MHA: Yellow Flash of U.A

Chapter 2

The sun shone brightly over the bustling city streets, casting a warm glow on the throngs of students making their way to school. Among them was Ryo Namikaze, a 14-year-old boy with spiky blonde hair that caught the light with every step. His sharp blue eyes were filled with determination as he walked with a sense of purpose, his middle school uniform crisp and neat, a navy blazer over a white shirt. A backpack was slung casually over one shoulder, and his friends flanked him, their voices a mix of excitement and anticipation.

Aiko, her dark hair pulled back into a neat ponytail, spoke with a smile that matched her bright demeanor. "Did you hear? Today's the day we talk about our future careers in class!" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm.

Kenta, always the energetic one, grinned widely. "Yeah, I bet everyone's gonna say they want to be a hero! Right, Ryo?" His voice carried a playful tone, but there was an undertone of admiration for his friend.

Ryo nodded, his expression serious but his eyes alight with excitement. "Of course. I've been working towards that my whole life."

As they approached the school gates, the sight of their classmates milling around and chatting added to Ryo's sense of anticipation. He could feel the familiar surge of energy within him, a combination of nerves and excitement. Today was an important day, a step closer to the future he had envisioned for himself. He knew that soon, he would have to start making decisions that would shape his destiny as a hero. The thought was daunting, but Ryo felt ready for it.

The classroom was alive with the buzz of excited chatter as students filed in, taking their seats. Mr. Sato, a middle-aged man with graying hair and a stern but kind demeanor, stood at the front of the room, surveying his students with a patient smile. His presence commanded respect, and the room quieted as he raised his hand.

"Alright, class, settle down," he said, his voice calm but authoritative. "Today, we're going to talk about your future. I know many of you are thinking about high school and beyond, so let's discuss what you want to do after you graduate."

A wave of whispers rippled through the classroom, a mix of excitement and nerves. Mr. Sato chuckled softly, clearly amused by their eagerness. "I see a lot of you are eager. So, who wants to go first? How about you, Kenta?"

Kenta, his face a blend of excitement and anxiety, stood up. He took a deep breath, his hands gripping the edges of his desk for support. "I... I want to be a hero! I want to use my Quirk to help people and fight villains. I'm thinking of applying to U.A. High School."

Mr. Sato nodded approvingly, his smile widening. "A noble goal. With some hard work, I'm sure you'll get there."

Ryo leaned over to Aiko, his voice low but teasing. "Kenta's really got his heart set on U.A., doesn't he?"

Aiko nodded, her own excitement evident in her voice. "Yeah, but so do you, right? I mean, you've been training like crazy."

Ryo's grin widened, a mix of pride and determination on his face. "I've got big shoes to fill."

As more students stood up to share their dreams, the atmosphere grew even more charged. It was clear that most of them saw hero work in their future, inspired by the tales of professional heroes and their own burning ambitions. Mr. Sato then turned his gaze to Ryo.

"Ryo, why don't you share with the class?" he suggested.

Ryo stood up, his posture straight and his expression focused. His voice was steady, filled with a quiet intensity that commanded attention. "I've known for a long time that I want to be a hero. My grandfather was a pro hero, and he's been training me since I was little. But more than that, I've seen how much heroes can change the world. I want to make that kind of difference. Not just by fighting villains, but by helping people in any way I can."

The room fell silent as he spoke. His words carried a weight that settled over the classroom like a blanket, grounding everyone in the seriousness of his conviction. His classmates had always known Ryo was serious about becoming a hero, but hearing him speak so passionately made them realize just how deep his resolve ran.

Mr. Sato nodded, clearly impressed. "That's a very mature perspective, Ryo. Being a hero is about more than just power—it's about making a positive impact on the world. I think you have what it takes."

Ryo sat down, feeling a surge of satisfaction. It felt good to finally express his dreams out loud, to share his ambitions with his peers. Saying it out loud made it feel more real, more achievable.

At lunch, the group gathered under a tree in the school courtyard, enjoying the warm sun and the slight breeze that carried the scent of freshly cut grass. Ryo sat with his back against the trunk, his friends around him, the sounds of other students and distant traffic forming a comforting background hum.

Emi, always bright and energetic, grinned widely. "You sounded so cool in class, Ryo! I mean, I know you've always been serious about this, but today... it felt like you're really ready for it."

Ryo shrugged, a modest smile on his lips. "Thanks, Emi. I've been training hard, and I know there's still a lot to learn, but I'm ready for whatever comes next."

Kenta laughed, his voice filled with good-natured teasing. "With all the training you've been doing, I bet you'll be the first one in our class to become a hero!"

Aiko nodded, her expression earnest. "And you've helped all of us too. I don't think I'd be half as confident with my Quirk if it weren't for you, Ryo."

Ryo chuckled, feeling a bit embarrassed by the praise, his cheeks tinged with pink. "Come on, you guys have all worked hard too. We've all grown a lot, and I'm sure we'll all make it as heroes."

Their conversation drifted to potential hero schools, the challenges ahead, and what it might be like to pass the entrance exams. As they talked, Ryo listened intently, offering advice when he could, but mostly thinking about the path ahead. He knew the journey to becoming a hero was just beginning and that, while confident in his abilities, he was also aware of the challenges that lay before him.

After school, Ryo headed to the dojo, the place where he had spent countless hours training under his grandfather's watchful eye. The wooden floors creaked softly under his feet, and the familiar scent of polished wood and incense filled the air. The dojo was a place of solace for Ryo, a sanctuary where he could focus entirely on honing his skills and pushing his limits.

His grandfather, the former pro hero known as the "Blazing Flash," stood in the center of the room, arms crossed, a proud smile on his face as he watched his grandson approach.

"You've improved, Ryo," his grandfather observed as Ryo began his warm-up exercises. "Your control is getting better, and you're not as drained after each teleport. But remember, it's not just about the physical aspect—your mind needs to be sharp too."

Ryo nodded, focusing on his breathing as he prepared for another round of training. "I know, Grandpa. I've been trying to think two steps ahead, like you taught me."

"Good," his grandfather replied, nodding in approval. "You'll need that kind of thinking when you're out there, in real situations. Villains won't wait for you to catch your breath."

The training intensified, each move precise and calculated, each teleport a little more controlled. Ryo could feel the sweat dripping down his forehead, the muscles in his legs burning with effort, but he pushed through, driven by the desire to live up to his grandfather's expectations and his own dreams.

Each successful teleport, every well-placed strike, brought him closer to his goal. And as the sun began to set outside the dojo windows, Ryo knew that today was just another step on the long journey ahead, a journey that he was ready to face with everything he had.