The next morning, U.A. was busier than ever.
With the Hero Work Studies officially starting, Pro Heroes from across the country had arrived to evaluate and recruit students.
The air buzzed with excitement and tension as Class 1-A gathered in the main hall, waiting for their names to be called.
Reiji leaned against the wall, arms crossed, watching everything unfold with mild amusement.
[So this is where the real game begins, huh?]
One by one, the students were approached by Pro Heroes.
Endeavor called for Todoroki. No surprise there.Best Jeanist had already contacted Bakugo. Again, expected.Ryukyu took Uraraka and Tsuyu.Mirko picked Kirishima.
Reiji's golden eyes flickered as he watched.
Then—he heard his name.
"Kurobane Reiji."
The room fell silent.
Everyone turned toward the back of the hall.
And standing there, hands in his coat pockets, was Hawks.
Reiji raised an eyebrow.
Hawks smirked. "We meet again, Kurobane. Guess you left a strong impression."
Reiji chuckled. "Huh. So you're not holding a grudge after last time?"
Hawks chuckled. "Please, I don't hold grudges. I hold expectations. And you just happen to be an interesting case."
Aizawa, standing nearby, narrowed his gaze. "Hawks. Why him?"
Hawks shrugged. "I already fought him once. I know what he can do. But I also know what he can't do. And that's what I plan to fix."
He turned back to Reiji.
"You don't fight like a normal hero. You don't think like one either. And I like that."
Reiji's smirk widened.
[So he sees it too, huh?]
Hawks grinned. "So? You in?"
Reiji pushed off the wall, cracking his knuckles.
"Tch. Why not? Let's see what you've got, Birdman."
The class murmured.
Deku frowned. "Hawks… he's dangerous."
Bakugo scoffed. "Tch. Of course Reiji would pick the most reckless hero."
But Todoroki simply watched silently.
Reiji ignored them all.
This was his choice.
And something told him—this was exactly where he needed to be.
The First Test
A few hours later, Reiji stood on a rooftop in Kyushu, where Hawks' agency was located.
The city stretched beneath them, the wind whipping past.
Hawks stood at the edge, his red wings shimmering under the sunlight.
"Alright," Hawks said. "Before we do anything, I wanna see if you've improved."
Reiji smirked. "I thought you already knew what I could do."
Hawks grinned. "I've seen your power before, but I wasn't exactly fighting seriously."
His golden eyes gleamed.
"This time, let's see if you've actually gotten better."
Hawks' smirk widened. "You get one hit. Land it, and I'll train you. Miss… and you're on your own."
Reiji froze.
Then—he grinned.
[Oh, you're gonna regret that.]
Reiji vs. Hawks
The moment Hawks gave the signal, Reiji vanished.
His Phantom Step activated instantly, his body blurring across the rooftop.
Hawks' eyes followed him effortlessly.
[Fast.]
Reiji reappeared behind him, his golden flames roaring to life.
"Too slow!"
He swung his fist.
But—Hawks wasn't there.
A gust of wind blew past his ear.
Then—a voice whispered behind him.
"Not bad. But still too slow."
THWACK!
A sharp blow landed on Reiji's shoulder, sending him stumbling forward.
He clicked his tongue.
[Shit. He's fast.]
Hawks hovered lazily above him, grinning.
"You've got great instincts," he said. "But you rely too much on brute force."
Reiji smirked. "Oh? Then let's mix it up."
His shadow clone ability activated.
A second Reiji appeared beside him, moving in tandem.
Hawks' eyebrow lifted slightly.
"Oh. That's new."
Both Reijis attacked at once, their fists coated in Hellfire.
Hawks dodged effortlessly, weaving between them like a blur of red feathers.
"Close," he said. "But still—"
Then—he paused.
His wings twitched unnaturally.
A shadow had appeared behind him.
[Got you.]
The real Reiji lunged.
His fist—**burning with golden flames—**shot toward Hawks' back.
The impact was just about to land—
But before it could—
Hawks vanished.
Reiji's eyes widened.
Then—a powerful force slammed into his chest.
BOOM!
He crashed onto the rooftop, coughing slightly.
Hawks landed a few feet away, grinning.
"Not bad," he said. "You actually made me move a little."
Reiji wiped his mouth, grinning. "Tch. So I failed, huh?"
Hawks smirked. "Nah. You pass."
Reiji blinked. "…What?"
Hawks chuckled. "I said you get one hit, yeah? You didn't land it, but you got close enough that I had to move for real."
He stretched his arms. "That's enough for me."
Reiji laughed.
"Man, you're weird."
Hawks grinned. "And you're dangerous."
Then—his golden gaze sharpened.
"Which is why I'm gonna make you even more dangerous."
End of Chapter 51.
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