The next morning, the air at U.A. felt different.
The world had changed.
All Might was gone. The Symbol of Peace had fallen.
And now—U.A. was preparing for the new generation to rise.
Reiji stood in the training hall with Class 1-A, arms crossed as he listened to Aizawa explain what came next.
"Effective immediately," Aizawa said, his gaze sweeping over the class, "your training will be pushed beyond its limits."
The students tensed.
"This isn't just about skill anymore," Aizawa continued. "The world is falling into chaos, and we need to prepare you for what's coming."
His sharp eyes locked onto Reiji.
"That means all of you."
Reiji smirked slightly.
[Tch. So they're finally making things interesting.]
Phase One: The Individual Strength Test
Aizawa stepped aside as Cementoss, Midnight, and Vlad King entered the hall.
"Your first test," Aizawa continued, "is a one-on-one assessment of your current strength."
"Each of you will face a Pro Hero in combat. Your goal—to last at least five minutes or force them to acknowledge your growth."
The class murmured.
"This is different from before," Momo noted. "We've done combat training, but never against active Pro Heroes like this."
Bakugo grinned. "Tch. About time."
Deku's fists tightened. "This is our chance to prove we're ready."
Reiji just cracked his knuckles.
[I don't need five minutes.]
Aizawa glanced at Cementoss. "First up—Midoriya vs. Cementoss."
Deku stepped forward, determination burning in his eyes.
The battle began immediately.
Cementoss raised massive walls, but Deku used his enhanced speed to dodge, countering with One For All's power to break through the obstacles.
Reiji watched closely.
[He's still holding back.]
Deku was strong, but he wasn't using his full potential.
After five minutes, Aizawa called the match.
Deku had passed.
The next fights came one after another.
Bakugo vs. Vlad King – A brutal explosion-filled battle that ended in a near draw.Todoroki vs. Midnight – A test of endurance, with Todoroki using his ice to counter Midnight's quirk.Momo vs. Snipe – A strategic duel where Momo used rapid invention to counter Snipe's gunplay.
And then—
Aizawa turned toward Reiji.
"Your turn."
Reiji grinned.
"Finally."
Phase Two: Reiji vs. Aizawa
The entire class froze.
Even Reiji blinked.
"...Wait," he muttered, "I'm fighting you?"
Aizawa stared at him. "You're the one who keeps breaking the rules. You're the one the League is watching. If you think you're ready for the real world—prove it."
The air grew tense.
Reiji's golden flames flickered to life in his palms.
His new ability—Noob Saibot's shadow mastery—was itching to be tested.
[He wants a fight? Fine.]
Reiji grinned.
"Don't hold back, Teach."
Aizawa narrowed his eyes.
"Same to you."
Then—they moved.
The Battle Begins
Aizawa vanished.
Reiji's eyes flickered.
[Fast.]
He barely had time to react before Aizawa's scarf shot toward him, aiming to bind his arms.
Reiji twisted mid-air, dodging just in time.
But—Aizawa was already in front of him.
A fist slammed into his ribs, sending Reiji skidding backward.
The class watched in shock.
"Damn," Kaminari muttered. "Aizawa-sensei doesn't mess around."
Reiji exhaled slowly.
[Alright. Let's see how he handles this.]
His golden flames flared.
Then—he used his new power.
A shadowy duplicate of himself formed instantly, standing beside him.
Aizawa's eyes narrowed.
"So that's what you've been hiding."
Reiji smirked.
"You don't even know the half of it."
Then—he attacked.
Reiji's shadow clone moved first, lunging toward Aizawa from the left.
At the same time, Reiji himself blurred forward with Phantom Step.
Aizawa's scarf lashed out, trying to grab the real one—
But the shadow clone took the hit instead.
Aizawa's eyes widened slightly.
[He can make clones that take real damage?]
That brief moment of hesitation was all Reiji needed.
He slipped behind Aizawa, golden flames coating his fist.
BOOM!
The punch landed.
Aizawa staggered back, his coat smoldering.
The class gasped.
"He actually landed a hit?" Mineta whispered.
Aizawa quickly recovered, his red eyes locking onto Reiji.
"You've improved," he admitted.
Reiji grinned. "Damn right I have."
But Aizawa wasn't done.
His scarf lashed out again—
And this time, it wrapped around Reiji's neck.
Reiji's eyes widened.
[Shit—!]
Before he could react, Aizawa yanked him forward and delivered a brutal knee strike to the stomach.
BOOM!
Reiji coughed, stumbling backward.
But he grinned through the pain.
[This is fun.]
Reiji took a deep breath, flames flickering.
Aizawa waited.
The entire class was silent.
Then—Reiji smirked.
"Alright, let's try this."
His shadow clone split into two, moving in different directions.
Aizawa's red eyes flickered between them.
[He's testing me.]
Reiji moved next.
This time—he used his shadow clone as a distraction, appearing right beneath Aizawa.
His flames flared one last time.
"Infernal Blitz."
BOOM!
The explosion of fire and darkness filled the air, sending both of them skidding apart.
When the dust settled—Reiji was still standing.
Aizawa… was too.
He wiped a bit of dust off his sleeve.
Then—he nodded.
"You pass."
The class erupted.
"Damn!" Sero whistled. "Reiji actually passed Aizawa's test?"
"That's crazy," Mina muttered.
Even Bakugo looked annoyed. "Tch. Show-off."
Reiji just stretched, rolling his shoulders.
"That was fun."
Aizawa sighed. "You're reckless, and you take too many risks."
Then—he smirked slightly.
"But… you're getting better."
Reiji's smile widened.
[That's all I needed to hear.]
End of Chapter 49.
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