Echoes of Vapor (Shoto Todoroki)

02.07

PART 07

BONDS

The next day, Aizawa started the day off with reviewing how the class did during the battle trials.

"So. I went over the footage for each team's fights along with the results. Everyone did good," Aizawa began with a bland tone, before his gaze sharpened. "Bakugo. You're talented, but you shouldn't sulk like a little kid just because you lost. Midoriya. You only won by wrecking your arm, which I consider a huge setback. You need to work harder." He said sternly, his eyes glaring holes into the cowering boy.

Ryou felt slightly bad for Midoriya, but he had a point. Also, the sight of Midoriya's arm post-quirk usage was totally gruesome.

"You can't keep hiding behind the excuse of not being able to control your quirk, because it just shows that you aren't putting enough effort in. However, your quirk is strong, and it will be useful once you get the hang of it, so don't feel discouraged." Aizawa concluded, his bittersweet words lessening the pressure his earlier words created. He cleared his throat, his eyes skimming the papers in front of him.

Ryou wasn't paying attention at the exact moment Aizawa fixed his gaze onto him, but he was somewhat startled when he looked up to Aizawa, only to find him already looking at him first.

"Ryou. You did good with collaborating and creating strategies with Ojirou. You did everything you could with your abilities, and although you both ended up being the losing team, had there been more time, I believe that you two would've had a higher chance of winning." Aizawa began, his eyes fixed on his notes to make sure he wasn't missing anything. "Ojirou, you did good with acting when you had to, especially with using your tail to fight against the ice. You provided excellent support for Ryou, so good job. The only advice I have to offer to the both of you is just to keep working hard. Oh, and Ryou, you might want to make some minor adjustments to your dehydration monitors so you don't faint again."

Ryou nodded, slowly soaking in all of the information like a sponge. A warm feeling bloomed in his chest at the praise that Aizawa sprinkled into his evaluation.

"Moving on, what we do next will decide your future." Aizawa said, shocking the whole class with his indifferent tone, but heavy words. He paused ominously for a moment, before continuing, "Today you will be picking a class president."

Immediately, all of the tension disappeared from the room as the students all erupted into chatter.

Various people piped up, preaching few reasons as to why they believed themselves to be good Class President, but all were drowned out due to the volume and overlap of their voices.

Of course, there were a few people uninterested in taking on such a role, such as Ryou, who sat back with an expression of disinterest.

"Quiet down, everyone! Coveting this role bears a heavy responsibility, which is not something that can be covered by ambition alone!" Iida yelled sternly, grabbing the attention of the entire class. A hush fell over the room as he spoke, "This sacred position demands the trust of its constituents, and if this is to be a democracy, then I suggest the motion of having our leader chosen by an election!"

Ryou stifled a small chuckle. Iida said all of that, trying to play it off like he wasn't interested in being class President, but in reality, it was his hand that was being raised the highest.

Of course, there were some people who had opposing opinions, like Kirishima and Tsu.

"But we haven't known each other long enough to trust each other," Tsu croaked, her tongue poking out from the corner of her lips.