𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗦 ⌈𝐈⌔𝐌 ✗ 𝔽!𝑹𝑬𝑨𝑫𝑬𝑹⌋

Chapter 005

CHAPTER 05: A Quiet Resolve

The day after the Quirk Apprehension Test came faster than you had hoped. Despite the relief you felt about not being expelled, the weight of yesterday’s failures still clung to you. The memory of your stumbling control over water, the average ranking you barely achieved, and the nagging feeling that you weren’t measuring up—it all lingered, gnawing at the edges of your thoughts.

As you walked down the hallway toward your next class, you glanced around at the other students. Bakugo strutted past, his usual confidence radiating from him like a crackling flame. Todoroki moved with calm precision, as if nothing phased him, and Midoriya—his face wore that same thoughtful expression it always did, deep in his own world of self-reflection.

It felt like everyone around you knew where they were headed. They all had goals, control over their quirks, and a sense of direction. And then there was you, still struggling to even tap into the potential of your abilities.

You shook the thoughts from your head. This wasn’t the time for doubt. You were here, you had passed the test, and there was no going back now. You had made a promise to yourself that you wouldn’t give up. If you wanted to grow, you had to keep pushing forward.

---

When you stepped into Class 1-A, the usual buzz of conversation greeted you. The classroom was already filling with students, some chatting casually while others flipped through their notes. You spotted Midoriya seated at his desk, scribbling in a notebook filled with sketches of quirks. He glanced up as you entered, offering a small smile that instantly made your shoulders relax.

"Hey, Mizushima," he said quietly as you approached your desk. "How are you feeling after yesterday?"

You paused for a moment, considering how to answer. You could feel the weight of the frustration still clinging to your chest, but there was no point in burdening him with that. He was dealing with his own challenges, just like you.

"Still processing it," you admitted, sliding into your seat. "It’s a lot to take in, but I guess that’s normal, right?"

Midoriya nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I know what you mean. Aizawa-sensei doesn’t hold back. But you did great. You didn’t give up, and that’s what matters."

You blinked, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. "You think so?"

"Definitely," he replied. "I saw how you used your quirk. You saved yourself from stumbling during the dash, and you managed to propel the ball with the water during the softball throw. It’s not easy, but you’re already finding ways to adapt."

His words were kind, and for a moment, you felt a flicker of hope. Maybe he was right. You weren’t where you wanted to be yet, but you were trying. And that had to count for something.

As you settled into your seat, the door slid open, and Aizawa-sensei walked in, his tired eyes scanning the room as he approached the podium. The room quickly quieted down, every student turning their attention toward him.

"Yesterday’s test was just a taste of what’s to come," Aizawa began, his tone as blunt as ever. "You passed, but barely. Most of you have a long way to go before you’re anywhere close to being ready for real hero work."

The tension in the room was palpable. Aizawa’s words hung in the air, heavy and foreboding. You could feel the pressure mounting again—the realization that yesterday was only the beginning.

"We’ll be focusing on quirk control today," he continued. "If you can’t master your quirks, you’ll be nothing more than a liability on the field."