"You don't need to overthink it."
Masata spoke calmly as he looked at his classmates.
"Other people aren't going to stand still and let you hit them. They'll dodge, hide, and counterattack. And we don't even know what kind of Quirks they have. Trying to snipe targets directly isn't that easy."
From Masata's perspective, hitting three targets on someone else was simple. But he was deliberately analyzing the situation from the standpoint of ordinary examinees.
Everyone immediately nodded in agreement.
"Then let's just capture a group first," Kaminari said excitedly. "Restrict their movement and then stick the balls on their targets! Everyone will probably move in teams anyway, right? If we do that, our chances will be really high!"
"That's right," Midoriya said thoughtfully. "At first, I only thought about 'hitting' the targets. But now that I think about it, cooperation might be the real focus of this exam."
Hearing this, everyone gradually realized something.
Teamwork might be the key to passing the first round.
"At this time, staff will distribute the targets and balls. One minute after everyone receives their equipment, the exam will officially begin."
As Murayama Ryo finished speaking, several staff members carried large boxes onto the platform.
Inside were the exam devices.
"Expand?"
Masata repeated the word quietly, frowning.
He had already felt that the hall seemed strangely small compared to the outside.
Now, he finally understood why.
Suddenly, the ceiling began sliding open to both sides.
At the same time, the surrounding walls collapsed outward.
Everyone's pupils shrank.
A vast, open world unfolded before them.
The area they had been standing on was only a small central platform.
Beyond it lay countless terrains—
Urban neighborhoods of reinforced concrete…
Industrial factory zones…
Towering mountains…
Dense forests…
Wide lakes…
Everything was there.
It looked like an enormous, upgraded version of the USJ training facility.
An artificial battlefield.
After fixing the targets onto his body, Masata fell into deep thought.
If he wanted, he could easily lead Class A to victory.
But if he did that…
Would the examiners even recognize such a result?
And if something went wrong and someone from Class A was eliminated…
He would definitely blame himself.
He had watched everyone train so hard for this moment.
Seeing his conflicted expression, Yaoyorozu Momo walked over and gently patted his shoulder.
"You should just focus on yourself," she said softly. "Even if you want to help, others might not want to be carried through the exam."
"…You're right."
Masata suddenly understood.
Except for Grape, everyone in Class A had strong pride.
If they passed too easily because of him, it would become a psychological burden.
Even kindness could turn into pressure.
"Yes, we're strong too," Kirishima said confidently. "Don't underestimate us!"
Kaminari nodded enthusiastically, stroking the new device on his suit.
"We're ready!"
"Hahaha, that's the spirit!"
By now, almost everyone had received their equipment.
Murayama raised his hand.
"Begin!"
Smoke rose as the walls finished collapsing.
Candidates rushed into different terrains, fighting for advantageous positions.
"How about it?" Masata asked, turning to Yaoyorozu and Chacha. "Want to team up with me?"
Midoriya had already rushed out with a group.
Bakugo went solo.
Kirishima and Kaminari formed a trio.
Not everyone liked group action. Sometimes, teamwork limited personal strength.
Masata himself was a good example.
"No," Yaoyorozu replied firmly. "This time, Chacha and I will form our own team. We want to test how much we've improved."
Chacha looked a little embarrassed but nodded.
They had no intention of relying on Masata.
For a moment, Masata felt strangely rejected.
But he quickly smiled.
He respected their fighting spirit and trusted their strength.
"Alright," he said. "Let's meet again later."
He waved at them and then scanned the battlefield.
Then he ran straight toward the area with the densest crowd.
Even if he couldn't directly carry Class A…
Clearing out more opponents was still helpful.
High above, in the spectator seats.
Aizawa Shouta and Ms. Joke sat quietly, watching the battlefield.
"You didn't expel anyone," Ms. Joke said curiously. "You seem very confident in your class."
"Then why didn't you tell them?"
"Because there's no need," Aizawa replied calmly.
His eyes were bloodshot, showing clear signs of exhaustion, but he never looked away from the field.
He was watching every movement.
"Huh?! Not necessary?" Ms. Joke was shocked.
Every year, there was an unspoken rule in this exam.
And it never disappeared.
Among all rival schools…
U.A. High was the most exposed.
Their Quirks, weaknesses, and fighting styles had all been broadcast nationwide.
They had completely lost the "unknown factor" advantage.
"If you're really confident," Ms. Joke said, "you should've told them about 'Hunting U.A.' in advance."
Still, Aizawa said nothing.
He simply stared forward.
Ms. Joke followed his gaze.
"Hey! Isn't that your student?" she suddenly exclaimed. "Igarashi Masata, right? He was amazing at the Sports Festival!"
She hadn't seen the Forest Training Camp battle, so she didn't know Masata's true strength.
Now she saw him acting alone.
And—
He was already surrounded.
Students from multiple schools were quietly closing in on him.
And Masata didn't seem to notice at all.
"If this is what 'Hunting U.A.' looks like," Ms. Joke murmured, "then you'd better watch closely…"
Aizawa finally spoke.
"I never planned to hide it."
"No matter what I say, reality won't change."
He paused.
"And this year's U.A. class…"
"…is terrifyingly strong."
...
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