Chapter 34: Preparing for the End of Term Test

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Mailin’s POV

The classroom is buzzing with chatter as Shota explains the consequences of failing the end of term test. The students’ groans and mutterings about remedial classes echo through the room, but I can see the determination beneath their complaints. They’re not just any students; these are future heroes, and they know what’s at stake.

As Shota outlines the written and practical tests, I glance at the students who look the most stressed—Kaminari, Ashido, and Tokoyami. They’ve had so much on their plates, and I can tell the idea of studying and combat training has them worried.

Momo speaks up, offering to help the others study, and I can’t help but smile at her generosity. She’s taking on a mentor role for her peers, much like Shota does for his students. Her natural leadership is something I admire.

As the class begins to break up for lunch, Kaminari approaches me. “Mizuhana-Sensei, do you have any advice for... I don’t know, not completely failing the practical test?”

I chuckle softly, knowing exactly how he feels. “The practical test is about more than just your quirk, Kaminari. It’s about strategy and cooperation. Focus on using your strengths and work with your partner. It’s not just about being the strongest—it’s about being smart.”

He nods, looking a little more reassured. “I’ll try not to fry my own brain again,” he adds with a sheepish grin.

I pat his shoulder. “That’s a good start.”

Shota Aizawa’s POV

The students stand before us, nervous but ready. Nezu has just revealed the twist in their test—no robots this time. It’s them versus us, the teachers, in real combat simulations. I watch their reactions carefully, and as expected, the surprise is clear on their faces. But it’s time they understand what real battles are like.

Nezu jumps from my scarf, announcing the pairings. When he assigns Shoto and Momo to face me, I see the brief flicker of surprise on their faces. It’s quickly replaced by determination.

“Mizuhana-Sensei will be monitoring the entire exercise,” Nezu adds, and I glance over at Mailin. She gives a nod, her gaze sharp. We’ve worked together long enough for me to trust her judgment completely. She’ll ensure everything runs smoothly, and if something goes wrong, she’s quick to act.

As the students begin to process their pairings, Katsuki’s eyes narrow at Midoriya, and I can feel the tension between them. This will be interesting. They’re paired against All Might, and I know that dynamic will either make or break them.

I look over at Mailin once more, feeling the calm she brings to situations like these. Her presence is as steady as water—fluid but unwavering.

---

Mailin's POV

The buses take us to the uninhabited training city, and as we arrive, I can feel the students’ nerves rising. They’ve trained hard for this, but the weight of facing their teachers—heroes they respect and admire—is bearing down on them.

As Shota and the other teachers gather their respective pairs to brief them, I take my position at the monitoring center. My role here is crucial. I’m not just observing; I’m ready to step in if anything becomes too dangerous. These students are facing real-life scenarios, and while they need to push their limits, safety comes first.

Nezu stands beside me, his sharp eyes scanning the screen. “You’ve worked closely with Class 1-A,” he remarks. “What do you think?”

“They’re ready,” I reply, my voice steady. “They’re nervous, sure, but they’re more prepared than they think.”

He nods, a small smile playing on his lips. “Let’s see how they fare.”

As the exercise begins, I watch each pairing closely. Kaminari and Ashido are struggling against Principal Nezu, whose strategic mind is clearly overwhelming them. Meanwhile, Momo and Shoto are facing Shota with calculated precision, but I know Shota isn’t going easy on them. He’ll push them to their limits.

Katsuki and Izuku, paired together, are clashing with All Might, their egos butting heads, but I can see the glimmers of cooperation beginning to form. They’ll need to work together if they hope to stand a chance.

“Let’s hope they understand the importance of teamwork,” I murmur, my eyes glued to the screen.

---

Shota Aizawa’s POV

As I face off against Shoto and Momo, I can see the gears turning in their minds. Shoto’s calculating approach is as sharp as ever, and Momo is strategizing, using her quirk to its fullest potential. But this isn’t just about individual strength. It’s about working as a team, and they’ll need to prove they can do that under pressure.

I dodge a well-aimed ice wall from Shoto, countering with my scarf. He’s quick, but I’m quicker. Momo is already creating a trap, her creations growing in complexity. I have to admit, I’m impressed by their progress.

But I’m not here to make it easy.

---

Mailin’s POV

I glance at Shota’s fight with Shoto and Momo, a small smile tugging at my lips. They’re pushing him hard, but he’s not backing down. This is what they need—a real challenge.

As the minutes tick by, I switch my attention to the other pairs. Kaminari and Ashido are finally working out a plan against Nezu, and I see a glimmer of hope for them.

But my eyes keep drifting back to Shota. Watching him fight is... mesmerizing. His movements are fluid, precise—like watching a dance he’s perfected over years. And though I know he’s going easy on them, there’s still a thrill in seeing him in action.

I can’t help but admire him. Not just as a hero, but as a person.

Suddenly, my attention is pulled to the screen where Midoriya and Bakugo are struggling against All Might. They’re powerful individually, but their egos are clashing, making it hard for them to cooperate.

“Come on,” I whisper under my breath, willing them to work together.

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