Mineta stared at his ceiling Sunday morning, unable to wipe the smile from his face despite his aching muscles. Their Thursday training session with Sero had unlocked something in him—a competitive drive he'd never fully embraced before. The once-theoretical possibility of getting into U.A. now felt like a legitimate goal.
[Ultimate Training System] Motivation Assessment: Inner Drive: SIGNIFICANTLY INCREASED Goal Clarity: EXCEPTIONAL Training Readiness: OPTIMAL Note: Perfect psychological state for accelerated growth
His phone buzzed on the nightstand. A text from Sero:
Sero:Recovered from Thursday yet? Got some new ideas for Tuesday. Thinking we should hit Zone B this time. More vertical challenges.
Mineta's thumbs hovered over his phone screen for a moment. In his previous life, he would have spent ten minutes crafting what he thought was a "cool" response. Now, the System's social training kicked in automatically:
[Ultimate Training System] Communication Guide: Authenticity: PRIORITIZE Response Time: PROMPT BUT NOT DESPERATE Tone Recommendation: ENGAGED BUT CASUAL
Mineta:Still feeling it in my shoulders, but in a good way. Zone B sounds perfect. I've been working on something new with my string-ball combos that needs height to test.
The reply came almost immediately:
Sero:Nice! Can't wait to see it. Meet at 4? I can get there a bit earlier to set up.
Mineta:4 works. I'll bring extra water this time.
Sero:Smart. Last session was brutal. Bring protein too if you have it.
After confirming the details, Mineta set his phone down and stretched, wincing at the pleasant soreness in his muscles. His gaze fell on the small box of specialized fishing line and various cords he'd been experimenting with. The System had suggested these materials weeks ago, and they'd proven invaluable for extending his range beyond simple ball throws.
The System displayed his scheduled routine for the day:
[Ultimate Training System] Sunday Training Schedule: Morning: Recovery Stretches + Light Cardio (30 min) Mid-day: Sticky Ball & String Control Exercises (45 min) Evening: Upper Body Strengthening (40 min) Skill Focus: String-Ball Ricochet Mastery
With a determined nod, he rolled out of bed and began his morning stretches. The familiar routine had become almost meditative—a time to reflect on his progress and set intentions for the day. As he moved through each stretch, he mentally reviewed the techniques he'd observed from Sero.
[Ultimate Training System] Physical Status: Muscle Recovery: 78% COMPLETE Lactic Acid Levels: DECREASING Flexibility: +0.3% from previous measurement Note: Excellent adaptation to increased training load
After completing his stretches and a light jog around the neighborhood, Mineta returned home to find his mother preparing lunch.
"You're training a lot these days," she remarked, eyeing him with a mix of curiosity and approval. "This U.A. goal is really sticking, isn't it?"
"Yeah," Mineta replied, grabbing a sports drink from the refrigerator. "I've found a training partner too. Makes it easier to stay motivated."
His mother raised her eyebrows. "Oh? Someone from school?"
"Different school. His name's Hanta Sero. He's got a Tape quirk—kind of similar to mine in some ways." Mineta took a long drink. "We're meeting again on Tuesday."
"That's wonderful, Minoru," she said, her smile genuine. "I haven't seen you this excited about anything in... well, a long time."
The observation caught Mineta off guard. Had he really changed that much? His mother had always supported his hero aspirations, but there had been a resigned quality to her encouragement before—as if she were humoring a child's fantasy rather than nurturing a viable dream.
[Ultimate Training System] Social Observation: Parental Recognition: SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE Self-Image Perception Shift: EXTERNAL VALIDATION Confidence Impact: +1.2
"Yeah," he said simply. "It feels different this time."
After lunch, Mineta returned to his room and pulled out his string collection. The System had guided him through different combinations of material, thickness, and elasticity, helping him find the optimal balance between strength and flexibility. His sticky balls adhered perfectly to the specialized fishing line, creating versatile tools for swinging, trapping, and maneuvering.
[Ultimate Training System] Equipment Analysis: High-Tensile Fishing Line: OPTIMAL ADHESION Elastic Cord: EXCELLENT ENERGY TRANSFER Nylon Thread: SUPERIOR CONTROL Note: String-Ball integration approaching Advanced level
He spent the afternoon practicing a new technique—a controlled swing-and-release maneuver that allowed him to redirect his momentum mid-air. If he could perfect it, it would significantly enhance his vertical mobility, something he'd need for Tuesday's training session.
Tuesday arrived with perfect weather for training—cool enough to prevent overheating, warm enough for optimal muscle performance. Mineta arrived at the community center fifteen minutes early, a specialized case of strings and cords clipped to his belt alongside his water bottle and protein bars.
To his surprise, Sero was already there, setting up what looked like an elaborate vertical obstacle course in Zone B.
"There he is!" Sero called out, waving from atop a ladder. "Perfect timing—I could use a hand with these last few attachments."
Zone B was dramatically different from Zone C where they'd trained previously. While Zone C had been horizontally expansive with moderate height elements, Zone B was built vertically, with walls reaching nearly to the ceiling and various platforms at different elevations.
"This looks intense," Mineta said, setting down his bag and approaching the ladder.
"U.A.'s entrance exam isn't going to be a flat track," Sero replied, handing down a coil of rope. "We need to train for every dimension. Can you secure this to that anchor point while I finish the top section?"
Working together, they completed the setup in half the time it would have taken Sero alone. The completed course featured rope climbs, wall traversals, narrow ledges, and hanging rings—all requiring different movement skills and quirk applications.
[Ultimate Training System] Environment Analysis: Vertical Challenge: EXCEPTIONAL TRAINING VALUE Quirk Application Potential: DIVERSE SCENARIOS Physical Demands: HIGH BUT MANAGEABLE Recommendation: IDEAL FOR SKILL ADVANCEMENT
"So," Sero said once they'd finished, wiping sweat from his brow, "you mentioned something new with your string-ball combos?"
Mineta nodded, unclipping a spool of thin, high-tensile fishing line from his belt. He plucked a sticky ball from his head and attached one end of the line to it. "I've been working on controlled swing trajectories. Watch this."
With practiced precision, Mineta threw the sticky ball to adhere to a high beam. Instead of simply pulling himself up like he would have in earlier training, he executed a fluid swinging motion, much like Sero's tape swings but with his own unique style. At the peak of his swing, he released a second ball-and-string, creating a chain of momentum that carried him to a platform nearly six meters off the ground.
Sero's jaw dropped slightly. "That's... that's basically what I do with my tape! But with strings and balls!"
"Similar principle, different execution," Mineta agreed, unable to keep the pride from his voice. "Your tape maneuvers gave me the idea. The System helped me refine it, but seeing you in action last week was what made it click."
"That's seriously impressive," Sero said, genuinely admiring the technique. "How are you detaching the balls when you're done?"
"That's the tricky part," Mineta admitted. "Right now, I have to manually retrieve them or leave them behind. I'm working on a variable adhesion technique, but it's not consistent yet."
Sero rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Maybe I could help with that. If we combine our quirks somehow..."
"I've been thinking about that too," Mineta said, pulling himself back down via a controlled descent using sequential string-ball placements. "I've got another ricochet technique I want to show you too."
He then demonstrated his improved ricochet shot, sending a ball bouncing precisely off three surfaces before striking a target and adhering to a wall—all in one continuous, calculated motion.
Sero's eyes widened. "That's... actually amazing control. How many surfaces can you bounce off before losing momentum?"
"Three reliable, four if conditions are perfect," Mineta explained. "I'm working on attaching strings to the ricochet balls too, but the physics get complicated."
"That could be incredibly useful," Sero said thoughtfully. "Imagine hitting villains around corners or placing balls in spots you can't directly see."
The straightforward praise sent a warm feeling through Mineta's chest. There was no mockery, no dismissal—just genuine appreciation of technique and potential.
[Ultimate Training System] Skill Recognition: Peer Validation: EXCEPTIONAL MOTIVATOR Confidence in Technique: +1.7% String-Ball Mastery: +1.2% (from demonstration) Ricochet Mastery: +0.8% (from demonstration)
"I've got something new to show you too," Sero said with a grin. He pointed to his elbows. "I've been working on tape dispersion patterns. Check this out."
Instead of his usual straight tape lines, Sero shot a burst that separated mid-air into three distinct strands, each attaching to a different target. With a powerful pull, he launched himself upward while simultaneously manipulating all three objects.
"Multi-tethering," he explained as he landed. "Still rough, but getting better. The real challenge is maintaining independent tension control on each line."
"That's next-level," Mineta said, genuinely impressed. "The applications for rescue operations alone would be huge."
Sero beamed at the observation. "Exactly! That's what I'm aiming for. But enough shop talk—ready to tackle this vertical nightmare?"
The training session that followed pushed both boys to their limits. Unlike their previous obstacle course which had focused on speed, this challenge emphasized endurance and problem-solving. They had to ascend the entire structure, navigate a complex middle section, and then descend safely—all while contending with moving elements and restricted pathways.
Mineta found that his string-ball techniques gave him unexpected advantages in vertical movement. While not as instantaneous as Sero's tape shots, the pre-prepared strings allowed for more nuanced control of his swinging arcs and transitions.
[Ultimate Training System] Performance Analysis: Vertical Mobility: DEVELOPING (67% efficiency) Strategic Ball-String Placement: IMPROVING (+1.5%) Energy Conservation: NEEDS ATTENTION Upper Body Strength Utilization: EFFECTIVE (+0.7%)
Halfway through the ascension phase, Mineta encountered a particularly challenging section where his standard string length was insufficient to reach the next viable anchor point. The gap was just wide enough to make a direct crossing risky.
"Problem?" Sero called from a nearby platform, already further ahead.
"Just... calculating," Mineta replied, studying the environment. His first instinct was to use multiple shorter swings, but that would cost time and energy.
[Ultimate Training System] Problem-Solving Opportunity: Conventional Approach: SUBOPTIMAL Creative Solution Required Environmental Resources: ANALYZE
Mineta noticed a small metal pipe running along the wall about two meters to his right. A direct string-ball throw would be simple, but the angle wouldn't give him enough momentum to clear the gap.
Then it hit him.
"Hey, Sero," he called. "Can I borrow some of your tape? Just a small piece."
Sero raised an eyebrow but shot a short length of tape to Mineta. "What are you thinking?"
Instead of answering immediately, Mineta attached one of his strings to the tape, creating a hybrid tether. He then attached a sticky ball to the end of the string and threw it with precise calculation to stick to a distant anchor point.
"Tape-string extension," he explained, testing the combined tether with a tug. The tape provided the initial distance he needed, while his string and ball created the secure anchor. With this hybrid tool, he executed a perfect long-distance swing that carried him across the gap and to the next section.
Sero watched the maneuver with open admiration. "Dude! That's genius! Your strings plus my tape—double the range, double the control!"
[Ultimate Training System] Innovation Alert: NEW TECHNIQUE DISCOVERED: "Hybrid Tether Extension I" Quirk Application: COLLABORATIVE INNOVATION Integration Potential: EXCEPTIONAL Experience Gain: +2.4% to Tactical Tree
"Sometimes the best solutions combine different approaches," Mineta said, unable to keep the pride from his voice. "I couldn't have done that without your quirk."
"That's what hero partnerships are all about," Sero replied, extending a hand to help Mineta onto the platform. "Different quirks complementing each other."
The phrase "hero partnerships" lingered in Mineta's mind as they continued the course. In his previous life, he'd fantasized about heroics as a solo path to fame and female attention. Now, he was beginning to understand the deeper reality—heroes succeeded through cooperation, through bonds forged in training and struggle.
They completed the vertical challenge with Sero finishing slightly ahead, but Mineta's creative problem-solving had narrowed the gap considerably. Both boys collapsed at the bottom, exhausted but exhilarated.
"That," Sero panted, "was awesome. We should track our times and try to beat them each session."
"Agreed," Mineta replied between breaths. "Maybe alternate who designs the course too. Keeps us both thinking."
After recovering with water and protein bars, they moved to a different section of Zone B for precision training. This time, it was Mineta who suggested the exercise—a complex game of "tag" where they had to hit moving targets with their quirks while navigating obstacles themselves.
Mineta leveraged both his direct ball throws and his string-guided shots, alternating between techniques based on distance and angle. The string-guided balls allowed for mid-flight corrections that pure ricochets couldn't match, while the direct throws offered speed and surprise.
The game quickly evolved into a friendly competition, with each success earning a point and each miss resulting in a small penalty challenge like push-ups or squats.
"Got it!" Mineta called as one of his string-guided balls struck a distant target after navigating around an obstacle. "That's seventeen for me."
"Show-off," Sero laughed, lining up his own shot. His tape narrowly missed the target. "Damn! That's ten push-ups for me."
As Sero completed his penalty, Mineta found himself reflecting on how different this interaction felt from anything in his previous life. There was friendly competition without malice, challenges without humiliation, improvement without judgment.
[Ultimate Training System] Social Development: Healthy Rivalry: ESTABLISHED Communication Quality: EXCEPTIONAL Mutual Respect: DEEPENING Note: Optimal conditions for continued growth
When they finally wrapped up their session two hours later, both were physically drained but mentally energized. They sat against the wall, comparing notes on techniques and strategies they'd each observed.
"You know," Sero said thoughtfully, "we're really onto something here. I've trained with other people before, but it's usually just taking turns or doing the same exercises side by side. This is different."
"How so?" Mineta asked, curious.
"We're actually pushing each other to innovate, not just improve physically." Sero gestured between them. "Your quirk makes me think about precision and strategic placement. My tape makes you consider mobility and range extensions. Together, we're both getting better faster."
Mineta nodded, understanding exactly what Sero meant. "I've learned more in two sessions with you than weeks of solo training."
"Same here," Sero replied, extending a fist. "So, officially training partners?"
Mineta bumped his fist against Sero's, a simple gesture that somehow felt monumentally significant. "Partners."
[Ultimate Training System] Milestone Achieved: "The Bro Pact: Training Partners" - COMPLETE Relationship Status: ESTABLISHED PARTNERSHIP Character Growth: SIGNIFICANT PROGRESSION Skill Tree Access: NEW BRANCHES UNLOCKED
"We should formalize this," Sero continued, pulling out his phone. "Twice a week minimum, alternating who designs the challenges. And we should set some concrete goals."
"What kind of goals?" Mineta asked, already feeling the System's anticipation of a new structured objective.
"By the U.A. entrance exam, I want to be able to swing continuously for at least five minutes without stopping," Sero said. "And execute perfect multi-tethering with five lines simultaneously."
Mineta considered his own ambitions. "I want to master five-surface ricochets and perfect my string-ball mobility technique. And develop at least three new applications combining strings with my sticky balls."
"Those are solid," Sero agreed, typing the goals into his phone. "We should also have some joint targets. Like... by next month, we complete the vertical course in under three minutes. And maybe work on some combo moves that use both our quirks together."
As they continued crafting their training pact, adding details about schedules, tracking methods, and even nutrition recommendations, Mineta felt something shift within him. This wasn't just a casual arrangement—it was a commitment, a bond formed with purpose and mutual ambition.
[Ultimate Training System] Partnership Analysis: Compatibility: 87% ALIGNMENT Growth Potential: EXCEPTIONAL Mutual Benefit: CONFIRMED Recommendation: DEEPEN PARTNERSHIP
"Oh, I almost forgot," Sero said as they packed up their gear. "There's this special training center I go to sometimes—the Edge Zone. It's run by a retired pro hero and caters specifically to U.A. applicants. More advanced facilities, occasional workshops with pros, that kind of thing."
Mineta carefully coiled his various strings back into their case, his interest immediately piqued. "Sounds intense."
"It is. Not gonna lie, the first time I went, I got absolutely wrecked." Sero chuckled at the memory. "But that's kind of the point. It pushes you past what you think you can handle."
"You think I could check it out?" Mineta asked, trying to keep the eagerness from his voice.
"That's why I'm mentioning it," Sero replied with a grin. "They have guest passes for potential new members. I was thinking we could go next week if you're up for it. Fair warning though—it'll make today's session feel like a warm-up."
Mineta felt a flicker of trepidation, but the System's assessment quickly followed:
[Ultimate Training System] Opportunity Assessment: Difficulty Rating: EXTREME Growth Potential: TRANSFORMATIVE Risk Level: SIGNIFICANT BUT MANAGEABLE Recommendation: ACCEPT CHALLENGE
"I'm in," Mineta said without hesitation. "I'll bring my full string arsenal."
Sero's smile widened. "That's what I hoped you'd say. I'll set it up for next Thursday then." He extended his hand. "The Edge Zone doesn't mess around, so we should prep this weekend. More strength training, more endurance work."
Mineta shook the offered hand firmly. "Just tell me what I need to do."
As they parted ways outside the community center, exchanging ideas for individual practice before their next session, the System flashed a comprehensive progress update:
[Ultimate Training System – Stats Panel] Stats: Strength: 7.3 (+0.5) Agility: 7.6 (+0.5) Dexterity: 9.8 (+0.4) Endurance: 8.1 (+0.6) Intelligence: 12.4 (+0.3) Charm: 9.7 (+0.6)
🪄 Skills Panel: Quirk Proficiency: 18.2% (+1.4%) Strategic Thinking: 17.8% (+1.4%) Swing Training I: 17.3% (+1.4%) Basic Manipulation: 10.7% (+1.5%) Sticky Ball Ricochet I: 12.1% (+2.7%) String-Ball Mastery: 14.3% (+1.8%) Basic Trap Design: 11.5% (+1.3%) Terrain Adaptation: 13.4% (+2.6%) Charm Proficiency: 8.7% (+0.8%) Social Awareness I: 8.9% (+1.6%) Confidence Posture: 29.8% (+2.6%) Collaborative Tactics I: 7.9% (+3.1%) Balance Mastery I: 16.2% (+1.7%) Opponent Reading I: 3.7% (+1.4%) NEW Hybrid Tether Extension I: 2.4% (UNLOCKED) NEW Vertical Navigation: 3.4% (UNLOCKED)
🌲 Skill Tree Progress: 🔗 Mobility Tree: [Basic Balance] → 62% (+4%) | [Swing Training I] → 17.3% (+1.4%) [Mobile Ricochet Tactics] → 5.7% (+2.4%) [String-Ball Swing] → 14.3% (+1.8%) [Balance Mastery I] → 16.2% (+1.7%) NEW BRANCH [Vertical Navigation] → 3.4% (UNLOCKED)
🧠 Tactical Tree: [Basic Strategy] → 30.1% (+2.8%) | [Environmental Analysis] → 21.3% (+3.1%) [Basic Trap Design] → 11.5% (+1.3%) | [Terrain Adaptation] → 13.4% (+2.6%) [Collaborative Tactics I] → 7.9% (+3.1%) | [Opponent Reading I] → 3.7% (+1.4%) NEW BRANCH [Partner Synergy I] → 1.5% (UNLOCKED)
🕷️ Sticky Arts Tree: [Basic Manipulation] → 10.7% (+1.5%) | [Variable Adhesion] → 8.4% (+1.7%) [Adhesion Timing Control] → 6.8% (+1.7%) | [Ricochet Mastery] → 6.2% (+2.5%) [String Integration] → 14.3% (+1.8%) [Environmental Control] → 3.5% (+1.7%) NEW TECHNIQUE [Hybrid Tether Extension I] → 2.4% (UNLOCKED)
✨ Charm Tree: [Social Presence] → 8.9% (+1.6%) | [Confidence Posture] → 29.8% (+2.6%) [Visual Appeal] → 12.1% (+1.3%) NEW BRANCH [Authentic Connection] → 2.7% (UNLOCKED)
[Ultimate Training System] CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT UPDATE "The Tactician's Presence" Requirements: ✓ Confidence Posture 20%+ (Current: 29.8%) ✓ Visual Appeal 9%+ (Current: 12.1%) ✓ Sticky Ball Ricochet I 10%+ (Current: 12.1%) - 100% COMPLETE
Arc Progress: "Bonds of Adhesion" - 60% Complete Next Milestone: "Tape Trap vs. Sticky Hell" - APPROACHING
As Mineta walked home, his case of strings clicking softly against his hip with each step, he found himself reflecting on just how dramatically his path had changed. In his previous life, the idea of a genuine training partnership would have seemed impossible—a fantasy as distant as U.A. itself.
Now, with each step forward, the impossible was becoming probable. The unreachable was coming within grasp. He wasn't just changing physically; he was transforming in every way that mattered.
And for the first time, he wasn't walking this path alone.
The notification that had appeared briefly during their session reappeared, confirming what he already felt:
[Ultimate Training System] MILESTONE ACHIEVED: "The Bro Pact: Training Partners" ✓ COMPLETE
Next Thursday couldn't come fast enough.