Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 21: Rescue Missions and Results

The tension in the waiting room is thick as Kirishima, Bakugou, and Denki sit down after passing the first round of the Provisional Hero License Exam. Kirishima tries to relax, but his nerves won’t let him. This test is huge, and despite getting through the first part, he knows it isn’t over yet. Denki wanders off to congratulate Izuku’s group, while Kirishima stays beside Bakugou, who’s sitting with his usual scowl, though quieter than normal.

“Did you pass?” Bakugou asks Izuku gruffly when he comes over. Izuku nods, confirming his success, but Bakugou’s sharp remark about his “borrowed power” leaves a sting. Kirishima notices the tense exchange and frowns. It’s unlike Bakugou to be this distant from the rest of the class—not since the rescue mission. But something in Bakugou’s eyes unsettles Kirishima, something he can’t quite figure out.

As they wait for the second part of the exam to start, Kirishima tries to shake off the unease. They’ve passed the first round—this should be a victory in itself. But the looming next stage feels like a dark cloud over them, and the worst part is, they have no idea what it will entail.

The second phase of the exam hits hard. The entire battlefield crumbles into a disaster site, and they’re instructed to perform rescue maneuvers for simulated civilians—elderly people and children trained to act as realistic victims. Their ability to rescue and assess under pressure will now be graded.

When the signal is given, Kirishima and Denki step up quickly, rushing to help civilians. Bakugou, on the other hand, takes his usual harsh, no-nonsense approach. When two “injured” civilians approach him for help, Bakugou spits at them to help themselves since they can still walk. Kirishima, horrified by his tone, immediately steps in, scolding him.

“Oi! Bakugou, they need help!” Kirishima shoots him a look that even Bakugou can’t ignore. “You can’t just shout at them. What kind of hero would that make you?”

Kirishima knows it’s risky to call Bakugou out in front of others, but his instincts won’t let him stand by. His dragon quirk flares inside him, protective instincts pushing him to defend, even if the danger isn’t real. Bakugou’s eyes flare with anger, but Kirishima holds his ground, trying to keep his own instincts in check.

After Bakugou storms off, Kirishima and Denki help the civilians with a calmer, more compassionate approach. The civilians, visibly shaken by Bakugou’s attitude, deduct points from him, much to Kirishima’s disappointment. As much as he admires Bakugou, this side of him still needs work. And it hurts to see Bakugou’s actions reflect poorly on him.

When the results are finally in, Kirishima stands anxiously before the screen, scanning for his name. His heart leaps when he sees it: Eijiro Kirishima – Passed. Relief floods through him, and he turns to congratulate Denki, who’s also passed. They exchange an excited handshake before Kirishima turns toward Bakugou, waiting for the inevitable explosion of joy from his best friend.

But it doesn’t come.

Bakugou is staring at the screen, his expression dark and unreadable. Kirishima’s stomach drops as he glances up at the list again, realizing with a cold shock that Bakugou’s name isn’t there.

“No way,” Kirishima whispers, his heart racing. He searches again, praying he’s missed something. But no—Bakugou hasn’t passed.

“Kirishima.” Bakugou’s voice is low, more controlled than Kirishima expects. “Let me see your score.”

Kirishima hesitates, guilt washing over him as he hands over his result sheet. Bakugou glances at it briefly before handing it back, his face a mixture of fury and frustration. Kirishima wants to say something—anything—but the words get stuck in his throat. This isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

Bakugou turns away before Kirishima can speak, leaving him standing there, guilt and confusion swirling inside. Kirishima hadn’t just wanted to pass for himself—he wanted to pass with Bakugou. They were supposed to succeed together. But now, it feels like they’re on opposite sides of a line neither of them wanted to cross.