Lunch at U.A. was loud, chaotic, and full of energy — exactly what you'd expect from hundreds of aspiring heroes packed into one cafeteria. Class 1‑A had claimed two tables near the windows, squeezing together to accommodate everyone, their trays piled high with food from Lunch Rush's kitchen.
Kirishima was halfway through retelling a fight Crimson Riot had a few years ago.
"And then he just stood up from the hit and kept going!"
Midoriya, even though Kirishima was talking about his favorite thing in the world — heroes — was poking nervously at his rice. "I‑I still can't believe I'm class rep…"
Uraraka grinned. "You'll do great, Deku!"
Midoriya flushed bright red.
Before he could respond—
BWAAAAAAM— BWAAAAAAM— BWAAAAAAM—
A shrill alarm blared through the cafeteria, red lights flashing overhead.
Students froze.
Iida shot to his feet. "T‑That's the security alarm!"
Uraraka gasped. "Wait — the real one?!"
Midoriya paled. "W‑Why would it be going off?!"
The cafeteria erupted into chaos.
Chairs scraped. Students shouted. Everyone rushed toward the doors but immediately hit a bottleneck due to the sheer volume of bodies.
Takeshi stood, scanning the room with calm, steady eyes. He and the rest of Class 1‑A were swept up in the tide of panicking students.
"Move!" "Is it villains?!" "Where do we go?!" "Someone help!"
Iida tried to direct traffic like a frantic crossing guard. "Everyone, please! Maintain order! No pushing!"
He was immediately shoved aside as the hysteria rose higher.
Uraraka clung to Midoriya. "This is bad!"
Midoriya muttered at warp speed. "A breach— someone got past the barrier— but how— who— why—"
Takeshi widened his stance and centered himself, becoming a wall against the chaos. He reached out and grabbed Jiro by the shoulder, pulling her closer so she wouldn't get swept away in the crowd. Next to him, he saw Mineta get shoved and fall down— before the boy could be trampled, Takeshi grabbed the collar of his shirt and lifted him up with one hand.
Mineta gasped. "Thanks, man! It really sucks being short sometimes."
Takeshi didn't respond — he was scanning the crowd for other students in danger.
And then he saw something that made him burst out laughing despite the seriousness of the situation.
Iida had flown awkwardly through the air somehow and was next to the exit. Explaining the situation to the mass of students. The hysteria stared dying down and everyone started making a normal exit.
Takeshi felt a tug on his sleeve — Jiro looking up at him, her face slightly flushed.
"Thanks, Takeshi," she said quietly.
Then Mineta had to ruin the moment.
"Dang, Takeshi, I didn't know you were so smooth."
Takeshi's eyebrow twitched.
He "gently" set Mineta down — face‑first.
The alarm finally shut off, and the cafeteria slowly returned to normal. Class 1‑A made their way back to the classroom.
Midoriya slumped into his seat. "That was… a lot."
Uraraka nodded. "I'm exhausted and it's not even afternoon classes yet."
Iida returned a moment later, panting, glasses fogged from all the excitement.
"I have done my duty!"
Takeshi blinked. "Congrats?"
Iida smiled proudly.
Midoriya looked down at his tray, then at Iida.
Then he stood.
"Iida… I think you should be class rep."
The class went silent.
Iida's jaw dropped. "M‑Midoriya?! But— you were elected!"
Midoriya shook his head. "You're better suited for it. You're organized, responsible, and… well… you actually acted like a leader just now."
Uraraka smiled. "He's right!"
Takeshi nodded. "You handled the situation well."
Iida trembled, overwhelmed. "I… I don't know what to say…"
Midoriya smiled. "Say yes."
Iida straightened, eyes shining. "Then… I humbly accept!"
The class erupted in cheers.
Aizawa entered the classroom looking even more drained than usual after dealing with the press.
"Alright," he said, rubbing his temples, "since the press incident wasted half our lunch period, let's keep this brief."
The class quieted.
"This afternoon, you'll be participating in rescue training at the USJ."
A ripple of excitement ran through the room.
"Rescue training?" Uraraka echoed.
Aizawa nodded. "Yes. Not every hero job is about fighting villains. You'll learn how to save lives in various disaster scenarios."
Midoriya's eyes sparkled with excitement. Kirishima pumped a fist. "Manly!"
Aizawa continued, "Get changed into your hero costumes and meet at the bus loading area. Don't be late."
He zipped himself fully back into his sleeping bag.
"That's all."
The class spilled into the hallway, chattering excitedly as they made their way toward the locker rooms.
Takeshi walked with Jiro, who nudged him with her elbow. "Rescue training, huh? What do you think it'll be like?"
Takeshi shrugged. "No clue."
Jiro rolled her eyes. "Very helpful."
After changing into their hero costumes, Class 1‑A gathered near the bus loop. Midoriya and Takeshi stood out in their PE uniforms — both of their costumes had been damaged during yesterday's training.
The large, sleek U.A. transport bus waited for them, engine humming.
And then—
Iida stepped forward like a man preparing to load the bus with military precision.
"Everyone! Please form an orderly line! We must board the bus efficiently and safely!"
Kaminari blinked. "Dude… it's just a bus."
"No!" Iida insisted, chopping the air with his hands. "This is a matter of discipline! Of structure! Of—"
He stopped talking when he saw the bus's open layout — and his classmates already boarding freely.
Iida deflated. "The bus's open layout ruined my boarding plans…"
Takeshi patted his shoulder as he passed. "Your effort is noted."
Iida straightened, encouraged. "Th‑Thank you, Yagi!"
Takeshi ended up sitting near the middle of the bus, Jiro slid into the seat next to him. Midoriya, Uraraka, and Tsuyu sat across the aisle.
Kirishima leaned over the seat in front of Takeshi. "Yo, man — your quirk is seriously cool. You're like a walking tank!"
Takeshi blinked. "I suppose."
Jiro smirked. "That's his way of saying 'thanks.'"
Midoriya perked up. "A‑Actually, Takeshi's quirk seems to increase density across his entire body, which would explain the stone‑like protrusions and—"
Tsuyu tilted her head, cutting him off.
"Midoriya," she said in her usual blunt tone, "your quirk is kind of like All Might's."
Midoriya froze. "W‑What?!"
Kirishima jumped in. "But All Might doesn't hurt himself every time he uses his! That's a huge difference. Still — a flashy quirk like that is awesome. My hardening is strong, but it doesn't look all that cool. Especially next to Takeshi whose quirk is so similar."
"Not at all!" Midoriya said, suddenly animated. "Your hardening quirk is super versatile, and I imagine it's easier to use for long periods than Takeshi's. That's super important for hero work!"
Takeshi nodded in acknowledgment. His quirk was strong, but it had taken years of dedication to reach this point — and it was draining to use across his entire body. Increasing his mass and density gave him strength and durability, but it also put tremendous stress on his muscles and joints.
That's why he usually only used it on specific body parts.
But he was working on that.
Hopefully by the sports festival… I'll have it ready.
His musings were interrupted when Aizawa stood up at the front of the bus.
"Shut up. We're here."
Everyone looked out the windows.
The massive dome of the USJ loomed ahead