The Bad Batch (Star Wars X My Hero Academia)

Chapter Twenty - A New Challenge

As the Hero Work Studies came to an end, classes resumed. As Class 1-A was waiting in their classroom for class to start, word had already spread about Jiro's work with the Bad Batch.

Kaminari: So what was it like working with the Bad Batch? It must've been pretty crazy!

Jiro: You could say that, but it wasn't as bad as you'd think.

Mina: What?! There's no way! Those guys were hardcore! Did you not see how those guys absolutely destroyed us?!

Yaoyorozu: I didn't know the Bad Batch were taking in sidekicks due to their reputation. 

Jiro: They don't. I had to work hard just to impress them. 

Jiro then shows off the 99 tattoo on her forearm. Upon seeing the tattoo, everyone was shocked. Yaoyorozu recalled how Aizawa had that same tattoo on his left shoulder. Soon enough, Aizawa entered the class. 

Aizawa: I hope you all learned from your Work Studies. Today is going to be....an interesting one today. 

As Aizawa said this, the Bad Batch walked into the classroom. Everyone in the class was shocked when the Bad Batch entered the class. Jiro especially was shocked. 

Jiro: Hunter? What are you doing here? 

Hunter: I managed to pull some strings with Aizawa so we could allow your final test. 

Jiro: Final test? But I thought the Pit was the final test.

Hunter: Not exactly. You've passed the Pit and handled yourself well during the raid on the Shie Hassaikai Compound. But now it's time to see how you fare against us.

As Hunter said that, Aizawa had all of Class 1-A meet at the control room. 

Aizawa: Jiro, this exercise will be like the Battle Trials. You will play the part of the Hero while the Bad Batch plays the part of the Villains. Your mission is simple. Apprehend the Bad Batch. 

Yaoyorozu: Isn't this unfair? Jiro is up against four experienced Pro Heroes! 

Hunter: No fight is ever fair, kid. In a real fight, Villains will do whatever it takes to win. Ganging up on the Hero is the first thing they do. And escape won't be an option. No Villain will ever give you an opportunity to escape. 

It was clear that while this trial would be conducted like the Battle Trials, it would have very different rules. 

Hunter: Oh. And one other thing. We won't hold back. We'll hit you with everything we've got and you're going to hit us with everything you've got. 

At that point, many in Class 1-A were concerned for Jiro. They all recalled how the Bad Batch easily bested Kirishima, Kaminari, Mina, Sero, and Sato without much effort. The fact that Jiro was going to face the Bad Batch by herself was deeply concerning to them. However, Jiro stepped up. 

Jiro: I'm ready for whatever you can throw at me. 

Wrecker: I like her attitude! This should be fun! 

Tech: Before I forget, I finished up your armor. 

Tech then hands Jiro a briefcase. Jiro then walks to the changing room to change into her armor. As she opens the briefcase, she sees the armor Tech had crafted for her. It was exactly as was promised. She puts on the armor to find a perfect fit. As she glances over to her helmet, Jiro picks it up and looks at it. She could see the sound wave in the same position on her hair as well as her other face paint markings. 

Jiro: Whoa....

Jiro took a moment to catch her breath as she put on her armor. Meanwhile in the control room, the students of Class 1-A along with Aizawa and the Bad Batch waited for Jiro to return. Jiro soon walked in the room wearing her armor. Her classmates were absolutely shocked by this. 

Kaminari: Whoa, Kyoka! You look badass! 

Jiro: Thanks. The armor is a perfect fit. Tech did a good job. 

Tech: Glad I could be of assistance, Echo. 

Yaoyorozu: Echo? I thought your name was Earphone Jack? 

Jiro: Not anymore, Yaomomo. I've also dropped the title from my hero name. As a Hero, I'm just Echo. 

Yaoyorozu could see that Jiro's time with the Bad Batch had changed Jiro. 

Hunter: This'll be a perfect opportunity to put that armor into action, Echo. You better be ready for what's coming because we won't hold back. 

Jiro: I won't let you down. 

Aizawa: Jiro, you'll be given time to plan your approach. The Bad Batch will do the same. Unlike normal Battle Trials, there will be no time limit or secondary objectives. Your only objective is to subdue and capture the Bad Batch by any means necessary. 

Jiro: I understand, Mr. Aizawa.

Aizawa: Good. Everyone get into positions. The rest of you will remain here with me to watch this trial. I'd take the opportunity to study this fight. 

Jiro then puts on her helmet. As she prepares to go to her starting position, Hunter leaves some parting words for Jiro. 

Hunter: Good luck out there, kid. May the best Hero win. 

Jiro nods as she enters her starting position. As the Bad Batch put on their helmets, Hunter turns to the rest of the Bad Batch. 

Hunter: All right, boys. It's time we put Jiro through the wringer. Let's give her everything we've got. 

With that, the Bad Batch went into their starting positions. Aizawa and the students would watch the Battle Trial go down as Jiro prepared to take on the Bad Batch by herself.