Shadows of the Mind

Chapter 4: A New Challenge

The final bell rang, marking the end of the academic part of the day. Aizawa's tired voice cut through the chatter in the classroom. "Alright, that's it for today. Head to the training grounds—but first, change into your hero costumes."

As everyone started packing up, Kageko Yamikaze stood up, keeping to herself as usual. She noticed the curious glances from her classmates but didn't pay them much attention. She was here to learn and train, not to entertain.

Making her way to the girls' locker room, Kageko stayed a step behind the others. She wasn't one to rush or join in on the usual excitement that buzzed around her peers. Inside the locker room, Mina, Jiro, and Ochaco were already getting changed.

"Yamikaze!" Mina called out with her usual enthusiasm. "We've all been wondering—what's your hero costume like?"

Jiro nodded, glancing over as she adjusted her earphone jacks. "Yeah, you've been pretty secretive about it."

Kageko hesitated for a moment, her hand on her locker. She wasn't exactly secretive—just not the type to make a big deal out of things. But they seemed genuinely curious, so she figured there was no harm in showing them.

With a slight nod, Kageko opened her locker and pulled out her hero costume. It was a sleek black bodysuit, simple yet functional, with a high collar and long sleeves. The material was designed for flexibility and stealth, perfect for her Quirk. A black pleated skirt added a layer of practicality, and her thigh-high boots were reinforced for combat. She also had fingerless gloves that provided a good grip and extra protection.

Mina's eyes widened with admiration. "Whoa, that's cool! It suits you."

"Yeah, very fitting," Jiro agreed with a small smile.

Kageko managed a faint smile in return. "Thanks." She wasn't used to compliments, but it felt good to know her classmates approved.

As they continued getting ready, the conversation naturally shifted to Quirks and training. Kageko checked her gear with practiced precision, her thoughts already shifting to the upcoming session. Just as she was about to respond to a question about her abilities, Bakugo's voice boomed from outside the locker room.

"Hurry it up, idiots! We're not gonna wait all day!"

The girls exchanged looks, a mix of amusement and mild exasperation. Mina laughed. "Typical Bakugo."

Kageko just shook her head slightly, not surprised by his impatience. She finished getting ready, adjusting her costume before heading out with the others. The hallway was full of students heading to the training grounds, the excitement in the air palpable.

Once outside, the afternoon sun shone brightly, casting long shadows across the field. Kageko hung back slightly, her eyes scanning the area as she prepared for what was next. As usual, she stayed close to Shinso, appreciating his quiet company.

"You ready for this?" Shinso asked, his voice calm and steady.

Kageko nodded. "Always." She wasn't one to hesitate when it came to training. This was what she was here for.

Aizawa stepped forward, getting everyone's attention. "Today, we'll be doing one-on-one Quirk practice," he announced. "I'll be pairing you up."

The group quieted down, the tension building as they waited to hear who they'd be up against. When Aizawa called out her name, followed by Bakugo's, Kageko felt a surge of adrenaline. This would be interesting.

Her eyes found Bakugo in the crowd, his hero costume accentuating his fierce, almost explosive presence. He met her gaze with a challenging look. Great, she thought, he's not going to make this easy. But that was fine by her—she didn't want it to be easy.

Shinso gave her a supportive nudge. "Good luck," he said with a slight smile.

Kageko nodded, her expression determined. "You too." She wasn't worried—she knew what she was capable of, and she was ready to show it.

As she walked toward the training grounds, the noise around her seemed to fade. All that mattered now was the challenge ahead. Bakugo was tough—she could tell just by the way he carried himself—but Kageko wasn't one to back down.

She took a deep breath, focusing on the task at hand. This was her chance to prove herself, and she wasn't about to let it slip by.