Heroes of Tomorrow

Part 4~Ultimate Moves

Akiko stood in the kitchen, cooking before anyone woke up. She sat down to eat as the first early birds woke up.

"You don't look like you got much sleep," Uraraka joked as Akiko forced a smile.

"Guess I miss my dog."

"You hate your dog," Uzu responded as he walked in, stealing a piece of toast from Akiko's plate.

"Firstly, I don't hate her, it's mutual dislike, and secondly, you look worse than me."

It took no time for everyone to gather downstairs. Uzu joined Jiro and Yao-momo, though he stayed quiet throughout their conversation. Naka stuck with Kirishima, and Aoyama and Akiko talked happily.

Finally, Iida charged in and ordered everyone to leave.

~~~

"I believe I mentioned this already, but your main focus this summer is obtaining provisional hero licences." Aizawa paused as the class cheered. "Do not take this lightly. A hero license means that you're responsible for human lives. You can imagine that the exam to receive one is very difficult. Only 50 percent of students pass the tests required for these permits each year. In order to prepare today, you'll concentrate on creating something new. Two Ultimate moves."

The door opened as Midnight, Cementoss, and Ectoplasm walked in.

The class grew excited as the idea settled in. Ectoplasm stood at the front, taking over the explanation. "When we say 'ultimate,' we mean a move that will ensure you win against your opponent."

"An action so unique to your identity that no other person can hope to copy it. Simply put, you must learn to lean into your strengths," Cementoss explained before passing it on to Midnight.

"Your moves represent who you are. These days, most pro heroes have an ultimate move. Those who don't are fools."

"This may sound abstract, but we'll explain more as the day goes on. For now, change into your costumes and meet in gym gamma."

~~~

"Gym Gamma, also known at the academy as the 'Training Dinning Land' or TDL." Aizawa led his students inside as Cementoss kneeled down.

He touched the floor as his hands began to glow, and the cement started changing shape. "This faculty was my idea. We can prepare unique terrains and obstacles for each student here. Here, you will learn to serve up justice, hence the name."

Iida threw up his hand as the class awed at the area. "Please allow me a question. What is the advantage of having ultimate moves for our provisional exam? May we know your reasoning?"

Aizawa was not in the mood. "That's two questions. Calm down. The job of a hero is to save people from all sorts of dangers. Crime, accidents and natural or man-made disasters. Of course, the licensing exam analyses how well you're able to deal with such things. It won't just be fighting. Your ability to gather information and make quick decisions will be judged. In addition to how well you communicate, cooperate, and lead others. Every year, a new test is used to evaluate these qualities."

"One thing is especially important," Midnight began, "if you want to be a pro hero, you must be able to prevail in battle. If you're prepared, you won't have to worry. And those of you with an ultimate move will have stronger results."

"Your circumstances should not dictate the results of your future battles. Learn to be consistent, and you will be a great asset on the front lines." Cementoss finished before he turned away to finish setting up.

Ectoplasm continued the explanation. "Your ultimate move doesn't necessarily have to be an attack. Take Iida's Reciproburst, for example. This sort of temporary boost in speed is valuable enough that it falls into the category of excellence we're looking for."