➤ ( CHAPTER 026 ! )
"authority"

OUTSIDE A HOSPITAL ROOM, Haganezuke worriedly tapped his foot on the tile below. After successfully evading the onslaught of reporters, he rushed to the very hospital where Shousuke had been taken. He anxiously settled himself in the waiting room, which seemed to stretch on for hours, until a doctor in his forties finally emerged, holding a clipboard in his hand.

"Are you that young boy's family?" He said in English. Haganezuke nodded his head defiantly, rising to his feet and confidently brushing past the doctor as he strode towards Shousuke's room. Just as he was on the brink of opening the room door, a news reporter's resonant voice reached his ears.

"Once a serene debut transformed into a harrowing nightmare when a horde of monstrous creatures disrupted a cruise that was intended for Ambassador Selick and a select group of heroes." As the cameraman followed her, a lady embarked on a journey to an era brimming with policemen.

"No one knew where these monsters orientated from. Sadly, while they were on the cruise, they inadvertently caused the deaths of ship control operators Mathew Tran and Shara Bell. But luckily no one other than that was inured as they were all saved by two unexpected guesses.

Kanzaki Haganezuke, a man of great valour, fearlessly confronted the dire situation on the cruise. With the aid of the pro heroes standing by his side, he fearlessly vanquished the menacing monsters. Additionally, a young unrecognized boy who displayed the potential of a hero in training, known as Zero, is now recuperating at Northen Brook Hospital following his collapse. He single-handedly saved the lives of everyone aboard the cruise ship and heroically averted a disastrous collision with the Basilica skyscraper."

As the lady continued Shousuke quietly listed before turning his head to the door. As he saw Haganezuke enter he shut off the room TV and turned to face the elder.

After he had fainted on the cruise he did not remember anything from then on. When he regained consciousness, he faintly overheard the hushed voices of the doctors, but he could not comprehend their words as they went deaf to his ears.

Haganezuke quickly entered the younger room and shut the door behind them. Shousuke could tell something was up because of the gloomy aura around Haganezuke.

"Look, Zero I'll get straight to the point. This mission was a failure." He started. "The decision to crash the cruise was a grave mistake... The monstrous individual seemed to ignite curiosity among numerous individuals without quirks, particularly among seasoned villains. After our brainstorming session, it appears that they have realized the significant value of the cell to us, heroes. If they manage to obtain it, I am afraid it will mark the beginning of a tyrannical society built on torture."

Shousuke sighed and looked down. Then a black bag was tossed onto his lap. When Shousuke opened the bag, he discovered a set of sleek black clothes to change into.

"We still have one more thing to do." He said with a smirk.

INTERNSHIPS HAS FINALLY COME to an end. Class 1A ad returned and talked to one another about their experiences.

"AHHAHHAHHAHH, FOR REAL!!? NO, BUT FOR REAL, BAKUGO!!?" Kirishima and Sero laughed as soon as Bakugo entered the classroom with his new hairstyle.

"Stop laughing! My hair has gotten used to it, so it won't go back even after I wear it! Hey, stop laughing! I'll kill you!" Bakugo issued a threat to Kirishima and Sero, yet they simply laughed it off, relentlessly disregarding him. However, his frustration eventually reached a boiling point, causing his hair to revert to its original fiery state.

"Whoa, so like, got to do a villain clean-up!? I'm so Jealous!?" Mina stated as she stood in front of Tsuys's desk with Jirou beside her.

"Yeah, but It was just a guiding evacuee and logical support stuff, so I didn't actually get into any fighting or anything." Jirou corrected.

"That's still so cool!"

"I was doing nothing but training and patrolling, too. Captured a stowaway from neighbouring country one time, that was it." Tsuya shared. The frog girl then turns to the brunette-haired one. "Hey Ochako, how was it for you this week."

"It was very fruitful." As she replied, a dark aura surrounded her while she skilfully practised her fighting poses.

"She changed so much over just one week..." Kaminari commented.

"Changed? That's not it, Kaminari. Don't you understand... Are all demons from the outside, they're just hiding their true selves!!" Mineta corrected as he shivered from his experience with Mt. Lady.

"But you know the one who changed the most..." Kaminari muttered the pointed at Midoriya, Shoto and Iida. "You three!"

Most of the class approached them and asked what happened while exploring their worries. their worries. "They said you got rescued by Endeavor!"

"...Yep rescued."

"I was on the news: Something about hero killer and the villain alliance being contacted? I shivered just thinking of how USJ would have played out, if such a terrifying bastard had come to the ambush, too." Ojiro admitted.

"Right, he's pretty scary but. Did you watch the video, Ojiro? I don't know if it was his single-track mind or tenacity or whatever, but don't you think he was kind of cool, too?" Kaminari expressed but he was quickly shut down by Midoriya.

"No, it's alright. He was certainly a man of conviction... So I understand if people find him cool." Iida admitted. "However, if he chooses to advance his cause by the means of a purge. And whatever beliefs you may hold, that alone is an error. And so, in order, too people like me may not be hereafter multiply!! I shall proceed down that path towards being a hero!" He shouted finally returning to his normal self and asked the class to return to their seats.

"Hey, before class starts where is Komi-Kun?" Tsuya asked as she took her seat. The rest of her classmates all looked around, but they couldn't spot the purple-haired boy.

"Right here!" Mineta exclaimed as his eyes were glued to the screen of the phone. Some students eagerly approached Mineta's desk, leaning in to catch a glimpse of the impressive display on his computer screen. Shousuke was donning a stylish ensemble consisting of a sleek black shirt and pants, paired with a matching mask and a trendy beanie that sat snugly over his head, effortlessly cascading his hair, effectively intriguingly covering his eyes. During the live stream, Shousuke was captured in an exhilarating moment as he swiftly descended the stairs of a private jet, skilfully manoeuvring through a crowd of journalists and excited schoolgirls. His destination: a sleek, mysterious Bugatti La Voiture Noir car, cloaked in darkness, awaiting his arrival.

"But why is he in the airport in the first place?" Sero questioned then turned to Midoriya. "Midoriya, wasn't he taken to the hospital with you?" He asked.

"Yes! In the morning when we all woke up, he wasn't in his bed-" The green-haired boy responded. But Kaminari cut him off.

"Forget that! Did you see how cool Komi was when he fought against those monsters!" Kaminari exclaimed to which Kirishima agreed. "Yeah, man! That a new side to him I never knew!"

"Did you guys also forget that he almost drowned?" Jirou questioned shutting them off. "True, I almost had a heart attack when he didn't come up, but I'm glad he's okay," Ojiro muttered. "But aren't you guys the least bit worried about the creature he fought?"

STEEPING OUT OF THE changing room, class 1A made their way to the training ground where All Might stood. As they got closer they noticed a familiar figure being held up light by the number one hero.

"Komi-San?" Iida questions as Midoriya and Uraraka fasten their steps. "Komi-kun how did you get here so quickly?!" Uraraka questioned but got no response.

"Are you okay Komi?"

"We were really worried for you man!"

"How were you able to fight against those things?!"

As questions continued to pour in, All Might gently set down his godson and attempted to address the sea of students encircling Shousuke. However, his efforts proved to be futile.

"Guys! Please quiet down, I'm sure Komi-san will answer your questions later!" Iida shouted as he directed his classmate's attention to All Might.

The pro hero silently thanked the young boy and continued. "Hi! for I am here!.. Is the note I usually do things on, but right? Onto foundational Hero Study Time! It's been a while boys and girls! In good spirit, I hope!?"

"That was a really lukewarm entry."

"After so long too..."

"Oh my, he must have exhausted all the possible patterns."

"Right on the heels for all your workplace experience, this time we'll mix in an element of play. It rescue training race!!" All Might was introduced, but Iida suddenly raised his hand. "If it's a rescue training, then should it not be carried out at USJ?"

"No, that place is specialized in disasters. What was I saying? Oh yeah, race!! This is playing ground (GAMMA)! Where densely packed lanes make this construction site seem more like a complex labyrinth! So good luck finding your way around. Make four groups of five and one group of six! Each person starts from a different location on the outskirts of the modle city. When I gave the distressed signal somewhere in the area, you all started simultaneously from the outside limits! This is a competition to see who can come to my aid first!!" He explained.

"Of course keep the damage to the surrounding building at a minimum!" He stated as his finder slowly made their way to a certain blond. Bakugo looked away from him.

"Don't point fingers..." He mumbled. Shousuke silently placed a hand over his mouth and trembled as he looked at Bakugo. "What are you laughing at?!" Bakugo shouted.

"Alright! Starting group take your position!" All Might exclaimed and the members of the first group stepped forward into the field.

Groune one consisted of, Sero, Ashido, Iida, Midoriya, and Komi. The five got to their places while the rest of Class 1A turned their attention to the big screen in front of them.

"Iida hasn't made a complete recovery yet, he could just sit this one out..." Kaminari mumbled. "All the kids with the most maneuverability in the class are in that group," Kirishima commented.

Yaoyorozu carefully examined her classmates. "...I'd say Midoriya has a heavy disadvantage against those five."

"Frankly, his true worth hasn't been pinned down yet." Jirou continued agreeing with her ravenette classmate. "I mean, whenever he tries anything, he receives such grievous wounds..." Yaoyorozu added.

"Who's your pick?" Kirishima asked the yellow-haired male beside him. "I say Serp take first place."

"Ahh..." Kaminari replied and took another look at the first group. "I can see that but don't forget Ojiros there too." He added. "I say it'll be Ashido! Her motor reflexes are insane!" Minate exclaimed.

"Deku's dead last," Bakugo commented. "Meanwhile Komi on the other has the advantage here. The speed of his quirk is made for the situations."

"He has that wound handicapping him. But I still feel like it would be Komi-kun." Uraraka spoke and Tsuyu agreed.

"STRAT!"

Sero swiftly maneuvered through the area, using his tape to swing around. Mina skillfully glided across the pipes, utilizing her acid. Ojiro navigated the surroundings, using his tail to travel. As for Iida, he raced with incredible speed towards All Might, powered by his engine.

"See look!! It's a tried-and-truth tactic to climb up above in such busy terrain!" Kirishima commented to which Shouji agreed. "Which would mean that a deft sky-swinger like Sero has the advantage, huh."

Sero had taken the lead leaving all his classmates in the dust. Suddenly, a vibrant flash of green and purple streaked past him. Sero's eyes widened in astonishment as he caught sight of the two individuals who flew past him.

Midoriya and Shosuke strategically utilized the pips as a launching pad to generate the necessary momentum for their agile traverse through the air. As they battled head-to-head, Shousuke couldn't help but notice a striking resemblance in Midoriya's movements. There was something undeniably familiar about them, something that closely mirrored the ash blond's own style.

Everyone watched the freckled male in shock, knowing that the green-haired male injury should have handicapped him. However, against all odds, he effortlessly leapt past Sero.

Shousuke sighed as he landed on the next pip. Though his whole body was illuminating a purple glow, that purple glow all flowed to his feet causing it to glow brighter than his entire body.

In an instant, Shousuke swiftly lunges forward, unleashing a powerful surge of wind shockwaves. The impact collided with Midoriya, slightly throwing off the green-haired boy. However, he swiftly regained his composure and steadied himself.

As a result of that incredible leap, Shousuke found himself in quite a wide gap between him and Midoriya. However, the determined green-haired boy made a desperate attempt to catch up.

"It's the exact move Shousuke performed during the sports festival obstacle race." Todooki pointed out.

Suddenly, Midoriya made an attempt to descend on one of the available pipes, only to make a slight misstep. As a result, he lost his balance and control. In his desperate attempt to save himself, he reached out for a pipe but ended up grabbing Shousuke's foot as he fell. His face went pale.

━━━━━━━━━━

"And It's over!" All Might exclaimed, then handed out the sash to Sero who got first place. "Thanks hero1 And congratulations!"

Sero pumped his fist up in the air. "Alright!" He exclaimed.

Meanwhile, Midoriya's face plated on the ground in front of Shousuke who sat beside him holding his nose. "I'm so sorry!" He apologized. After he had slipped and grabbed Shousuke's leg, the dark purple-haired leg, Shousuke nose ended up colliding with the pipes causing his eyes to bleed.

"Young Sero may have come first, but compared to the start of the year, you all showed me incredible improvements. Know keep it up for me and begin preparing for your upcoming final exams!" He declared.

"SIR!" They call exclaimed.

THE BASIC HERO TRAINING came to an end, as class 1A returned to the locker room to get changed out of their costumes.

"Oh, I have sweated. 'Twas our first training exercise in a while." Aoymam stated as he removed his hero costume glasses.

"I need to focus on my maneuverability."

"Suppose gathering information to compensate for it is the only way."

"Yeah, and then we'll be one step behind, Im so damn jealous of you Sero..."

Shousuke remained silent and turned away from his classmates and faced his locker. Then, he removed his shirt, uncovering strips of white bandages tightly wound around his back. He didn't pay attention to the eyes that were staring at him.

"Komi-san?" Iida called out. "If you did mind me asking... did something happen to you as well?" He questioned, directing it to the bandages.

Shousuke nodded.

"I see... it seems like you have obtained those injuries before your flight to America," Iida said and Shousuke nodded. "Very well, I won't be asking anymore.

"Yo, Midoriya!! I made a freakin sick discovery!! Come here!! Check out this Shawshank! It's probably thanks to the efforts of those who came before us! And you know what's on the other side, don't you!? The girls changing rooms!!" Mineta exclaimed greatly excited, as he anticipated the opportunity to discreetly observe the girl's locker room.

"Cease at once, Mineta!! Peeping is a flagrant crime!" IIda's voice resonated with authority as he sternly admonished Mineta's behaviour.

"Hey man, my little Mineta's already being a flagrant crime if you know what I mean!!" Mineta shouted as he ripped the poser off the wall revealing the small peeking hole. "Yaoyorozu's honkers!! Ashido's figure!! Hangakure's floating panties!! Uraraka's bright beautiful body, and can't forget Asui's surprising Tata-"

Mineta failed to notice the trail of electricity until it unexpectedly struck him. The male students in class 1A were mesmerized by the astonishing sight of their classmate transforming into a small grape-shaped entity, engulfed by a powerful and electrifying surge of energy. They witnessed his body convulsing in various contorted positions before he finally collapsed onto the ground, completely charred and emitting wisps of smoke from his mouth.

"Thank you Shousuke-Kun!" Mina yelled, but her voice fell faint due to the wall. They watched in complete astonishment. Mainly Kaminari and Sero trembled as they witnessed the scene where Shousuke skillfully