Hey everyone! Just passing by quickly to ask for your support for my original story, The Rise After the Fall. If you can, please show some love by adding it to your collections! It's not on my profile yet, but you can easily find it by searching for the name. I've already released four chapters, and I'd love to hear your feedback — writing something 100% original is quite the challenge, so any feedback helps a lot!
***
The Following THREE Chapters are available for Patrons.
Patreon: patreon.com/Subaru710772142
***
After all the classes ended, Bakugo left U.A. alone. The sky outside was painted in a warm orange, with streaks of pink and purple stretching across the horizon, creating a scene he had no patience to appreciate.
His mind was still stuck on the conversation with Uraraka. The dry, almost aggressive tone, the look that seemed to judge him… everything felt wrong. Since when did she act like that with him?
"Tsk." He quickened his pace, as if walking faster could push the thoughts away.
Bakugo knew he wasn't exactly an expert at dealing with people—never had been and probably never would be. But this situation was different. It wasn't just the way she spoke, it was what lay behind it. Because in every way, Uraraka seemed to be judging him as if he had done something wrong.
"Argh!" He kicked a rock with force, sending it flying. "Why the hell am I thinking about this now?!"
"This is bullshit," he muttered in frustration. "If she wants to say something, she should come to me. I'm not running after anyone."
Closing his eyes, Bakugo emptied his mind. 'Let's focus on what really matters… U.S.J.'
***
[One day later]
"Hello, how are the classes with All Might?"
"I-I'm a-a support department student," the girl stammered, clearly uncomfortable with the barrage of questions.
"Oh… sorry," the reporter apologized, frustrated. Before she could say anything else, the nervous student rushed through the sea of reporters and cameras crowding U.A.'s entrance, dodging the extended microphones.
"Haah… we didn't get anything big," sighed a reporter, casting a disappointed glance at the cameraman. "We need a statement that grabs attention! Someone with presence, you know?"
"Hey, isn't that Bakugo Katsuki?" one of the reporters shouted, pointing a finger at the boy approaching with his hands in his pockets.
"It's him!"
Suddenly, like a swarm of bees drawn to honey, the reporters rushed toward Bakugo.
"Bakugo Katsuki!" the first reporter to reach him practically shouted, making sure he heard her. "Known for the sludge villain incident and for breaking the No. 2's record in U.A.'s entrance exam. You had classes with All Might, right? What's it like having the Symbol of Peace as a teacher? Is he as inspiring as he is as a hero?"
Bakugo stopped walking. At first, it seemed like he would just ignore them and continue on his way, but then he flashed a confident smile for the cameras. "All Might is the best hero this country has ever had." His voice was firm, without hesitation, and everyone present fell silent instantly to let the microphones capture his words. "As a teacher, he's just as incredible as he is as a hero. He knows exactly what he's doing. He doesn't just teach us how to use our powers—he teaches us what it truly means to be a hero."
"He doesn't go easy on anyone," Bakugo continued before anyone could ask another question, "and that's how it should be. If you can't handle it, then you shouldn't be here. What he teaches goes beyond the basics. It's about sacrifice, dedication, and doing what's right, even when it's hard."
Another reporter, holding out a microphone, asked in an impressed tone, "And do you think he's helping you become the hero you want to be?"
"I don't think—I know," Bakugo declared, looking straight into the cameras. "With All Might as my teacher, there's no way I won't be the next number one."
The reporters stood in a mix of stunned silence and excited murmurs.
"That's all." Bakugo didn't wait for more questions and continued walking toward U.A.
***
"Good morning, Bakugo-san," Momo greeted him with a smile as he arrived.
"Good morning, my ass," Bakugo grumbled, tossing his backpack onto the desk before slumping into his seat.
"Huh?" Momo blinked, not having caught what he said.
"I said good morning!"
"Oh… didn't sleep well?" she asked, noticing the redness in his eyes.
"Something like that," Bakugo replied vaguely. He scanned the room, noticing that almost everyone was already engaged in small groups of conversation, except for Todoroki and Yaoyorozu.
Behind him, Kaminari, Kirishima, Jiro, and Mina were laughing about something. Further back, Ojiro, Koda, Hagakure, and Mineta formed another group. On the side, Sero, Sato, Shoji, and Tokoyami were talking more discreetly.
Then, his eyes landed on Uraraka. She was with Asui, Izuku, Iida, and Aoyama, engrossed in their conversation. For a moment, their eyes met, but as soon as she noticed, Uraraka quickly looked away, focusing on whatever Asui was saying.
"Tsk," Bakugo clicked his tongue in irritation, turning back around. He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms casually.
After a few seconds of silence, he glanced sideways at Momo, who was flipping through a notebook. "Everyone's talking. Why are you sitting here alone?"
Momo lifted her eyes to him, surprised by the question. "Ah… I was just reviewing some notes."
"Reviewing? Seriously?" Bakugo raised an eyebrow. "You're way too good to be using that excuse."
Momo gave a small, shy smile but seemed genuinely appreciative. "Thank you, Bakugo-san. Honestly, I have a lot on my mind… I feel like my eyes were opened after what you told me yesterday."
"By the way, I left early yesterday and didn't get to congratulate you on our match. Your fighting skills are impressive, Bakugo-san," she continued.
"I know… but if it weren't for your plan to take down Tokoyami quickly, we would've had a harder time winning in that dark, cramped space."
"…Thank you."
***
On the other side of the room, Uraraka was quietly watching Bakugo and Momo talking. She tried to keep her attention on Tsuyu, who was discussing the battles from the day before, but her mind kept drifting back to them.
She saw when Bakugo entered, clearly tired, and noticed how quickly Momo greeted him. The smile on the girl's face seemed different—more relaxed than usual.
Uraraka frowned slightly as she tried to disguise her gaze. She watched them exchange words, and although she couldn't hear what they were saying, the way Bakugo kept the conversation going bothered her in a way she didn't want to admit.
"Ochako-chan, are you listening?" Tsuyu asked, tilting her head slightly, trying to get her attention.
"Huh? Ah, yeah! Of course, I'm listening!" Uraraka replied, laughing nervously as she turned her focus back to the group.
"You seem distracted," Tsuyu commented, observing her curiously.
"Me? Distracted? No way! I was just… thinking about what classes we'll have today," she quickly made up an excuse, using hand gestures to emphasize it.
Izuku, sitting beside her, asked worried "Are you sure you're okay, Uraraka-san? You seem a little… tense."
"I'm totally fine, Midoriya-kun! Just a little tired, like everyone else," she replied with a forced smile, glancing away again—without realizing that, instinctively, her eyes drifted back to Bakugo and Momo.
***
"Congratulations on yesterday's combat training," Aizawa said, standing in front of the class. "I watched the footage and analyzed the results."
Aizawa turned his attention to the back of the room, where Todoroki sat with his usual serious expression. "Todoroki, you have excellent control over your ice, but yesterday, you chose to attack indiscriminately, completely straying from the exercise's objective."
He shifted his focus to Bakugo "Bakugo, similarly, you know very well how to use your quirk, but yesterday, you used excessive force for a training exercise, which could have seriously injured your teammate."
"In every sense," Aizawa continued, "you two chose to fight to see who was stronger instead of focusing on the main goal of the lesson. Don't repeat that."
"Understood."
"Tsk."
Then, the teacher turned to the corner of the room, where Midoriya was sitting, his hands already sweating and his head lowered even before hearing his name. "And Midoriya, you won by breaking your arm again, didn't you? How long do you plan to keep hurting yourself with the excuse that you still can't control your quirk?"
Midoriya froze for a moment as he listened to Aizawa's next words. "I don't like repeating the same thing over and over. But once you manage to control it, you'll be able to do a lot."
Aizawa's serious tone created a heavy atmosphere in the room. Midoriya, however, smiled, taking the criticism as motivation. "Yes, sir!"
"With that settled," Aizawa turned to the class, wearing the same uninterested expression as always. "Let's get to today's lesson. Sorry to inform you, but you will—"
'Another surprise test?!' Everyone thought in panic.
"—Choose a class representative."
'It's a normal activity!' The relief was almost tangible.
Kirishima was the first to stand up enthusiastically, fist in the air. "I want to be the class rep! Pick me!"
Right after, Kyouka raised her hand, not as energetically but still determined. "Me too."
"I want to as well!" Kaminari shouted, followed by Mina, who jumped out of her chair to draw attention.
Within seconds, the entire room turned into chaos, voices overlapping. Almost everyone wanted to run for the position.
"I'd be great for this role!"
"No, I'd be better!"
The commotion lasted until Lida shouted louder than everyone else, "Silence, please!" All eyes turned to him. "Leading others is a great responsibility. It's not something for just anyone. It's a calling that requires the trust of those around you. If we want to use democracy to choose a leader, then let's hold an election."
"An election?" Kaminari asked, tilting his head. "Why would that be a good idea?"
Tsuyu, with her calm and direct tone, pointed out an important issue. "We don't even know each other well yet, Lida-kun. How are we supposed to have that kind of trust in someone?"
Kirishima crossed his arms, thoughtful, before adding, "And what if everyone just votes for themselves?"
Lida adjusted his glasses. "Don't you see that's exactly why the person who receives the most votes will be considered the most suitable?" He looked at Aizawa. "What do you think, Aizawa-sensei?"
Aizawa, already settling into his sleeping bag, let out a long sigh before answering. "I don't care, as long as you decide by the end of the class." And with that, he lay down on the floor.
"Yes, sir!" Lida responded energetically, while the rest of the class exchanged looks.
"Alright then," Kirishima said, raising his fist again. "If it's a vote, let's settle this quickly!"
"But how are we going to do it?" Mina asked, looking around the room.
"Easy," Momo intervened, already pulling out a notebook and some sheets of paper. "Each person gets a piece of paper and writes down the name of the person they think is most suitable for the role. Then someone collects them, and we count the votes together."
"That's… so organized," Jiro murmured, impressed.
***
"Alright, everyone has voted," Lida announced, starting to count the votes out loud, with Momo helping to ensure everything was done correctly.
When the count was finished, Lida announced the results. "And the class representative is… Katsuki Bakugo, with four votes!"
Everyone in the room fell silent for a second. Even Bakugo seemed surprised until a smug smile spread across his face. 'Looks like I got this…'
Lida continued. "Now, for the vice-representative… With three votes, it's Yaoyorozu Momo!"
Momo was surprised but quickly composed herself, "Thank you for your trust, everyone. I'll do my best."
Bakugo got up and walked to the front of the room.
Aizawa suddenly appeared next to them. "So the representative will be Bakugo, and the vice-representative, Yaoyorozu."
Momo cast a discreet glance at Bakugo, expecting him to say something. When the silence stretched on, all eyes in the room were fixed on him.
Bakugo let the suspense linger for a few more seconds, then crossed his arms and flashed a confident grin. "You're in the best hands."
Momo, however, decided to soften the statement. She took a small step forward, hands neatly clasped in front of her. "Together, we'll do our best to represent the class. I hope for everyone's support."
"What a contrast," Mina commented in a low voice, making Kirishima laugh.
***
Knowing the cafeteria would turn into chaos, Bakugo grabbed his lunch tray and, without saying a word to anyone, headed toward the courtyard. The sound of laughter and chatter gradually faded as he left the bustling environment behind.
Finding an empty bench under the shade of a tree, he sat down, placing the tray beside him before starting to eat. The light breeze rustled the leaves above, bringing a sense of calm.
As he ate, Bakugo observed the movement around him. Some students were scattered across the courtyard, but most were still in the cafeteria. He enjoyed the momentary peace—at least until a voice interrupted his thoughts.
"Do you always eat alone like this?"
He looked to the side, narrowing his eyes as he was met with a wide grin full of sharp teeth. Her black hair was loose, but a few strands danced in the wind. 'Tokage Setsuna? Why are you talking to me?!'
"No, I just decided to enjoy the silence today, so goodbye."
"So grumpy, huh?" She crossed her arms, analyzing Bakugo.
Bakugo scoffed, looking away. "Don't you have to eat lunch or something?"
"I already ate. I'm efficient, you know?" Setsuna replied with a teasing smile, sitting down beside him. "Now I'm using my free time to socialize."
"Then go socialize with someone else," he retorted, taking another bite of his lunch and hoping she'd take the hint.
"But other people aren't as interesting as you, Bakugo," Setsuna said, resting her chin on her hand. "The most famous boy in our year."
He paused his eating for a moment, frowning. "And what are you 1-B folks whispering about me, huh?"
"Oh, nothing much," Setsuna replied with a mischievous grin, swinging her legs carefreely. "Most of them are just curious to know if you're really as strong as people say. But me? I think differently.""
Bakugo raised an eyebrow "And that would be?"
Setsuna's grin widened, revealing her sharp teeth. "Strength matters, of course. But what really interests me is how you think and react. Your strategies, your choices... That's what I'm keeping an eye on."
"What do you get out of that?"
"Absolutely nothing," Setsuna replied. "But you can't blame me for wanting to understand the guy everyone calls a combat genius. By the way, there are already rumors going around about how you wiped the floor with Endeavor's kid."
Suddenly, a deafening alarm echoed across the courtyard, cutting their conversation short.
PEEEWW... PEEEWW... PEEEWW...
Setsuna jumped to her feet, eyes darting around. "What is that?!"
The cold, mechanical voice of the security system rang through the speakers: [There has been a level 3 security breach. All students must evacuate the building immediately.]
"Level 3 security breach?!" Setsuna exclaimed in alarm. She turned to Bakugo, expecting some sort of reaction or explanation.
However, she froze upon seeing him still sitting there, calmly continuing to eat as if nothing had happened.
"You... what do you think you're doing?" she asked, incredulous.
"Eating," Bakugo replied, not even looking up at her, grabbing another bite and chewing leisurely.
"But—"
"Calm down," he interrupted, giving her a bored look. "It's probably nothing serious."
Setsuna stared at him, mouth slightly open, before pointing at the speakers. "Nothing serious?! You heard the announcement, right? 'All students must evacuate the building.' This doesn't sound like a routine drill!"
Bakugo huffed and pushed his now-empty plate aside. "I bet the teachers are already dealing with it. And what are you so scared of? We're here to fight villains anyway."
Setsuna narrowed her eyes, unsettled by Bakugo's excessive calm. She glanced at the speakers, then back at him. "But you're not even going to move? This isn't something we just ignore!"
Bakugo finally stood up. "Alright, let's go," he said, walking past her.
"Where?!"
***
Leaning against a wall near the entrance of U.A., Setsuna activated her Quirk, detaching her eyes from her body. The small floating orbs drifted through the air, past the trees, until they reached the main entrance of the school, where Aizawa and Present Mic were trying to handle a swarm of agitated reporters.
"It was just reporters."
"Hmm... can you check the gate?"
"Hold on..." Setsuna replied, focusing as her eyes moved toward the gate. "Oh! The gate turned to dust!"
'Good to know...'
***
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters or songs featured in this fic. Additionally, I do not claim ownership of any products or properties mentioned in this novel. This work is entirely fanfic.