𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 004

CHAPTER 04: The Pressure of Expectations

The morning air at U.A. felt thick with anticipation as you stood in the schoolyard, surrounded by your new classmates. Everyone seemed on edge, waiting for Aizawa-sensei’s next instructions. You could feel the weight of your uniform pressing down on your shoulders, a constant reminder that today was the day you'd be tested—not just academically, but physically and mentally.

The Quirk Apprehension Test.

The words alone had left you feeling uneasy when Aizawa first mentioned them in class. He made it clear that this wasn’t just a typical day of training. This was a test that could determine your future at U.A., and failing was not an option.

You shifted nervously on your feet, glancing around at the others. Midoriya stood a few feet away, fidgeting slightly with his fingers, while Bakugo exuded confidence, his sharp eyes gleaming with anticipation. Todoroki was as calm and composed as ever, while Uraraka seemed just as anxious as you felt, though she masked it well with a bright smile.

Aizawa stepped forward, his expression as unyielding as always. "Today, we’ll be assessing your physical abilities and how well you can utilize your quirks under pressure. Heroes face intense situations every day—so consider this your first real challenge."

You swallowed, the words sinking in. A real challenge. That was exactly what you feared. Your quirk—water manipulation—was inconsistent at best, especially in high-pressure situations. During the entrance exam, it had barely cooperated, and today... today it would be put to the test again.

"The student who ranks the lowest," Aizawa added, "will be expelled."

A wave of shock rippled through the class, and you could feel your heart leap into your throat. Expelled? Already?

"But we just got here!" Uraraka blurted out, her wide eyes reflecting the disbelief most of the class shared.

Aizawa barely blinked. "Being a hero isn’t easy. If you can’t handle the pressure now, you won’t survive in the real world."

His words were blunt, cold even, but they carried a heavy truth. You felt a shiver run through you. The pressure that had been gnawing at you since the entrance exam seemed to multiply. This wasn’t just about doing well anymore—it was about survival.

Aizawa gestured to the first test. "We’ll start with the 50-meter dash. One at a time."

---

You watched as your classmates took turns running the dash, their quirks on full display. Bakugo blasted off with a powerful explosion, rocketing across the finish line in a blur of fire and smoke. Iida used his powerful engines to sprint with effortless speed, while Todoroki calmly unleashed a stream of ice to slide across the ground, reaching the finish line in record time.

Each performance was more impressive than the last, and with each display of power, the knot of anxiety in your stomach tightened. How could you compete with that?

"Y/N Mizushima," Aizawa’s voice called.

You froze for a second, feeling the eyes of your classmates turn toward you. Taking a deep breath, you stepped forward, trying to calm the storm inside. You glanced at the small pool of water set up next to the track. Aizawa had given you specific instructions to use your quirk in this test, but it felt almost laughable compared to the others. Everyone else had flashy, powerful quirks—how could your water manipulation possibly stack up?

The starting signal rang out, and you immediately reached out to the water, pulling it toward you. The cool liquid responded sluggishly at first, but you managed to direct it beneath your feet, creating a small wave that propelled you forward. It wasn’t fast—nowhere near the speed of Bakugo’s explosions or Iida’s engines—but you pushed with all your might, forcing the water to carry you faster.