Chapter 20 - Class 1-A Training

As Mr. Aizawa stood at the front of the classroom, his tired but sharp gaze scanned over the rows of students in Class 1-A. He began explaining the next portion of their evaluations — the training portion of the exam, the part everyone had been waiting for.

"Alright, listen up," he said in his usual monotone voice, holding a clipboard lazily in one hand. "You've all finished your written exams, so now it's time for the practical portion. You'll be demonstrating your combat ability, teamwork, and your control over your quirks. You'll be paired up, as usual, so I expect you all to take this seriously. Training begins soon."

The room was filled with hushed murmurs and excited whispers. The tension between nervousness and excitement was thick enough to feel. Aizawa sighed, rubbing his temples. "And if any of you fail this part, don't bother asking me to make exceptions. You'll retake the training."

"Yessir!" the class echoed, though many of them didn't sound entirely confident.

As soon as Aizawa looked down at his notes again, everyone's phones buzzed almost in unison.

Mina 💖: Group chat time! Let's talk about Yuuki's quirk omg!

Uraraka 🌸: Yes!! I'm still thinking about it!! "Tender Pulse" sounds so cute but also super strong!

Kirishima 💪: Man, it sounds badass! A quirk that gets stronger with emotion?? That's manly as hell!

Midoriya 💚: It's fascinating! If it amplifies with emotion, then it functions similarly to One For All's exponential power increase, but instead of storing energy, it's fueled by internal emotional energy!

Kaminari ⚡️: Bro, what does that even mean?

Midoriya 💚: It means when Yuuki feels something deeply — fear, joy, anger, determination — her body channels that emotion into pure energy output. Like Bakugo's explosions, but amplified by her emotional intensity. It's a hybrid between a strength enhancement quirk and an energy-based one!

Mina 💖: WAIT so she's like All Might + Bakugo + Midnight because her quirk glows pink?! 😱

Yuuki 🧸: U-Um... kind of? I guess? When I use my quirk, my energy glows pink, and sometimes it sparkles like dust... it's kind of like how Midnight's quirk looks when it disperses. But it's not a gas or anything like that—it's raw energy.

Uraraka 🌸: That sounds so pretty! You must look amazing when your quirk activates!

Kirishima 💪: I wanna fight her!

Mina 💖: Kiri nooooo she'll break you! 😆

Kirishima 💪: That's the point!

Bakugo 💥: Tch. You'd get blasted before she even hit you. I'm fighting her first.

Yuuki 🧸: W-what?! No way! I don't even know if I'm fighting today! 😳

Kaminari ⚡️: Oh, come on, Yuuki! You gotta show us the "Tender Pulse" power in action!

Jirou 🎸: Tender Pulse sounds like the name of a pop song. 🎶😂

Yaoyorozu 🌼: It's a beautiful name for a quirk, actually. Very fitting for Yuuki.

Yuuki 🧸: Th-thank you... I think so too.

Midoriya 💚: I think it's amazing, Yuuki! A quirk that reacts to emotions is extremely rare. The way it ties your feelings directly to your strength... it's like a reflection of your spirit. It reminds me of One For All, but instead of inherited power, it's all yours. That's incredible!

Yuuki 🧸: T-thank you, Midoriya... that means a lot to me. 🥺

Bakugo 💥: Don't get soft over a compliment, dumbass. Focus on controlling it.

Mina 💖: Kacchan, stop pretending you're not impressed. 😏

Bakugo 💥: I'M NOT.

Kaminari ⚡️: You totally are, dude.

Bakugo 💥: SHUT UP OR I'LL BLAST YOU MYSELF.

Todoroki 🧊🔥: It's interesting that your quirk grows with emotion. You could easily surpass any of us if you trained enough.

Yuuki 🧸: S-surpass you?! I don't think I could ever do that! 😳

Midoriya 💚: You could, Yuuki. Especially if it really can reach All Might's level when pushed to the limit.

The group chat exploded with emojis, reactions, and chaotic typing. Everyone was talking over one another — Mina sending star and heart emojis, Kaminari posting fire gifs, and Kirishima declaring that Yuuki was officially "the strongest little bean."

Across the room, Yuuki's cheeks burned bright pink as she tried to hide her phone under her desk. Bakugo, a few seats over, grunted and glanced her way. He caught the way her lips curved shyly into a smile while she texted, and his chest tightened slightly before he quickly looked away.

"Alright," Aizawa's voice snapped everyone out of their phones. "Phones away. Now."

Everyone scrambled to hide them, sitting up straight like nothing had happened.

Aizawa sighed. "You've got one hour before we head to Ground Beta. Get your gear, clear your heads, and prepare yourselves. The exam isn't just about strength — it's about control."

Yuuki's heart thumped faster in her chest. Control. That word echoed through her mind like a pulse. She looked down at her hands, her fingers trembling slightly.

Would today be the day she finally showed her classmates what Tender Pulse could really do?

•••

Everyone gathered their gear, the usual buzz of pre-training energy filling the locker rooms and hallways of U.A. Students zipped up their hero costumes, tightened gloves, and adjusted belts filled with support items. The air smelled faintly of metal, detergent, and anticipation. It was one of those mornings that felt charged, like everyone knew something big was about to happen.

Yuuki stood off to the side near her locker, her fingers fidgeting with the zipper of her backpack. Her nerves were practically visible—shoulders tense, feet shuffling slightly, eyes darting between the others who were chatting easily about the upcoming exam. She had already changed into her outfit: a sleek navy-blue version of the standard U.A. gear, accented with soft pink lines that faintly shimmered when she moved. The faint glow matched her quirk's signature color, though at the moment, it was dim and calm.

Uraraka, fastening the clips of her gloves, noticed Yuuki's trembling hands and walked over with Mina skipping right behind her. "Hey, Yuuki," Uraraka said gently, tilting her head with concern. "You okay? You look super nervous."

Yuuki blinked rapidly, forcing a small smile. "I-I'm fine, just... a little anxious. It's my first big exam, after all."

Mina leaned closer, studying her curiously. "Wait," she said suddenly, her eyes wide. "If your quirk reacts to your emotions—like, if it gets stronger when you're feeling stuff—then... how are you not glowing pink all over the place right now? You must be terrified!"

Yuuki let out a small, embarrassed laugh and rubbed the back of her neck. "Ah, well... that's kind of thanks to All Might."

Both girls blinked at her, surprised. "All Might?" they said in unison.

Yuuki nodded shyly. "When I first got to U.A., my quirk would react to every little emotion I had—like, if I got scared or even too happy, I'd accidentally send out shockwaves or flashes of energy. It was really hard to control. So All Might had me work with Recovery Girl and a support specialist who created this special kind of... um, emotional stabilizer? It's kind of like anxiety medication, but it's designed for people whose quirks are affected by emotions. It helps keep everything balanced so I don't lose control."

Uraraka's eyes softened in amazement. "That's... honestly really cool, Yuuki. It's like a scientific way of keeping your quirk calm."

Mina nodded excitedly. "Yeah! Like, emotional balance support for quirk control? That's next-level hero tech! I bet Mei Hatsume would love to study that!"

Yuuki giggled softly, her nerves easing a little. "Maybe someday. But it's not perfect—it just helps me manage better. I still have to be careful not to let my emotions go too far."

"Still," Mina said with a grin, "you're like the ultimate combo of power and heart! I think that's awesome."

Uraraka smiled and gave Yuuki's arm a light squeeze. "You'll do great, Yuuki. Just remember, we're all in this together."

Yuuki nodded, feeling her chest warm at their kindness. "Thank you, both of you."

Soon after, the entire class began heading out toward Ground Beta, the massive training area that had become one of U.A.'s most iconic sites for battles and exercises. The air outside was cool, with a crisp breeze that carried the faint scent of smoke and metal from the training equipment. Excitement rippled through everyone as they approached the large stadium-like zone, where several of the pro heroes were already waiting.

Standing at the front, Mr. Aizawa was holding a clipboard and standing beside a massive electronic board. "Alright," he said, his tone firm and steady. "This will be the practical portion of your exams. You'll be tested on your ability to use your quirks efficiently, your teamwork, and your ability to adapt under pressure."

The students lined up, murmuring among themselves.

"Today," Aizawa continued, "you'll be facing off against pro heroes. Each pair will have to strategize, cooperate, and overcome your opponent. Tomorrow, you'll be sparring against each other."

The board lit up with a digital flicker, names pairing off and pro heroes listed beside them. Everyone leaned in, eyes scanning eagerly for their names.

Midoriya and Yuuki VS All MightTenya Iida and Todoroki VS EndeavorKirishima and Kaminari VS Fat GumUraraka and Mina VS Thirteen

The class immediately erupted into gasps, cheers, and disbelief.

"Yo, Deku and Yuuki versus All Might?!" Kaminari yelled, pointing at the board in shock.

Kirishima clapped his hands together, laughing. "That's insane! You're fighting All Might again, bro?"

Midoriya stared up at the board, his eyes wide but shining with excitement. "Y-yeah! I can't believe it either! I fought him before... but this time, it's with Yuuki!"

Yuuki froze beside him, her face pale. "We're fighting All Might?" she whispered. "Oh no..."

Midoriya looked at her and smiled warmly. "It'll be okay, Yuuki. He's tough, but he won't hurt us. He'll test us."

Yuuki's voice wavered. "That doesn't make me feel better..."

From across the group, Bakugo scoffed loudly, crossing his arms. "Tch. You two better not make idiots out of yourselves. You're fighting All Might—you'd better make it worth watching."

"Bakugo!" Kirishima laughed. "You're just jealous!"

"Shut it, hair-for-brains!"

Yuuki sighed softly, then smiled nervously at Midoriya. "Well... at least I'm not doing it alone."

Midoriya nodded, his excitement steady and contagious. "We'll do it together. You've got a strong heart, Yuuki. All Might's going to see that."

Yuuki swallowed hard, then smiled back. "Okay. Together."

•••

Before Yuuki and Midoriya could even step onto the field, the air suddenly shifted. The faint sound of a deep, hearty voice echoed from behind them—except it wasn't the booming voice they all knew so well.

All Might appeared from the shadows near the training gate, but this time in his skinny form. His tall, thin frame stood slightly hunched, his eyes soft and bright with pride as he approached the class. A few students gasped, whispering to one another; even after all this time, it was still startling to see the world's greatest hero looking so different, so human.

"Well now!" he said, smiling warmly. "I heard there were two bright young students about to face me in battle today." His eyes crinkled with amusement as he looked at Yuuki and Midoriya. "Midoriya, my boy—and Yuuki. Are the two of you ready?"

Yuuki straightened immediately, clutching her gloves nervously and nodding. "Y-yes, sir!" she said, her voice trembling slightly. "I mean, I think so!"

Midoriya grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "We'll do our best, All Might!"

All Might chuckled softly, clearly amused by how nervous yet determined they both were. "That's what I like to hear! Remember, this test isn't about defeating me—it's about working together, using what you've learned, and thinking like heroes. Winning is just a bonus!"

Mr. Aizawa, who had been leaning against a nearby wall, yawned behind his scarf and spoke dryly, "This will be an interesting match. All three of them share similar roots of power. One For All, Tender Pulse—quirks that respond to drive, emotion, and determination. Let's see how well they synchronize."

The rest of Class 1-A watched from behind the safety barrier, buzzing with excitement.

Mina leaned over the railing, whispering loudly, "This is gonna be epic! I can't believe Yuuki's fighting All Might on her first real exam!"

Uraraka nodded, clasping her hands. "I hope she doesn't get too nervous."

Bakugo crossed his arms, scowling from where he stood with Kirishima and Todoroki. "Tch. She'd better not hold back. Same goes for Deku."

Kirishima elbowed him with a grin. "Come on, man, you know she's gonna surprise everyone."

Bakugo didn't reply—but his eyes stayed locked on the field.

All Might clapped his hands together with a grin, drawing Yuuki and Midoriya's attention back to him. "Now then, before we begin, why don't you two introduce yourselves as heroes? Every pro has a name that represents their spirit!"

Midoriya nodded instantly. "Right! I'm Deku!" he said proudly, his voice strong.

All Might beamed. "Ah, I know that one well!"

Then his gaze turned toward Yuuki. "And you, young lady?"

Yuuki blinked, caught off guard. "M-me?"

Midoriya smiled at her, encouragingly. "Yeah! You never told us your hero name, Yuuki."

Her cheeks turned pink as she fidgeted with her sleeves. "Oh... well... it's kind of simple. But my hero name is Lumi."

Mina's voice echoed from the sidelines. "Aww, that's so cute!"

Yuuki shyly looked down, continuing softly, "It means light. My quirk shines brightest when I'm emotional—when I care about something or someone. It felt... right."

All Might smiled, the warmth in his eyes soft but proud. "A name that reflects your heart, not your strength. That's the mark of a true hero, Lumi."

Yuuki blinked in surprise, then smiled shyly. "Thank you, All Might."

Midoriya turned toward her, his expression bright and full of determination. "Well then, Lumi—ready to take on All Might?"

Yuuki took a deep breath, feeling her heart thrum in her chest. The pink light began to pulse faintly around her hands, like a heartbeat made of energy. "I'm ready, Deku."

All Might stepped back, his frame suddenly swelling and expanding as a brilliant burst of steam surrounded him. In seconds, his form emerged—tall, muscular, golden hair blazing in the sunlight. The shockwave of his transformation sent a gust of wind across the field.

He pointed toward them with that familiar grin, radiating power and confidence. "WELL THEN—LET'S SEE WHAT YOU TWO HAVE GOT!"

Yuuki's heart skipped a beat, her quirk pulsing brighter as she exchanged a glance with Midoriya. The excitement, the fear, the thrill—all of it swirled together inside her chest.

"Let's go," Midoriya said, crouching into his fighting stance.

Yuuki nodded, her soft glow growing stronger. "Right behind you."

And with that, Lumi and Deku dashed forward together—straight toward All Might.