Mailin’s POV
The early morning sun hasn’t even risen fully when we stand before Class 1-A, who, despite their tired eyes, are already bustling with nervous energy. At 5:30 AM sharp, Shota and I greet them, and I can already sense the tension as they anticipate what lies ahead. Shota’s presence beside me feels solid, a reassuring constant in these unpredictable times.
“Alright, everyone, listen up,” Shota begins, his voice low but commanding. “From today onwards, you’ll be focusing on upgrading your Quirks. You’ve grown emotionally and technically, but now it’s time to push your physical limits.”
I glance at Shota, nodding as I add, “This training is going to be tough, but you’re all here because you’ve got what it takes. So don’t hold back—push yourself, and push your Quirks.”
Katsuki is the first to step up, ready to prove himself. Shota instructs him to perform the pitch from the Quirk Apprehension Test. Katsuki’s explosion propels the ball forward, and it lands at 709.6 meters—a small improvement, but not nearly as much as Katsuki expected.
I watch as some of the students exchange confused glances, expecting more. Shota, ever the calm mentor, explains that although they’ve grown, their Quirk development still has room for improvement. "This is why we’re here," he says, crossing his arms. "To make sure you break through those limits."
---
Shota’s POV
It’s early, but Mailin’s energy hasn’t wavered. Watching her as she motivates the students, offering encouragement as they brace themselves for what’s to come, I feel a sense of calm. She balances me out, and that balance is going to be key in keeping these kids on track.
Mailin steps forward, addressing the students with that patient, encouraging tone she’s perfected. “We’ll be here, watching, guiding you through this. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes—that’s how you grow.”
Class 1-A seems to take her words to heart. They begin their training, and soon enough, the Pussycats join in, along with Class 1-B. Watching the students push themselves in unfavorable conditions—Katsuki using his explosions in boiling water, Ochaco struggling to maintain her control—reminds me of how far they’ve come, and how much further they need to go.
Mailin and I exchange a glance. She nods, her eyes gleaming with that quiet determination that I’ve come to rely on.
---
Mailin’s POV
I walk between the students, watching as they strain to push their Quirks to new limits. It’s tough, but they’re resilient. Beside me, Shota quietly assesses their progress, offering advice to those who seem stuck or are holding back. There’s a sense of pride swelling in me as I watch the class work through their challenges, even though I know this is only the beginning.
“Mina, focus on your control,” I call out, watching as she struggles with her Acid Quirk. “Don’t just think about using more power—think about precision.”
She nods, adjusting her stance and pouring more focus into her movements.
Shota walks up beside me, glancing at Mina before turning to me. “They’re responding well.”
I smile softly. “They trust us. That’s a big part of why they’re pushing so hard.”
He grunts in agreement. There’s a lot more riding on this training than the students know. With the increasing number of villain attacks, we both know that these kids need to be ready for anything.
---
Shota’s POV
As the day wears on, we continue monitoring the students, providing guidance where needed. Their physical and mental endurance is being pushed to the limit, and yet, they persist. It’s moments like this that remind me why we do what we do—because these kids have the potential to become great heroes.
When the Pussycats later inform the class that they’ll need to prepare their own meals, I can see the exhaustion in their faces, but none of them complain. They’ve grown used to hard work, and that’s exactly what they’ll need going forward.
Mailin stays close, watching with me as they gather ingredients and begin cooking. Her presence, as always, is a steadying force—not just for the students, but for me too.
“They’re holding up better than I expected,” she comments, a hint of pride in her voice.
“They’ve been through a lot,” I reply, watching as Shoto helps Mina start a fire. “But they’ll need to go through more before they’re truly ready.”
She nods, her gaze softening as she watches the class from afar. “You’re a good teacher, Shota.”
I grunt in response, not used to receiving compliments, but knowing that Mailin means every word.
YOU ARE READING
Ripples of Fate
RomanceAt U.A. High School, aspiring heroes are trained to fight, protect, and heal. For Mizuhana Mailin, her dream of becoming a hero is not about power or fame-it's about saving lives. With her water-based quirk that focuses on healing, she stands apart...
