Dragon's Heart, Hero's Will

Chapter 24: Unbreakable

Back in Class 1-A, Aizawa stands in front of the class with his usual stern expression. "Starting today, we’re resuming normal class activities. Expect the training to be tougher than last semester."

Kirishima sits at his desk, leaning forward with anticipation, but a small part of him can’t shake the restlessness brewing inside him. Bakugou’s not here. The absence of his omega sends uneasy ripples through him, but he knows he has to stay focused.

As Aizawa explains the Hero Work-Studies, Kirishima’s thoughts drift between the words and the memory of Bakugou’s intense gaze during their last conversation. Bakugou’s face still had bruises from his Provisional License Training, and though Kirishima knew it was part of the process, a low growl rumbles inside him. He should’ve been there. I should’ve protected him.

Ochaco’s voice pulls him back to reality. "So, the Sports Festival was about building connections?" she wonders aloud.

Aizawa nods. "Yes. Your Provisional Hero Licenses allow you to engage in formal, long-term work studies, and you’ll be expected to write about your experiences."

As class proceeds, Kirishima can’t help but notice that Bakugou and Todoroki still aren’t back, both having gone through even more intense training. Kaminari jokes about it, but Kirishima’s jaw tightens as the unease crawls up his spine again. Where are they?

Soon after, Kirishima finds himself in the Kansai Region, patrolling the streets with Fat Gum and Tamaki. His dragon instincts simmer beneath the surface as his eyes scan the crowded market. Despite his excitement to work under Fat Gum, the absence of Bakugou still gnaws at him.

“Ready for this, kid?” Fat Gum grins down at him. “We don’t take up arms here, but you’re in the right place.”

Kirishima nods, determination flaring in his chest. “I’m ready. I’ll work hard.” He glances at Tamaki, who looks tense. Fat Gum reassures him, but Kirishima steps in, offering his own encouragement. “Hey, Tamaki, you’ve got amazing talent. You’ll be fine.”

Tamaki frowns. “I’m not like Mirio.”

Kirishima chuckles. “Neither am I. But I want to close the gap—to stand with my classmates.”

Suddenly, chaos erupts as a group of thugs brawl in the streets. Fat Gum takes them down easily, absorbing them into his body, while Tamaki’s Manifest Quirk makes quick work of the last thug. But just as things seem to settle, a man in the crowd pulls out a gun.

Bang.

The shot rings out, and Kirishima’s heart stutters. Tamaki!

Without thinking, he jumps in front of the second bullet, activating his scales just in time. The bullet ricochets off, but the impact jolts him. The dragon inside him roars—not enough. You have to be stronger.

The man runs, but Kirishima’s legs move on their own, chasing him down. When he finally corners the thug, the villain injects a drug, transforming into a monstrous form with bladed arms. The first strike cuts through Kirishima’s scales, drawing blood.

His breath hitches. I’m not strong enough. I can’t protect anyone like this.

But then Bakugou’s voice fills his mind: "You said you wouldn’t crumble."

Unbreakable.

Kirishima’s heart pounds as he focuses everything on his Quirk, pushing his scales to the limit. Harder. Stronger. He feels his dragon stir, urging him on, its power mixing with his resolve.

The villain attacks again, but this time, the blades shatter against Kirishima’s scales. His body takes on a monstrous, rugged form—his ultimate defense. Unbreakable.