The Shizuoka Hero Training Grounds buzzed with excitement. Rows of middle schoolers shuffled across the wide field, some chatting, others nervously glancing around. A dozen colorful banners flapped in the wind, each marked with the logo of the Hero Safety Commission.
Beyond the field, the "mock city" loomed—a collection of old prefab buildings, cardboard debris, foam "rubble," and bright orange safety markers laid out like a disaster zone. The scent of sunscreen, wet grass, and bento boxes filled the air.
Kael stood quietly with his new teammates—Bakugo Katsuki and Midoriya Izuku—near a makeshift command tent. The two boys were opposites in energy.
Bakugo stretched his arms and paced with barely restrained excitement, crackling tiny sparks in his palms. Midoriya clutched a notebook against his chest, muttering to himself while scribbling notes and glancing at other students.
Kael, meanwhile, said nothing. His hood was down, his hands in his pockets, and his gaze steady. The soft wind tousled his white hair slightly.
Manual stepped forward from a tent with other pro heroes following behind him, speaking into a megaphone. "Alright, everyone! Before we begin today's simulation, listen closely."
The buzz of chatter quieted.
"This is not a test of how flashy your Quirk is. It's about teamwork, quick thinking, and helping others."
Mt. Lady waved from beside him. "We've designed today's drill to be fun but meaningful! You're split into teams of three. Each team will be given a set of challenges in the city zone—like locating lost civilians, finding safe paths through debris, and reporting 'hazards' to the rescue station."
Kamui Woods added, his voice calm but firm, "There will be no combat in this drill. You're here to learn cooperation and response skills, not fight. Words speak louder than actions sometimes."
A few kids let out disappointed sighs. Bakugo groaned dramatically.
Manual smiled. "There will be a few pretend villains and injured civilians, but they're all roleplayed by volunteer high schoolers and Commission staff. You'll get points for communicating clearly, staying calm, and completing your tasks together."
Kael shifted slightly, listening with narrowed eyes. It wasn't what he expected… but it wasn't bad, either.
Manual continued, "Now, before we begin the training exercises—every team, please take a moment to introduce yourselves and get to know one another. Your names, your Quirks, and how you might help in an emergency situation."
Kael heard the murmur of dozens of groups beginning to talk at once. He glanced at Bakugo and Midoriya.
Midoriya looked up nervously. "U-uh, I can start?"
Kael nodded once. Bakugo didn't answer, just folded his arms.
Midoriya smiled awkwardly. "I'm Izuku Midoriya! Um—I… I don't have a Quirk."
He paused, looking down for a second. Then he looked back up with more strength.
"But I still want to be a Hero. Like All Might. I've studied heroes my whole life, and I know a lot about rescue protocols, first aid, and emergency paths. I think I can help by observing, analyzing situations, and finding safe solutions."
Kael blinked, surprised by the clarity in his voice.
Bakugo snorted. "You're still a nerd, Deku. Quirk or not."
Izuku winced but didn't back down. "I'm still gonna try."
Bakugo puffed out his chest. "Anyways, I'm Katsuki Bakugo. My Quirk is Explosion. I sweat nitroglycerin and can make it explode. In a real emergency? I could blast rubble AND protect people. I'm the best. Don't slow me down."
Kael turned toward him slightly. "Blowing up rubble might hurt the people instead."
Bakugo scowled. "I didn't say I'd be reckless, mop-head. I said I'd be smart about it."
Midoriya muttered something under his breath like, "Actually, controlled blast direction is very difficult at this scale…" and scribbled in his notebook.
Kael kept his tone calm. "I'm Kael Ishiro. I awakened my Quirk a few months ago. It's called Shadow Tether. It lets me create semi-solid energy tendrils. They can extend, grab, and pull. I'm still figuring out what else they can do."
Kael held out his hand, and a soft shimmer of deep blue tendrils, laced with violet a shimmer, twisted into the air before disappearing.
Midoriya's eyes widened. "Whoa… that's beautiful! It's like energy silk, but denser. Maybe adaptive?"
Kael blinked. "Maybe."
Bakugo narrowed his eyes. "Looks weird and perverted. Bet it's not strong either."
Kael gave a small shrug. "Guess we'll find out."
Before Bakugo could retort, Manual's voice rang out again. "Okay, Team 9—your start zone is the southern alley. Look for a missing civilian and deliver a medical kit to Station A!"
A small drone hovered above them and beeped twice. Their challenge had begun.
The three boys walked in silence toward the simulated city. Midoriya fidgeted with the strap on his supply pack. Bakugo stomped ahead. Kael trailed behind them both, gaze focused and unreadable.
As they turned into the narrow alley marked with foam debris and blinking beacons, Izuku broke the silence.
"I know we're not… used to working together, but I think if we split tasks based on strengths—like Kael scouting ahead, Bakugo clearing debris, and me monitoring escape routes—we might be really effective."
Bakugo rolled his eyes. "Whatever, just don't get in my way."
Kael nodded once. "Fine. Let's try it."
For the first time that day, the three of them moved together with something close to rhythm.
Not perfect.
But it was a start.
…