The Bad Batch (Star Wars X My Hero Academia)

Chapter Eleven - Hero Work Studies

As Hero classes resumed across the country, students have begun their Hero Work Studies to study under Pro Heroes. As the students of Class 1-A begin their work studies, Jiro remains undecided. It didn't take long for Jiro to find out who she wanted to intern with. After class, Jiro meets with Aizawa who was grading papers. 

Aizawa: Have you decided on the Pro Hero you wish to study? 

Jiro: That's....that's what I wanted to talk to you about. You were in the Bad Batch, right?

Upon hearing this, Aizawa stopped grading papers and gave Jiro his full undivided attention. 

Aizawa: Yes, Jiro. I was a member of the Bad Batch for a time. Why?

Jiro: I've been given it some thought, and I decided that I want to intern with the Bad Batch.

Upon hearing this, Aizawa was silent. He took a moment to process this. He didn't think any UA student, least of all one of his, would want to study under the Bad Batch considering their reputation. 

Aizawa: You want to join the Bad Batch? What made you come to that decision?

Jiro: It was after Hunter's speech the other day. After listening to it, I realized the kind of Hero I want to be. 

Aizawa: And what would that be?

Jiro: The kind that helps people no matter what. The kind that will put their lives on the line even if nobody cares. 

Aizawa could tell that Hunter's speech had left a profound effect on Jiro. He was surprised that Midoriya wasn't effected as much as Jiro was. Though he had his own personal agreements with the Bad Batch, Aizawa always respected them. 

Aizawa: The Bad Batch is not known for taking in people. The very few people that joined them were Pros that the Bad Batch had sought because of their skills. No one has ever come to them and asked to join. 

Jiro: Would they accept?

Aizawa: That depends. The Bad Batch's tactics are looked down upon by the Hero Association. As a result, one could label them as outcasts among the Pro Heroes. While I understand where they're coming from, looking down upon them doesn't gain anyone anything. To join the Bad Batch means letting others know that you are willing to bend the rules or break them entirely for the sake of the mission whether that be stopping a Villain or saving people. But if there's one thing that makes the Bad Batch such a proficient Hero team is their sense of brotherhood. When you're part of the 99, you're part of a brotherhood. You're not just some Hero with a common goal. You're one part of a larger unified unit. 

As Aizawa spoke of the Bad Batch, he reflected on his own time as a member of the Bad Batch. His missions with the Bad Batch helped shape Aizawa's outlook on the Hero Association. 

Aizawa: I'm going to ask you this, Jiro. Are you willing to endure harsh and unforgiving training? Are you ready to be ostracized by your fellow Heroes because of your association with the Bad Batch?

Jiro: My classmates won't turn on me. 

Aizawa: It's not them you should be worried about. Your closest friends will stick by you. Maybe even your whole class. Other than that, you'll be facing off against the whole world, Hero and Villain alike. If you're going to join the 99, then you're going to have to be ready for everything that gets thrown at you. 

As Aizawa gave Jiro that warning, Jiro began to think carefully on this. She knew that her decision could deeply impact her Hero career. She knew about the reputation surrounding the Bad Batch. She had seen the Bad Batch in action on several occasions. As Jiro thought about her decision, she began to reflect on her own ideals and beliefs on Heroism. She soon saw those beliefs manifested within the members of the Bad Batch. Jiro soon came to a decision. 

Jiro: I'm willing to take that chance, Mr. Aizawa. 

Aizawa smirked upon Jiro's decision. He knew firsthand of what it was like to train the Bad Batch. 

Aizawa: I must warn you, Jiro. Training with the Bad Batch won't be easy. It won't be like my training sessions. While I model aspects of the Bad Batch's training methods into my lessons, mine are only a fraction of what the Bad Batch does. The Bad Batch will put your body and mind to it's absolute limit. They'll break you down and build you back up. Like what Hunter said back at the Training Camp, I put you through the wringer, but the Bad Batch will put you through the hell. 

Jiro: I'm ready, Mr. Aizawa. 

Aizawa: However, that's assuming the Bad Batch will take you in at all. As I said before, the Bad Batch hardly takes in people and none has ever approached them to join. 

Aizawa then grabs a piece of paper and writes something in it. He then hands it to Jiro. 

Aizawa: This is where the Bad Batch operates from. You'll see the Havoc Marauder sitting on the rooftop. Tell them I sent you. 

Jiro: How can I convince them to let me work under them?

Aizawa: I'll leave that to you, Jiro. But here's a word of advice, you'll get nowhere with Crosshair or Wrecker. Your best chance is Hunter. 

With that, Jiro began making her way to the main base of the Bad Batch with the hopes of joining them.