrast to the frantic energy surrounding us.

"Where is it?!" Bakugo's voice cut through the noise, his frustration boiling over as he scanned the list with barely contained fury.

I leaned forward, my heart hammering in my chest as I scanned the list. "Aki... Aki..." I muttered under my breath, my eyes darting across the columns. The world seemed to slow for a moment until—there it was. My name glowed faintly on the screen among the others.

I should have felt relieved, maybe even ecstatic, but something heavy weighed me down as I stared at it. My name was there, but for some reason, I couldn't bring myself to feel the joy I expected. It sat in my chest like a hollow victory, leaving me to wonder why, even in success, I felt so strangely empty.

"So, you managed to pass. Good for you, killer," the voice inside my head sneered, dripping with malice. Its tone coiled around my thoughts, tightening like a vice. I clenched my jaw, pressing the heel of my hand into my eye as if the pressure could somehow drown out the taunting whispers. Shaking my head, I tried to will it away, but the words lingered like a shadow I couldn't shake.

From the sea of students around me, a high-pitched cheer suddenly pierced the tense atmosphere. "I'm up there! Just call me a hero!" Mineta shouted, his ecstatic voice drawing several heads—and a few eye rolls.

"I did it," Jiro murmured, her relief quiet but unmistakable as her shoulders relaxed for the first time all day.

"There I am," Iida said, his usual composed tone carrying a rare hint of satisfaction.

"All right," Shoji remarked, giving a slight, approving nod.

"I'm on the board!" Uraraka cheered, her voice bright and filled with joy.

"Thank goodness," Sero sighed, running a hand through his hair as if finally able to breathe again.

Nearby, Tokoyami stood stoic but content, nodding slightly in acknowledgment of his accomplishment.

"What a relief," Ojiro added, wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Magnifique!" Aoyama declared, striking a triumphant pose as he basked in his own success.

"Heck yeah, I did it!" Sato exclaimed, his voice booming with pride.

"Yeeeaaahhh!" Ashido raved, her infectious energy lighting up the area around her.

"Another small step toward being a pro," Yaoyorozu mused, a warm smile on her face.

"Ribbit," Tsu chimed in, her expression calm but pleased.

"I passed! I passed!" Hagakure yelled, her excitement evident despite her invisibility.

"Killed it!" Kaminari said, flashing a thumbs-up to no one in particular.

"Right on! But, uhhh..." Kirishima's triumphant grin faltered as he caught sight of someone nearby. His gaze shifted toward Bakugo, whose face was twisted in barely restrained fury.

Bakugo's eyes darted across the screen, scanning the list over and over with increasing agitation at not seeing his name. His hands curled into fists, the tremors of disbelief visible in his entire frame. "NO!"

He wasn't alone in his frustration. A few feet away, Todoroki stood motionless, his head hanging low, the weight of failure written across his usually stoic face. I scanned the list again, confirming what I'd already noticed. Bakugo and Todoroki's names weren't there, and neither was Yoarashi's.

Izuku's eyes flickered between the two of them, his expression troubled. He opened his mouth slightly as if to speak, but no words came. What could he possibly say to Todoroki? Would anything make this easier for him?

"Todoroki!" Yoarashi suddenly called, his voice cutting through the murmurs of the gathered students. Heads turned as the towering young man strode purposefully toward his rival. His usually boisterous demeanor was replaced with a rare seriousness. Without warning, he bowed deeply, slamming his forehead against the ground with an audible thud that made several of us flinch.

"I'm sorry! It's my fault you didn't pass the licensing exam!" Yoarashi's voice quivered with sincerity, his words loud enough to echo in the arena. "My focus was too narrow-minded. Forgive me!"

Todoroki's mismatched eyes widened in surprise before narrowing with quiet remorse. "You're fine," he replied, his tone heavy. "I was the one who got us off to a bad start." He paused, his gaze dropping as if the weight of his failure had become too much to meet Yoarashi's bowed head.

"But still—!" Yoarashi began, raising his head slightly, only to be cut off.

"And thanks to the things you said to me," Todoroki continued, his voice firm but tinged with regret, "I have a lot to think about."

"Holy crap. Did he really fail?" Ashido muttered, her pink features frozen in shock.

"How could our top two classmates not pass the exam?" Sero said, his brows furrowed in disbelief as his gaze flitted between Todoroki and Bakugo.

I clicked my tongue in irritation, my frustration simmering below the surface. "It's no surprise to me," I thought bitterly. "Bakugo's pride got in the way of his ability to save anyone, and Todoroki was too preoccupied with bickering with Yoarashi to focus on the task. They both let their egos derail them." But a quieter part of me added, "At least Yoarashi has the decency to own up to his mistakes."

"Shoulda been more careful what you said. Words are important, you know," Kaminari said with his usual lack of tact, oblivious to the tension.

His grin vanished in an instant as Bakugo turned on him, his explosive temper igniting. "Shut your mouth before I murder you," Bakugo snarled, his red eyes practically glowing with rage. Kaminari shrank back, his grin now a nervous grimace.

Mineta, ever opportunistic, raised a finger as if to lecture. "Those entitled people at the top think so highly of themselves, don't they? Their own egos are their worst enemies." He then leaped up, clutching Todoroki's shoulder as if it were a podium to elevate himself. "Looks like our class hierarchy is collapsing!" he crowed smugly, giving Todoroki a self-satisfied smirk.

His gloating was short-lived. In true disciplinarian fashion, Iida grabbed Mineta by the face with one hand and marched off, silencing his protests. Turning away, I redirected my focus to Mera, though my ears caught the faint murmurs of concern nearby.

"I can't believe this..." Izuku muttered, his voice low with disbelief.

"Poor Todoroki," Yaoyorozu added softly, her expression tinged with sympathy as her gaze lingered on him.

"So, next, we'll give you the printouts of your results. They include a breakdown of your scores, so you'll know exactly what areas you need to improve going forward," Mera explained. Several men dressed in black suits and sunglasses emerged as if on cue, each carrying a stack of papers. They moved through the crowd, distributing the sheets with methodical precision. "We basically lopped off points whenever you did something wrong. Fall below fifty, and you were done. These demerits are itemized on your result forms, as you'll see, so I'd look at them."

A man approached me, holding out a sheet. "Akiba."

"Thanks," I replied curtly, taking the paper. My eyes scanned the results to see that my score was ninety. Apparently, they docked me for my kick on Todoroki and insulting him and Yoarashi in the middle of the fight, not that I cared.

"Well? Come on! How'd you do?" Hagakure's enthusiastic voice drew my attention. She had latched onto Kaminari's arm, practically bouncing as she asked the question. For some reason, the sight made something churn in my gut. Her excitement felt... off. Maybe it was because she'd avoided me ever since we moved into the dorms, or perhaps there was another reason I couldn't put my finger on. Either way, it grated on me.

"Wait, Yaomomo, you got ninety-four points?" Jiro asked, looking at Yaoyorozu's results in astonishment.

"I got seventy-one points," Izuku admitted, standing nearby with Iida. He looked down at his paper, a mixture of relief and frustration in his expression. "It looks like they mostly docked me for some of the stupid things I said at the beginning and for times when I was just kinda standing around."

Despite the varied reactions to their scores, the tension in the room shifted when Mera announced a second licensing exam for those who didn't pass. Bakugo, Todoroki, and Yoarashi stepped forward, their determination unwavering despite their earlier failure. They accepted the opportunity without hesitation, each wearing expressions of resolve to redeem themselves.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The atmosphere lightened considerably as those who passed the exam received their provisional hero licenses. The small cards, tangible proof of their progress, glimmered in the setting sun as we exited the exam building. The warm hues of twilight painted the sky, casting long shadows across the ground as we made our way toward our buses.

Izuku lingered behind, standing still as he gazed at his license. Tears brimmed in his eyes, his hand slightly trembling as he clutched the card. His lips quivered, then stretched into a wide, almost disbelieving smile.

"Deku, are you crying?" Uraraka asked, pausing nearby. Her tone was light, teasing, but her eyes softened with affection as she watched him.

Izuku blinked rapidly, his cheeks flushing slightly in embarrassment. "Yeah, well, you know. This is a lot. So many people have helped me get to this point, and some of them went through a lot of trouble to do so. Meaning... how do I put this?" He paused to find the right words to explain the emotions swirling inside him. "It's like this is proof that I've matured and gotten stronger. And it makes me so happy."

His smile turned giddy as a realization struck him. Fumbling with his pocket, he pulled out his phone. "I need to show this to my mom and All Might as soon as possible!" he exclaimed, the excitement bubbling over.

Uraraka watched him, her own grin stretching wide. "Yeah. I get it," she said, her voice soft and warm.

I gave him a small nod, the corner of my lips slightly twitching as I tried to smile. It wasn't much, but the gesture was enough to acknowledge the moment without fully letting my guard down. My expression felt a little stiff, but it was the best I could manage under the circumstances.

"Hey! Hey!" Yoarashi suddenly yelled, his voice carrying across the arena as he sprinted toward us. His footsteps echoed against the floor, frantic and urgent, as though there was something important he needed to get off his chest.

"It's that Shiketsu guy," Tsu murmured, her gaze following the figure as he closed the distance. She was standing slightly off to the side, her expression one of mild interest but little surprise. Despite his loud approach, her tone was as calm as ever.

Yoarashi finally reached Todoroki, and there was no scowl on his face. Instead, he maintained a peculiar smile that was more judgmental than anything, though there was a strange kind of sincerity behind it.

"Todoroki!" he called out, his voice brimming with unspoken thoughts. "I'll see you at the special course, but here's the thing—honestly, nothing's changed. I still don't like you. Sorry!" He said it without malice, though the bluntness of his words left an awkward tension hanging in the air. With that, he turned and ran back toward his own class, leaving Todoroki to process his strange words in silence.

"That was nice of him, I guess," Kirishima said, a sweatdrop sliding down his face as he tried to process the odd interaction.

"We'll just make the best of it," Todoroki responded, his voice low but steady. He didn't seem to dwell on Yoarashi's words for long, though it was clear that the encounter hadn't been easy for him. There was a quiet acceptance in his tone, as though he had already made peace with the complexities of his relationships.

Suddenly, without warning, Izuku took off running. "Excuse me! Hello?" he called out, breathless, as he approached the hairy student. His voice was full of energy as if he couldn't wait to start a conversation about something important.

The hairy student turned at the sound of Izuku's voice, pausing in his tracks with a confused look. "Huh?" he muttered, his brow furrowing as he tried to make sense of Izuku's sudden enthusiasm.

"I wanna know more about the training to erase your presence," Izuku said earnestly, pulling out a notebook and pen with a speed that suggested he had been planning this moment for a while. His eyes sparkled with hope as though he genuinely believed this conversation might provide the missing link to his understanding of the peculiar Quirk technique he had witnessed.

The hairy student blinked, clearly thrown off by the request. "We haven't learned anything like that," he said, his voice uncertain but honest. His expression softened, and he scratched the back of his neck, unsure how to respond to the somewhat unexpected question.

Izuku's face fell slightly, though he quickly recovered with a hopeful glint still in his eyes. "Uh, but that girl... The one in the bodysuit did it," he said, his tone shifting to one of curiosity mixed with mild frustration. "I wanted to talk to her about it so I could understand how it worked. Do you have any idea where she might be?" His words tumbled rapidly, indicating how much he wanted to get to the bottom of the mystery.

So that crazy girl got to him as well. I should have been angry at her for going after Izuku, but I was too exhausted to do so, and the exam was already over, so there was no point.

The hairy student seemed to think for a moment before responding. "Bodysuit... Oh! You mean Camie," he said, his voice clicking with recognition. "She said she wasn't feeling too well and took a cab to the station so she could go home." There was a hint of concern in his voice but also a touch of relief that the answer to Izuku's question was simple—at least on the surface.

"Oh, I see," Izuku replied, his face falling slightly as he digested the information. "Too bad I didn't get the chance to ask." His shoulders slumped just a little, the disappointment evident in his tone.

"Actually, she's been acting kind of strangely for the past few days," the hairy student added, his voice taking on a more cautious tone. His eyes briefly shifted as though he wasn't comfortable sharing his next thought, but he seemed compelled to do so. "A little different from her usual self, I'd say." There was genuine concern in his words now, and his brow furrowed as he recalled her recent behavior.

"I'd say keep an eye on her," I said, my tone more serious than before as I couldn't help but join the conversation. "I usually refrain from saying stuff like this since you're supposed to be her friend, but something was off about her. In a bad way." My words were deliberate, and I observed the student's reaction, noting how his expression shifted from confusion to concern.

"How do you mean?" the hairy student asked, his brow furrowing as he sought clarification. It was clear that he didn't fully understand what I was implying, but his curiosity was piqued.

"There was something in her scent that rubbed me the wrong way, and it wasn't because of some perfume," I explained, my gaze focused and unwavering as I recalled the moments that had unsettled me. "I don't have any concrete evidence, but her behavior today was not doing her any favors." My words were carefully chosen, though they didn't ease the tension I felt.

Izuku nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed the information. "I wouldn't know what she's normally like," he said, his voice quieter now. "But... I think I'd definitely call her behavior strange." His words mirrored my thoughts, and I could sense that he, too, was starting to feel uneasy about the situation.

Something about Camie's actions felt wrong, and we all knew it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Night had fallen, wrapping the dormitory in a quiet stillness save for the soft hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter from the common area. Most of my classmates were gathered there, scattered comfortably across the couches or leaning casually against the walls. The warm light from the overhead fixtures cast a cozy glow over the room, making it feel like a brief sanctuary from the chaotic events of the summer.

"So, we're back to normal classes tomorrow, right?" Jiro asked, her voice breaking the lull in conversation. She tapped her fingers against the couch's armrest, her expression a mixture of fatigue and resignation.

"I suppose there's no rest for heroes," Yaoyorozu replied with a small smile. She cradled a steaming cup of tea in her hands, her elegant posture unshaken despite the long day behind her.

"Man, I could use a vacation," Sato groaned, stretching his arms over his head until his joints popped.

"I'll not forget this summer for the rest of my life," Tokoyami muttered, his usual somber tone a bit heavier.

I leaned silently against the wall, away from the group, arms crossed, as I watched them interact. The buzz of camaraderie around me felt distant, like a song I couldn't quite tune into. I had no interest in joining the conversation, but my eyes kept drifting toward Hagakure, who was seated on one of the couches. Despite my attempts to keep my thoughts elsewhere, my mind replayed her actions since we moved into the dorms. Each memory weighed on me, stirring emotions I wasn't ready to untangle.

"You," Bakugo's voice cut through the chatter, sharp and commanding. I looked up to see him stalking toward Izuku, who nearly dropped his phone in surprise at being addressed so directly. Bakugo's crimson eyes glinted with intensity though his voice dropped to a low, almost conspiratorial tone. "Meet me out front later," he ordered as he brushed past Izuku, his tone leaving no room for argument. Then, with a glance in my direction, he added, "Bring the damn mutt. We need to have a talk about your Quirk."

Izuku's uncertainty was written all over his face as he stammered, "Um, okay..." His voice trailed off as Bakugo walked away without waiting for further response, leaving Izuku to clutch his phone nervously.

I narrowed my eyes, suspicion brewing at the vague demand. What exactly did Bakugo hope to accomplish with a private conversation involving me and Izuku? My gut told me it couldn't be anything simple, and my mind raced with possibilities. Yet, even as my thoughts circled, my gaze flicked back toward Hagakure, lingering for a moment before shifting between her and Izuku.

Shaking my head, I straightened and pushed off the wall, turning toward the elevator. The weight of the day pressed heavily on my shoulders, and I wanted nothing more than to retreat to my room. But just as my finger hovered over the elevator button, I heard hurried footsteps behind me. My ears twitched at the sound, and the familiar scent told me who it was before he even spoke.

"You heard that, right, Tatsuya?" Izuku's voice was slightly breathless as he caught up to me.

"Yeah, I did," I replied, my voice flat and disinterested as I turned to face him. "But I'm not going."

"What?" Izuku's voice rose slightly, tinged with disbelief and a flicker of dread. "But he said—"

"I know what he said," I interrupted, my tone firmer this time. My arms crossed as I glanced toward the common room, my gaze briefly landing on the others still chatting away, particularly Hagakure. The irritation I felt simmered below the surface, a frustration I couldn't entirely suppress. "I'm sorry, but I'm too tired to hear what that pissbaby wants to say."

"B-but—" Izuku stammered, his desperation growing.

"I'm sorry, Izuku," I cut him off again, softer but no less resolute. I turned away, pressing the elevator button with finality. "I'm just not in the mood right now." The elevator chimed softly as the doors slid open, and I stepped inside without looking back, leaving Izuku standing there in stunned silence.

I took a deep, steadying breath as the elevator ascended, the soft hum of its motion barely audible over the pounding of my heart. The enclosed space felt heavier than usual, the quiet amplifying the tension in my chest. My reflection in the polished metal doors stared back at me, expression grim and unyielding, though a flicker of uncertainty lingered in my eyes.

"Of course you reject him," the voice in my head sneered, its tone laced with derision. It was a venomous whisper that coiled around my thoughts, unrelenting. "I'm surprised he still sees you as the same person as you were before."

My fingers curled into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms as I exhaled sharply through my nose. "Just ignore it." I forced the words through my mind, willing the voice to dissipate. With my eyes closed, I took another deep breath, this time slower, deeper, letting the rhythm calm the storm raging within me.

"She won't do it," the voice hissed again, slithering through my thoughts as if it had plucked them directly from my mind. "She's either too exhausted or too afraid. As she should be. She knows better than to approach you now. That's why she keeps her distance."

My eyes opened as the elevator shuddered to a halt with a soft ding. The doors slid open, revealing the familiar, dimly lit hallway of the dormitory floor. My feet moved automatically, carrying me toward my bedroom with purposeful strides. Each step was a silent challenge against the weight on my chest, the voice's lingering echoes trying to undermine my resolve.

As I entered my room, I reached into my pocket and pulled out my phone, the screen lighting up as I unlocked it. My thumb hovered over the messaging app for a brief moment before I opened it, quickly typing out a message that had formed in my mind during the elevator ride.

"Hey, can you meet me on the roof? We need to talk."

I stared at the words for a beat longer than necessary, the soft glow of the phone screen casting faint shadows across my face. My thumb hesitated over the send button, but only for a second. With a resolute tap, the message was sent.

The phone vibrated softly in my hand as the screen dimmed. The room seemed quieter now, the air still and heavy with unspoken tension. I exhaled again, a small measure of relief mingling with the anticipation of what was to come.

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A/N: After an intense trial that pushed him to his limits, Tatsuya has passed the provisional licensing exam! But just as the victory begins to settle in, a new mystery unfolds—who did Tatsuya send that cryptic text to, and what could he possibly want to say? How will the recipient respond, and what impact will this conversation have on the journey ahead?

Stay tuned, dear readers, as the story unfolds in the next chapter. Don't forget to leave your thoughts and predictions in the comments, and if you enjoyed this chapter or the story overall, don't forget to leave a vote—it truly makes a difference.

I know the wait for this chapter has been long, and for that, I sincerely apologize. Life threw a few curveballs, and I won't be as consistent with updates as I used to be. I hope you'll continue to stick with the story despite the slower pace. Your patience and support mean the world to me!

Thanks for reading, and I hope to see you in the next chapter.