Fate DxD

Chapter 128

After putting on our costumes, the class heads toward the bus. Ochaco walks beside me, in a great mood, humming a tune, then looks at me curiously.

"Hey, Senji, you seem really motivated today." she remarked, "Any particular reason?"

"Well, given the state of Fuyuki, this class is extremely important," I explain. "Besides, my powers aren't really suited for rescue missions, so I hope this exercise will help me find a solution to that."

"Oh, I see!" Ochaco exclaims. "We can try to find it together if you want!"

"Senji!" Momo calls out to me. "Can you come help me, please?"

"That's a good idea. We'll talk about it once we get there," I said to her, and seeing her nod vigorously, I ran over to Momo.

I meet her in front of the bus, which is opening its doors. I stand in front of the entrance, reminding myself of what I have to do as class representative.

"Okay, listen up, so everyone can settle in quietly, please line up in pairs according to your numbers." I speak loudly so everyone can hear me.

"Got it, President!" Mina exclaims, winking at me.

To my surprise, the middle section of the bus is arranged with seats against the wall, forming a row of chairs facing each other. After everyone has settled in, the bus sets off across the school grounds. I find myself sitting in the middle section, next to Tsuyu, Sato, and Kirishima, with Iida, Mina, Yuga, and Denki across from me. Just as motion sickness hits me in the gut, making me turn slightly pale, I can feel Tsuyu's piercing gaze.

"You know, Senji, if I hadn't seen you in action, I'd have a hard time believing you're one of the best freshmen," she said.

"Yeah... Vehicles are kind of my weak spot..." I sigh, feeling a little dizzy.

"I see that." She nods. "Senji, I can't help but feel that one of your powers reminds me a lot of All Might's."

(Damn. She's smart.)

"Really?" I racked my brain for an excuse. "Well, that's probably because I got the idea from it."

"Huh? What do you mean?" Kirishima asks, curiously.

"I've heard that mages are capable of casting powerful spells with a great deal of freedom—is that right?" Iida remarked

"For the most skilled, yes. But my magical abilities are rather limited; I'm only capable of projection and reinforcement, I explain to them."

"So, to copy All Might's strength, you're strengthening your body?" Kirishima asks.

"That's about right." I'm sorry I'm lying to them. "The thing is, the more I need to increase the power, the more energy I have to use—until I can mimic All Might's strength."

"Oh, I see! That's why you keep getting hurt—your body can't handle the strain!" Kirishima exclaims. "That's why magic circuits are so scary—there's no safety net when you use them! You're so brave, man—I really respect you!"

"I think it's just incredibly stupid," Tsuyu said curtly, her expression a mix of confusion and concern.

"You're not wrong, but it's the only way I can cause some damage..." I scratch the back of my head.

"I totally get it, Senji. All Might is a paragon of heroism—it's only natural to look up to him," said Kirishima. "That's actually why I'm a little jealous of those amplification powers! You can do so much, and it's all so spectacular!"