Mineta stared at the fishing line curled neatly in his palm, an idea forming. He'd spent the morning browsing the sporting goods store, looking for materials to expand his trap-making capabilities. The thin, nearly invisible fishing wire had caught his attention immediately.
"Perfect tensile strength to weight ratio," he murmured, stretching a small length between his fingers. "And practically invisible in the right lighting conditions."
[Ultimate Training System] New Material Analysis: Fishing Line
Properties: High Tensile Strength, Low Visibility, Flexible Application Range
Compatibility with Sticky Balls: 87%
Tactical Potential: HIGH
He paid for several spools of varying thickness, plus some small metal crimps and hooks that might prove useful. The cashier raised an eyebrow at his selections but said nothing. Mineta was getting used to that look—the mild surprise when people noticed him being focused and purposeful rather than his old self.
Back in his garage training space, Mineta laid out his purchases alongside his collection of sticky balls. The System had been pushing him to expand beyond simple throws and ricochets, suggesting that true mastery would come from creative combinations and environmental integration.
"Let's see what you can do," he said, picking up a length of the thinnest fishing line.
He carefully attached a sticky ball to one end, making sure the adhesive properties were activated just enough to create a secure bond without making the ball useless for other applications. Then he began to experiment.
First attempt: A simple pendulum trap. He secured one end of the fishing line to a hook he'd installed in the ceiling, letting the sticky ball hang down. With a gentle push, he set it swinging.
[Ultimate Training System] Basic Trap Analysis: Pendulum Configuration
Effectiveness: 3/10
Issues Detected: Predictable Motion Pattern, Single Point of Contact
Recommendation: Multiple Anchor Points Required
"Too simple," Mineta agreed, taking down the setup. "Any opponent would see it coming."
He thought for a moment, then checked his stats:
[Ultimate Training System – Stats Panel]
Stats:
Strength: 5.9 (+0.2)
Agility: 6.0 (+0.2)
Dexterity: 7.5 (+0.3)
Endurance: 6.3 (+0.2)
Intelligence: 10.2 (+0.2)
Charm: 5.8 (+0.4)
🪄 Skills Panel:
Quirk Proficiency: 12.0% (+0.7%)
Strategic Thinking: 9.9% (+0.7%)
Swing Training I: 9.2% (+0.8%)
Basic Manipulation: 5.3% (+0.8%)
Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 3.6% (+1.3%)
Charm Proficiency: 4.5% (+0.6%)
Social Awareness I: 3.4% (+0.6%)
Confidence Posture: 18.9% (+2.2%)
His strategic thinking and manipulation skills were improving, but not fast enough. He needed something more complex—something that would challenge him.
Second attempt: A web configuration. Using hooks placed at various points around the garage, Mineta created an intricate network of fishing lines, each supporting multiple sticky balls at different heights and distances.
"Better," he said, stepping back to observe his work. The nearly invisible lines crisscrossed the space, forming what looked like a three-dimensional spider web. "But still too static."
[Ultimate Training System] Advanced Trap Analysis: Web Configuration
Effectiveness: 6/10
Strengths: Multiple Capture Points, Area Denial Capability
Weaknesses: Static Design, No Reactive Elements
Recommendation: Add Dynamic Trigger Mechanism
Mineta tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Dynamic trigger mechanism... I need something that responds to the opponent's movement."
He disassembled the web and sat cross-legged on the floor, closing his eyes to visualize. The System had emphasized visualization techniques as part of his strategic training.
In his mind's eye, he saw not just the garage, but a real-world scenario: an alleyway ambush. How would he use fishing line and sticky balls to create a trap that would actually work against a moving opponent?
His eyes snapped open.
"It's about prediction and reaction," he said, grabbing a fresh spool of line. "I need to create a system that forces the opponent into a predictable response pattern."
Third attempt: The Cascade Trap. Mineta set up a primary tripwire near the entrance of the garage, connected to a weight system. When triggered, it would release a series of sticky balls that would fall in a calculated pattern, driving an intruder toward a secondary trap zone—a nearly invisible net of fishing line laced with more sticky balls.
[Ultimate Training System] Tactical Trap Analysis: Cascade Configuration
Effectiveness: 8.5/10
Innovation Rating: HIGH
Strategy Elements: Prediction, Forced Movement, Secondary Capture
Achievement Unlocked: First Multi-Stage Trap Design
He felt a surge of satisfaction as he surveyed his creation. This wasn't just throwing sticky balls. This was strategy, planning, environmental manipulation—real hero work.
Mineta took his position at the far end of the garage and tossed a tennis ball through the entryway to simulate an intruder. The primary tripwire triggered perfectly, releasing the first wave of sticky balls. They bounced and ricocheted exactly as he'd calculated, and if they had been an actual opponent, would have forced movement directly into the secondary net trap.
[Ultimate Training System] Simulation Success Rate: 93%
Tactical Rating: A-
Skills Advanced:
Strategic Thinking: +1.2%
Environmental Analysis: +1.5%
Basic Trap Design: +2.3% (NEW SKILL UNLOCKED)
"Not bad," came a voice from the garage doorway.
Mineta whirled around, startled to find his father leaning against the frame, arms crossed, observing the trap demonstration with interest.
"Dad! How long have you been standing there?"
"Long enough to see that the tennis ball didn't stand a chance," his father replied with a small smile. "Interesting setup you've got."
Mineta felt a surge of pride. His father rarely commented on his training, and even more rarely with approval.
"I'm trying to develop more strategic applications for my quirk," Mineta explained, hearing the confidence in his own voice. "Direct combat isn't always the answer."
His father nodded thoughtfully. "Smart. A good hero knows when to fight and when to outthink." He gestured to the fishing line setup. "What prompted this approach?"
Mineta hesitated. He couldn't exactly explain the Ultimate Training System. "I've been studying other heroes with... unconventional quirks. The ones who succeed don't just have raw power—they have creativity."
[Ultimate Training System] Social Interaction: Parental Approval
Confidence Gain: +0.4
Family Bond: +0.5
"Creative thinking will take you further than brute strength," his father agreed. "Especially with your..." he paused, choosing his words carefully, "unique abilities."
There was no mockery in his father's tone—just acknowledgment of reality. Mineta appreciated that.
"I should clean this up before dinner," Mineta said, gesturing to the elaborate trap setup.
His father stepped inside the garage. "Show me how it works first. The whole thing."
For the next twenty minutes, Mineta walked his father through the trap design, explaining the physics behind the sticky ball ricochets, the tension calculations for the fishing line, and the psychological element of forcing predictable movement patterns from an opponent.
His father listened intently, asking occasional questions that showed he was genuinely engaged. When Mineta finished his explanation, his father nodded slowly.
"You know," he said, "when you first announced you wanted to be a hero, your mother and I had our... concerns."
Mineta stiffened slightly. This was not a new topic.
"But this," his father continued, gesturing to the trap setup, "this shows real thinking. And lately, the way you've been carrying yourself..." He trailed off, seeming unsure how to continue.
"What about it?" Mineta prompted.
"You seem more focused. More purposeful." His father's expression was difficult to read. "Whatever you're doing, it's working."
The simple acknowledgment meant more than his father could know.
[Ultimate Training System] Significant Social Milestone: Parental Recognition of Growth
Character Development: +3.1
Hidden Achievement: Family Pride
Reward: Confidence Perk "Unshakable Core" - Minor resistance to intimidation tactics
"Thanks, Dad," Mineta said quietly.
His father nodded, patted him awkwardly on the shoulder, and left the garage. Mineta stood there for a moment, savoring the interaction before beginning to disassemble his trap.
The next morning, Mineta decided to take his training to the local park. His garage experiments had proven successful, but he needed to test his creations in a more open, dynamic environment. He packed his backpack with spools of fishing line, hooks, weights, and a carefully measured supply of sticky balls.
At 6:30 AM, the park was nearly empty—perfect for what he had in mind. He selected a small wooded area with enough trees to create natural anchor points but still open enough to move around.
"Time for a field test," he murmured, setting down his backpack.
Over the next hour, Mineta carefully constructed a series of interconnected traps throughout a twenty-meter area. Unlike the garage experiments, these were designed to work within natural terrain and account for multiple approach angles.
The centerpiece was what he was calling a "Spiderweb Funnel"—a series of nearly invisible trip lines that would not immediately trap an intruder but instead subtly direct their movement toward a central capture zone where multiple sticky ball traps awaited.
[Ultimate Training System] Environmental Integration Analysis:
Natural Setting Adaptation: 76%
Camouflage Rating: 82%
Tactical Evolution: Basic Garage Trap → Advanced Field Configuration
New Skill Branch Unlocked: Terrain Adaptation
"Now for the test," Mineta said, pulling out a remote-controlled car he'd brought specifically for this purpose.
He positioned the car at the edge of his trap zone and began driving it through the course, deliberately trying different paths. The first attempt went smoothly—too smoothly. The car passed through without triggering anything.
"Sensitivity adjustment needed," he noted, returning to adjust the tension on several tripwires.
On the second attempt, the car triggered the initial trap exactly as planned, but the secondary net failed to deploy properly, getting caught on a branch.
"Environmental variables," Mineta muttered, making another adjustment.
The third attempt was nearly perfect. The car triggered the primary trap, was redirected through the funnel system, and ended up thoroughly caught in the central capture zone.
As Mineta retrieved the car, a voice called out from behind him.
"Hey! What are you doing over there?"
Mineta turned to see a park maintenance worker approaching, eyeing the webs of fishing line with suspicion.
"Just running an experiment," Mineta replied, trying to sound casual despite his racing heart. "I'm cleaning it all up, don't worry."
The worker frowned. "What kind of experiment involves trapping things in the park?"
[Ultimate Training System] Social Challenge Detected
Communication Skill Check Required
Current Charm: 5.8 / Confidence: 18.9%
Recommendation: Apply Confidence Posture + Direct Explanation
Mineta straightened his back, adopting the posture he'd been practicing. "It's for a school project," he explained, not entirely untruthfully. "I'm studying engineering approaches for search and rescue operations. Seeing how different materials behave in natural environments."
The worker still looked skeptical, but Mineta's confident delivery seemed to make an impression.
"Well, make sure you take down every bit of that fishing line. Animals could get caught in it."
"Absolutely," Mineta nodded seriously. "That's why I've been counting every meter I use and mapping each placement. Safety first."
The worker gave a grudging nod and continued on his rounds, looking back once before disappearing around the bend.
[Ultimate Training System] Social Challenge: PASSED
Explanation Strategy: Effective
Confidence Projection: +0.4
Practical Application of Charm Skills: +1.1%
Mineta let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. A month ago, that encounter would have left him stammering and suspicious-looking. Now, he'd handled it with surprising ease.
He quickly dismantled his traps, carefully rewinding every bit of fishing line and collecting each sticky ball. By the time he finished, the area showed no sign he'd ever been there.
On his way home, Mineta stopped by a convenience store. As he browsed the aisles, looking for an energy drink to replenish after his morning workout, he overheard two middle school students talking.
"Did you hear about those guys who've been hanging around the underpass? Asking for 'donations'?" said one.
"Yeah, my cousin got cornered by them last week. They took his allowance," replied the other. "They're not even using their quirks, so the police don't consider it a priority."
Mineta listened carefully while pretending to study the nutrition facts on his drink.
"My mom says to just take the long way around, but that adds like fifteen minutes to get to cram school."
"Better than getting robbed though."
The conversation shifted to other topics, but Mineta remained thoughtful as he paid for his drink and left the store.
Back in his room, he pulled out his hero analysis notebook—not the one for quirk analysis like that Midoriya kid everyone talked about having, but his own strategy journal. He flipped to a fresh page and began to sketch.
[Ultimate Training System] Goal Setting Detected
Category: Real-World Application
Risk Assessment Required
Alert: Non-Combat Resolution Recommended for Civilian Training Stage
"Local thugs, huh?" Mineta murmured, drawing a rough map of the neighborhood, marking the underpass the students had mentioned. "Not villains, not using quirks... just taking advantage of their size and numbers."
He tapped his pen thoughtfully against the paper. His sticky ball and fishing line traps had worked well in controlled environments, but could they work against actual people? Should he even try?
[Ultimate Training System] Moral Dilemma Analysis:
Option 1: Avoid Situation (Safe, No Growth Potential)
Option 2: Report to Authorities (Safe, Low Impact Potential)
Option 3: Non-Confrontational Solution (Moderate Risk, High Growth Potential)
Option 4: Direct Confrontation (High Risk, NOT RECOMMENDED)
Mineta studied the options. The old Mineta would have chosen Option 1 without hesitation. The hero he wanted to become would choose Option 3.
"I won't fight them," he decided aloud. "But maybe I can discourage them."
He began drawing a more detailed map of the underpass area, marking potential anchor points, sight lines, and escape routes. His trap designs would need significant modifications for this kind of application—less about capture, more about deterrence.
"Tomorrow," he murmured, closing the notebook. "Tomorrow we'll see if these tactics work on more than tennis balls and remote-controlled cars."
[Ultimate Training System] Character Development Decision Point:
"Theoretical to Practical Application"
Risk Assessment: Acceptable (With Proper Planning)
Milestone Progress: 67% toward "The Tactician's Presence" Special Ability
That night, Mineta checked his updated stats before bed:
[Ultimate Training System – Stats Panel]
Stats:
Strength: 6.0 (+0.1)
Agility: 6.1 (+0.1)
Dexterity: 7.9 (+0.4)
Endurance: 6.4 (+0.1)
Intelligence: 10.8 (+0.6)
Charm: 6.2 (+0.4)
🪄 Skills Panel:
Quirk Proficiency: 13.2% (+1.2%)
Strategic Thinking: 11.9% (+2.0%)
Swing Training I: 9.5% (+0.3%)
Basic Manipulation: 6.2% (+0.9%)
Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 5.0% (+1.4%)
Basic Trap Design: 3.5% (+3.5%)
Terrain Adaptation: 1.2% (+1.2%)
Charm Proficiency: 5.0% (+0.5%)
Social Awareness I: 3.9% (+0.5%)
Confidence Posture: 19.8% (+0.9%)
🌲 Skill Tree Progress:
🔗 Mobility Tree:
[Basic Balance] → 32% | [Swing Training I] → 9.5%
🧠 Tactical Tree:
[Basic Strategy] → 18.2% | [Environmental Analysis] → 7.9%
[Basic Trap Design] → 3.5% (NEW) | [Terrain Adaptation] → 1.2% (NEW)
🕷️ Sticky Arts Tree:
[Basic Manipulation] → 6.2% | [Variable Adhesion] → 2.5%
[Sticky Thread Creation] → 0.4% (NEW)
✨ Charm Tree:
[Social Presence] → 3.9% | [Confidence Posture] → 19.8%
[Visual Appeal] → 7.3% (+2.1%)
The system flashed a notification:
[Ultimate Training System] New Milestone Approach:
Confidence Posture nearing 20% threshold
Synergy Potential Building: 1/3 Requirements Nearly Met for "The Tactician's Presence"
Next Targets:
Visual Appeal 10% (Current: 7.3%) Sticky Ball Ricochet II (Unlock Requirement: Ricochet I at 10%, currently 5.0%)
Tactical Application Planning: APPROVED
Tomorrow's Challenge: "The Underpass Deterrent"
Primary Objective: Non-Confrontational Resolution
Secondary Objective: Practical Field Test of Trap Configurations
As Mineta drifted off to sleep, his mind filled with fishing lines, angles, and sticky ball trajectories. Tomorrow would be the first real test of everything he'd been developing—not just his quirk and his traps, but his courage and resolve.
The old Mineta would never have considered intervening in such a situation.
The new Mineta—or rather, the Mineta he was becoming—couldn't imagine walking away.