"WELCOME BACK to Hero Hour Live—Japan's #1 Pro Hero Talk Show!"
The crowd roared under the blazing lights of the studio set, clapping and whistling as the camera swept across rows of eager fans.
The host, a sharp-dressed man in his thirties with dazzling teeth and a slick mic in hand, turned to face the audience as the music swelled.
"Tonight, we've got an absolute treat for all of you watching across the country. Please give a thunderous welcome to the Giant Glamour of Mustafa Japan, the rising star herself—Mt. Lady! And alongside her, the woman whose beauty broke national regulations, the UA teacher—MIDNIGHT!"
The stage lit up in a glittering flash as Mt. Lady strutted out in her beige and purple outfit, striking a pose that sent cameras flashing. She winked, tossing her hair over her shoulder.
Following behind, Midnight emerged in her sleek, black-and-nude suit, heels clicking against the polished stage floor. The confidence she exuded caused even the camera crew to forget their jobs for a moment.
The crowd was speechless—a moment of reverent silence fell over the room before erupting into wild applause. Several audience members had hearts in their eyes. One man fainted.
The host gestured to the couch.
"Please, ladies, take a seat! Thank you so much for joining us tonight."
Both heroes smiled and sat down, crossing their legs with elegance and grace—each subtly trying to out-pose the other.
The host chuckled nervously, clearly doing his best not to combust on live TV.
"Let's start with you, Midnight. Back in the early days of your career, your original costume caused quite the stir—some say it even forced changes in hero legislation regarding uniform design. They called you the woman whose sexiness changed the law! How does it feel knowing your debut costume literally reshaped the Hero Commission's dress code?"
Midnight gave a mischievous smirk, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Well," she purred, "I didn't intend to cause a national debate. But some quirks require... flexibility. Fabrics can restrict certain abilities. My current suit is made from ultra-thin, adaptive materials—it breathes, it stretches, and it doesn't hold back my fighting style. It just so happens to look amazing while doing it."
She leaned closer to the mic.
"Because what's more empowering—or more dangerous to villains—than a confident pro hero owning her power and her presence?"
The crowd exploded again. Several people in the front row looked like they were holding their breath.
Mt. Lady let out a small scoff and leaned forward, crossing her arms.
"Or you just really like attention."
Midnight raised an eyebrow.
"Says the woman whose catchphrase is 'A hero's gotta shine!' while stomping around fifty feet tall in heels."
"It's not my fault I was born fabulous," Mt. Lady shot back, flipping her hair. "At least I don't pretend it's all about 'mobility.'"
Midnight narrowed her eyes, smiling sweetly.
"Well, darling, I can still take down a villain without stepping on their entire apartment complex."
"That was one time!"
And just like that, the two pros launched into a classic back-and-forth,fued, with the host awkwardly laughing in the middle.
Mineta's Room:
Minoru Mineta sat cross-legged on his bed, eyes wide and mouth agape as he stared at the TV screen glowing in the dark.
His schoolbooks sat untouched.
His homework forgotten.
Tears welled up in his eyes.
"T-Two queens... on one screen... the fabric... the tension... the chaos..."
He clasped his hands together like he was praying.
"Thank you, God. Thank you so much for this blessing."
He wiped a tear.
"This is why I study. This is why I live."
He grabbed a pen and scribbled in his notes:
"Midnight = Goddess of Tactical Flexibility."
"Mt. Lady = Divine Legs of Doom."
...
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow through the windows of Class 1-A, illuminating the room where students chatted and prepared for the lessons ahead.
At the front, Aizawa stood, his ever-present tired gaze scanning the room as he held a stack of papers.
"Final exams are next week," he announced, his voice steady. "I trust you've all been studying diligently."
A collective groan echoed through the classroom.
"Remember, the exams consist of both written and practical components. Don't neglect either."
As he finished speaking, his phone buzzed. A quick glance, and without another word, Aizawa dashed out of the room with surprising speed, leaving a gust of wind in his wake.
Denki Kaminari jumped out of his seat, panic evident on his face a he held his head in shock and panic. "I've barely been taking notes this semester! With the midterms and the internship I've barelyy had time to read the textbook!!!"Mina Ashido leaned back, laughing nervously.
Fumikage Tokoyami seeing them panic nodded solemnly, sweating slightly nervous."It is true. We haven't had much free time lately"
Rikido Sato, munching on a protein bar, turned to Koji Koda.
"Honestly, I don't even remember what we covered last month.The midterms felt easier than this."
Minoru Mineta smirked, reclining in his chair. "Well, as someone who ranked 9th on the midterms, I'm not too worried."
Mina and Denki turned to him in disbelief.
"WHAT?!"
Denki exclaimed, "How did you even get into the top 10?!"
Mina: "I thought you were one of us!!!"
Denki: "Don't you know weirdo little creeps like you are only likeable if they're kinds stupid! Who's gonna love you now!!!"
Mineta grinned smugly."Everyone, trust me."
At that moment, Izuku Midoriya approached, accompanied by Ruby Rose and Yang Xiao Long.
"Don't worry, guys. We still have time to study and prepare. Let's work together," Izuku said with a reassuring smile.
Ruby: YEAH!!!!
Yang: We'll pass with these with a Yang !!! HAHAH!
Izuku and Ruby groaned at her terrible pun
Tenya Iida raised his hand, his voice firm. "Our class president is right. With proper planning and effort, we can all succeed."
Shouko Todoroki, sipping from a thermos, added,
"If you pay attention in class, it's hard to fail."
Denki suddenly felt like a block of cement was dropped on his head." Why you gotta cut me down like that ". He groaned in sadness
Momo Yaoyorozu seeing their distress decided to step forward and offer a hand.
"There's no need to panic. If you'd like, I'd be happy to help tutor anyone who's struggling... If you want"
Mina/Denki:" You're the best Yaomamo!!
Her confident offer trailed off as a shadow passed over her face.
"...though, I can't help with the practical exam..."
Dark aura: activated.
She practically melted into her seat, devastated.
That was until Kyoka Jiro casually approached.
"Actually... can you help me study, i've been having trouble with quadratic functions?"
Momo looked up at her with innocent eyes." Really?"
Then came Hanta Sero and Mashirao Ojiro, practically sliding over on their knees.
" Tutor me please, classical japanese is killing me!"
"Please, Yaomomo! You're our only hope!"
" Pretty please !!"
Momo:(Gasp)" Wonderful!!
Her eyes sparkled with a sudden burst of joy, sadness vanishing in an instant.
"YES! Let's do our best together!"
A group cheer echoed through the room as the impromptu Study Squad was officially born.
"ALRIGHT!"
Momo:" Okay, we can hold a study session at my residence over the weekend"
Mina jumped up excited." I can't wait to see your sweet digs!"
Momo:" Oh! I have tell mother to get the great hall setup for us, it will be the perfect spot
Group( Mina, Sero, Ojiro, Kaminari and Jiro inside thoughts): "Great hall"
Momo: " What kind of tea does everyone like, I'll have her stock up!"
Group though: "That's over kill"
Momo:" In my family we always drink harrots or wedge wood. If you have any preference let me know. I'll make it my personal duty to push you forward
Seeing her so bubbly and excited the group could only smile feeling warm inside.
Kaminari thoughts: Is she humble bragging or does she not even realise
Mina thoughts: She's so excited and bouncy that I don't even care
Kaminari: About that tea i'm not so sure about that harry one
Momo: No it's from Harrots
Kirishima standing beside Bakugo and seeing the groups forming could only smile.
Kirishima:" Sounds like I should be studying with her"
Bakugo seething that he came in third growled." You think I don't know enough, maybe i should beat the lessons into your skull".
Kirishima smiled exhasperated." I'm counting on it"
Aoyama leaned on his hands as he smiled arrogantly beside Shoji.
Aoyama: "everyone is panicking right now, but it won't do them any good cramming this late in the game"
Shoji: "Shouldn't you be more concerned you didn't do very well in the midterms."
Aoyama looked at him in shock." Are you talking about me." Meanwhile Izuku who saw how excited Momo was smiled warmly happy that the girl who was crying back in the sports festival was now smiling so radiantly. Ruby and Yang seeing his smile both pinched him on the side of his waiste causing him to yelp in pain.
Spinning to look his way Momo smiled even more." Midoriya seeing as how you placed first alongside myself in the midterms why don't you join us!?"
Izuku looked at her in shock before he got jumped by Mina and Ruby.
Mina: Oh that's a great idea Midori come join us !!!!
Ruby seeing Mina latch on to Deku pouted and jumped up.
Ruby: I'll join too !
Yang/Black: US TOO!!!
Seeing everyone got on board Izuku could only rub the back of his head and agree to join causing the majority of the class to jump up in cheers.
Timeksip:
The lunchtime rush filled the UA cafeteria with the usual chorus of clattering trays, lively chatter, and the faint hum of vending machines resetting. But at one particular table, a collection of some of the brightest students from Class 1-A—and a few extraordinary new faces—had gathered, sharing food, laughter, and a momentary breath from the looming stress of final exams.
Izuku Midoriya sat at the center, chopsticks in hand, chewing thoughtfully on a piece of katsudon. His freckled face wore the familiar glow of a student completely content—if only for now. Across from him sat Ruby Rose, twirling her noodles with a fork while humming a cheerful tune under her breath. Beside her was Yang Xiao Long, already halfway through her third plate of grilled meat, clearly unconcerned about calories or social etiquette.
Iida, ever composed, sat upright as he delicately spooned curry into his mouth, watching the others with observant eyes. Beside him, Todoroki silently sipped miso soup, occasionally glancing over at Izuku, who was currently in the middle of passionately explaining something with chopsticks still in hand.
"So, if we keep the study session focused on the foundational topics and rotate through mock problems, we can cover most of the written exam content in the next few days!" Izuku said, his eyes practically glowing with energy. "Especially if we break into smaller pairs to review—"
"Izu," Ruby interrupted, leaning over the table with a grin, "You're getting that look again."
Izuku blinked and laughed nervously. "Ah—sorry, I guess I get a little carried away..."
"I think it's sweet," Ochako chimed in from the other end of the table, smiling brightly as she poked at her lunch. "It shows you're serious."
"Of course he's serious," Momo added proudly, a gentle smile on her lips. "He did tie for the top spot after all."
Yang, sitting with her chair leaned back and a drumstick in hand, let out a loud whistle. "Top of the class and humble too. You two really set the bar for the rest of us."
"Oh, I wouldn't say that," Momo replied, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear with practiced grace. "I just... happened to be well-prepared for the format of the last exam. The questions leaned heavily toward areas I was already proficient in."
"To be fair," Shouko said, looking straight at Momo, "That's a really elegant way of saying, 'I knew all the answers.'"
Momo's cheeks turned a slight pink as the others chuckled.
"Still," Yang added, biting into the chicken wing in her hand. "We're really lucky to have someone like you helping us out. This exam's gonna be a killer, especially with the practical section."
Across the table, Mina stabbed her vegetables with mock anger. "I'm still mad I placed nineteenth on the midterms. Nineteenth! Like come on—I'm way cooler than that!"
Kaminari, slouched beside her with a mouthful of food, nodded lazily. "Right? And I got twentieth. There should at least be a prize for surviving the test without completely short-circuiting your brain."
"I mean... isn't that what got you twentieth?" Yang teased, elbowing him.
"Exactly," he answered, not missing a beat.
Blake, quietly listening with her usual aloof elegance, set down her teacup and spoke up. "It's not too late to recover. You've got a solid week to prep, and with how fast you guys can pick up on things, you'll be fine."
Tohru, sitting across from Blake, nodded enthusiastically. "And with our study group, we'll make it fun too!"
"Study and fun in the same sentence?" Mina leaned forward, skeptical. "You're not planning to bribe me with snacks again, are you?"
Tohru just gave a knowing smile. "Would that be so bad?"
While the study group bantered, Iida glanced over with his usual intensity. "It's good that you're all preparing diligently. I hope the rest of you won't forget to prioritize your health as well. Proper sleep and balanced meals are critical for peak academic performance!"
"You're like an exam in human form," Yang muttered under her breath, making Ruby giggle.
Shouko, sitting across from Izuku, looked up from her bowl. "So the practical exam... It's not a combat tournament again, is it?"
Izuku turned thoughtful. "It could be. U.A. always tries to challenge us in new ways, but Aizawa-sensei mentioned we'd be facing something unexpected this time."
"Unexpected, huh?" Blake mused, resting her chin in her hand. "I don't like the sound of that."
"That's what makes it fun!" Ruby beamed, her eyes bright with excitement. "Whatever they throw at us, we'll crush it. Just like always."
Mina raised her hand dramatically. "I second that! Team Study Buddies is gonna ace this thing!"
"Team Study Buddies?" Sero laughed. "We have a name now?"
"I like it," Tohru added with a soft giggle.
"Well then," Izuku stood slightly, raising his glass of juice. "To Team Study Buddies."
Everyone leaned in, raising their cups, bottles, or utensils.
"To Team Study Buddies!"
The energy at the table was high—laughter, teasing, and genuine encouragement floating like a warm breeze over everyone's trays of half-eaten lunches. Izuku wiped a bit of curry from the corner of his mouth with a napkin, still smiling from the group's toast, when—
Thunk!
A lunch tray slammed into the back of his head. Not hard enough to hurt, but definitely enough to startle. Izuku flinched forward with a surprised yelp, nearly spilling his drink.
"What the—?" Yang turned, already cracking her knuckles.
"Oh, my bad," came the unmistakably smug voice behind him. "I didn't see you there, Midoriya. You really ought to watch where you put your oversized head!"
The air shifted instantly.
Monoma stood there with a tray of food and a grin sharp enough to cut through steel. His golden bangs bobbed slightly as he tilted his head, mock innocence written all over his face.
"Class 1-A. Together again. Eating. Laughing. How inspiring," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm as his eyes scanned the table. "Ah yes, the famous elite class of U.A. High. Known across the nation for... what again? Oh right, constantly attracting villain attacks and endangering the entire school!"
Kaminari groaned loudly. "Ugh, it's too early for this."
"Monoma, seriously?" Ruby raised an eyebrow.
Blake didn't say anything. She just glared with the kind of cold intensity that made even Yang glance at her warily.
Monoma ignored the growing tension, stepping closer and addressing everyone like a ringmaster at a circus. "Honestly, I'm amazed they haven't quarantined you all for the safety of the other students. But no, no, let's keep glorifying the disaster magnets of Class 1-A. Every time something blows up, it's you people."
Mina stood up from her seat. "You wanna say that again?"
"Oh, gladly!" Monoma grinned, stepping up onto a chair for added drama. "Why don't you all add this to your hero bios? 'Hi, I'm from Class 1-A. I specialize in getting my school attacked, causing mass destruction, and still thinking I deserve special treatment!'"
"You're literally standing in our spotlight hoping some of it will reflect on you," Yang muttered, unimpressed.
But Monoma wasn't finished.
"And now I hear you're forming little study groups. How adorable! As if cramming with the likes of Kaminari or Ashido is going to help anyone pass an exam. Are you going to defeat the written test by dancing and zapping yourselves into oblivion?"
"Okay, I'm about to lose it," Kaminari said through clenched teeth.
"Don't," Izuku muttered, standing slowly and rubbing the back of his head. "He's just trying to get a reaction. Like always."
Monoma leaned in too close to Izuku, eyes narrow. "Tell me, Midoriya, what's your quirk this week? Or have you finally run out of borrowed power?"
Ruby pushed her chair back. "You've got five seconds to step away from him."
Monoma chuckled darkly and raised his voice one last time. "Class 1-A: where the students are more unstable than the villains!"
WHACK.
A clean, sharp chop landed directly at the back of Monoma's neck.
His eyes rolled back instantly, and he collapsed like a puppet with its strings cut—tray and all—right onto the floor. Food and rice scattered in slow motion across the tile.
Behind him stood Itsuka Kendo, her palm still raised from the strike, expression stone-cold and unamused. She exhaled like she had done this too many times to count.
Yui Kodai stood beside her, as silent as ever, calmly sipping from a juice box, while Setsuna Tokage twirled a detached fingertip with a little smirk.
"I swear, I leave him alone for five minutes..." Kendo muttered, looking down at Monoma's unconscious form.
Izuku blinked, rubbing the spot on his head again. "Thanks... Kendo."
"Don't mention it," she said smiling at Izuku warmly, dragging Monoma's limp body by the collar like a piece of trash she was taking out. "Sorry for the mess."
Setsuna winked at the group. "You keep doing your hero thing Midoriya. You're way more fun to watch than he is."
Yui simply gave a polite bow, and the three girls left the cafeteria, leaving behind a stunned silence and a trail of rice.
Kaminari let out a long breath. "Bless Kendo."
"Seriously," Sero added, raising his juice in salute. "Hero of the day."
Mina snorted. "Can we invite her to the study group?"
"Only if she brings the chops," Yang said, grinning wide.
Izuku shook his head, smiling in spite of himself. "I've already asked her... But her and her class have decided to study amongst themeselves first"
"Some people just can't stand seeing others do well," Blake said plainly.
"Which is ironic," Momo added with a dainty sip of her tea, "because you'd think someone so obsessed with us would spend more time improving himself instead of memorizing our flaws."
Even Todoroki, from his seat, murmured, "He should be studying instead of monologuing."
The group collectively burst into laughter again. Despite the interruption, spirits remained high.
The exams were coming. But they weren't alone.
Back in class:
Back inside Class 1-A, the energy was downright infectious.
Books were spread across desks. Sero had somehow flipped Momo's carefully organized flashcards into a game of "Rapid Fire Questions," Jirou was trying to keep a straight face while reading from a physics textbook, and even Ojiro and Sato were chatting quietly over strategy guides.
"YES! We're gonna survive this after all!" Kaminari fist-pumped into the air, holding up a worksheet like it was a victory flag.
Mina laughed, leaning back in her chair with a relieved sigh. "I'm seriously gonna cry. I thought we were doomed, but with all this help? We got this!"
"Don't get too cocky," Momo said, though her voice was warm. "We still have to actually retain all the information."
Jirou grinned at her. "Oh come on, you love this."
Momo coughed politely and adjusted her notes. "Well... I suppose it's nice being helpful."
Ruby clapped her hands together. "This is actually kinda fun!"
"I think we just needed to work together," Izuku added, closing one of his notebooks. "The pressure always feels lighter when we're not carrying it alone."
"Yeah," Yang nodded, "I'm used to high-stakes combat training, not algebra—but I've gotta say, Momo's methods actually make this make sense."
"Indeed," Iida said, polishing his glasses. "We may have different strengths, but working in harmony is a crucial part of becoming heroes."
Even Shouko, ever the quiet observer, gave a small nod. "We're more prepared now. That's good."
"Glad I said yes to joining," Tohru added with a small smile. "Now I just have to survive long enough to use any of it."
Laughter rang out through the room. The tension from earlier had evaporated, replaced with a shared warmth and optimism. It felt... right.
But peace is a rare thing in Class 1-A.
BOOM!!!
The door slammed open with a sudden crash, and the mood shifted immediately. All heads turned.
Standing in the doorway, arms crossed and scowl set deep into his face, was none other than Katsuki Bakugo.
"Tch," he grunted, striding in like he owned the place. "Look at this. A damn tea party."
Kaminari blinked. "Uh, hey Bakugo—"
"SHUT UP, Dunce Face!" Bakugo snapped, his eyes blazing like a fuse about to go off. "You and Pinky have the nerve to be laughing like you actually did something! You two can't even control your damn quirks! You fry your own brain and she skates around like a goddamn hazard sign!"
"Hey!" Mina jumped up, indignant. "I've been trying, okay?!"
"I'm studying!" Kaminari protested.
"Yeah? Study how not to short-circuit yourself, dumbass."
The tension skyrocketed as Bakugo's glare swept across the room—until it landed on Izuku.
Silence.
Izuku met his gaze evenly.
Bakugo took a step closer, jaw clenched. "And you..."
"...Bakugo," Izuku said carefully.
"I don't know what the hell is going on with you anymore." Bakugo's voice was low, almost a growl. "You're getting more powers? One after the other? What the hell is that?!
Izuku opened his mouth, unsure of how much he should say. But Bakugo didn't give him a chance.
"It's pissing me off!" he snapped, pointing at him with a trembling hand. "You're just stacking abilities like you're some kind of cheat code! And the worst part? You're still holding back. I can see it."
"Hey you big jerk—" Ruby began, but he kept going.
"You might've gotten the better of me at the Sports Festival, Deku... but don't think for one damn second I've accepted that as the final word."
He stepped even closer, practically nose-to-nose with Izuku now. His voice dropped lower, quieter... but dead serious.
"The finals are a clean slate. A whole new round. New rankings. New evaluations."
His fists clenched. Little pops of explosive sparks crackled from his palms.
"I'll show you. I'll show everyone here. I'm the best. I've always been the best. And this time—"
His eyes narrowed into sharp, wild slits.
"—I won't lose to you."
The words hung in the air like smoke after a blast.
Izuku didn't flinch.
He stood, calmly meeting Bakugo's challenge with a steady gaze.
Rokuro: Tch I really hate this guy
Meliodas: Sate sate is he still trying to one up little Izu
Natsu: LET ME AT HIM!!!
"I'm not trying to beat you, Bakugo," he said. "I've told you before i'm done trying to prove anything to you. I don't need to show someone like you that I have what it takes to win, I've done it once. and I can definitely do it again"
Bakugo's eye twitched. Veins showing off on his forehead about to blow the hell out of the Deku infront of him.
Before he could respond, Yang let out a long whistle. "Wow. This just got tense."
"Tch, he's such a jerk" Mina muttered, arms crossed.
Iida, flustered, stood up. "Now, now! Let's not allow our competitiveness to devolve into disrespect. Let the exams be a proving ground, not a battlefield."
"Agreed," Momo added gently. "We all want to do our best. Let's focus on that."
"Tch," Bakugo grunted again, turning away. "Don't get in my way you losers, there is only one guy worth anything in this class and that's me!!."
As he stormed toward his desk, Yang leaned over to Izuku with a smirk.
"Is he always this extra?"
Izuku sighed, "Only when he's breathing."
Rokuro: He's lucky i'm not in my body right now or he'd be toast
The group burst into quiet laughter once more, the tension fading. But beneath it all, something deeper lingered:
The finals were coming.
The tests, the trials, the battle to improve themselves.
And everyone had something to prove.
My Hero Academia Season 3 -
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