Chapter 33: Hero Names and Nominations

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Mailin’s POV

The classroom buzzes with the usual energy of teenagers, but there’s something more today—excitement. After the Sports Festival, the students are eager to move forward, and I can sense it in the air. Their futures as heroes are no longer just an abstract idea—they’re becoming real.

I stand by Shota’s side at the front of the class, watching as he explains the Hero Informatics Period and the process of choosing hero names. There’s something about his calm, collected manner that grounds the class, but I know just how excited they are underneath that. I can see it in their eyes.

Midnight enters the room, her usual flair of energy filling the space as she takes over for the hero name evaluations. The students have 15 minutes to decide, and the room instantly fills with chatter as they start brainstorming.

“Don’t overthink it,” I remind them, moving between the desks. “A hero name should represent who you are and what you want to stand for, but it can evolve with you over time. Just make sure it’s something you can live with.”

Kirishima leans back in his seat, looking thoughtful. “What was your hero name, Mizuhana-Sensei? How did you choose it?”

I stop by his desk, offering a small smile. I should’ve known this question would come up sooner or later. “I chose Mizuhime,” I reply, feeling a small wave of nostalgia wash over me. “It translates to ‘Water Princess,’ and it reflects my connection to water and my abilities. But it also represents a certain grace I strive for in both my combat style and my healing.”

The class listens intently, and even Katsuki perks up slightly from his usual slouch. It’s clear they’re absorbing every word, thinking about how to reflect their own quirks and personalities in their hero names.

Uraraka’s eyes light up. “That’s so elegant! But how did you come up with it?”

I pause for a moment, considering. “When I was younger, I had a deep affinity for water—I’ve always felt connected to its power and serenity. I wanted my name to reflect that connection. But ‘Mizu’ alone didn’t feel complete. I wanted to embody not just the element but also the strength and resilience that come with it. The ‘hime,’ or princess, signifies grace, but it also signifies someone who protects and nurtures.”

Jiro tilts her head curiously. “And the ‘hime’ part—why a princess?”

A soft chuckle escapes my lips. “A princess is graceful, but also powerful. She protects her people and uses her abilities to heal and defend. That’s the kind of hero I want to be—a protector and a healer.”

Kaminari raises a hand next. “Do you have any advice for picking names? Like, how do you know when it’s the right one?”

I nod. “Think about your quirk, but also think about what kind of hero you want to be. A name can help project the image you want the world to see. For example, Midnight’s name reflects her personality and quirk—it’s bold and powerful.”

Katsuki mutters something under his breath about how he’s definitely going to be the best hero, no matter what his name is.

“And try to think of something timeless,” I add with a chuckle, catching Katsuki’s eye. “Something you won’t grow out of.”

The class erupts into laughter as Midnight offers a quick glance at Katsuki, who shrugs it off but smirks slightly. Shota, standing at the front, meets my eyes with a subtle nod, his quiet approval warming me.

The students return to brainstorming their hero names, and I can’t help but feel a sense of pride watching them. This is just the beginning of their journey, and I’m honored to be a part of it—guiding them, helping them shape their futures.

As the 15 minutes come to an end, I glance at Shota. “Ready for the chaos of hero name reveals?”

He smirks. “Always.”

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Shota Aizawa’s POV

The class is more animated than usual today. I don’t blame them. The thought of choosing hero names brings an excitement that even I can’t dampen, no matter how hard I try. Mizuhana stands beside me, her calming presence doing more for the students than I could admit.

I watch her interact with them, offering advice and insight as they ask about her hero name. She’s thoughtful with her answers, never too quick to offer easy solutions. I like that about her—she challenges them to think for themselves.

It’s… comforting, having her here. The students look up to her, and I can see why. She’s everything a hero should be—strong, compassionate, and wise.

When the students reveal their names, the room fills with pride, excitement, and… in Katsuki’s case, frustration. Midnight waves off his Explodo-Kills suggestion, and I can practically see the steam coming out of his ears. It’s amusing, but I keep my expression neutral.

As the class continues, I catch Mailin’s eye. There’s something in the way she carries herself now—a confidence, a sense of belonging. And it makes me realize just how much she’s become a part of my life… our lives.

This is where she belongs.

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Mailin’s POV

As the students present their names, I can’t help but feel proud. They’re taking this step seriously, and each one reflects something unique about them.

But when Izuku stands up and announces his hero name—Deku—I feel my chest tighten with emotion. He’s embracing the name that used to be a mark of ridicule, and he’s turning it into something strong, something positive. I catch Ochaco’s smile from across the room, and I know she had a hand in changing the meaning of that name for him.

It reminds me of my own journey—how our names, our quirks, and our pasts don’t define us unless we let them. And right now, I feel more determined than ever to help these kids reach their full potential.

As we wrap up the class, Shota gives the students their assignments for the upcoming work placements. The excitement in the room is palpable, and as they file out, I find myself lingering behind with Shota.

“They’re growing fast,” I muse, glancing at him.

He nods, his eyes softening slightly. “Yeah. And they’ll need all the guidance they can get.”

I smile, stepping closer. “That’s what we’re here for, right?”

Shota’s eyes meet mine, and for a brief moment, I see something more in his gaze—something warm, something familiar.

“Right,” he murmurs, a small smirk tugging at his lips.

We stand together, watching the students leave, and I realize just how lucky I am to be here—beside Shota, guiding these incredible kids as they take their first steps toward becoming heroes.

And for the first time in a long time, I feel like everything is exactly where it’s supposed to be.

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