The day of the Provisional Hero License Exam arrives quickly, and Kirishima stands alongside his classmates as they gather at Takoba National Stadium. Tension hangs in the air, a mix of excitement and nerves as Class 1-A prepares for one of their biggest challenges yet. They huddle together, trying to ease the pressure, but the moment is interrupted by a booming voice.
“U.A. High, huh? I’ve heard a lot about you!”
Kirishima looks up to see Inasa Yoarashi, a student from Shiketsu High, apologizing after crashing into their group. Despite the odd first impression, Kirishima can immediately tell that Inasa is strong—dangerously strong. A real contender.
After introductions, Aizawa-Sensei warns them about Inasa's impressive abilities. Kirishima glances at Bakugou, who appears unfazed. He admires Bakugou’s unwavering confidence, but a part of him wishes his friend wouldn’t always rush in headfirst. Then again, that’s one of the things Kirishima likes most about him—Bakugou's boldness, his strength, his... everything.
The first round of the exam begins, and the rules are laid out: take down two opponents with the six balls given while protecting the targets on their own bodies. As the large stadium doors open, Kirishima braces himself for the chaos ahead.
Kirishima barely makes it into the open terrain when, as expected, Bakugou bolts off on his own.
“Wait up, idiot!” Kirishima shouts, rushing after him, determined to keep up. His dragon instincts stir as they always do when Bakugou is near—an urge to protect, to stay close. But Bakugou never makes it easy.
Denki catches up to them, falling into step beside Kirishima. “Why does he always run off like that?”
Kirishima grins, though his eyes remain locked on Bakugou. “That’s just how he is.”
The trio soon stumbles upon Seiji Shishikura, a student from Shiketsu High with a clear disdain for U.A. With a sneer, Seiji expresses his frustration with U.A.’s reputation and quickly attacks, aiming directly at Bakugou.
Kirishima’s instincts take over. Without thinking, he lunges forward, shoving Bakugou out of harm’s way. His body tenses as Seiji’s quirk hits him, and before he can react, his limbs are twisted and kneaded into something grotesque.
Bakugou’s voice echoes in his ears. “Kirishima!”
The pain is sharp, but it’s not what hurts the most. No—it’s the fear. The helplessness of being unable to protect Bakugou when it matters. His inner dragon howls in frustration, clawing at his mind, desperate to break free, but his body remains bound, trapped in the fleshy prison Seiji’s quirk created.
From the corner of his distorted vision, Kirishima sees Bakugou rushing toward him, his hands already sparking with explosive energy. But Seiji is quick, and before Bakugou can land a hit, he too is captured.
For a moment, all seems lost. Kirishima’s body screams in agony, but his mind is elsewhere, focused solely on Bakugou—his mate. The one his dragon has chosen. The thought of not being able to save him, of failing again, is unbearable.
That’s when Denki steps in. Kirishima can barely make out the scene, but he hears Denki’s voice, calm yet determined, as he engages Seiji. There’s a flash of electricity, a sharp crackle in the air, and before Kirishima knows it, the fleshy bonds around him dissolve.
He collapses to the ground, gasping for breath as his limbs return to normal. In the distance, Denki explains how he used the grenade Bakugou had given him, taking advantage of Seiji’s distraction.
Bakugou is already back on his feet, looking pissed but mostly unharmed. Kirishima forces himself to stand, his dragon still roaring with the need to protect, to be by Bakugou’s side.
“Thanks, man,” Kirishima mutters to Denki, still catching his breath. But, as expected, Bakugou isn’t in the mood for gratitude.
“Took you long enough,” Bakugou snaps, glaring at Denki. Kirishima chuckles, knowing that beneath Bakugou’s harsh words is relief—relief that they’re okay.
As the battle continues, Kirishima finds himself stealing glances at Bakugou, his heart pounding with every move his friend makes. The dragon inside him is restless, always demanding to be closer, to protect what’s his. But for now, Kirishima focuses on the fight, determined to keep Bakugou safe.
They’re in this together. Always.
YOU ARE READING
Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will
FanfictionEijiro Kirishima isn't just your typical hero-in-training-he's also part dragon. Struggling to control his powerful quirk and primal alpha instincts, Kirishima finds himself drawn to Bakugou, whose fiery spirit ignites something deep within his drag...
