Heroes of Tomorrow

Part 17~Hero Work-Study

Walking into the classroom, Akiko froze. Naka was sitting in his seat, staring out of the window. "Naka?" She hesitated before walking in front of him. "Naka! It's good to see you. You were starting to worry me."

Naka hummed in response as Akiko's shoulders slumped.

"Oh, right. Guess you're not quite feeling right yet." Akiko once again didn't get a response as she sighed, walking to her seat. Akiko frowned, glaring at her desk and playing with her phone until she saw Uzu walk in.

He, too, smiled upon seeing Naka. He rushed to go to Naka when Akiko stopped him. "Aki?"

Akiko smiled sadly. "It's best we leave him for a bit longer."

Uzu frowned, seeing an upset look in Akiko's eyes. "You sure?"

Akiko nodded, letting Uzu go. Uzu's frown stayed on his face as he took his seat and waited for Aizawa.

"The hero work studies are a more serious version of your internships. They entail helping pro agencies on the streets and with investigations. Your teachers and the principal discussed them at the faculty meeting, and we all agree. It's too soon. They should really be cancelled." The second Aizawa announced the news, the class erupted in dismay.

"But we already met about them!" Kirishima stared in dismay as Kaminari stared in horror, fidgeting with Uzu's tail.

"I guess when you think about why we had to move into the dorms, it does make sense."

Bakugo began laughing as the class rolled their eyes. He was only laughing because he wouldn't have been allowed to do it anyway.

"But," Aizawa began, calling the student's attention back to him, "some people think we won't be able to raise strong heroes with that sort of protective outlook. And with that in mind, the compromise is to be selective about participating agencies. So, choose one with a proven track record. Otherwise, you won't be taking part."

Uzu frowned. Did Hawk have a track record?

~~~

Akiko took in a deep breath as she knocked on the door. "Excuse me, is Mr. Aizawa here?"

The teacher turned, pointing at Aizawa, who was sleeping in the corner. He grumbled as he crawled out of his bag. "What is it, Ueda?"

"I was wondering if I could discuss something with you?"

Aizawa glanced over at Akiko as she fidgeted before he sighed. "Yeah. There should be a spare classroom we can talk in." Aizawa led Akiko away, leading her into the spare room. "What's up?"

"It's about the Hero Work Studies."

Aizawa yawned, a grumble in his voice. "If you need to check if the agency has a track record, you should ask someone else. I don't know them by heart."

"No, it's not that." Akiko grew more nervous, bouncing from one leg to another. "I keep debating whether I should do it at all."

Aizawa narrowed his eyes, a confused look on his face. "And why exactly don't you want to participate."

"Well, that's the thing. I really want to participate. I think it's a great opportunity and valuable for being a hero."

"Then what's the problem?"

Akiko chewed her lip, twisting her fingers together. "Sir, did you read the results from the licensing exam."

Aizawa nodded. "Yes. But if I remember correctly, you scored quite high. Top 5 in the class."

Akiko nodded. "Yeah, but all the points I lost were for the same reason. Whenever I hear an explosion, I freeze up."

Aizawa stayed quiet as he let Akiko explain.