The morning sun filtered through the windows of Class 1-A as students filed in one by one, laughter and conversation buzzing through the room. Some compared homework, others argued over quirks or support gear, and a few just sank into their seats, still half-asleep.
Takao Arashi leaned back in his chair, arms folded, gaze steady on the front of the room. His expression was unreadable, but he was alert. Always was.
The moment the classroom door slid open, silence descended.
The homeroom teacher stood there in his usual capture gear, looking as sleep-deprived as always.
"Good," he muttered. "You're not completely hopeless after all."
A few students shifted in their seats. Takao didn't move.
"Today's lesson is different. No standard hero training, no written tests. We're going off-campus."
A few gasps broke the silence. Aizawa ignored them.
"You'll be traveling to a facility known as the USJ the Unforeseen Simulation Joint. It's used to simulate natural and man-made disasters. Rescue training starts now."
He looked over the class with tired but focused eyes.
"You'll be joined by two pro heroes today. Myself, obviously, and Thirteen one of the best rescue specialists in Japan. All Might will also be observing, and may assist."
That got a louder reaction. Aizawa sighed.
"Change into your hero costumes. Meet at the main gate in fifteen. Don't be late. Or I'll make you regret it."
The school bus rolled through the city toward the edge of Musutafu, where the off-site facility waited. The ride was long enough for casual chatter to rise and swell among the students.
Takao sat by a window toward the back, arms crossed, looking out the window of the coach, as he watched buildings roll past. He didn't talk unless spoken to, content with the calm before the inevitable chaos of training.
From across the aisle, Kaminari glanced over. "Hey, Takao, right?"
Takao raised an eyebrow.
"Your quirk, 'Aspect Bringer', right?" Kaminari asked. "You used thunder and lightning during the entrance exam, yeah? You like, a lightning-type?"
A few heads turned toward him now, curious students wanting to hear more.
Takao gave a small shrug. "I can do much more than thunder and lightning," he said simply, his voice low but clear. "That's just the part I'm best at using so far."
That got a few widened eyes, a raised brow or two.
Kirishima whistled and gave him a thumbs up. "Dang, man. Sounds like your quirk's got some serious range."
"It does." Takao replied, gaze returning to the window.
That was the end of the conversation.
The massive silver dome came into view as the bus pulled up to the facility gates. The students climbed out one by one, many murmuring in awe.
The interior was even more impressive, massive, with zones dedicated to different disaster types. Flood zones, collapsed buildings, wildfires, and more were all simulated here with a shocking degree of realism.
Thirteen stood at the center of the plaza, clad in her signature white and black suit. She waved as the class approached.
"Welcome to the Unforeseen Simulation Joint!" she greeted. "This facility is designed to simulate every major disaster imaginable. Earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, landslides, and more."
Takao's eyes scanned the area. A dome-sized crucible for chaos. He could feel the static hum of power in the air. Whether it came from the tech or his own anticipation, he wasn't sure.
Aizawa stood off to the side, arms crossed, still half-wrapped in his scarf.
"Listen up," he said. "Rescue work is just as vital to heroism as combat. Maybe more. Today's training is about saving lives, not punching villains."
Aizawa turned to Thirteen.
"She'll lead your briefing."
Thirteen nodded. "Rescue work can be dangerous. We heroes must be cautious when using our quirks. They are tools, but not without consequences."
Takao folded his arms, focused on her words. It wasn't flashy, but this was real hero work.
A gust of wind rustled through the dome.
Takao glanced around.
Something felt…off.